Interactive TV games channel, GSN (note: the channel currently offers around 133 hours of interactive programming per week), has announced plans to add a fourth night to its live participation TV franchise, "Playmania." Starting August 27th, "Playmania," which is currently broadcast Thursday through Saturday, 1:00AM-3:00AM ET, will now also be broadcast in the same timeslot on Sundays. Because "Playmania's" Sunday launch falls on the same day as the Primetime Emmy Awards show, the entire four-day block of "Playmania" programming that begins Thursday, August 24th will be devoted to TV-themed games and puzzles, and will also feature celebrity guests and higher value prizes.
GSN claims that "Playmania," which launched April 6th, has proven very popular with its viewers: "Since 'Playmania's' April premiere, we have experienced 300% growth in participation," GSN's SVP of digital media and interactive entertainment, John P. Roberts, said in a prepared statement. "Much of this success is due to the fact that the GSN audience loves to play games. This announcement is just the beginning, and we have many upcoming innovations that will thrill our growing community of self-proclaimed PlayManiacs."
GSN produces "Playmania" in partnership with Optimistic Entertainment, a UK-based participation TV specialist whose co-founders include David Brook, who was previously director of strategy and development at Channel 4, and Jasper Smith, who previously co-founded and was CEO of Static2358, the company which was behind the PlayJam interactive TV games channel, and which was sold to OpenTV in 2001 for $68 million. The show features a range of interactive puzzles and word and number games, including the long-running GSN participation TV game, "Lingo." Viewers can participate via SMS or the Internet, and can win prizes of up to $5,000. The show is hosted by Mel Peachey, one of the hosts of Optimistic's UK participation TV channel, "QuizNation," and by Lingo co-host, former Miss USA, Shandi Finnessey.
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