Boom! is an internationally successful television game show format created by Keshet Broadcasting in Israel. The show features a team of contestants who must answer trivia questions by "disarming" virtual bombs by cutting wires associated with incorrect answers.
Format and Gameplay
The core premise of Boom! revolves around a team of contestants (typically three or four) working together to answer general knowledge questions. The unique twist lies in the method of answering and the consequences of getting it wrong.
The Bombs and Wires
For each question, a main bomb appears on screen, connected to four colored wires. Each wire represents one of four possible answers to a trivia question. Three of these answers are incorrect, and one is correct.
- Answering: A team member is designated to answer the question, usually standing in front of a screen displaying the bomb and wires. The other team members can offer their input. The designated player must physically "cut" the wire corresponding to what they believe is the correct answer.
- Consequences:
- If the contestant cuts the wire of the correct answer, the bomb is "disarmed," and the team earns money or progresses.
- If the contestant cuts a wire of an incorrect answer, that bomb "explodes" with visual and sound effects, and the team loses money, time, or a team member, depending on the specific version's rules.
- Time Limit: Contestants typically have a strict time limit (e.g., 60 seconds) to discuss the question and cut the chosen wire. Failing to cut a wire in time usually results in a bomb explosion.
Rounds
The game is typically divided into several rounds, with increasing difficulty or stakes. Early rounds might focus on general knowledge with a single bomb per question, while later rounds could involve multiple bombs for a single question (requiring multiple correct answers to be identified) or special "death trap" bombs. The ultimate goal is to disarm a final "mega bomb" or survive all rounds to win a grand prize. If all team members are eliminated or all bombs explode, the game ends, and the team loses their accumulated winnings (or a portion thereof).
International Versions
Boom! has been a significant international success, with local adaptations airing in numerous countries worldwide.
Israel (Original)
- Title: Boom!
- Broadcaster: Keshet 12
- Premiere: 2014
- Host: Guy Zu-Aretz The original Israeli version set the template for the highly engaging and dramatic gameplay that captivated audiences globally.
United States
- Title: Boom!
- Broadcaster: Fox
- Premiere: June 25, 2015
- Host: Tom Papa The U.S. version followed the core format closely, featuring teams of four attempting to win up to $500,000. It aired for one season.
United Kingdom
- Title: Boom!
- Broadcaster: Dave
- Premiere: November 2016
- Host: Dara Ó Briain A pilot version for ITV was hosted by Reginald D. Hunter in 2014, but the full series was later picked up by Dave with Dara Ó Briain as host, becoming a popular addition to the channel's lineup.
Other Adaptations
The format has been licensed and produced in many other countries, including:
- Argentina (Boom!)
- Brazil (Boom!)
- Chile (Boom!)
- Colombia (Boom!)
- France (Boom!)
- Germany (Boom!)
- Hungary (Boom!)
- Italy (Boom!)
- Spain (Boom!)
- Turkey (Boom!)
- Vietnam (Boom!)
The widespread adoption of the Boom! format highlights its universal appeal, combining exciting trivia with high-stakes visual drama.