In recent years, it’s been a popular trend to cast a well-known star as the host of a game show, especially a new one. Often, this has been seen as a way to garner good ratings and get people interested in the show. However, Fox First Run has recently announced the end of two of their star-studded game shows.
One Show Had Recently Seen The Launch Of A UK Version
Fox First Run serves as the Fox Corporation’s syndication branch. The division was founded back in 2019.
Recently, it was announced that Fox First Run wouldn’t be renewing a few of its show. Notably, this included two game shows that both had a well-known actor as its host: Pictionary and Person, Place or Thing.
According to The U.S. Sun, one of the two Monday to Friday game shows ending is Pictionary, which is hosted by actor Jerry O’Connell. The series first premiered back in 2022 and has since aired 400 episodes.
The show is based on the board game of the same name. Interestingly, the cancelation comes out after ITV recently launched a UK version of the series.
As an actor, O’Connell is known for his roles in the series Sliders and Crossing Jordan and films like Stand by Me and Jerry Maguire. Outside of acting, he is also known for co-hosting The Talk from 2021 towards its end in 2024.
Another Celebrity-Themed Series Was Also Ending, In Addition To The Two Game Shows
Another series that had been impacted was Person, Place or Thing, which was hosted by actress Melissa Peterman. For her part, Peterman is also known for her roles on Reba, Baby Daddy, and Happy’s Place.
On the show, three players compete by correctly guessing people, places, and things, reportedly inspired by the “20 Questions” game. The series came out in 2023 and has since released two seasons.
The reasons for the cancelation were believed to be both low ratings as well as financial issues. According to TV News Check, Fox First Run has also chosen not to renew Dish Nation, which also features commentaries from celebrity personalities.
Taking to Reddit, many fans showed concern seeing both game shows come to an end. Some especially felt that this was unfortunate for O’Connell, as this comes out just as The Talk recently came to an end.
- “Such a shame…both of them were fun in their own way.”
- “Bummer, I like Pictionary.”
- “Wow, Jerry O’Connell loses Pictionary and his gig on The Talk within months of each other.”
What do you think of these shows coming to an end? Do you watch them? Make sure you come back to TV Shows Ace for all the latest TV and celebrity news.