[quote name=\'clemon79\' post=\'168313\' date=\'Oct 31 2007, 12:14 AM\']
I'm no fan of the concept, either, really, but in this case, it's the way to go. There is a LOT of crap on TV that is both a) successful and b) utterly idiotic. (See Fortune, Wheel Of.) If I'm in the TV business, I know producing shows I would want to watch would put me on the fast track to bankruptcy.
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What's the saying about how a drunk uses a lightpost? For support, not illumination?
If they had focus grouped (look, now I'm verbing!) "Jeopardy!" it would never have hit the air. If something's unique, it won't test well. And it shouldn't take spending money on research to figure out they need to spend more money on prizes.
The trick is being a producer (like Merv was) who wants to watch (or at least knows, like Monty Hall) what the masses want to watch. It's a talent, honed by experience, and focus groups are a lousy substitute.
Here is a very funny, absolutely factual video of how they work (in advertising, though, not shows):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=624FxhJlVM0