New game show wants to ‘bridge gap’ between young and old

A sneak peak at a special feature segment, recorded on November 6 for an episode to be aired next month

new audience-focused television show has launched in Macau, featuring interviews with Hong Kong and Macau celebrities, recurring games with audience participation and periodic features.

Starring host Felix Ferreira, and his Macanese co-hosts Palmira Pena and brothers Augusto and Joao Ramos, the “Felix Show” is 30-minute weekly game show that will explore an array of lifestyle topics including trends in Macau, fashion and a “paranormal” segment, as well as give away prizes to audience members.

Speaking to the Times this week, Ferreira said that there are a lot of cooking shows in Macau and a lot of young Chinese presenters covering culture, food and music, but what is missing is a variety entertainment show.

“For 33 years, Macau TV hasn’t had a variety show with a crossover of Macau and Hong Kong celebrities. The local people in Macau don’t have this kind of opportunity,” he said. “Now we are doing a game show with audience participation and filling that gap.”

Aiming to draw “female, mature audiences”, Ferreira explained that the show hopes to bridge the gap between older residents in Macau and the young, media-savvy generation.

“We are seeking female, mature audiences. Why do these people [this demographic] watch TV? I think because there is nothing for them to do in Macau and they are not familiar with using the internet [for entertainment].”

“There is a generation gap in Macau. The old people don’t watch the young people [entertainers]. This show attempts to bridge that gap.”

But the Felix Show is also attempting to do something a little bit different from similar programs in Hong Kong. Ferreira, who has worked on several such programs before in both Hong Kong and Macau, said he is putting the focus this time on audience participation.

“Hong Kong MCs never walk to the audience. They always play with the celebrities and the audience just watch. I am doing an American-style show with audience participation,” he said. “We want to invite people who are eager to win games. We give away expensive electrical appliances, motorbikes, abalone, [and cash prizes].”

Four seasons have been commissioned, with 13 episodes per show. The first season is currently being filmed and produced, while the second season will be made next year.

Episode 1 of the Felix Show aired on November 1. It is currently scheduled for 9:30 p.m. every Wednesday night on TDM Chinese (Channel Ou Mun).

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