Tormenting contestants? Ellen DeGeneres is game

By Lynn Elber

AP Television Writer

LOS ANGELES

Ellen DeGeneres, known for keeping her comedy on the nice side, lets her inner meanie out for “Ellen’s Game of Games.”

NBC’s new prime-time game show, which begins its regular run at 8 p.m. Tuesday after a December sneak peek, subjects its contestants to measured torments that delight host and executive producer DeGeneres.

“It’s hilarious to see the panic and fear on their faces if they get the answer wrong,” she said, knowing the possible consequences include being drenched with something gooey or launched airborne or dropped through the stage floor.

“But no one can get hurt. It’s only public humiliation,” she said, drolly. “It builds character, and to win $100,000 it’s what we must go through.”

That’s the top prize for those who conquer a variety of games, including some played on DeGeneres’ syndicated daytime talk show – “but on steroids, bigger, higher and more dangerous,” she said – and newly devised ones.

Challenges on the hour-long show include Blindfolded Musical Chairs, Dizzy Dash and Scary Go Round. The host’s quick patter fills in the gaps, with an assist from “Ellen” DJ and sidekick Stephen “tWitch” Boss.

“Game of Games” is part of a resurgence of popularity for game shows. “When you have times that are difficult or stressful in the world .... we need a place to look at something that’s mindless but entertaining,” said DeGeneres.