TV Quiz Shows

[sprogglin]

Why is it that the harder a quiz show is, the less the prize is monitarily? dumbass quizes like weakest link, millionaire and the vault reward some real muppets.

[lookslikemik]

They may reward "muppets", but that's the way these things work, it's as much about seeing someone else fail as it is giving money away. If you'll notice though, in general the total prize money given away in all of these shows is about 15% of the possible maximum, so muppets in general won't be rewarded as well as the clever.

[Francis Asis]

On a show like Mastermind and some other really hard ones the prize is that you get to show off. It's not about winning money or prizes. Someone said that. It was either William G Stewart or Magnus Magnusson

[Bob A Job]

The TV show has to make a profit or the station wont air it, most TV quiz's have a phone in question thats really easy and a premium rate number to call. shows like 'Millionaire' hardly ever give away a million, but earn millions by idiots phoning up ten times a week trying to win a million, shows with harder questions are watched by more inteligent people, the same people who arnt stupid enough to phone premium phone numbers. hence 'Countdown' doesnt have a phone in, so less prize money can be offered without the show running at a loss.

[thejuggler]

Prizes on quiz shows are relevant to the number of viewers. The dumbass society we live in ain't gonna get it off watching University Challenge because they don't understand the introduction never mind the questions. Its all about bums on seats. The more viewers you get the more the show is worth and therefore the more prize money there is available. Conversley intellectuals tend to get off on their egos rather than their ability to answer dumbass questions.