A Look at the Schedule with Heather O’Neil
For many of us, game shows are a way of life and have been since we were kids, watching with our parents and grandparents. So, it was a treat to chat with Heather O’Neil, Senior Manager of Multiplatform Scheduling and Programming at Game Show Network, and learn that she too is a lifelong fan!
“I remember watching game shows all the time on summer vacation,” Heather told Game Show Insider recently. “I’ve always loved them!”
Heather is a graduate of Arizona State University and a Game Show Network staffer since 2013. The following are highlights of our conversation, edited and condensed for space and clarity.
Game shows have a long history. How does Game Show Network honor that?
Our production team is always looking at past shows to see if there’s anything new that can be developed. We also acquire classic programs like Match Game that people love re-watching. So, there are a number of ways that we honor shows that have appealed to our audience over the past decades.
It’s great to know that you listen to your audience.
We absolutely do. A few years ago, we took a step back and surveyed our audience, wanting to find out who they are and what they want to see on our schedule. We really try to program to our core viewer.
What did you learn?
They like shows the whole family can watch together, so we take that to heart. They like consistency, so we make sure the same thing is airing every day. And they like new, so we always try to have something new on the schedule. We’ve really ramped up original program production over the last few years. We’re always making new stuff!
Let’s talk about some of that new stuff, starting with America Says and People Puzzler.
America Says is a family-friendly, fill-in-the-blank, survey-based game show that’s hard not to play along with! It’s hosted by John Michael Higgins. People Puzzler is based on the PEOPLE pop culture crossword puzzle in the back of the magazine. It’s hosted by Leah Remini, who is lots of fun and great with the contestants.
Catch 21 and Chain Reaction?
Catch 21 is hosted by Alfonso Ribiero. It’s a fun mix of Blackjack game play and trivia, as players try to build hands of 21. Chain Reaction is a wordplay show where contestants try to connect words through chains. It’s hosted by fan favorite Dylan Lane, who we brought back after a long hiatus.
Speaking of fan favorites, I love Joey Fatone on Common Knowledge. How is he to work with?
Joey Fatone is fantastic. He’s got great energy. Common Knowledge is a great game where you can learn all kinds of fun facts about everyday topics everyone should know. I learn something new every time I watch.
Master Minds is favorite of mine for that very reason. How does it differ from other shows on the channel?
Master Minds is hosted by Brooke Burns, but it also has a rotating panel of trivia experts. It’s great if you really want to challenge yourself.
I love how Master Minds and America Says evoke the game play of familiar shows, but still are original and unique.
That’s something we had in mind as we were developing them: take formats and ideas that our viewers liked in the past and develop something new. All our shows are made with that goal in mind.
What are some other highlights in addition to the originals?
A lot of people know us as the Family Feud network, so Family Feud is a big one. We love Steve Harvey. He’s definitely a big presence on our air.
Are there any “easter eggs” on the schedule for super fans to seek out?
We’re airing both versions of Chain Reaction right now. We’ve got the new version weekdays and Saturdays and our classic version on Sundays. We also have episodes of 25 Words or Less featuring John Michael Higgins and Funny You Should Ask episodes featuring Howie Mandel from Deal or No Deal. It’s always fun to see our hosts pop up on other shows.
Sometimes I have Game Show Network on all day long. Do you consider viewers like me when you’re scheduling?
We definitely think of progression throughout the day and try to build a schedule that flows well from one show to the next. We try to keep people interested and pair shows that complement each other.
Do you have a favorite show on the schedule?
Oh, yes. America Says, for sure.
So, you’re allowed to say your favorite?
If I’m not, nobody has ever told me! I’ve seen episodes several times and I’ll forget the answers and still be shouting at the screen.
If you could go back and tell that kid watching game shows on summer vacation that she’d someday be working on them, what would she think?
She’d think it was very cool. I would be very impressed with myself!
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