The show features contestants battling to reach a penthouse jackpot through strategic A or B questions
Category: Arts & Culture
Richard Osman, the beloved host known for his role on *Pointless*, has been announced as the presenter of a new ITV game show titled *The Golden Elevators*. The show, described as "devilish," will feature ten contestants competing against each other in a high-stakes environment, aiming to reach the penthouse of a skyscraper for a chance to win a substantial cash prize.
Osman expressed his excitement about hosting the new program, stating, "I'm absolutely thrilled to be hosting *The Golden Elevators*. I signed up the moment they showed me the game. It's so simple, but it takes such skill to win — I've never seen a quiz show quite like it. I really can't wait for ITV viewers to see *The Golden Elevators*. Or, as I call it, *The Golden Lifts*." His enthusiasm reflects the innovative nature of the show, which combines basic quiz mechanics with strategic gameplay.
In *The Golden Elevators*, contestants face straightforward A or B questions, each represented by an elevator. Players must confer, debate, persuade, and even mislead each other before making their choice. Those who step into the correct lift ascend closer to the penthouse, whereas those who choose incorrectly are sent back to the lobby and eliminated from the game. The format encourages both collaboration and deception, as all players who reach the penthouse will share the jackpot.
The show is produced by Studio Lambert, known for its work on *The Traitors* and *Gogglebox*, in collaboration with John de Mol's Talpa Studios. Tim Harcourt, Chief Creative Officer at Studio Lambert, emphasized the unique blend of gameplay, saying, "This simple game of questions and answers is fused with some of the most devilish gameplay ever. The combination of the team at ITV, Jasper [Hoogendoorn], and John DeMol's Talpa Studios, as well as national treasure Richard Osman, makes this feel like an all-star galactico TV lineup. We can’t wait to share it with audiences."
Osman's return to the game show format comes after his departure from BBC's *House of Games* in March 2026, where he had been a co-host for nine years. He was succeeded by actor Michael Sheen. Osman, who is also an author known for his *Thursday Murder Club* series, was honored with an OBE for services to literature and broadcasting earlier this month, recognizing his contributions both on-screen and in print.
Katie Rawcliffe, ITV's Director of Entertainment, Reality, and Daytime Commissioning, praised Osman as "the exceptional King of gameshows," highlighting the show's potential appeal. She noted, "*The Golden Elevators* is fast-paced, full of twists and turns, and with play-along perfect for primetime." This endorsement from ITV suggests a strong belief in the show's ability to engage audiences during prime viewing hours.
As the show gears up for its premiere, there is anticipation about its potential to become a global format. Jasper Hoogendoorn, Chief Creative Officer at Talpa Studios, revealed that discussions are already underway with multiple territories interested in adapting the format. He stated, "The ambitions for this new format have been sky-high from the start. We are already in advanced discussions with multiple territories, and the strong international traction proves we’re building something truly special. Together with our fantastic partners at Studio Lambert, we’re incredibly grateful for ITV’s trust in becoming the first territory outside the Netherlands to join us on this exciting venture." This highlights the show's potential to resonate beyond the UK, tapping into a broader international audience.
*The Golden Elevators* is set to air on ITV1, ITVX, STV, and STV Player, marking a new chapter for Osman as he steps back into the spotlight of game show hosting. The combination of simple yet strategic gameplay, coupled with Osman's charismatic presence, is expected to draw viewers in.
With its unique format and the opportunity for contestants to employ both teamwork and deception, the show will likely be a fresh addition to the game show genre. As Osman puts it, the game is not just about answering questions correctly but also about how contestants navigate the social dynamics of the game. He remarked, "It's so simple, but it takes such skill to win," underscoring the layered complexity of the show.
As audiences await the premiere, the buzz surrounding *The Golden Elevators* continues to build. Osman’s transition from BBC’s *House of Games* to this new venture has sparked interest, and many are eager to see how this innovative format will play out on screen. The show is anticipated to bring a mix of entertainment, strategy, and suspense, making it a must-watch for fans of quiz shows.