One of the UK’s most popular TV shows Deal or No Deal is set to return after seven years off-air. The show’s blend of strategy, psychology, and chance has made it a worldwide phenomenon, but will the new reboot replicate its success?
Why is Deal or No Deal so popular?
Deal or No Deal has captivated viewers for two decades due to how watchable the game itself is. It’s surprisingly simple but can be highly compelling. In the game, a contestant selects one of 21 sealed boxes, each containing a hidden cash amount ranging from a single penny to hundreds of thousands of pounds. The player opens many boxes throughout the game until a mysterious “Banker” telephones the host with an offer to buy the contestant’s box. The player must choose whether to accept this offer or decline it in the hope that it contains a larger amount of money.
The game is so popular that many people even love to play it themselves. Many online casino sites offer versions of the game alongside more traditional slot games — for example, you can play Deal or No Deal-themed real money Bingo at Paddy Power if you want to experience a taste of the real game.
The history of the show
Deal or No Deal first aired in the UK in October 2005, on Channel 4. However, the game dates back further than that — the first version being The Netherlands’ Miljoenenjacht, which debuted in 2000. Over 80 countries in total have produced their own version of the game since then!
The UK version of the show’s original run lasted for 11 years until it was axed in 2016. It was hosted by Noel Edmonds, one of the UK’s most popular presenters.
Will the new episodes be different from the original run?
Perhaps the biggest change for long-time Deal or No Deal viewers will be the change of host. In the upcoming reboot, Noel Edmonds has been replaced by another familiar fixture of British TV — Stephen Mulhern. Mulhern even revealed to the Mirror that he had been practising the game at home “with cereal boxes”.
Mulhern has long been a household name in the UK, with regular appearances on prime-time shows like Britain’s Got More Talent and Saturday Night Takeaway. With a background in magic and comedy as well as presenting, Mulhern seems like a solid choice for the role of Deal or No Deal host.
The show is also set to return on ITV, rather than its original home on Channel 4.
Aside from these changes, the game’s mechanics are to stay almost exactly the same — after all, it would be a mistake to mess with the formula of such an internationally-loved show!
However, there is one more notable change. The total prize money that can be won by contestants in each game has been cut from £250,000 to £100,000. Some viewers have claimed that this reduction of the stakes may make the show less exciting, but time will tell.
How can you watch Deal or No Deal?
The exact date of the release of the new Deal or No Deal hasn’t been announced, and neither has its timeslot. However, we can expect that, like most popular gameshows, it will appear on prime time during the week. The show will be airing on ITV, and will most likely be able to watch on catchup on ITVX.
You can also watch episodes from the show’s original, Edmonds-helmed run on Apple TV (series 3 and 4) and Amazon Prime Video (series 4). Other countries’ versions of the show may also be available on other platforms, if you need something to tide you over until the reboot!
