Why are TV game shows losing popularity?

Over the years, television game shows have become an indispensable form of entertainment for Vietnamese audiences. However, by 2025, this trend is clearly changing as a number of popular programs announce temporary suspensions or postponements of production.

Game shows that were once hugely popular, such as "2 Days 1 Night," "Brother Overcoming a Thousand Obstacles," "Beautiful Sister Riding the Waves," "Dancing with the Stars," or "Paradise Island, " have not continued for subsequent seasons. Could it be that producers are facing difficulties in maintaining audience interest and ensuring profitability?

Paradise Island, a reality TV game show.

PHOTO: MANUFACTURER

According to several production companies, one of the main reasons for the decline of television game shows is the increasingly high production costs, while advertising revenue is no longer as abundant as before. Reality shows require many elements such as extensive travel, large-scale settings, a large crew, and investment in modern equipment, all of which consume a significant amount of funding.

For example, in 2024, Paradise Island – a dating game show that garnered attention for its novel content and professional filming style – spent a large sum of money on its first season. Despite receiving support from viewers and sponsorships from many brands, the profits were insufficient to sustain the next season. Similarly, The show "Dancing with the Stars" is returning, but despite its previous popularity with television viewers, it's now difficult to continue production.

Furthermore, maintaining a game show across multiple seasons requires continuous innovation, but not every program can innovate to retain viewers. Repetitive formats, unappealing content, or a lack of groundbreaking elements can cause game shows to lose their appeal, leading producers to consider pausing to find a new direction, and finding sponsors and brands is not easy.

The show "Brother Overcomes a Thousand Obstacles"

PHOTO: MANUFACTURER

Television was previously the primary form of entertainment, but the development of digital platforms has completely changed how audiences access content. Nowadays, viewers tend to prioritize online platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Facebook, where they can watch anytime, rewind easily, and access full content without cuts. This has caused many traditional television game shows to lose their former advantage. For example, " Brother Overcoming a Thousand Thorns" was broadcast on both television and YouTube, but in reality, viewers primarily watched it on digital platforms because the television version had many scenes cut out.

Moreover, audiences now tend to prefer programs with a high degree of interaction. Content on YouTube and TikTok allows viewers to comment, share, and even participate in activities related to the program. Meanwhile, traditional television game shows remain one-sided, with viewers having limited opportunities to interact with the content.

Although their popularity is gradually waning, television game shows still hold certain value. They remain a platform for artists to connect with the public, promote culture and tourism , and provide wholesome entertainment. However, to continue to thrive, television game shows need to adapt to the tastes of modern audiences.