I watched the new poker gameshow “Face the
Ace” on Saturday and was a bit disappointed.
Sure, I liked it, but I would like any new poker show, really.
But watching this new show I realized there were some fundamental problems with it.
The ratings confirmed it, as the show finished last in its time slot.
From a poker player’s perspective, the show needs some fundamental changes if it’s going to make it.
The Contestants
They’re not necessarily charismatic, interesting, or even sympathetic. Jonathan Nygaard, the first contestant was a mumbling, boring, non-compelling guy. I am sure he’s a nice dude, but nice dudes don’t necessarily make for great television. As long as they choose contestants through online qualifiers, this is what you will get. It will be hit and miss.
So have contestant searches and choose more on personality than on winning a ridiculous online qualifier. Try to get some guys (or gals) in there that we can root for, or contestants we’re going to enjoy rooting against. The bottom line is, if we don’t care about the people playing, the public won’t tune in.
The Host is Horrible
Get rid of Steve Schirripa. He is like a fish out of water as the host. You need a host who can make this interesting, he fails.
The “Aces” Don’t Care
Why should they? Yes, $10,000 to charity is very nice, but does Phil Ivey care about winning the match? No.
This is one problem the show might not be able to solve. How do you make this freeroll match mean something for the pro that is playing for nothing? Side bets between the pros might make it a little more dramatic. The lack of interest the pros have might have shown itself when the pros were 0-3 against the qualifiers in the opening show.
Who are the “Aces”
I know who they are. You know who they are. I would imagine, however, that the real target audience for this show is the casual fan. When the Ace is picked, give us a nice video montage-style biography of the guy to really pump him up so there is some drama. Make this about the personalities because it’s certainly not about the great poker.
Why go for it?
I think the contestant on show one who goes for the million might be the last one ever. I mean, $200K to the average guy is a buttload of cash. So, why will anyone else go for it? If they lost it all, then there is no incentive since $200K will make them very happy.
What about guaranteed money after they win a match or two? After they win the $200K match, maybe lock in $50K as guaranteed winning.
How about adding some other elements to the show? Offer them insurance to buy out if they get it all in? Something, anything, to make this show interesting.
Conclusion
It could be worse. They could offer contestants the ability to get “coaching” in the middle of a hand or something equally as bad, but they didn’t. Now, make it interesting. Most are not tuning in for great poker, so focus on the people and make us care. Unfortunately the show has potential, but does not deliver. Without some quick fixes, I just don’t think it can make it.
