by Daniel Hirsh

Created on: February 28, 2007   Last Updated: May 09, 2007

FOX's million dollar answer to popular shows like Deal or No Deal, 1 vs. 100, and Identity has taken a new and surprisingly pleasing form in 'Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?' hosted by charismatic Atlantan Jeff Foxworthy.

Without going into the deep specifics of the show, the show's title is a little deceiving. There is really no prize for outsmarting 12-year olds. However, there is a prize for coming up with a bunch of free-response (seemingly easy) questions, arguably harder than the show's predecessors (all spawned from smash hit Millionaire which brought multiple choice to an entirely different level). Rather than working in opposition, contestants work together with the 5th grade counterpart of their choice, who so far, have not guessed a single answer wrong.

Now, I had no idea what REM in 'REM Sleep' stood for until taking AP Psychology in the 12th grade. I probably would have guessed the 'Nina, Pinta, and Santa Maria' instead of the Mayflower, and would probably have to be thinking long and hard about exactly how many sides make up a trapezoid.

Host Foxworthy plays off the 'toughness' of the questions with a moderate tease, an approach which I can't help thinking may wear out its welcome by...oh, about the second episode. Host Regis Philbin on Millionaire used to lightly tease contestants about their inability to answer the first five questions (up to the thousand dollar level) on his own show. Naturally these contestants blazed through the upper-level questions, having used most of their lifelines on the lower-level questions...and that's what got 'em.

'Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader' seeks to capitalize on this phenomenon. It is a show comprised of facts and figures repeated like mantra in the lower grades, but virtually forgotten about in adult life. It was interesting for me, a recent college grad, to see where I stood against these questions. I was maybe 50/50 when answering, feeling myself reaching back and sorting through piles of information overshadowed with the insights and personal growth college seems to have fitted me with. I would also imagine that there is an age requirement attached to the current contestant pool (I'm guessing 30+), however I wouldn't be surprised if the envelope is pushed in future shows to include college or high school editions (Foxworthy could have endless fun asking 'HOW many years ago did you have this?')

It will be interesting to see where this show goes over the course of a season. The show is worth watching at least once to see how the stage is set, and the clever terminology they use in the 'Cheats.' A great concept-follow this one!

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