BBC One has commissioned a new Saturday night quiz show titled Wisdom Of The Crowd, hosted by John Bishop. The format is based on a scientific theory by Francis Galton regarding the accuracy of average guesses from large groups compared to individual estimates. The series is scheduled to premiere on 19 September at 21:15 on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
The game mechanics involve individual contestants competing against a studio audience to win a total prize fund of £30,000. Contestants receive three opportunities to provide a guess that is more accurate than the average response of the crowd. A successful guess earns the contestant £10,000. If the contestant fails to beat the crowd after three attempts, they leave the game with no money.
When a contestant is defeated, the £10,000 prize is added to a collective crowd fund. This fund is shared equally among the studio audience members at the end of the episode. Contestants have the option to forfeit their £10,000 prize before being knocked out of the game to take a seat in the crowd and claim a share of the final fund.
The show uses quantitative questions regarding consumer spending, clothing ownership, and exercise habits. John Bishop hosts the production, which is designed for family viewing on Saturday nights. The format utilizes the statistical principle that a group average typically outperforms the best individual guess. The program will be broadcast simultaneously on linear television and the network's digital streaming platform.