News In A Flash!: Quick Game Show Updates #80

This week's quick update article will cover some of the latest game show news headlines from the past few days in 200 characters or less including updates featured on the TBIR Facebook page. News updates include a highlight from this weekend's episode of Monopoly Millionaires' Club, new affiliate markets picking up BUZZR, Al Roker visiting the set of Wheel of Fortune and some of the latest game show ratings. 

“Billy On The Street” Renewed For Fifth Season

As the fourth season of Funny Or Die’s Billy On The Street came to a close last week after its first year on TruTV, the network announced the comedic ambush game show will be sticking around for a fifth season at the Television Critics Association’s press tour yesterday. TruTV has ordered ten episodes scheduled to air later this year along with season renewals and pilot orders to other series. The chaotic quiz show hosted by Billy Eichner has quickly risen to fame within the past couple of seasons not only because of his comical, vociferous and uninhibited hosting style, but also due to the array of celebrity guest stars who have played alongside Eichner including Joan Rivers, Will Ferrell, Andy Cohen and Chris Pratt. Last year, Eichner and the show’s producers were nominated for an Emmy for “Outstanding Short-Format Live Action Entertainment Program” for a short featuring Michelle Obama, Big Bird and his favorite contestant, Elena.

News In A Flash!: Quick Game Show Updates #64

Today's article will cover some of the latest game show news headlines from the past few days in 200 characters or less. This afternoon's updates include the ratings for the 13th season premiere week of Millionaire and the syndicated series premiere of Celebrity Name Game, two brothers winning the biggest cash prize in Indian game show history, The Price Is Right remodeling two pricing games and HISTORY's Pawnography returning for a second season. All syndication ratings are from the week ending September 14.

Tune-In Tonight: "Killer Karaoke" Resumes First Season With New Host and Format

After taking a year hiatus during its first season, the insanity that is Killer Karaoke returns to truTV this evening at 10:00pm EST with a brand new episode, a new host, crazier and more bizarre singing challenges and a slightly altered format. TruTV gifted viewers with a special treat by allowing them to watch the complete first episode of the return of Killer Karaoke via the network's YouTube channel two days in advance. The revamped version of the show features former host of the syndicated version of Don't Forget The Lyrics, Mark McGrath, and a different format. Each episode of Killer Karaoke will now have six contestants competing in a series of five rounds, a revised performance scoring system for each contestant (audience vote + technical vote [lyrical accuracy and pitch]), the top ranking contestant in the first round receiving a bye through the next two battle rounds, more audience participation and a new bonus round. In the new and improved bonus round, the final two contestants will have to wear a suit covered with varying individual bills adding up to $10,000 and walk through a dangerous obstacle course specially designed for the contestants to purposefully shed money. And that's not even the worst part -- after both contestants have maneuvered through their respective courses, a box will be lowered over their head, forcing each contestant to literally face their greatest fears. The contestant with the highest audience and technical score at the end of the round will be the champion and will win the remaining money attached to them. On a quick side note, I believe the producers of this show were a bit inspired by the "Money Tree" game on Name That Tune to create the new bonus round. Listed below is a more detailed rundown of new format for Killer Karaoke: