Britain has emerged as the new hub for American game shows, as US networks transport numerous contestants to the UK for filming their popular programs. Manchester, known for its cost-effective filming compared to Hollywood, has become a significant center for US television production, with contestants, executive producers, and writers being the only Americans on set. The rest of the crew, audience, and studio staff are British.
Industry insiders reveal that the production cost of a US game show can reach up to £1.6 million per episode. However, UK tax incentives can reduce this cost to under £750,000, offering substantial savings in a time when traditional TV faces challenges. With nearly half of Americans now opting for streaming services over traditional broadcast or cable TV, advertising revenues have taken a hit.
Recently, locals gathered at dock10 in MediaCityUK, Salford, to witness the pilot episode of “Wordle,” the TV adaptation of the popular New York Times puzzle. The filming required the warm-up act to introduce the host, Savannah Guthrie, a renowned figure in the US as the co-anchor of NBC’s “Today” show. The audience was also forewarned about encountering “unusual spellings” during the show.
The entire filming process in Manchester was managed by the local crew. If “Wordle” gets picked up next year, it is likely to be further developed in Manchester or Ireland. The trend of US broadcasters outsourcing production to other countries, particularly the UK, to take advantage of tax breaks is gaining momentum to alleviate financial pressures.
Various US networks are grappling with declining ratings, decreasing profits, and additional challenges like tariffs, prompting them to seek cost-cutting measures. For instance, Fox already produces multiple prime-time shows overseas, with some filmed in London and others in Ireland. Even Canadian crews and contestants are involved in producing shows like “Match Game” for ABC.
Efforts are made to conceal accents and origins of contestants to maintain a seamless viewing experience. The economic advantages of filming abroad, as highlighted by industry figures like Rob Lowe, continue to attract US productions to the UK and other countries. Game shows, with their lower production costs and simpler setup requirements, have become a popular choice for broadcasters seeking cost-effective content.
The shift of production from Los Angeles to international locations has led to job losses and restructuring in the entertainment industry. The flexibility and efficiency demonstrated by UK studios in adapting to remote work and smaller crews have made them increasingly attractive for international productions. The competition among countries like Ireland, offering attractive tax breaks, underscores the global appeal of hosting TV productions.
Despite these changes, the allure of classic US game shows remains strong, with a shift towards international production hubs for cost-effective filming. The evolving landscape of television production, driven by economic considerations and changing viewer habits, continues to shape the industry’s future trajectory.