‘Shark Tank,” which became an unexpected hit for ABC, proved one thing: in tough economic times, game shows fare much better if the prize helps insure the future of a business — rather than, say, a trip to Bermuda.
Enter CNBC’s first game show, “Crowd Rules,” a kind of “Shark Tank” lite — hosted by NY1’s Pat Kiernan — which offers smaller bucks and no personal monetary stake by the judges. But it’s more relatable to regular Joes like you and me.
As the title suggests, in “Crowd Rules” the winner is determined by the crowd in the studio audience, with hosts and judges only getting one vote apiece — just like everybody else. On each show, three small businesses — which are connected by category or need — vie for $50,000 to help their businesses grow.
On tomorrow night’s premiere, the theme is “Speciality Foods.” To that end, there is Picklelicious of Teaneck, NJ, a small mom shop owned by a woman whose daughters have gotten into quite the pickle themselves.
They all want to grow the business but aren’t sure of how to do it.
Mr. Green Tea out of Keyport, NJ, is a third-generation business of ice creamers who specialize in exotic flavors. Started by the grandfather, Mr. Green Tea was taken over by the son — a financial guy — when the older man passed on.
Now his wife and son, a business school grad, have become involved as well.
Finally there’s Heartbreaking Dawns, the unlikely name for a home hot sauce business located in Wycoff, NJ.
On each episode, the entrepreneurs get to make their pitches to the judges — Kiernan and jewelry designer, Kendra Scott — during several rounds. Why do they want the dough, what do they plan to do to grow their businesses with the money if they win, and why do they believe their plans are even feasible?
Into the mix each week is thrown a successful entrepreneur, who visits each business and gives each an honest assessment of what they are doing right, what they are doing wrong and, most importantly, will the $50,000 be enough to accomplish their goals?
On each round, the hosts and guest judge, as well as the audience, cast their votes, with one company being eliminated within the first half of the show.
Kiernan and Scott are very good together (and I’m not saying that because I know Kiernan), and the show moves along quickly.
In upcoming episodes, themes will include, “Debt,” “Innovative Products,” “Multi-generational Family Businesses” and “Products with a Twist.
If you’re an entrepreneur or just a dreamer, “Crowd Rules” may be just what you’ve been dreaming of.
It’s definitely worth a peek.