If you watch Game Show Network as often as I do, you know that People Puzzler is “America’s favorite crossword game.” But you don’t have to be good at crosswords to be good at People Puzzler, according to executive producer Rane Laymance.
“You just have to be good at answering questions,” the Texas native told the Game Show Insider (that’s me) recently. “And we give you part of the answer!”
I’m better at asking questions than answering them, so that’s what I did. Rane and I chatted during a break from prepping for the new season of People Puzzler, which is coming soon to Game Show Network! Here are some highlights of our conversation, edited and condensed for space and clarity.
GAME SHOW INSIDER: Were you a game show fan growing up?
RANE LAYMANCE: Absolutely! Part of the appeal of game shows is that families can watch together. I was one of those families, but I didn’t realize just how much I loved them until I started working on them.
How long have you been working on them?
I’d like to say I’ve spent half my life working on game shows, but I’m a little bit older than that!
People Puzzler has a fun and unique vibe. Where does that come from?
I think the vibe of People Puzzler really comes from Leah Remini. She makes that show pop. She makes it fun. She makes it real. She makes it relatable. She is the show.
You play a role, as well, bantering with Leah Remini from the control room. Was that dynamic planned?
It developed organically. Leah thought someone making fun of her would make the contestants feel more comfortable. And the more comfortable you are as a contestant, the better you’re going to do.
She’s such a big star. It really humanizes her.
Totally. “Put me in my place!” she likes to tell me. And I like to do that because it’s fun! And it gives the contestants a moment to breathe and be like, “It’s not all about me.”
What is the PEOPLE Magazine connection to the show?
It’s the inspiration for all the crossword puzzles on the show. Our hope is that it feels like the “People Puzzler” crossword puzzle in the back of PEOPLE magazine has hoped off the page and become a game show.
How do you pick your question topics?
We try our best with every show not to have overlapping categories. So, if we have a movie category then we might also have music or fashion. In each puzzle, we try to have something that someone can connect to. You might not know one clue and answer, but there’s got to be something in that puzzle you’ll know.
You also mix in questions about vintage pop culture. Does that inclusivity of topics make for a better game?
I think that is what’s really fun about People Puzzler. “Pop culture” isn’t just what’s happening now, it’s everything that’s been popular for the last 100 years! We have so much to choose from.
That also means an older viewer can watch and enjoy as much as a younger viewer.
Yes. For a family watching together, there’s going to be something for everyone. It’s also important that we have all types of people who are contestants, so all different types of audience members can see themselves playing that game, even if they’re just playing it from the couch.
What kind of a person makes a good People Puzzler Contestant?
The best contestants are the ones who are willing to have fun, are smart, and know what’s going on in the world. We also look for people who are able to be themselves: maybe a high-energy version of themself, but themself! You also have to do well under pressure.
Do contestants get nervous? I think I would freak out.
If you watch any show that’s a Game Show Network original production, you’re going to see that we treat our contestants with the utmost respect. We hold your hand every step of the way. By the time you make it to the stage you’re going to feel like a pro!
Is it fun working on game shows?
I love it. We’re just trying to give people some money! But whether they win or lose, they’re going to have memories that last a lifetime.
For airdates and times, visit the People Puzzler show page. Connect with Game Show Network on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.