Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader? (American game show)
| Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader? | |
|---|---|
| File:Smarter than a Fifth Grader Intro 512x384.png "Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?" title card | |
| Starring | Jeff Foxworthy Kyle Collier Alana Etheridge Jacob Hays Spencer Martin Marki Ann Meyer (2007–present) Laura Marano (2007) |
| Theme music composer | David Vanacore with Blessed Kateri Childrens Choir |
| Country of origin |  United States |
| No. of seasons | 1 |
| No. of episodes | 13 |
| Production | |
| Executive producers | Mark Burnett Roy Bank Barry Poznick John Stevens |
| Running time | 60 minutes |
| Original release | |
| Network | FOX |
| Release | February 27, 2007 – Present |
Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader? (or 5th Grader) is an American quiz game show on FOX. It is produced by Mark Burnett,[1] and is hosted by Jeff Foxworthy. The show premiered as a three-day special beginning on February 27, 2007, with the first two shows each a half-hour in length. Regular episodes, one hour in length, air Thursdays, beginning March 1, 2007. Additional episodes are currently scheduled through May 10, 2007.[2] The show also airs in Canada on Global[3] and in the Middle East on Dubai TV.
5th Grader games are played by a single contestant, who attempts to answer ten questions (plus a final bonus question). Content is taken from elementary school textbooks, two from each grade level between first and fifth. Each correct answer increases the amount of money the player banks; a maximum cash prize of US$1,000,000 can be won. Along the way, the player can be assisted by a "classmate", one of five cast members (who are fifth grade students), in answering the questions. Notably, upon getting an answer incorrect or deciding to end the game, the contestant must profess to the camera that they are, in fact, not smarter than a 5th grader.
Production
The show was originally pitched as "Do You Remember Grade School?"[4] by Burnett and Zoo Productions to network executives in the form of a six-question version of the quiz; the only network president who was able to finish the quiz as a winner was FOX's Peter Liguori.[5] On 2007-01-31, FOX announced that they had picked up the show for an initial six-episode run[6], and on 2007-02-09, Foxworthy was announced as the host of the new gameshow.[7] Less than eight weeks after being pitched, the first episode aired.[4]
The format has also been sold across the world for local versions in other countries. A British version titled Are You Smarter than a 10-Year-Old? is scheduled to air on Sky One. The show will air in both primetime and daytime, with an initial order of 20 episodes for primetime and 50 for daytime. It is expected to air in HDTV format.[8] In addition, deals have been signed for an Australian version on Channel Ten, a German version on Sat.1, and a Brazilian version on SBT, among others.[9]
Set design
The show is filmed in front of a studio audience, who are arranged in two levels around a rectangular area. One portion of this audience seating is raised above two walls of the main set, with the other situated behind the area where contestants and the host stand.
The main area of the set is originally walled off. As the title sequence plays, two of the walls, designed to appear as hallways, slide away to reveal the main set, modeled after a traditional elementary school classroom, and the children emerge, running through a small hallway containing cubbyholes into which they throw their knapsacks. They are then each seated at their respective desks, each marked with a nameplate, atop a raised platform. Beside this platform are two lecterns, one for the contestant (who also emerges from the hallway after being introduced), and the other for his or her "classmate." The lecterns are designed to resemble traditional classroom desks, but have translucent lighted panels and LCD displays mounted on front.
The classroom area of set also contains two large rear projection screens, which are used to display the list of questions, the current question and the contestant's progress in the game; these screens generally use green backgrounds and white text, reminiscent of a chalkboard, but are also used to display still photographs or video clips of the contestant as a grade-schooler. Another rear projection screen, situated in the audience area, is positioned to appear just over the contestant's shoulder to show the contestant and current question.
The set also contains other miscellaneous props, similar to items that would be found in a classroom; for instance, bookshelves full of books, different plants, a globe, and a teacher's desk are visible. Atop the desk is a fishbowl containing two goldfish, named Darnell and Mike[10], a presumed reference to Mike Darnell, executive vice president of alternative programming at FOX.
Gameplay
| Question | Value |
|---|---|
| 1 | $1,000 |
| 2 | $2,000 |
| 3 | $5,000 |
| 4 | $10,000 |
| 5 | $25,000 |
| 6 | $50,000 |
| 7 | $100,000 |
| 8 | $175,000 |
| 9 | $300,000 |
| 10 | $500,000 |
| 11 | $1,000,000 |
In each game, the contestant (an adult) is asked a series of eleven questions, taken from textbooks for first through fifth grade students. Before starting play, the contestant is given ten subjects (such as U.S. History, Math or Social Studies), each of which are associated with a grade level; there are two questions per grade, from first to fifth. Contestants can answer the questions in any order, and each correct answer raises their cumulative amount of winnings to the next level (see table at right); after a contestant answers the fifth question correctly, they are guaranteed to leave with at least $25,000. If a contestant correctly answers the first ten questions, they can choose to attempt one last fifth-grade question for $1,000,000.
Five fifth graders (some of whom are also professional child actors[11]) appear on each show and play along on stage – each episode has the same cast of children: Kyle Collier, age 10; Alana Etheridge, 9; Jacob Hays, 11; Spencer Martin, 10; and Marki Ann Meyer, 11, who replaced Laura Marano as of the 2007-04-26 episode.[12] Prior to the show, the children are provided with workbooks which contain a variety of material, some of which could be used in the questions asked in the game.[13][14] The contestant chooses one to be their "classmate", who stands at the adjacent podium, and is often consulted by the contestant as to their favorite subjects before a topic is chosen; the other four sit at desks off to the side. Each child may only be the contestant's classmate for two questions (done consecutively), after which the contestant picks another child, from those who have not yet played in that game.
Contestants have three forms of assistance (two "cheats" and a "save") each available for use once per game (up to, but not including, the million dollar question[15]):
- Peek: The contestant can see what their classmate wrote down as the answer, and choose whether to go along with it or not. If the contestant chooses to use this cheat, they must answer the question and may not drop out.
- Copy: The contestant is locked into whatever answer their classmate wrote down, without being able to see it first.
- Save: If the contestant gets an answer incorrect but their classmate does not, they are credited with a correct answer. However, if the classmate is also wrong, the contestant loses. This is used automatically on the contestant's first incorrect response.
Once all three forms of assistance are used, the contestant can no longer choose a classmate.
If the contestant gets an answer wrong (and is not saved), they "flunk out" and either leave with $25,000 (if they lost anywhere from the $50,000 question to the $1,000,000 question) or nothing (if they lost on one of the first five questions). As well, the contestant may choose to "drop out", at any point during the game prior to the million dollar question (even after viewing the question), which entitles them to leave the game with any winnings they have accumulated.
The rules change slightly for the million dollar question. The contestant only gets to see the subject of the question, before deciding if they will continue or drop out. However, if the contestant chooses to see the question, they are no longer eligible to drop out and must answer the question, with no assistance from the classmates. A wrong answer on the question will cause the contestant to drop back down to $25,000.[15]
If, at any point during the game, the contestant chooses to drop out, or is flunked out, they must face the camera and state, "I am not smarter than a fifth grader."
Records and statistics
- Most money won: $500,000 (May 3, 2007)
- Least money won: $0 (March 29, 2007; April 5, 2007)
- Total winnings: $2,170,000 (18 contestants)
- Average won per contestant: $119,166
- Most correct answers in a game (no cheats): 9 (May 10, 2007)
- Fewest correct answers in a game (no cheats): 0 (February 27, 2007; March 29, 2007; April 5, 2007 twice)
- Fewest correct answers in an episode (no cheats): 1 of 11 over three games, April 5, 2007
- Furthest advancement in the game: 11th question (April 19, 2007; April 26, 2007; May 10, 2007)
- Shortest advancement in the game: 1st question (March 29, 2007)
- Number of contestants to drop out: 14
- Number of contestants to lose on a wrong answer: 5
- Number of contestants to reach the million dollar question: 3 (April 19, 2007; April 26, 2007; May 10, 2007)
- Number of contestants to answer the million dollar question: 1 (May 10, 2007)
- Biggest drop in prize winnings: $500,000 to $25,000 (May 10, 2007)
- Number of contestants who would have won $1,000,000 had they chosen to answer the question[16]: 1 (April 19, 2007)
- Number of contestants to have the chance to answer the $1,000,000 question but lost: 1 (May 10, 2007)
Reach
The show's premiere on 2007-02-27, following an episode of American Idol, averaged 26.6 million viewers and an 11.2 rating/27 share in the adults 18-49 demographic, making it the biggest television premiere in the United States in over eight years (since the NBC sitcom Jesse, which debuted in 1998).[17] The second episode, which aired the following night, was nearly as strong, with more than 23 million viewers.[18] Furthermore, the first four episodes, which followed airings of American Idol, maintained 84% of that show's viewership.[19]
As a result of the high ratings, an additional four episodes were ordered following the airing of the initial two episodes.[20] Moreover, another three episodes were ordered on March 152007, bringing the total episode count for the season to 13.[2]
However, subsequent episodes, which aired without the benefit of an American Idol lead-in, saw an immediate drop in their ratings; the first such episode averaged a rating of 4.5 in the adults 18-49 demographic, down from 8.0 the previous week.[21] By the sixth episode, on March 222007, ratings had dropped further, to just one third of the premiere's viewership.[22]
Controversy
 | The neutrality of this section is disputed. |
Radio shock jock Howard Stern has declared several times on his Sirius Satellite Radio show that the idea for 5th Grader is directly based on a bit that has been performed numerous times on his radio show.[23] He has claimed to be contemplating filing a lawsuit.[24]
On May 10th 2007, Steve Nalepa became the first contestant to attempt the Million Dollar Question. The subject of the famed question was Astronomy. When the question was revealed, it became obvious that the question was not about Astronomy but about a historical satelite launch. Unfortunately for Steve he was mislead into the question and when he failed to answer correctly, he lost a potential $975,000.00 due to the show's error. Many viewers became upset over this event and began posting angry messages on the show's forums. There has been no word if Steve is going to contest the show's misleading subject, or if the show will compensate Steve with a new Astronomy question for him to answer.
Notes
- ^ Ward, Julia (2006-12-14). "Are you smarter than a 5th grader?". TV Squad.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ a b ""Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader?" gets extra credit with 13 additional episodes" (Press release). Fox Broadcasting Company. 2007-03-15.
{{cite press release}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) Via The Futon Critic. - ^ "Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?". Shows. Global Television.
- ^ a b Bauder, David (2007-03-16). "Kids Outsmart Adults on '5th Grader'". Associated Press. Retrieved 2007-03-18.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ Boedeker, Hal (2007-01-31). "Fox asks: Are you smarter than a fifth-grader?". Orlando Sentinel.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ "FOX Develops 'Smarter' Thursday Plan". Zap2it. 2007-01-31. Retrieved 2007-04-13.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ "Foxworthy Proves FOX-Worthy Host". Zap2it. 2007-02-09. Retrieved 2007-04-13.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ Clarke, Steve (2007-04-11). "Sky One grabs 'Fifth Grader'". Variety.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ Guider, Elizabeth (2007-01-31). "'Fifth Grader' makes overseas deals". Variety.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ "Host Jeff Foxworthy on the answering side of some questions" (Flash Video). Are You Smarter... Clips. Fox Broadcasting Company. Retrieved 2007-03-24. The video starts with a shot of the fishbowl, showing the fishes' names written on a piece of tape on the fishbowl.
- ^ Elfman, Doug (2007-03-08). "Smart kids caught in the act on '5th Grader'". Chicago Sun-Times.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ Lindell, Karen (2007-04-24). "Camarillo fifth-grader joins class on 'Smarter' game show". Ventura County Star. Retrieved 2007-04-25.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ During the credits at the end of the show, a disclaimer states: "Members of the class were provided with workbooks that covered grade school level material in a variety of subjects. Some of the material could have formed the basis of questions used by producers in the show."
- ^ Farhi, Paul (2007-03-13). "Easy Does It". Washington Post. p. C01. Retrieved 2007-03-15.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ a b "Episode AYS-109". Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader. Season 1. Episode 09. 2007-04-19. Fox Broadcasting Company.
- ^ After winning $500,000, the contestant is shown the subject of the final question, but not the question itself. If a contestant chooses not to reveal the question, they drop out with their winnings, but are then given a chance to answer the question (without risking or earning any money). This statistic is based on these answers.
- ^ Gough, Paul J (2007-02-28). ""5th Grader" delivers first-class debut". Yahoo! News.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ de Moraes, Lisa (2007-03-02). "Smart Move: Fox's '5th Grader' Quiz Show Quickly Makes the Ratings Honor Roll". Washington Post. p. C07. Retrieved 2007-04-13.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ Schneider, Michael (2007-03-14). "Fox gets more 'Smarter'". Variety. Retrieved 2007-04-12.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ ""Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader?" makes the grade with four additional episodes scheduled for Thursday nights on FOX" (Press release). Fox Broadcasting Company. 2007-03-02.
{{cite press release}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) Via The Futon Critic. - ^ Fitzgerald, Toni (2007-03-16). "Fox's '5th Grader' holds its own alone". Media Life Magazine. Retrieved 2007-04-12.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ Dahl, Oscar (2007-03-28). "How badly does Are you Smarter than a 5th Grader need American Idol?". BuddyTV. Retrieved 2007-04-12.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ Panasci, Thomas (2007-02-27). "Get Your Own Ideas". The Rundown. Howard Stern.com. Retrieved 2007-03-30.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help); Cite has empty unknown parameter:|1=(help); Unknown parameter|coauthors=ignored (|author=suggested) (help) - ^ Mercer, Mark (2007-03-26). "Phone Calls, Howard TV Discussions And More. 03/26/07. 6:35am". Stern Show News. MarksFriggin.com. Retrieved 2007-04-11.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help)