Once upon a time, the closest we got to “on-demand TV” was when our parents told us to change the channel! Nowadays, there are so many different ways to watch — cable, streaming, apps, the Internet — it can sometimes be confusing. But Game Show Insider is here to help!
For a guide to getting the most game shows from Game Show Network, I spoke with Heather O’Neil, Senior Manager of Multiplatform Scheduling and Programming. Heather is a native of Tempe, Arizona and a Game Show Network staffer since 2013.
Appropriately, I chatted with Heather on my laptop via a streaming videoconference! The following are highlights of our conversation, edited and condensed for space and clarity.
GAME SHOW INSIDER: How do most people watch Game Show Network?
HEATHER O’NEIL: Most people watch through their cable TV subscription, but we’re always looking at new ways to make our channel available.
The term “multiplatform” is in your job title. What does that mean?
It means I schedule both Linear and Non-Linear. “Linear” is Game Show Network proper, the channel you get through cable. “Non-Linear” refers to the video-on-demand offerings, the episodes that are available on-demand through the set-top box with your cable subscription.
If I’m a cable subscriber, what Game Show Network shows can I watch on-demand?
We offer a variety of current and classic programming on demand. Our current offerings include fan favorites like America Says, People Puzzler, Chain Reaction, and Common Knowledge, as well as recent classics like Idiotest, Baggage, and Steve Harvey’s Family Feud.
How many episodes are available on-demand?
We like to keep at least five episodes of each show available at a time, with new episodes launching each week so there’s always something new to enjoy!
Is there a Game Show Network app?
There is! The Game Show Network app is available on iOS, Android, Roku, and Amazon Fire TV with an authenticated cable subscription. The most popular feature of the app is the ability to watch live TV. You can also watch complete episodes of many of our game shows.
Can I watch Game Show Network on the web?
Yes, you can! Just go to the Game Show Network website, log in with your cable subscription credentials, and you’ll be able to watch full episodes on-demand AND live TV!
Streaming is so popular nowadays. Can I stream Game Show Network without cable?
For people who are choosing to find other ways to watch, Game Show Network is on subscription streaming services like YouTube with Live TV, fuboTV, Philo, Sling TV, Frndly TV and DirecTV Stream.
What if I don’t want to pay for cable or a streaming service?
We have a separate channel, delivered and scheduled differently, but using some of the same content. It’s called Game Show Central!
What is Game Show Central?
Game Show Central is our FAST channel, which stands for “free ad-supported television.” Anyone with a streaming device or smart TV can watch. It looks and feels like a regular cable TV channel, but it’s totally free!
Does Game Show Central have the same shows as the cable channel?
Some, but Game Show Central mostly carries shows that are not currently on Game Show Network, either because they don’t fit with the channel’s current lineup or because we don’t have room for them on the schedule.
Wow! So, this is like opening the Game Show Network vaults for the fans?
Definitely! We’ve got a great library of content to pull from. Game Show Central has some stuff from the early 2000s that hasn’t been seen on our air in a while. We also mix in some of our newer content like America Says.
Where can I watch Game Show Central?
Game Show Central is available on Pluto TV, the Roku Channel, Plex, Xumo, and Redbox. We’re also on Samsung and Vizio smart TVs.
If I’m a game show superfan, can I watch both Game Show Network and Game Show Central?
You certainly can!
Do I get a prize?
You get the joy of watching all day, every day!
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My thanks to Heather for spending some time with us today! I’ve already downloaded the Game Show Network app to my phone and bookmarked the website so I can watch at work (only during my lunch break, of course!) Where do you watch Game Show Network most often? On your TV, tablet, phone, or somewhere else? Let us know in the comments!
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