ACCORDING to legendary TV personality Merv Griffin, there are a number of elements that make a great game show. The man behind such timeless classics Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy shared that these include: a “play along” factor and rooting value.
Play along, quite literally, means the audience should be able to play along. What a game show should deliver is a simple, yet clever and often humorous and fun way to parcipate in not only for the viewers in the comfort of their own homes but also the contestants in the actual game.
Then, there’s the rooting value. Viewers should root for a contestant even if they do not know him or her. It’s always about the story and moments—people experience choices and ultimatums that drive emotions on a personal level. This often creates drama that viewers always latch on. Should the contestant go on to the next level and risk his pot money? Should he skip first that question which stumped him and call a friend?
Those elements are present in our very own Game Ka Na Ba? For the Gen Z, Game Ka Na Ba?, or its other iteration GKNB when it was relaunched during the texting age, was a game show hosted by Kris Aquino before Edu Manzano took over. The show ran for eight years on Philippine TV via ABS-CBN, and was a consistent top-rater as it challenging the brightest Filipino students, professionals, and even celebrities, transforming numerous winning contestants into millionaires during its run.
It was part Who Wants To Be A Millionaire, part variety dance show (sometimes), part talk show, but always fun. Of course, what made this game show iconic, besides its winning formula, were its hosts. Edu and Kris were witty, funny, sardonic at times, and masters of this genre. It was really a treat whenever they interacted with the contestants, throwing questions at them and reacting to their answers.
Game Ka Na Ba?, now known as Game KNB, is back and the challenge of filling up the void left by Edu and Kris has been gamely accepted by Robi Domingo. The show was launched recently on Jeepney TV and on the Kumu app, and now even has an interactive format which can be played straight on mobile phones or other electronic devices.
Local viewers can take part and win special prizes by watching the game on cable channel Jeepney TV and taking part in the #TeamBahay Question of the Day through the link provided on Jeepney TV’s Facebook page.
Now the ultimate question: Does Robi measure up to Kris and Edu? For this new format adapted for the Gen Z and millennials, it’s a resounding yes. In the show, Robi exudes a certain charm and is very empathetic to his contestants. And he manages to sneak in a zinger or two, and his jokes actually make me smile as you see his earnestness. He knows he’s no Steve Harvey yet but he’s doing his darndest best.
Experience the new Game KNB? weekdays on Kumu and Jeepney TV. Download the Kumu app and follow @gknb. Jeepney TV is available on SkyCable channel 9, Destiny Cable analog channel 41 and digital channel 9.