Britain has emerged as the new epicenter for American game shows, as US television networks transport numerous contestants to the UK to film their popular programs. Manchester has notably become a key location for US TV productions due to its cost advantages over Hollywood. The majority of on-set personnel, including the crew, audience, and studio staff, are British, with only the contestants, executive producers, and writers being American.
Industry insiders reveal that the production cost of a US game show can reach up to £1.6 million per episode. However, tax incentives in the UK can reduce this expenditure to under £750,000, offering substantial savings in light of the challenges faced by traditional TV networks. Recent data from the US indicates a significant shift in viewership, with nearly half of Americans now opting for streaming services over traditional broadcast or cable TV, leading to a decline in advertising revenues.
Earlier this year, a local audience gathered at dock10 in Salford’s MediaCityUK to watch the pilot episode of “Wordle,” a TV adaptation of the popular New York Times puzzle. The Manchester-based crew managed the entire filming process, raising the possibility that “Wordle” may be further developed in Manchester or Ireland if acquired next year.
The trend of US broadcasters relocating their operations overseas to capitalize on cost-efficient tax incentives has become increasingly prevalent. Notably, Fox currently produces four prime-time shows overseas, with productions such as “99 To Beat” featuring Ken Jeong filmed in London, while other shows like “Celebrity Name That Tune,” “The Floor,” and “Beat Shazam” are made in Ireland. Additionally, Fremantle North America moved “Match Game” to Montreal for ABC, utilizing Canadian crews and contestants.
The economic pressures faced by US networks, including declining ratings and profits, compounded by external factors like tariffs, have fueled the urgency to reduce production costs. The appeal of game shows has heightened as they are more cost-effective compared to scripted dramas, requiring minimal resources such as a studio and audience while still delivering a “live” entertainment experience akin to sports events.
As the dynamics of television production continue to evolve, there is growing pressure to maximize output within constrained budgets. The shift towards producing more content with fewer resources is evident in the entertainment industry. This trend has led to the migration of production activities, with Los Angeles experiencing closures of production lines and job losses, as reality shows and game shows relocate to more cost-effective locations abroad.
The adaptation to remote work and streamlined production processes during the pandemic has demonstrated that UK studios can efficiently produce shows overseas. The efficiency and cost-effectiveness of UK studios have attracted international productions, with executives like Toby Gorman from Universal Television Alternative Studio recognizing the capabilities of studios like dock10 and their appeal to US producers.
While Ireland competes by offering tax breaks of up to 40%, compared to England’s 30%, concerns have been raised about the potential consequences of hollowing out the US entertainment industry. Industry experts like Kim Kleid emphasize the importance of California maintaining its status as the entertainment capital and advocate for the inclusion of game shows in tax incentive programs to sustain the local industry.
The reshaping of the television production landscape reflects a broader trend towards cost optimization and efficiency in the industry. As US networks navigate economic challenges and seek ways to remain competitive, the shift towards overseas production hubs like the UK and Ireland underscores the evolving dynamics of global television production.