Richard Osman, the acclaimed creator of Pointless and best-selling author, has been officially announced as the host of a groundbreaking new ITV game programme titled The Golden Elevators. Osman expressed profound enthusiasm for the format, stating he has "never seen a quiz show quite like it," underscoring the innovative nature of the forthcoming series. This announcement marks a high-profile return for Osman to a major primetime quiz show, following his departure from BBC’s Pointless in 2022 and House of Games earlier this year, signaling a strategic pivot in his distinguished career that now balances television with his hugely successful literary endeavors.
The Innovative Premise of The Golden Elevators
The Golden Elevators is set to redefine the high-stakes quiz show genre with its unique blend of general knowledge, psychological strategy, and dramatic tension. The programme’s central concept revolves around seemingly simple A or B answers to questions, yet the gameplay is designed to demand considerable skill and strategic thinking from its contestants. The show’s elaborate setting, envisioned as the opulent lobby of a towering skyscraper, immediately establishes an atmosphere of grandeur and ambition, setting the stage for the dramatic ascent of its participants.
Ten contestants will embark on a competitive journey, navigating the game, the mechanics of two imposing elevators, and the strategic machinations of their fellow players. Their ultimate goal is to reach the penthouse suite, where a substantial cash jackpot awaits. The ingenious core of the game lies in its decision-making process: for each question, two possible answers are presented, each corresponding to a distinct elevator. Before the doors irrevocably close, players are afforded a crucial window to engage in conferral, debate, persuasion, and even strategic misleading, adding a layer of social deduction rarely seen in traditional quiz formats. Those who correctly identify and step into the right lift ascend closer to the coveted penthouse, while those who choose incorrectly are dramatically plunged back to the lobby, signaling their immediate exit from the competition. The jackpot, a shared reward, will be distributed among all players who successfully navigate the challenges and make it to the penthouse.
Osman’s excitement about the format is palpable. "I’m absolutely thrilled to be hosting The Golden Elevators," he commented. "I signed up the moment they showed me the game. It’s so simple, but it takes such skill to win – I’ve never seen a quiz show quite like it. I really can’t wait for ITV viewers to see The Golden Elevators. Or, as I call it, The Golden Lifts." His personal endorsement highlights the show’s potential to captivate audiences with its accessible premise yet intricate strategic depth.
A Collaboration of Industry Powerhouses
The production of The Golden Elevators is a collaborative effort between two highly respected entities in the television production landscape: Studio Lambert and John de Mol’s Talpa Studios. Studio Lambert, renowned for its string of critically acclaimed and commercially successful programmes such as the BAFTA-winning The Traitors and the long-running observational series Gogglebox, brings a formidable reputation for innovative formats and high-quality production values. Their involvement suggests that The Golden Elevators will not only be visually striking but also possess a compelling narrative structure and psychological depth, akin to the strategic intricacies seen in The Traitors.
Talpa Studios, founded by the visionary Dutch media mogul John de Mol, is synonymous with global entertainment success. De Mol’s illustrious career includes the creation of iconic formats like Big Brother and The Voice, which have revolutionized reality television and music competitions worldwide. The partnership with Talpa Studios underscores the ambition for The Golden Elevators to be not just a domestic success but also a format with significant international appeal and syndication potential. This collaboration signals a commitment to crafting a format that is both universally engaging and strategically sophisticated, leveraging de Mol’s expertise in creating enduring global franchises.
Katie Rawcliffe, Director of Entertainment, Reality and Daytime Commissioning at ITV, expressed the broadcaster’s anticipation for the new series. "We are excited to bring The Golden Elevators, hosted by the exceptional King of gameshows, Richard Osman, to ITV," she stated. Rawcliffe’s commendation of Osman as the "King of gameshows" reflects his widespread appeal and established credibility in the genre. She further emphasized the show’s attributes, describing it as "fast-paced, full of twists and turns, and with play-along perfect for primetime," highlighting its suitability for a broad, family-friendly audience eager for interactive entertainment.
Richard Osman: A Chronology of a Multifaceted Career
Richard Osman’s journey to becoming one of the most recognizable and beloved figures in British entertainment is a testament to his diverse talents, evolving from a behind-the-scenes creative force to a celebrated on-screen personality and now, a global literary sensation.
- Early Career and Production: Osman began his career in television production, working on a variety of shows across different broadcasters. His deep understanding of television formats and audience engagement was honed during this period.
- The Genesis of Pointless (2009): Osman co-created Pointless for BBC One, initially serving as the show’s resident expert and co-presenter alongside Alexander Armstrong. The show, which challenges contestants to find the most obscure correct answers to general knowledge questions, quickly became a cult hit and then a mainstream success, praised for its clever format and the genial chemistry between its hosts. Osman’s witty asides, intellectual prowess, and understated charm became integral to the show’s appeal, transforming him from a behind-the-scenes producer into a household name. Pointless ran for over a decade, cementing its place as one of the BBC’s most popular daytime and early evening programmes, often drawing millions of viewers.
- The Launch of Richard Osman’s House of Games (2017): Building on his popularity, Osman launched his own quiz show, Richard Osman’s House of Games, for BBC Two. This show, featuring celebrity contestants competing in a series of quirky and inventive games, further showcased Osman’s distinctive presenting style and his ability to create engaging, intelligent entertainment. It became a significant success for BBC Two, garnering critical acclaim and a dedicated following.
- The Thursday Murder Club Phenomenon (2020): Osman ventured into the literary world with his debut novel, The Thursday Murder Club. The book introduced a charming and witty cast of elderly amateur sleuths residing in a Kent retirement village, who band together to investigate cold cases and solve contemporary murders. The novel was an immediate and phenomenal success, becoming the fastest-selling debut crime novel of all time in the UK and a global bestseller. Its unique blend of cozy mystery, humor, and heartwarming characters resonated with millions of readers worldwide, selling over 10 million copies globally across the series.
- Literary Expansion and Critical Acclaim: The success of The Thursday Murder Club spawned a hugely popular series, with subsequent novels like The Man Who Died Twice, The Bullet That Missed, and The Last Devil to Die consistently topping bestseller lists. Osman’s literary achievements were recognized earlier this month when he was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to literature and broadcasting, receiving his honour from the Princess Royal at a ceremony at Windsor Castle. This prestigious award underscored his profound impact across multiple creative fields.
- Strategic Shift in Television Commitments (2022-2024): In April 2022, Osman announced his decision to step down as co-host of Pointless after 13 years, citing a desire to focus more intensively on his burgeoning writing career. He continued to host House of Games until March of the current year, when he announced his departure, with actor Michael Sheen confirmed as his successor. This period marked a deliberate strategic shift, allowing him to dedicate more time to writing the highly anticipated next installments of The Thursday Murder Club series and other creative projects.
- The Rest Is Entertainment Podcast (2023): Demonstrating his continued engagement with media, Osman co-launched "The Rest Is Entertainment" podcast with journalist Marina Hyde in 2023. The podcast quickly gained popularity for its insightful and humorous commentary on the entertainment industry, further diversifying his media presence and reinforcing his status as a key voice in popular culture.
- Film Adaptation Success (2023): Last year, the global reach of The Thursday Murder Club was further amplified with the release of a film adaptation on Netflix. The star-studded production featured acclaimed actors such as Pierce Brosnan and Dame Helen Mirren, bringing Osman’s beloved characters to a new, wider audience and cementing the franchise’s cultural footprint.
Implications for ITV and the Gameshow Landscape
Richard Osman’s return to a major primetime hosting role on ITV is a significant coup for the broadcaster. ITV has a rich history of successful game shows, from classic formats to modern hits, and securing a personality of Osman’s caliber is a clear statement of intent in the competitive primetime television landscape. His established fanbase, intellectual credibility, and genial on-screen persona make him an ideal fit for a show aiming for broad appeal.
The Golden Elevators appears to be designed to tap into contemporary audience appetites for entertainment that offers more than just straightforward quizzing. The inclusion of strategic elements, social dynamics, and a dramatic set suggests a move towards "event television" – shows that generate watercooler moments and encourage active participation from viewers at home. The "play-along perfect for primetime" aspect highlighted by Katie Rawcliffe underscores ITV’s confidence in the format’s ability to engage families and friends, fostering collective viewing experiences.
The collaboration with Studio Lambert and Talpa Studios also signals ITV’s ambition to invest in high-quality, globally marketable formats. With the proliferation of streaming services and fragmented viewing habits, broadcasters are increasingly looking for unique, appointment-to-view programming that can stand out. The Golden Elevators, with its intriguing premise and proven creative minds behind it, has the potential to become a significant new franchise for ITV.
For Osman himself, The Golden Elevators represents a carefully considered return to the forefront of television presenting. It allows him to engage with the medium he loves in a high-profile capacity without the exhaustive demands of a daily or weekly long-running series. This selective approach enables him to continue his highly successful literary career, which now forms a substantial part of his professional identity, while still leveraging his unique talents as a host. It positions him as a sought-after talent who can elevate any project he attaches his name to, balancing creative freedom with strategic career development.
The announcement of The Golden Elevators has already generated considerable anticipation among fans of Richard Osman and enthusiasts of innovative game show formats. As details of its broadcast schedule emerge, the industry will be closely watching to see how this blend of intellect, strategy, and high-stakes drama will resonate with the viewing public, further shaping the evolving landscape of primetime entertainment.
