The Anatomy of a Game Show

When I first entered the business of television production back in 1991, I was a writer for a game show for kids on YTV called, Video and Arcade Top Ten.  I then helped create a show called Destructoe Brothers on the Run for YTV. A game show as well.  That wasn't enough.  I then sold a show concept and production bible to CHORUS Entertainment for a steeplechase game show called Hide and Seekers.  I had the pleasure of dealing directly with Monty Hall to create a show for kids based on Let's Make a Deal (unfortunately the lively themes of greed and larceny do not amuse parents or children's advocacy groups).  

Game shows are fun.  They have studio audiences. They have PRIZES!!!  (sorry for yelling that). They even have real people being put under the gun to win stuff we so badly wish we could fall into.  Game shows also tend to have my favorite TV celebrities: Game Show Hosts.  Love them.  All of them: Chuck Woolery, Pat Sajak, Chuck Barris, Alex Trebek and on and on. Did I miss yours?  I missed one for sure: Humble Howard. 

You see, I have just had the pleasure of working with the greatest bunch of people on a new game show for MenTV and SunTV in Canada called, ManUP!  It is a game show for guys with trivia and challenges and prize, a pretty assistant, and a championship belt to the winner of each episode (I know it's a cool prize).  

Here's the thing: The show is a laugh.  Every question and every challenge.  It makes you laugh. In some cases, it makes you wince. Mainly you will laugh. Hopefully you will laugh. There is no real need to actually compete in the show, but every guy does. They go nuts!  It is amazing.  We bought the belts for about a hundred bucks each and you would think it is made of real leather the way these guys are going for it. 

Why would they?  I know for sure that it has to do with they environment we bring them into. They are hyped by the time they arrive on stage and we say, "action".  Their host is a game hosting genius.  Part Lettermanesque sly humor, part 15 year old mischief-maker.  He makes you want to play the game.  He makes it okay to wear a speedo and fill it with sardines.  Howard is a gem. 

The game was conceived of when my pals Tim Keenleyside and Denny Wadds (great porn name, huh?) got in touch with me ass we all respectively were driving to the cottage on a long weekend this summer. Tim said, "Man Up!"  Denny said, "I know exactly where you are going with this".  I said, "I can pitch and help create that at our studios"  Don Gaudet at MenTV said, "I will take 13 to start" and the following Tuesday we began. 

I sent an email to Humble Howard (EZRock 97.3, Toronto Morning Show Host) asking if he would consider hosting the stupidest show in television history and his response stunned me:

"Based on those details, I am in.  Let's talk later about the details".   Within minutes, Howard became a co-creator on the show with the rest of us laughing to tears as he and Tim and I wrote and directed the show.  He is amazing talent on so many fronts.  I am thrilled to be watching the next big game show host do his thing. 

Yes, the easiest pitch, sale and pre-production in history.  Yes, the stupidest show on earth and I love every minute of it.  Production has a been a joy.    The show comes together very organically and often we are writing segment by segment based on what happens at that very moment. It is magic. 

I hope you will watch ManUp!   Visit manuptv.com for details about the show. 

These people are giants and made the show happen (last names?  where possible)

Don Gaudet

Humble Howard 

Tim Keenleyside

Denzil Wadds

Tarik Pirbhai

Kneale Mann

Jim Learoyd

Angela Schurmal

Andrew Newton

Jason Casarin

Alejandro 

Danny Patterson

Greg Newton

Nikki (way greek name I can't remember...but everyone will tell me now)

Monica (who is hilarious)

Philip from Iceberg Vodka

Thank you all very very much.