Alex Davis BuzzerBlog Interview

It’s time once again to make an addition to our “Trivia Questions For…” blog interview series, where I have the unique privilege of speaking with leading experts on topics important to TrivWorks’ audience. While focusing mainly on issues central to improving workplace productivity & happiness such as team building and morale boosting, the nature of our business – producing live trivia events – also attracts those who are passionate about all things gaming, particularly TV game shows.

As such, I wanted to speak with THE authoritative source in the TV game show world – a “rock star” who knows the games, hosts, contestants and viewers inside and out – and Alex Davis is undoubtedly that person!

As the owner & editor of BuzzerBlog, the Web’s most-visited site for game show news, reviews, and opinions, Alex has truly made a name for himself as a go-to expert in the area of TV gaming. With daily posts & tweets about the latest industry happenings and trends, his enthusiastic passion and command of seemingly every aspect of televised game shows around the globe is palpable. He’s also a trivia lover, as you can probably imagine, and an incredibly nice guy as well.

Based on his truly unique perspective, today I am asking Alex about game shows, trivia, and why people love both.

1.         There are so many demands & options today for peoples’ attention, especially during their leisure time – why do people continue to love TV game shows?

I think people love TV game shows because it’s a fun diversion from everyday life, and people just generally love to play games. Sure, game shows have tension and drama but it’s nothing (for the most part) that’s going to depress or anger you like so many other genres of media. They’re simple, quick, fun ways to spend an hour where you may learn something.

There’s also just the competitive nature in people and they look to game shows whenever they’re around. There’s some competition gene in all of us which makes us crave the excitement and energy of live competition whether that be sports, board games, video games, or game shows. I guarantee you that nearly all game show fans watch some degree of sport and a large number of sports people will sit down and watch an Amazing Race or a Jeopardy. People love to compete and love to be challenged.

 2.        Which type/format of game shows (individual, team etc.) are the most competitive, and why?

At least in America, individual shows tend to do the best. The only team-based game which has stood the test of time is Family Feud and that’s mostly for its comedy aspect. That’s an improv comedy show wrapped in a game show. Everything else is an individual against others. I do think it’s like that in America because of the individualistic principles we’re taught. We’re a very independent people and fending for yourself against others seems to be in our nature. Culture seeps into media and game shows are no exception.

 3.        What are the big trends you see in both TV game shows and live event entertainment in the age of social media/Web 2.0?

The main trend I’ve seen is people realizing that a very basic, core-principle game show which has been updated to modern times works. The biggest example is The Chase and Million Second Quiz. The Chase on GSN is incredibly old-school for the most part. Pre-taped, in a studio, very conventional, stand behind a podium and answer a question. It happens to have probably the most exciting end game in decades also which is a unique twist. It’s been a big success.

Then look at Million Second Quiz. It tried to do way too much, it tripped over its own feet, few people watched, and regretfully it’s probably going to be forgotten soon. I think once someone figures out how to do a live event-style show it will invigorate the genre, much like American Idol did, but for now the most simple ideas work and if you look at any successful game show on TV that’s what they are. You have to connect to the outside people through web and social media, but you have to realize that the people watching it on TV and that alone are the crux of the audience and you have to cater to them first and foremost.

4.          In your opinion, what are the 3 most-important skills for a successful game show host?

The most important skills are listening, reading, and enthusiasm for the game. You have to have a host that will actually listen to the contestants and play off their strengths. It’s why Family Feud has been such an unbelievable success with Steve Harvey. He listens to what they say and plays off them. Look at unsuccessful hosts and you’ll see that they’re in their own world. I know reading seems obvious, but a host who either cannot read questions correctly or even just can’t read the TelePrompTer and constantly stumbles over his or her lines will crush a show.  You’ll sit there thinking about that person more than the show.

Finally, the host needs to actually care about the show they work on and be energized by it. If you’re in it for the paycheck then no one will care. If you find the show thrilling, you love the concept, and you can wrap yourself in it, you’re instantly half way to being a great host.

5.          Now, a selfish question: what is it about trivia that people respond so enthusiastically & passionately to?

People respond to trivia, I believe, for two key reasons. One is that we just like to learn. It doesn’t necessarily need to be book smarts. If you tell someone an interesting fact about the most banal of things, they’ll retain that information and want to learn more and tell others. I guarantee that everyone, after watching a TV show or hearing someone talk about something, have rushed to Wikipedia to learn more. It’s the same principle.

I also think people love trivia for the competitive and know-it-all factor. It’s slightly egotistical but we all like to be the best. Everyone gets a smile on their face whenever they realize they know something that others don’t, and when it’s in competition form people get even more excited. Basic human nature.

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Now, Alex has a trivia question he would like to ask YOU, and it’s his all-time favorite:

What is the middle initial of Family Ties and Spin City star Michael Fox? (Hint: NOT a trick question!)

Write your answer in the “Leave a Reply” box below. You can also connect with Alex via www.BuzzerBlog.com, as well as via Twitter @BuzzerBlog.

Do you have questions, comments or thoughts regarding this interview? Please feel free to share below as well!