Around the World in Quiz Shows #3 - The Chase USA

The Chase USA

Currently in its third season on the Game Show Network in the USA, The Chase has been a big hit since it crossed the pond. Above is the first episode of the second season (not a great deal of choice on Youtube).

I don't need to explain to you the rules of The Chase. The USA version remains the same as the original UK version with a number of minor exceptions.

1) There are only 3 players. The episodes are not shorter but there is much more chit chat and the pace of the whole show seems a tad slower. They have dropped a lot of the dramatic music, the "alarm" that rings when the player or chaser has given an answer is gone and the whole thing feels a lot less intense than the UK version.

2) Presence of the Chaser. Mark is there from the off and stays there throughout. No coming and going. I like this idea. Coupled with the visible audience and the whole "in the pit" feel of the show it gives a different feel and increases the whole "duel" element, which is of course central to the show. Mark is much more animated and more of a "deal" is made about him, if you get my drift. 

3) Cash Builder. Each question is worth $5,000 meaning there is more money at stake in this version (even taking into account conversion rates). The questions are well pitched throughout.

4) The show has a different feel to it, as mentioned above and GSN have thrown in the usual "hyping up" and "coming up trailers" which often, in the episodes I have seen, gives spoilers away. 

5) Final Chase. Time isn't wasted by saying the names of the contestants who have buzzed in. I suppose that gives the contestants a little more time in the full scale of things than in the UK version.

Overall, despite the slower pace and loss of the intensity of the UK version this is, at the core, the same Chase we know and love.