The Chaser (TV series)
The Chaser is a general knowledge quiz show format, originally created by British company Potato (part of ITV Studios). The format pits a team of contestants against a professional quizzer, known as the "Chaser," who attempts to prevent them from winning a cash prize.
Format:
The show typically involves four contestants who initially compete individually in a "Cash Builder" round. In this round, contestants answer quick-fire multiple-choice questions to accumulate money for the team prize fund.
Following the Cash Builder, contestants face the Chaser in a head-to-head "Chase" round. They are given a choice of three amounts of money to play for – a lower offer, the amount they earned in the Cash Builder, and a higher offer. The higher the offer, the closer they start to the Chaser on the game board, increasing the risk of being caught. The contestant and the Chaser simultaneously answer multiple-choice questions, moving one step closer to the end of the board for each correct answer. If the Chaser catches a contestant before they reach the end, the contestant is eliminated from the game.
Contestants who successfully outrun the Chaser proceed to the "Final Chase." In this round, the remaining contestants combine their knowledge to answer questions as a team. The team is given a head start of one step per contestant who made it to the Final Chase, plus any steps earned by pushing the Chaser back during the round. The Chaser then has two minutes to answer more questions than the team, attempting to catch them. If the Chaser fails to do so, the team wins the prize fund, which is divided equally among the remaining contestants.
International Versions:
The Chaser format has been adapted for broadcast in numerous countries around the world, including the United Kingdom, Australia, the United States, Germany, Spain, and many others. Each version may feature local variations in the rules, prize amounts, and Chaser personalities. Popular Chasers often become recognizable figures in their respective countries.
Key Elements:
- The Chaser: A professional quizzer known for their extensive general knowledge. Their role is to prevent the contestants from winning the prize money.
- Cash Builder: An individual round where contestants earn money for the team prize fund.
- The Chase: A head-to-head round where contestants attempt to outrun the Chaser.
- Final Chase: A team round where the remaining contestants work together to answer questions and defend their prize fund against the Chaser.
Popularity:
The Chaser format has proven to be highly successful due to its engaging gameplay, suspenseful atmosphere, and the charismatic personalities of the Chasers. It remains a popular quiz show format worldwide.