[quote name=\'TimK2003\' post=\'132352\' date=\'Sep 21 2006, 07:57 PM\']
I don't believe this question has ever been brought up before so here goes.
To those Invisioners from the foreign lands (England, Australia, etc...):
Have your local versions of DonD, or other game shows of the past got gonzo-crazy with creating extra-spectacular episodes with extra money jackpots, celebrity versions, etc? If so, were these "very special episodes" done too often, not at all, or were done well without overkilling the show?
I just want to get a feel how other countries deal with the "mo' money syndrome for extra ratings" factor.
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I will speak on behalf of the Australian version. Fortunately - we haven't seen the need to really ramp up the hype. Apart from the occasional cross-promotional weeks (like this week with "Dancing With the Stars"), and the introduction of the "Double or Nothing" feature and Double Deal Friday (where a home contestant wins the same amount as the studio player) - nothing much has changed format or money wise since the introduction of the 1/2 hour daily version of the show at the start of 2004. There have been the very occasional prime-time versions (with $2,000,000 top prizes) but gratefully - they have been used sparingly. Our contestants are rarely as "obnoxious" as some of those I've seen on the US version - contestants go on the show primarily to have fun, and perhaps pick up some doe along the way. 'Casting' for the show is minimal (I auditioned many months ago and was accepted - and I'm pretty ordinary). And unlike the US version, all contestants on our podium can win money - so the love is shared around.
"Deal" has worked well for the Seven Network - they have a consistent performer which pays the bills and brings viewers in for the important primetime hours (where they have increased their ratings significantly over the past two years). They certainly won't be relinguising the rights to the format any time soon.
As a sideline however - I much prefer the UK version. I think it will be a real stayer - as it has suspense and character which will hold viewers.