I have a hard time buying into the notion that licensing the old cues would be too cost prohibitive.
For one, unless Fremantle produced the current library in-house, there are almost certainly recurring licensing fees going to the rights holder.
Second, the majority of old cues were produced specifically for Price. They have very little use or value for any other show or production, and for that reason, Price should have the upper hand in any negotiating scenario. Either the library can remain on the shelf with no money being made at all, or Price can use it for a reasonable rate. Some money seems better than no money at all. 🤷🏻♂️
(If nothing else, Fremantle could just straight up purchase the library, if the option to do so is actually feasible.)
Also, I still maintain the old cues would work today, and my argument is only strengthened by the current nostalgia wave, both in television and across society in general. We have old game shows that have been resurrected, shows like 90210 back on the air — all the way to Pizza Hut bringing back their classic logo!
The show has nothing to lose, either. No one is going to stop watching because the show plays Splendido during the Showcases. They might tune in, however, for the nostalgic throwback, and I point to all of the comments on Price’s social media after the throwback episode aired a couple years back as proof that many people — not just us LFATs — want to hear the old cues again.
If fans want it, I don’t see the harm in trying. If the reaction isn’t as positive as desired, then discontinue use. 🤔