This story is part of the October 20 edition of Sunday Life. See all 12 stories . “Um, um, um,” I shout from the kitchen, with unnecessary urgency.
“Don’t tell me, I know this,” mutters Mum, in a fluster. Hard Quiz on the ABC consistently outperforms its commercial rivals and helped Tom Gleeson win a Gold Logie. “Me too!” squeals my sister.
Dad is silent. He’s got his “thinking” face on. Focused.
“And the answer is ...
silicon!” booms a somewhat slippery made-for-TV voice. The host flashes his dazzling veneers. Si is the periodic symbol for silicon, in case you were wondering.
I silently own not knowing this, then turn my attention back to the screen. I’m ready for redemption in the form of another question. Game shows have been an entertainment staple on Australian TV since the late 1950s.
They’re often dismissed as fillers, holding an audience that’s sufficient in number but rarely impressive. They’re what we watch while waiting for something better. A break between afternoon children’s programs and the news.
Low-cost, easy-to-produce entertainment. Game shows get the job done. Or maybe they are more than that.
Beyond the flashing lights, terrible music and formulaic hosts, there is something that keeps us coming back; even in the era of on-demand streaming services, we’re still watching. TV game shows are no longer “nothing-else-on” viewing, because there is always something else on..
