I’m thinking that people are either going to love NBC’s new game show Minute to Win It or else, not get it at all. The series has contestants attempting to complete random tasks in under a minute for a chance to win a cash prize. Successfully completing the task gives them the opportunity to advance to the next tier and try for more money.
Ever tie a cherry stem into a knot using only your tongue? If so, you might be the perfect person to participate in Minute to Win It. The series is a show that showcases games that require little to no skill and in some cases, just a bit of luck. Using items commonly found in the average household, the tasks the contestants are set to perform do get progressively harder. In the episode I saw, a woman had to use air from a balloon to knock plastic cups off a table. In another task, she had to roll marbles at an upright-standing pencil in an attempt to knock it over. While the clock ticked away, she rolled marble after marble at the pencil and in the end, we were treated to an instant replay of the “event.”
It would be almost too easy to rip the show apart on the basis of the lameness of the games, but I have a feeling there will be an audience for this. While some people prefer game shows that include questions they might know the answer to or that require some semi-advanced level of physical skill, this show’s going to cater to people who like seeing silly tricks performed or are perhaps looking for some new games to bring to their next family party.
Minute to Win It’s strongest attribute is its host, Guy Fieri. Fieri, who’s known for hosting his Food Network show Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, brings a level of enthusiasm to the series that nearly sells the show as being this amazing, suspenseful game show, not unlike Who Wants To Be A Millionaire (in its earlier years, anyway). Fieri’s friendly banter with the contestants and excited reactions to their performances is admirable, given the tasks being performed. And while I give him credit for bringing the most to the hosting gig, I’m still not sold on the show just yet.
Is Minute to Win It going to be the next Deal or No Deal? In terms of the level of skill that goes into it, very possibly. I’m not claiming that its easy to get an Oreo from your forehead to your mouth using only your facial muscles but from a viewers perspective, it’s about as exciting as watching a contestant pick out suitcases. And its family friendly, which I’m sure will appeal to people looking for something they can watch with their kids on Sunday night.
Minute To Win It premieres Sunday, March 14 on NBC (7-9 p.m. ET) on NBC.
