Video: ‘Trivial Pursuit: America Plays’

By Chris Pursell

One of the biggest franchises in the world of board games hits the small screen on Sept. 22 with the launch of “Trivial Pursuit: America Plays” from distributor Debmar-Mercury.

The series, based on the best-selling board game, will involve viewers at home. Audiences will get to contribute questions to be asked in each show, and many of them also will be given the opportunity to be a part of “America’s Team,” competing for prize money with the contestants in the studio.

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Last month, producers tapped former “Brady Bunch” favorite Christopher Knight to host the series, which has been cleared on key Fox-owned stations nationally.

“I've always been a Trivial Pursuit fan and I can really see TV audiences becoming obsessed with this addictive format,” said Mr. Knight. “Once you start it’s hard to stop and I think viewers’ fascination with pop culture will keep them coming back for more. Or they can tune in and be bathed in my boyish enthusiasm.”

The series is receiving large marketing support from “Trivial Pursuit’s” parent company, Hasbro, which has timed the show’s Sept. 22 debut to coincide with the 25th anniversary of the game.

"We are thrilled to have Chris Knight host `Trivial Pursuit: America Plays,’” said Lisa Licht, Hasbro’s general manager, entertainment and licensing. “We entrust him with leading the re-invention of Hasbro’s most popular trivia game and introducing it in a brand new interactive format. His name is completely synonymous with the world of pop culture and we believe that he is a perfect fit for our brand.”

Debmar-Mercury co-presidents Mort Marcus and Ira Bernstein tapped the services of Wheeler-Sussman Productions to executive produce the series.

“'Trivial Pursuit' represents an incredible opportunity to leverage a brand that is extremely popular with multiple generations and combine it with interactive elements to bring a new and exciting concept to the game show genre,” Mr. Marcus said.

Click here to learn more about the full slate of syndicated shows for this fall.