Britain has emerged as the new epicenter for American game shows, as US networks transport numerous contestants to the UK to film their popular programs. Manchester has become a prominent location for US TV productions due to its lower filming costs, resulting in a significant shift of operations overseas. While contestants, executive producers, and writers remain American, the crew, audience, and other studio personnel are British.
Industry insiders reveal that the production cost of a US game show can reach up to £1.6 million per episode. However, UK tax incentives can reduce this cost to under £750,000, offering substantial savings at a time when traditional television is facing challenges. Recent data from US ratings indicates that almost half of Americans now prefer streaming services over traditional broadcast or cable TV, leading to a decline in advertising revenues.
In a recent event at dock10 in Salford’s MediaCityUK, locals gathered to watch the pilot episode of “Wordle,” the television adaptation of the popular New York Times puzzle. Prior to filming, the warm-up presenter had to introduce the host, Savannah Guthrie, a well-known figure in the US for her role as co-anchor on NBC’s “Today” show. The audience was also forewarned about encountering “unfamiliar spellings” during the show.
The filming process was entirely managed by the Manchester crew. If “Wordle” is picked up for the next season, it is likely to be further developed in Manchester or Ireland.
The trend of US broadcasters outsourcing their productions to foreign countries, particularly the UK, is not surprising for British viewers. The relocation of game shows from traditional hubs like Los Angeles and New York to the UK is driven by the attractive tax breaks offered in the region.
Struggling with declining ratings, diminishing profits, and new tariffs, US networks are under pressure to cut costs. Several prime-time shows, including Ken Jeong’s “99 To Beat,” have been shifted to London, while others like “Celebrity Name That Tune,” “The Floor,” and “Beat Shazam” are now being produced in Ireland. The adaptation of “Match Game” to Montreal for ABC by Fremantle North America underscores the growing trend of international productions.
Efforts are made to conceal accents and cultural references of contestants to maintain the authenticity of the American game show format. The economic benefits of filming abroad are undeniable, as highlighted by host Rob Lowe’s statement on the cost-effectiveness of shooting in Ireland compared to domestic production.
The economic pressures in the industry have made game shows an increasingly attractive option for networks, given their lower production costs and simplicity in terms of set requirements and audience engagement.
As the landscape of television production continues to evolve, with an emphasis on cost-efficiency, the future of game shows remains promising. The shift to overseas locations for filming reflects a strategic move by US networks to adapt to the changing dynamics of the entertainment industry.