Britain is now the preferred location for American game shows, as US networks transport numerous contestants to the UK to film their popular shows. Manchester has emerged as a key center for US television production due to its cost advantages over Hollywood. Notably, the majority of the personnel on set, including the crew, audience, and studio staff, are British.
Industry insiders reveal that the cost of producing a US game show can reach £1.6 million per episode. However, utilizing UK tax incentives can significantly reduce this cost to under £750,000, presenting substantial savings amidst the challenges faced by traditional TV. The shift towards streaming services in the US, with almost half of Americans now opting for streaming over traditional television, has led to a decline in advertising revenues.
Recently, a pilot episode of “Wordle,” the TV adaptation of the New York Times puzzle, was showcased at dock10 in MediaCityUK, Salford. The warm-up presenter had to introduce the host, Savannah Guthrie, a renowned figure in the US as the co-anchor of NBC’s “Today” show, to the audience. The Manchester team oversaw the entire filming process, hinting that future development of the show may also take place in Manchester or Ireland.
US networks are grappling with dwindling ratings, shrinking profits, and additional challenges like tariffs imposed by Donald Trump. To mitigate these issues, they are increasingly turning to overseas production, with Fox already producing several prime-time shows abroad. The trend of relocating game shows to the UK and other countries with favorable tax incentives is becoming more prevalent.
The cost-effectiveness of game shows, requiring minimal production resources compared to dramas, is making them an attractive option for networks. However, there is a growing pressure within the industry to produce more content with fewer resources. As a result, production shifts and workforce reductions are impacting Los Angeles crews, with scripted shows and reality competitions increasingly moving overseas.
Despite the long-standing tradition of recording classic US game shows in Hollywood, the landscape has evolved post-COVID, with productions restarting earlier outside the US. The adaptability of UK producers to remote work and streamlined production processes has demonstrated the feasibility of creating shows abroad efficiently.
British studios have swiftly adapted to this shift, actively pursuing opportunities like “Wordle.” Ireland is also vying for business by offering competitive tax incentives. While there are concerns about the potential hollowing out of the US entertainment industry, the allure of cost savings and production efficiencies abroad remains strong for networks.
Efforts to revitalize California’s entertainment industry by incorporating game shows into tax incentive programs are underway, although challenges persist in the current landscape. Kleid emphasizes the importance of preserving California’s Hollywood legacy while acknowledging the industry’s evolving dynamics.