Classic British gameshows were once a staple of Saturday night TV, offering a healthy mix of trivia, strategy and entertainment. But over time, many of these beloved programmers faded from our screens.
However, a wave of nostalgia seems to be washing over British television producers in recent years, resulting in classic formats being given a shiny new lease on life. Below, we explore three classic British gameshows that have made a comeback.
Deal or No Deal
The simple yet suspenseful premise of this gameshow gripped the nation when it first aired in 2005, with contestants whittling down 22 briefcases containing different cash prizes, all the while tempted by the mysterious Banker's ever-changing offers.
While the original show concluded in 2016, the format has proven remarkably resilient. Deal or No Deal has become a popular bingo theme, seeing players mark off numbers corresponding to revealed cash amounts – a testament to the show's enduring appeal.
And in 2023, Deal or No Deal is returned to our screens later with Stephen Mulhern at the helm, promising a fresh batch of contestants and, no doubt, some heart-stopping moments as they decide to Deal or No Deal.
Big Brother
First aired in 2000, this voyeuristic social experiment that had us glued to our screens watching strangers cohabit in a house under constant surveillance. The show sparked national conversations about social dynamics, fame, and reality TV itself.
Big Brother's reign on Channel 4 ended in 2018 but, in 2023, the iconic show returned to UK television after a five-year hiatus. The reboot was well-received, yet whether this iconic show can recapture the zeitgeist of the early 2000s remains to be seen in the 2024 season.
Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?
Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? is a global phenomenon, and the UK version, hosted by the legendary Chris Tarrant, was no exception. With multiple-choice questions and a life-changing sum of money at stake, the show's simple yet effective format kept viewers on the edge of their seats.
The show's recent return, with Jeremy Clarkson at the helm, demonstrates the enduring appeal of this gameshow. While the 2024 season will be Clarkson’s last, the show will go on without him.
A new golden age of gameshows?
The return of these classic gameshows highlights a strong appetite for familiar formats, updated for a modern audience. But perhaps this wave of revivals might just be the beginning of a new era, with a new generation of well-crafted gameshows drawing inspiration from the classics while reflecting the ever-evolving tastes of British audiences.