The popular game show Tipping Point is set to begin its own Australian version, arriving on screens from Monday, January 29 on Nine.
The brand new series will air weekdays at 5 pm on Channel Nine and 9Now. It will be hosted by tennis great Todd Woodbridge.
Australia’s version of the game will see Todd Woodbridge test and tempt three contestants on their quest to beat the Tipping Point machine.
Similar to the UK version, the format comprises four rounds starting off with the Bank Builder round – the goal being to acquire a counter to play in the machine.
The twist in the Australian version is Woodbridge’s Jackpot Temptation. The twist comes into play if the contestant fails to knock the Jackpot counter over the ledge and win the $20,000.
The premiere of Tipping Point comes as all major networks prep their own game shows for the battle of the game shows.
As Nine introduces Tipping Point, Deal or No Deal is moving to 10 as Seven returns with a new season of The Chase Australia.
Seven has held strong in the timeslot with The Chase Australia, which launches a new season this year, but as audiences continue to shift away from linear TV, does the humble game show still have a place on Australian TVs?
Most importantly, can it still deliver strong audiences for advertisers in the lead-up to the nightly news bulletins and hold them for the prime advertiser slots?
Peter Stowe, senior trading director at UM Australia, told Mediaweek afternoon game shows are “not going anywhere” as it is essential in setting up viewers for the 6 o’clock news bulletin. He said: “It’s not the sole reason Seven News does so well at 6 pm, but it does help to have a solid base starting at 5 to 5:30 leading into the news.”
Tipping Point Australia is produced by Endemol Shine Australia (a Banijay company) for the Nine Network.