The United Kingdom has emerged as a prominent destination for American game show productions, with US television networks transporting numerous contestants to film their popular shows there. Manchester has notably become a key center for US TV due to its lower production costs, with most of the on-set personnel, including the crew, audience, and studio staff, being British.
Industry insiders reveal that the expenses for a US game show can reach up to £1.6 million per episode. However, by taking advantage of UK tax incentives, these costs can be reduced to under £750,000, offering substantial savings at a time when traditional television faces financial challenges. The shift towards streaming services among American viewers has led to a decline in broadcast and cable viewership, impacting advertising revenues.
Recently, a pilot episode of “Wordle,” the television adaptation of the popular New York Times puzzle, was showcased at dock10 in MediaCityUK, Salford. American host Savannah Guthrie had to be introduced to the local audience before filming began, emphasizing her status as a prominent figure in the US media landscape.
The entire filming process in Manchester was managed by the local crew, indicating a potential for further development in either Manchester or Ireland if “Wordle” is acquired in the coming year. The trend of US broadcasters relocating their operations overseas to capitalize on tax benefits has been steadily increasing, with game shows that were once synonymous with Los Angeles and New York now finding a new home in the UK.
US networks are grappling with dwindling ratings, profit declines, and additional challenges like tariffs imposed by Donald Trump, prompting them to seek cost-cutting measures. Several prime-time shows, including Ken Jeong’s “99 To Beat,” are now filmed in London, while other productions like “Celebrity Name That Tune” and “Beat Shazam” are being produced in Ireland.
The necessity to reduce production costs has made game shows a more attractive option for networks, as they require less elaborate setups compared to scripted dramas and can still deliver a live and engaging viewing experience. The pressure to deliver more content with fewer resources is evident across the industry, as highlighted by Fremantle executive Kim Kleid.
The evolving landscape of television production has seen a shift in the geographical locations of filming, with British and Irish studios increasingly becoming preferred destinations for US networks. The competition for business has intensified, with Ireland offering more lucrative tax incentives compared to England.
Although there are concerns about the potential impact on the US entertainment industry, the cost-saving advantages of filming abroad continue to drive the decision-making process for many production companies. The hope remains that California will introduce tax incentives for game show productions to support its iconic Hollywood status and retain its appeal as a filmmaking hub.