Analysis of The Weakest Link and the Wheel of Fortune

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Analysis of The Weakest Link and the Wheel of Fortune

This essay will be exploring the conventions of two different quiz

shows, The Weakest Link and the Wheel of Fortune. Quiz shows are types

of game show where you answer questions or you take part in some sort

of competition to win either money or prizes. This essay will compare

the two shows looking at similarities and differences and will take

into account the various conventions of quiz shows; rules, host, set,

lighting, music, competitors, audience etc .The host for the show the

weakest link, is Ann Robinson. Both shows have a wide appeal and both

have had prime time viewing slots in the pre watershed early evening

time .The wheel of fortune is an older show than the weakest link

(1990) and is no longer made. It now seems very dated and is only

shown on satellite television during the day. The weakest link is

still produced even though its popularity is not as great anymore. It

now has an early evening slot on BBC 2.

Both the hosts play important but contrasting roles in the shows but

they have completely different personalities. Ann Robinson hosts in

the Weakest Link and isn't the nicest of presenters. She is very mean,

confrontational and intimidating. She faces the contestants with a

very stern face and she never smiles or laughs which makes the

contestants very nervous and adds to the tension of the show. Her

dress is always very black but formal this sets the scene for the

show, making it dim all the way through. This is completely different

from the Wheel of Fortune's host, Nicky Campbell. He is very friendly

and polite with all of the contestants and likes to chat to them about

their lives, their families etc to make them feel calm and relaxed. He

is also very tactile and stands close to the contestants in a

non-confrontational way. He dresses more casually in light coloured

relaxed open necked shirts These features help to make the contestants

feel very relaxed because all they need to think about is the game now

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