FMNA Preps Pair of Game Shows for Universal Kids

For the first time, FremantleMedia North America (FMNA) has created two children’s game shows that are slated for broadcast on the recently rebranded Universal Kids channel.

The Noise challenges youngsters to be quiet while completing various tasks. The series, hosted by Faruq Tauheed (BattleBots), is based on a popular game-show format from FremantleMedia Asia’s partnership with Fuji TV in Japan. It will debut on Universal Kids on October 23 at 7 p.m. FMNA’s Jennifer Mullin and Joni Day are executive producers, with Michael Dietz serving as the showrunner.

There is also a children’s version of the game-show format Beat the Clock, which originally premiered in the 1950s. The younger-skewing reboot, which will begin airing on Universal Kids early next year, sees kid contestants team up with their adult relatives to compete in wacky timed challenges. It is being hosted by Paul Costabile (New York Live), with Mullin and Day executive producing alongside showrunner Noah Bonnett.

“There’s no form of entertainment that has more widespread appeal than game shows,” said Mullin, the CEO of FMNA. “Universal Kids provided us with the perfect platform to produce game shows that will appeal to children of all ages, as well as their parents. The gameplay in both of these shows is fun, interactive and will have families laughing for hours as they play along and attempt similar challenges at home.”

“We’re thrilled to introduce The Noise and Beat the Clock to kids and their families,” added Amy Friedman, the senior VP of programming and development at Universal Kids. “Game shows are a great way to bring families together in a fun, playful way, and we couldn’t be more excited to collaborate with the experts at FremantleMedia to bring these shows to life. Families will be on the edge of their seats as they join in on the interactive fun. We also think parents might appreciate The Noise, our attempt to make being quiet really, really fun!”