No, I mean this version has this expensive-looking set but a top prize of $10,000. And it’s primetime. And the host ain’t Steve Harvey, even though Harvey gets on my nerves.
I don't think that's entirely fair. You have a publicly funded broadcaster in CBC who has specific limits on what they can spend on programming and they're giving their first adult game show a go in thirty years. In addition they visited 12 out of 13 provinces and territories so that they could get a balance of players from across the country. Plus all teams have their travel expenses paid. I went and saw a taping before the launch and the team that won the game but lost fast money was thrilled just to have been there and won some pocket money. My friend and I who attended that taping helped a second team who didn't tape that session back to the hotel where they were staying (again, covered by the network) down the road from the CBC. Teams are flying from as far as 5,000 kilometres away and I'm sure it's a bit of a relief that they don't have to pay for their flights. As someone who once flew 6,000 kms one way on my own dime to be on a show I am well aware of game show contestant costs!
Yes it is a $10,000 jackpot but it was never meant to be competing with Harvey's version. The "primetime" run was merely for two weeks in December and it has now moved to M-Th at 7:30 pm local. I think Gerry Dee is doing just fine and I feel that it's nice to have questions that are a bit more family friendly than other versions on the show. This is Gerry's first time hosting a game show and like anything it takes time to get adjusted.
Heading back to another taping today and can't wait!
Ryan