Comedian and actress Magda Szubanski will be hosting the all-new version of the one-time smash-hit format Weakest Link when it returns to TV Tuesday, May 25th at 9.00pm on Channel 9 and 9Now.
More than 20 years after its television debut, Weakest Link has been reimagined by BBC Studios for Nine and a new generation of viewers.
By launching the show at 9pm, Nine will be hoping to keep viewers engaged instead of seeing many of them lured away to various streaming services like Netflix and Stan.
9pm wasn’t always considered late night of course, but it is these days where much original programming stops after the 7.30pm reality formats end. There are exceptions of course – commercial FTA does have success with programs like Have You Been Paying Attention? and The Front Bar.
In the return of Weakest Link, quizmaster Magda will put contestants through their paces as they compete, backstab and embarrass themselves in hope of winning a huge cash jackpot of up to $250,000.
Commenting on her new TV role, Szubanski said: “They say never work with animals or children, but no one ever mentioned quiz show contestants! My patience will be pushed to its limits each week as I try my best to give eight players a chance at winning a remarkable $250,000. Yet at every turn they do their best to let themselves down. Weakest Link will have you playing along, shouting at the television, and recognising me for the tolerant, forgiving host that I always knew I would be.”
Weakest Link: How the format works
In each episode, eight contestants enter the studio as total strangers and must work together to bank the maximum amount of prizemoney available. Contestants take turns to answer general knowledge questions and build chains of correct answers. Consecutive correct answers greatly increase the value of the chain, while incorrect answers break the chain and force the contestants to start over on the lowest rung, with the smallest amount of money.
At the end of each round, contestants vote to eliminate the one they consider to be the weakest link in the chain. The one who receives the highest number of votes then leaves the game as the host delivers the phrase, “You are the Weakest Link. Goodbye!”
Weakest Link has been produced in 46 territories around the world. More than 1500 episodes have gone to air in the UK alone. The program was recently revived in America, hosted by actress Jane Lynch (Glee) to huge success. This new series is being produced for Nine by BBC Studios and marks a return to Australian screens for the popular quiz that was last shown in Australia in 2002.
See also: Nine to revive Weakest Link in new season hosted by Magda Szubanski