What even ARE game shows?

[Anonymous]

You ever just ask yourself this question? It’s always super polished people as contestants, it feels like they’re acting half of the time, and where in the world does the money come from? And in these times, I don’t mean to come across any one way or another, but I think we could all use a little more money? So why are these handpicked people to go on a game show, to win money, the ones more entitled to it?

I’m just saying they’re becoming incredibly hard to watch, because they not only feel fake, they just seem like a way to piss off the masses.

“Look at all this money we’re giving this charismatic person for answering basic questions or solving word puzzles, while all the broke plebs look on.”

Television is stupid.

[abc3643]

Well, I don't think you are watching game shows in the original sense.

The only 3 that I can think of off the top of my head that I know are still on are:

The Price Is Right.
Jeopardy!
Wheel of Fortune

These are most definitely real game shows with real people.

I know Elizabeth Banks was hosting a revival of Press Your Luck on ABC, but I don't know if that's still on. The original was a magnificent game show.

I am confused about what you mean by "where in the world does the money come from?". It comes from advertising.

Here's an example:

Suppose on The Price Is Right, the Showcase Showdown (the final part of the show) includes a Ford Mustang. Does "TPIR" buy the Mustang? No, of course not. Ford is giving the Mustang to TPIR to use as a prize. During the show, the Mustang is displayed with a beautiful model and all its features are described and it just looks fabulous so everyone at home wants one. Well, gee, you ask: Isn't Ford throwing away about $40,000 by giving away that Mustang? Yes... and NO! Why? Because the cost to Ford to run a 1-minute ad during a TPIR commercial break is about $100,000; a 30-second spot about 1/2 that which is more than the MSRP of a Mustang. And, when you factor in paying to make the commercial, just giving TPIR a car to use on the show is an excellent cost-effective way to advertise the car.

[indissoluble]

Game shows are long advertisement for products. They get views excited about owning A NEW CAR!!! da da dah da da dah da da dah da da dah... Which makes egotistical people jealous that someone else just won a new car and didn't even have to guy it, so now they want a new car.

[indissoluble]

The advertisements seem to be manipulating you perfectly...

[indissoluble]

*"viewers"

[indissoluble]

*"buy"

[AI Opinion]

Game shows are basically entertainment packaged as “ordinary people winning big money.” 🎬

The contestants are heavily cast, like actors: producers want telegenic, energetic, easy-to-edit people. The money comes from advertisers and sometimes sponsors; prize budgets are built into the show’s costs, just like sets and salaries.

You’re right that it can feel gross now. In a time of financial struggle, flaunting “easy money” for camera‑friendly strangers can feel more insulting than fun.

[Asker]

Exactly AI! You get it!

[Iron_Man]

The price is right gets money from the commercials and they get cheap cars that are donations but they’re the real deal but you have to pay a lot of taxes to claim the prices. It’s not really that free. It’s expensive and many contestants that have won can’t afford it so they refuse the prize

[Chazmatazz269]

Contestants have to submit a video application, interview and pass a screen test. That’s why they look like actors. The idea is that nobody wants to watch ugly people and idiots play games.
The money comes from sponsors.

[Anonymous]

Shows about some game I guess...