Get Real! Kids game shows head for a format makeover

Kids game shows have traditionally gone a long way towards helping broadcasters connect with their audiences and meet local production quotas, without requiring them to dip too deeply into their pocketbooks. A simple studio-based quiz show costs between US$18,000 and US$27,000 per half hour to produce, whereas an animated half hour will run at least five times that. But times are changing. Taking a cue from adult reality shows that have revolutionized prime-time programming the world over, there's a new breed of reality/game show hybrids popping up on the kids TV landscape. And while it's early days, some industry players speculate that these adventure-packed, location-based offerings may just be what it takes to get the kids game show formats market off the ground.