It’s no secret that FOX has been struggling in the ratings lately. Rather than relying on all-new programming, now the network is pulling a show out of their archives.
They’re reviving the Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader? game show. It originally ran for three seasons on FOX (2007-09) and then had a two season run in syndication (2009-11).
Here’s the press release:
CLASS IS BACK IN SESSION WHEN “ARE YOU SMARTER THAN A 5TH GRADER?” RETURNS TO FOX
Acclaimed Comedian Jeff Foxworthy Returns As Host
FOX is bringing back the popular and critically praised quiz show ARE YOU SMARTER THAN A 5th GRADER? for another season on FOX. Executive-produced by Mark Burnett, the show features comedian Jeff Foxworthy, who returns as host.
“ARE YOU SMARTER THAN A 5th GRADER? shares so much DNA with the FOX brand that it feels only natural to return it to the schedule – it’s smart, witty, irreverent and it turns the adult/child power dynamic upside-down,” said Simon Andreae, Executive Vice President, Alternative Programming, Fox Broadcasting Company. “All of the core components of the classic format will be there, but we are also adding new twists that make it fresher and more fun for viewers.”
“I have loved this competition from our first show and the timing couldn’t be better for 5th GRADER to return to FOX, as there is nothing like it on television,” added Burnett. “Kids today are smarter than ever and the adults who try to take them on will have an even harder task ahead of them.”
Unlike the typical game show that measures intelligence, ARE YOU SMARTER THAN A 5th GRADER? tests adults’ lack of knowledge – as revealed by how much they’ve forgotten since their grammar school days, proving that older doesn’t always mean wiser. Grown-ups will again find themselves in a classroom setting, revisiting their youth, as they tackle subjects they’ve already been taught, ranging from art to geography and math to social studies.
Test questions, which are derived from actual textbooks from 1st grade through 5th grade, could be similar to, and as simple as, the following:
In what state is the Grand Canyon located?
What are the names of the first three Presidents?
Is 17 a prime number or a composite number?Have you forgotten? Are you stuck? Well, in ARE YOU SMARTER THAN A 5th GRADER?, the players are not alone. There is a way for contestants to be permitted to “cheat” in this classroom. The adults will have the opportunity to get some help from real grade-schoolers, who will offer what they think is the correct a-n-s-w-e-r.
Premiering in 2007, ARE YOU SMARTER THAN A 5th GRADER? immediately resonated with viewers, winning its Thursday time period among Adults 18-49, Adults 18-34 and Teens. Following three seasons on FOX, the series enjoyed a successful syndication run.
ARE YOU SMARTER THAN A 5th GRADER? is produced by United Artists Media Group. Mark Burnett serves as executive producer. MGM will internationally distribute the show and format. “Like” the show on Facebook at facebook.com/AreYouSmarterThanAFifthGrader. Follow the show on Twitter @AreYouSmarter and join the discussion using #areyousmarter.
What do you think? Do you think this revival is a good idea? Will you tune in?
I would love this 5th grade whizz show with Jeff Foxworthy to come back to network tv by Comcast Cable in East Weymouth MA. As a senior citizen in my early 70’s, the show was great for our memory + learning things we forgot. It was a very entertaining show as well.
Definitely. It is also a great show for senior citizens to enhance their memory. I think it should be brought back to network tv by Comcast in E.Weymouth, MA.
I love this show it is wonderful please keep it on..2018
YES I WILL TUNE IN I’VE WATCHED IT FROM THE BEGINNING IN 2007. JEFF FOXWORTHY HAS BEEN ONE OF MY FAVORITE COMEDIANS AND HE IS A GREAT HOST. I WATCHED IT EVERY THURS WHEN IT WAS ON THE GAME SHOW NETWORK. I CAN’T WAIT FOR IT TO RETURN TO FOX.
If a show tanked in the past, why dig it out of the garbage heap and subject us to this stinking mass again.
Bring back X Factor!!!
Happy to see 5th Grader back after being on the shelf for the last several years. Bring back some great game shows like Sale of the Century, Match Game or even Scrabble where Chuck Woolery was the host back in the day.
FOX has bad taste in what they keep and drop. My mom and I loved SURVIVING JACK also. Mulaney…stupid. Put it in line up with New Girl and The Mindy Project! SURVIVING JACK was hysterically funny!!
My family LOVED Surviving Jack too. Listen to the people FOX! Please bring that show back.
Yes, bring back Surviving Jack!! It was an excellent show. FOX always takes away the good ones!
FOX needs to REVIVE OR RENEW Surviving Jack!! Such a great, funny show!
I love the idea, but, I wish they would also bring back ‘Greed’ and ‘Hole in the Wall’ as well in the future!