Why does Australia love a telly quiz?
“[Quiz/game shows] are pretty efficient to make in high volume —same set, same host, new contestants and new questions— and that if you get all the elements right, audiences are happy to watch them night after night,” he explains.
“Audiences have shown a willingness to invest in a show where you can play along at home and enjoy the rollercoaster of a contestant winning big or walking away with nothing.”
But of course, it’s the show itself that makes the big difference. These slots might belong to game shows, but if it doesn’t hit right, then it’s out with the old and in with the new.
“Big prizes have often been a drawcard —and something that public broadcasters are less likely to be in a position to give away,” Nguyen says.
“Millionaire Hot Seat is a spinoff of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? which traded off the prospect of a contestant leaving the studio $1 million richer.
Some shows like The Weakest Link have gone with a tough, almost mean host, but mostly the shows that work, seem to have an amiable presenter who’s happy to crack a joke and is keen for the contestants to win.”
Bringing his vibrant personality and popularity as TV's newest game show host, Murri comedian Steven Oliver is no doubt up for the challenge.
Introducing Faboriginal: a game show with a unique twist
Browning says he is in great company, working with some of the industry’s best.
“I’m really the weakest link,” he laughs. “I’m not funny, I can’t sing and I can’t act. I’m a shrinking violet when you put me up against Steven and Elaine!
"I’m not funny, I can’t sing and I can’t act. I’m a shrinking violet when you put me up against Steven and Elaine!"
"Steven is not only one of the funniest men I know, but he’s also one of the smartest.
"I remember during filming we were in the make-up trailer and he was talking about quantum theory and cracking jokes at the same time. He can talk about anything —his brain is truly frightening.
"And Elaine Crombie can hold a room effortlessly. She’s so fun to be around. She cracks me up. She’s an awesomely talented woman - and she’s naturally funny. She cocks an eyebrow and I bust my guts laughing.”
“What I love about the show is that it’s got a lot of heart. When it’s not funny, it’s deadly serious,” Browning explains.
“And it all goes back to something fundamental —we are an intensely visual people with an extraordinary visual culture, and it’s worth pointing to it.
"Artists have a particular status in our community —they tell us what’s going on, where to look. They deserve our recognition."
"Artists have a particular status in our community —they tell us what’s going on, where to look. They deserve our recognition. Faboriginal genuinely tries to highlight the power of our stories and our image-making.
“I reckon Faboriginal is for everyone. It’s funny, clever, and highly original. Did I mention it’s all black? Seriously though, there’s nothing like it on Australian television.”
While Faboriginal follows the standard structure and format that make other quiz shows some of the most-watched content on Australian TV, however, the tone and theme of it, brings a totally new twist to this beloved television staple.
Faboriginal airs Thursdays, 8.30pm on NITV (Ch. 34). Binge all the episodes on SBS On Demand.
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Travis Akbar is a Wongatha man living on Peramangk country. He is a Film Critic and Freelance Writer. Follow Travis @TravAkbar