Show of the Week: Cash Mob

Cash Mob’s unique selling points are exactly the opposite of what most game shows try to achieve. “It’s not about big money, there’s isn’t much tension, and instead of people being primed and prepared to be on TV, they’re just completely surprised,” says distributor All3Media International’s senior VP, format production Nick Smith. “The whole thing is meant to be ironic.”

The format sees a host ambush contestants at their workplace after getting permission from the boss, who has nominated three of their staff to play. The contestants then square off to win ‘tens of dollars, strange consolation prizes and endless bragging rights’ .

“It’s not high tech and that’s the idea; it’s very tongue in cheek and very, very funny,” says Smith, who predicts it will appeal to buyers of different profiles thanks to its versatility. Corus Entertainment has played it on a number of channels in a number of slots.

Smith found the Canadian format through Corus, which launched the show on specialty channel CMT. This marks the first time All3 has acquired a format from the Toronto-based media group, which operates a number of local channels, including HBO, OWN and Cartoon Network.

All3 has found huge success with formats in a simlar space such as Cash Cab and Cash at Your Door. The former, in particular, is a vitally-important cash generator for the Discovery Communications- and Liberty Global-owned company.

“So many people are focusing on the next big primetime smash that smaller shows can be forgotten, but they can make huge financial differences to both distributors and channels because they can play in various slots,” says Smith. “It’s not often you come across shows like it.”

The show: Cash Mob
The producers: Dockside Productions, Corus Entertainment
The distributor: All3Media International
The broadcaster: CMT (Canada)
The concept: A tongue-in-cheek game show that surprises its contestants as they work