Gadget Show

 

 



The Gadget Show is a British television series which focuses on consumer technology. The show, which is broadcast on Channel 5 is currently presented by Craig Charles and Georgie Barrat with Jon Bentley and Ortis Deley

Originally a thirty-minute show, it was extended to forty-five minutes, then later to sixty minutes. Repeats have also aired on the digital channel 5*, syndicated broadcasts on Discovery Science and Dave (in edited down half-hour versions), and Channel 5’s Internet on-demand service Demand 5. In Australia, it is aired on The Lifestyle Channel.

Presenters

 

Current presenters


Craig Charles (2017–present)
Jon Bentley (2004–12, 2013–present)
Ortis Deley (2009–12, 2014–present)
Georgie Barrat (2017–present)


Former presenters

Jason Bradbury (2004 -2016
Dallas Campbell (2008) – 22 episodes

Amy Williams (2014–2016
Tom Dunmore (2004, 10) – 4 episodes
Suzi Perry (2004–12) – 208 episodes
Pollyanna Woodward (2010–2014) – 62 episodes
Rachel Riley (2013–14) – 31 episodes
Gail Porter (2009) – 7 episodes 

2004–2006: Beginnings

The show previews and reviews the latest gadgets, and broadcasts the latest technology news. The show is aimed at giving the mass consumer an insight into the gadget world and in addition, it aims to give enough information for the more ‘geeky’ or knowledgeable audience, but still making it accessible to the more casual viewer. The show has featured Blu-ray Discs, video cameras, MP3 players, Internet multi media tablets and other technologies. A segment showing viewers how to get the most out of their technology is also often included along with a competition to win anything from £5,000 to £31,000 worth of new gadgets. Each series usually contains a special episode focusing on a particular technology conference or expo.

2007–2010: Studio and time increase

Series 5 saw a slight tweak in the format, with the three presenters hosting from a studio base, although a lot of the show still takes place outside of the studio. The studio sections were filmed at The Custard Factory on Gibb Street in Digbeth, Birmingham, England. This was until a new set was introduced and the studio was then moved to inside The Gadget Show’s offices located inside North One Television in Digbeth. A recurring theme in the updated format is a regular challenge between Jason and Suzi (and occasionally Jon and / or Ortis), typically set around particular gadget(s) and their testing or use based around it. Another addition is that now the week’s main featured gadget(s), typically reviewed by Jon, is given a ‘G rating’ from one to five. The seventh series, which started on 29 October 2007, saw the programme promoted to a 20:00 start time (previously 19:15), and running increased from forty-five minutes to one hour.

From series 8, there is also a new ‘Top 5’ feature which consists of the Top 5 gadgets in a certain category. At the start of the eleventh series, a new item was introduced, called the ‘Wall of Fame’ where Ortis or Suzi and Jason pick their favourite gadget from a particular category that they think changed the face of modern gadgetry, and then Jon picks the one to win and go up on the wall. There are also several other recurring features (such as aforementioned ‘Top 5’, and ‘The Focus Group’ – testing products with various groups of people, who vote for their best one) which are featured in episodes on a semi-regular basis.

The show also offers a competition, (answering a multiple choice question, by phone, SMS or postal entry) that gives the winner on some occasions up to 200 prizes.

For 2010, the programme received a rebrand centred on the Museo typeface. This included refreshed titles and break bumpers. Also in 2010, the show saw the release of a supporting magazine called ‘The Gadget Show Magazine’. Despite advocating HD content and reviewing high definition television sets, cameras and other devices, the show continues to be produced and broadcast in standard definition. The Gadget Show is upscaled on the Channel 5 HD simulcast channel. No statement has been made as to when the show will begin broadcasting in native HD format, however, presenter Jason Bradbury has suggested on his Twitter account that after talks with his boss, it is ‘highly likely [The] Gadget Show will be in HD next year’.

In August 2011, it was announced a new series of The Gadget Show would be shown on Fridays. However, from 26 September 2011, the show reverted to Mondays, due to strong competition on Friday nights.

2012– July 2013: Series 17 – World Tour revamp

THE START OF GadgetShowPrizes

In February 2012, it was announced that the 17th series of the show would be in a new, revamped format. It was called The Gadget Show: World Tour, and it started airing on 23 April 2012. The new version of the show saw presenters Jason Bradbury and Pollyanna Woodward travelling the world to test the latest gadgets and partake in a number of challenges. The reception of the show from fans, after the first few broadcasts were generally negative, questioning Jon, Ortis and Suzi’s drop from the show.

October 2013: Series 18

The 18th series, under the name The All New Gadget Show, began airing on 5 November 2012. It followed the same format as the previous series known as The Gadget Show: World Tour. Two specials aired in Spring 2013, a ‘future’ special and a ‘Bank Holiday’ special.

February 2014: Series 19

For the 19th series, Jason Bradbury and Pollyanna Woodward were joined by Countdown co-presenter Rachel Riley and former Gadget Show presenter Jon Bentley who re-joined the show as chief gadget tester. It was announced that The Gadget Show would return to its more traditional format, with a new studio.

September 2014: Series 20

On 30 January 2014, it was announced that Ortis Deley would be returning to the show, replacing Pollyanna Woodward.

On 25 April 2014, it was announced that Amy Williams would replace Rachel Riley

In October 2014 The Show Celebrated its 10 Birthday

May 2015: Series 21

The Show then continued to  its 21st Series ( may 2015 ) with presenters Jason Bradbury , Jon Bentley , Ortis Deley and Amy Williams returning for her 2nd Series.

September 2015: Series 22

Then on  its 22nd Series ( september 2015 ) with presenters Jason Bradbury , Jon Bentley , Ortis Deley and Amy Williams returning for her 3rd Series.

February 2016: Series 23

Then on  its 23rd Series ( feburary 2016 ) with now long running  presenters Jason Bradbury , Jon Bentley , Ortis Deley and Amy Williams returning for her 4th Series.

October 2016: Series 24

Then onto Series 24 with no Studio based Items But ( october 2016 ) still with Pesenters Jason Bradbury ( Final Series ) , Jon Bentley , Ortis Deley and Amy Williams .( Final Series )

March 2017: Series 25

Then March 2017 . With a new look and New Presenter Line up . With Long Running Presenter Jason Bradbury Leaving The Show  to be replaced by Craig Charles

Also it was announced that  Amy Williams will be leaving the show to be replaced by Georgie Barrat.

October 2017: Series 26

The show now in it’s 26th series continues with the hosts from the previous series with all studio filming taking place to the south of Birmingham in the ‘Studio 212’ complex operated by the privately owned company drp.The New Winter Series  26 ( October 2017 )  still with Presenters Craig Charles, , Jon Bentley , Ortis Deley and Georgie Barrat. The Competition changed slightly where only a few of all the prizes are mentioned on the show and a link to the full list is given at the end.

The Best episodes are where the gang takes on a day out and they enter into a competition to be the best one of them to proved the number 1 gadget for that day out.

March 2018: Series 27

The show now in it’s 27th series continues with the presenters from the previous series and the 3rd season with the new format and presenters . With most of the format staying the same ,this  includes ( The G Team ) A part where they ask a member of the public which gadget chosen by each of the team is the best for there needs . And also featuring in the final part  where one or more of the team ventures out usually abroad to report on new gadgets and tech.

Still featuring a Gaming segment hosted by Jordan Erica Webber and Money saving Tips from Harry Wallop.

October 2018: Series 28

The Gadget Show Series 28 continues with the presenters from the previous series and the 4rd season with the new format and presenters . Still includes ( The News ) About up and coming Tech ( The G Team ) A part where they ask a member of the public which gadget chosen by each of the team is the best for there needs. a  NEW section called ( The All New Wall of Fame ) where a retro gadget is voted to appear on the wall . And also featuring in the final part, where one or more of the team ventures out usually abroad to report on new gadgets and tech.

Still featuring a Gaming segment hosted by Jordan Erica Webber and Money saving Tips from Harry Wallop.

March 2019: Series 29

The Gadget Show Summer Series 29 continues with the presenters from the previous series and the now well established 5rd season with the new format and presenters . Still includes ( The News ) About up and coming Tech ( The G Team ) A part where they ask a member of the public which gadget they like the best for there needs. In for another season is  a section called ( The All New Wall of Fame ) where a retro gadget is voted to appear on the wall .also (The Jon Test) Where Jon Bentley tests 2-3 gadgets like. 4K Tv’s,Cameras or Food Blenders for example and then chooses his best one.  And also featuring in the final part, where one or more of the team ventures out usually abroad to report on new gadgets and tech.Still featuring a Gaming segment hosted by Jordan Erica Webber and Money saving Tips from Harry Wallop.

October 2019: Series 30

The Gadget Show Winter Series 30 continues with the presenters from the previous series and the now well established 6rd season with the new format and presenters . Still includes most of the previous segments inc ( The News ) where they all take turns on the sofa to win the best new tech news ( The G Team ) A part where they ask a member of the public which gadget they like the best for there needs. Back Again is a section called ( The All New Wall of Fame ) where a retro gadget is voted to appear on the wall .also the popular (Unboxing) segment where usually Georgie un-boxes a cool gadget and tests it there and then on an unexpected Craig Charles. Also back is  (The Jon Test) Where Jon Bentley tests 2-3 gadgets like. Dash-Cams ,His Favorite, Cameras or Laptops for example and then chooses his best one. Always a Good favorite is the Christmas Special with loads of gift ideas.  And also featuring in the final part, where one or more of the team ventures out usually abroad to report on new gadgets and tech.Still featuring a Gaming segment hosted by Jordan Erica Webber and Money saving Tips from Harry Wallop.  A Versus Special and this year is also there 400th Episode. And Not forgetting The Competition and an added Free Entry Draw for the entire series 30.

March 2020: Series 31 (Online)

The Gadget Show Summer Series 31 continues with the presenters  from the previous series

Series 31 Has been Postponed due to the Coronavirus outbreak

With social distancing preventing the recording of the weekly show the team has jumped onto there YouTube Channel for weekly News reports and updates on the latest Tech

June 2020: Series 31

The Gadget Show Summer Series 31 ( In the Studio )

Series 31 Starts ( if a bit later than expected ) with social distancing and no sofa. It continues with the presenters from the previous series and the now well established 7th season with the new format and presenters . Still includes most of the previous segments inc ( The News ) where they all take turns (Not on the sofa) to win the best new tech news ( The G Team ) Usually the first item  where they ask a member of the public which gadget they like the best for there needs. A new segment Named THE TECH YEARS where we see retro gadgets and important inventions of there selected year .also the popular (Unboxing) segment where usually Georgie un-boxes a cool gadget and tests it there and then on an unexpected Craig Charles. Also back is (The Jon Test) Where Jon Bentley tests 2-3 gadgets like. Lawn Mowers, Smartphones, ,His Favorite Cameras or Laptops for example and then chooses his best one. Plus,A new segment called How Hard Can It Be where Craig Charles attempts to turn a house into a smart home using off-the-shelf DIY kits. And also featuring in the final part, where one or more of the team ventures out usually abroad to report on new gadgets and tech. Still featuring a Gaming segment hosted by Jordan Erica Webber and Money saving Tips from Harry Wallop. Another new segment called FUND OF FAIL where Craig usually offers up 3 different and unusal gadget inventions and the team have to guess if it was funded or not.

And not forgetting the Gadget Show Competition

September 2020: Series 32

The Gadget Show Autumn / Winter Series 32 ( In the Studio )

Series 32 Starts ( if only a few weeks away from series 31 end ) with social distancing and no sofa. It continues with the presenters from the previous series and the now well established 8th season with the new format and presenters . Still includes most of the previous segments inc ( The News ) where they all take turns (Not on the sofa) to win the best new tech news ( The G Team ) Usually the first item  where they ask a member of the public which gadget they like the best for there needs. A cool segment Named THE TECH YEARS where we see retro gadgets and important inventions of there selected year .also the popular (Unboxing) segment where usually Georgie un-boxes a cool gadget and tests it there and then on an unexpected Craig Charles. Also back is (The Jon Test) Where Jon Bentley tests 2-3 gadgets like. Lawn Mowers, Smartphones, ,His Favorite Cameras or Laptops for example and then chooses his best one. Also returning is How Hard Can It Be where Craig Charles attempts to turn a house into a smart home using off-the-shelf DIY kits. And also featuring in the final part, where one or more of the team ventures out usually abroad to report on new gadgets and tech. Still featuring a Gaming segment hosted by Jordan Erica Webber and Money saving Tips from Harry Wallop. Also returning is FUND OF FAIL where Craig usually offers up 3 different and unusual gadget inventions and the team have to guess if it was funded or not. With The Team still beiing social distant it lloks to be another cracking Series

And not forgetting the Gadget Show Competition

February 2021: Series 33

The Gadget Show Winter/ Spring Series 33 ( In the Studio )

Series 33 Starts ( into a new year 2021) with social distancing and no sofa. It continues with the presenters from the previous series and the now well established 9th season with the new format and presenters . Still includes some of the previous segments inc ( THE NEWS ) where they all take turns (Not on the sofa) to win the best new tech news ( TRY BEFORE YOU BUY replaces The G Team ) Usually the first item  where they ask a member of the public which gadget they like the best for there needs. Another New segment called ( THE TOP 5 ) Where they rundown on the top 5 gadgets in that category  .also the popular (UNBOXING) segment where usually Georgie un-boxes a cool gadget and tests it there and then on an unexpected Craig Charles. Also back is (THE JON TEST) Where Jon Bentley tests 2-3 gadgets like. PCs, Smartphones, ,His Favorite Cameras or Drones for example and then chooses his best one. Also returning is (HOW HARD CAN IT BE ) where Craig Charles attempts to turn a house into a smart home using off-the-shelf DIY kits. And also featuring in the final part, A New Segment called (THE CHALLENGE) Where 2 gadgets old and new care compared to one another . Still featuring a Gaming segment hosted by Jordan Erica Webber and Money saving Tips from Harry Wallop. Also returning is FUND OF FAIL where Craig usually offers up 3 different and unusual gadget inventions and the team have to guess if it was funded or not. With The Team still being social distant it looks to be another newer look Series I’ts not just a new series It’s a great series.

And not forgetting the Gadget Show Competition

September 2021: Series 3

The Gadget Show Autum/ Winter Series 34 ( In the Studio )

Series 34 Starts with a NEW DAY *WEDNESDAY* ( upto Christmas 2021) with social distancing still in the workplace. It continues with the presenters from the previous series and the now well established 10th season with the new format and presenters . Still includes some of the previous segments inc ( THE NEWS ) where they all take turns  to win the best new tech news ( TRY BEFORE YOU BUY replaces The G Team ) Usually the first item  where they ask a member of the public which gadget they like the best for there needs. Another New segment called ( THE TOP 5 ) Where they rundown on the top 5 gadgets in that category  .also the popular (UNBOXING) segment where usually Georgie un-boxes a cool gadget and tests it there and then on an unexpected Craig Charles. Also back is (THE JON TEST) Where Jon Bentley tests 2-3 gadgets like. PCs, Smartphones, ,His Favorite Cameras or Drones for example and then chooses his best one. Also returning is (HOW HARD CAN IT BE ) where Craig Charles attempts to turn a house into a smart home using off-the-shelf DIY kits. And also featuring in the final part, A return Segment called (THE CHALLENGE) Where 2 gadgets old and new care compared to one another . Still featuring a Gaming segment hosted by Jordan Erica Webber and Money saving Tips from Harry Wallop. Also returning is FUND OF FAIL where Craig usually offers up 3 different and unusual gadget inventions and the team have to guess if it was funded or not. With The Team still being social distant it looks to be another newer look Series

New Series, New Day , New Gadgets

And not forgetting the Gadget Show Competition

GADGET SHOW Theme Tune 2014