Mike Read's Pop Quiz returns in COVID style

5th June 2020 – Lightning International brings Mike Read's Pop Quiz – one of the best-known panel game shows – to life under the lockdown and in COVID style. The Lockdown Edition of the show streamed live on YouTube, Facebook and Twitch, and the audio version aired on United DJs Radio.

Hosted by legendary presenter Mike Read, who was joined by two teams of big name stars from the 80’s and 90’s, including chart-topping icons Paul Young, Leee John (Imagination), Kimberley Rew (Katrina & the Waves), Dave Fenton (The Vapors), Steve Norman (Spandau Ballet) and Cheryl Baker (Bucks Fizz).

Originally broadcast on BBC 1 through the 80s, and subsequently revived in the 1990’s, 2000’s and in 2017, Pop Quiz was regularly broadcast on Saturday evening, with audiences of up to 10 million each week. It became a weekend tradition for generations of pop fans.

The Pop Quiz format is made up of two teams of three celebrities, with one acting as team captain, competing with each other on questions related to pop. Now, for the first time, the Pop Quiz format is available for licensing to TV channels and platforms around the world. The format can be localised to different markets, and tailored to specific music genres, from the 50’s to 90’s and beyond.

Mike Read, commented: “We are so pleased to be able to bring together a star-studded panel of celebrities for this special Lockdown Edition of Pop Quiz, which has been so requested by many of the show’s fans. The programme had an audience of 10 million a week for years and now we are looking to find a permanent new home, and also take it around the world to new broadcasters and platforms.”

James Ross, Lightning International CEO, says "Great pop music never dies. And the format of Pop Quiz is legendary. Now the show is celebrating its 40th anniversary, but it is still close to the hearts of millions of viewers. The Lockdown Edition reveals part of the beauty of this format – its flexibility and interactivity that allows this music and entertainment format to charm its audience despite their physical lockdown."

Watch the promo of Pop Quiz Lockdown Edition here: https://vimeo.com/lightninginternational/review/423962868/3965170a50

 About Pop Quiz

Pop Quiz is an interactive game show that attracted ten million viewers every Saturday, and is presented by the original host, Mike Read. The teams are made up of three pop stars with one acting as team captain. The show has both team and individual rounds. The individual rounds see each player given a song, then asked a question about it. They are then asked to identify three different artists who sang the same song, or asked to name a song with a specific lyric. Team rounds include naming number one hits by a group, or a compilation of songs of a particular theme, where teams guess the artists.

About Mike Read

Mike Read has won ten National Broadcaster Awards and been awarded the Gold Badge of Merit by the Music Association for his contribution to Britain’s music industry. A household name in the UK for over 40 years having fronted Top of the Pops, Pop Quiz & Saturday Superstore, and three national radio breakfast shows, including Radio One and Classic FM. A best-selling author, he has had thirty-six books published. Mike has written eight stage musicals, and songs for over forty major artists. He is Chairman of the British Plaque Trust, Chairman of the Lords and Commons Entertainment Committee, and was created a Knight of Malta in 2011.

About Lightning International

Lightning International is a content solutions company based in the UK and Hong Kong. The company distributes a range of TV channels such as the TRACE channels, LFCTV, Fix & Foxi, Pet Club TV, Pulse TV and more. Additionally, the company licenses a full catalogue of programming, both as finished shows and formats. Lightning was established to offer independent producers and content owners a single global platform from which to launch their programming and formats. https://www.lightninginternational.net

Amanda Yang, General Manager, Lightning International

Tel: (852) 2815 1534

Email: [email protected]