PopMaster is set for an extended hiatus as Channel 4 has given the green light for the production of an additional series of the popular music quiz show. The renowned indie production company, 12 Yard Productions, a subsidiary of ITV Studios, will be tasked with creating the second series exclusively for the digital channel More4.
The forthcoming 16-episode series, spanning 60 minutes each, will be hosted by the legendary radio DJ Ken Bruce. This iteration promises to introduce two celebrity specials along with an increased dose of music, additional questions, and more opportunities for aspiring pop enthusiasts to showcase their music trivia prowess. Similar to the initial series, the production will take place in Glasgow.
PopMaster TV involves five contestants competing head-to-head to assess the depth of their music knowledge across six knockout rounds. These rounds encompass challenges such as ‘Intros, Middles and Ends,’ ‘Video Gaga,’ ‘Pop Years,’ and ‘It’s Only Words.’ Two contestants will advance to the ‘Original PopMaster’ round, with the ultimate winner facing a ‘3 in 10’ challenge to claim the coveted PopMaster TV gold disc.
Adapted from the iconic radio quiz with a 25-year history, the first six-episode series of PopMaster TV propelled More4 to the top spot among digital channels on weekdays at 8 pm. It garnered an impressive audience average of 760k, marking a notable increase of +565% compared to the slot average and +471% in audience share.
Ken Bruce comments: “After playing PopMaster on the radio for 25 years, it was a joy to work with Channel 4 and 12 Yard to finally bring it to TV screens earlier this year. PopMaster TV was brilliant fun and I’m thrilled we get to do it again but with more than double the episodes to put even more music lovers, and some celebs, to the ultimate pop trivia test.”
Jo Street, Channel 4’s head of Daytime and Features, said: “As we hoped they would, our More4 audience really embraced and loved PopMaster TV and I am chuffed to bits that it’s coming back for a longer run. It’s a dream working with the supremely talented Ken Bruce, Phil Swern and the team at 12 Yard to bring this fantastic format from radio to television and I can’t wait to be embarrassingly competitive with the next set of brilliant contestants as we all attempt to become a PopMaster TV champion.”
Michael Mannes, Managing Director at 12 Yard Productions, said: “We are delighted PopMaster TV has been recommissioned for a second series. It is great to be able to build on the success of series one, which launched to fantastic figures on More4, and now gives us the opportunity to take the audience on an even longer musical journey. Ken took to the TV version effortlessly, proving what a talented broadcaster he is and we are very much looking forward to getting back into the studio with him to find our next PopMaster TV champion!”
PopMaster TV, a 16-episode, 60-minute series for More4, has been commissioned by Jo Street, Head of Daytime and Features at Channel 4. The production will be handled by 12 Yard Productions in Glasgow, with Zoë Tait, Ken Bruce, and Phil Swern serving as Executive Producers. ITV Studios will manage the international distribution of PopMaster TV.
