What Game Show Network program is hosted by a pop music icon? If you answered Common Knowledge with NSYNC alum Joey Fatone, you are correct! Since its debut in 2019, the show that asks “practical, everyday questions” — and shares a useful fact with the answer — has become a fun and informative treat for viewers!
For the Insider scoop on how to win at Common Knowledge, I spoke with an uncommonly knowledgeable trio of Game Show Network staffers: Vice-President of Development Sean Olsen; Executive Director of Current Programming Michelle Cygan; and Executive Producer and Showrunner Rane Laymance
Here’s what I learned about the show hosted by “the man with all the knowledge,” Joey Fatone!
GAME SHOW INSIDER: What are the questions about on Common Knowledge?
SEAN OLSEN: The questions are about everyday stuff we talked about at the dinner table, knowledge we should all have in our back pocket. It’s that homespun, D.I.Y, “Grandma Knows Best” knowledge. Like, “What’s the best way to get a broken lightbulb out?”
How can a contestant prep for the show?
You really just need life experience. That’s the magic of Common Knowledge.
What’s a common mistake players make?
Trying to guess what your teammates are thinking. People can get hung up on that. You have to stick to what you think is the right answer and try not to over-game the game.
Fill in the blank: Joey Fatone is a great host because…
He keeps it fun and light. He’s so likeable, the guy you want to grab a beer with. He’s Joey!
What are the differences between the rounds?
MICHELLE CYGAN: All three rounds havefour different categories of questions, but Rounds One and Two are multiple choice and Round Three is write-in.
What should the other team be doing while their opponents are answering in Round Three?
When a question is asked to Team A, Team B should also be writing down their answer. If Team A gets it incorrect, then Joey goes to Team B and asks what they wrote.
In the Bonus Round, can the team pick who plays first? And should you start with your strongest player or save them for last?
Yes, the team picks the order they would like their teammates to play. I think the best strategy is to save your strongest player for last to serve as the “ringer.”
How and when should I use the “pass” in the Bonus Round?
An often-debated question! If it were me, I would wait for the last person to use that pass. They’re your last hope. If you waste that pass in the very beginning, you might need it later.
What is the best strategy for picking a category?
RANE LAYMANCE: I like to play defense. If I’m playing against a team of athletes, and the category of “Sports” is up there, I’m choosing it. My team is going to have three possible answer choices to choose from, so we’ll have a chance at getting it right. And, more importantly, I’m not helping our opponents.
Teams get a bonus if their answers are the same. Is there a way to try to foster alignment?
No. And if you do, you’ll be disqualified!
So, you should pick teammates you’re aligned with in life?
I don’t think you need to be on the same page about how you live your life, or how you think, you just need to be on the same page about how smart you are. You’re going to be aligned if you get the correct answer, so don’t choose dumb teammates!
What’s one tip you can share with The Insider?
Someone who has experienced the world has an advantage! Often, younger contestants don’t do as well on Common Knowledge because they don’t have as much real-world experience, thereby not having as much “common knowledge.”
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My thanks to Sean, Michelle, and Rane for sharing their strategy secrets! Are you a Common Knowledge fan? Then why not play our fun and free game on the Game Show Network app and website? Best of luck — and keep watching Common Knowledge!
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