Burgo's Catch Phrase
| Company type | Television game show |
|---|---|
| Industry | Television entertainment |
| Predecessor | Catch Phrase (original title) |
| Founded | 1997 |
| Defunct | 2003-11-26 |
| Headquarters | Australia |
| Products | Game show |
Burgo's Catch Phrase was an Australian game show broadcast from 1997 until 2003, produced initially by Southern Star Group and later by Endemol Southern Star for the Nine Network. The program was adapted from its British and American counterparts and originally bore the title Catch Phrase until 1999, when it was renamed Burgo's Catch Phrase in tribute to its host, John Burgess. After a hiatus in 2001 and a format overhaul, the show was discontinued on 26 November 2003.
Contestants competed by interpreting well-known phrases illustrated through animations featuring the show's mascot, "Jimmy." The competition initially involved two players per episode, which increased to three contestants following the 2002 relaunch.
The Main Game
Each round began with a contestant halting a money value randomiser that determined the worth of standard catch phrases. Subsequently, the computer generated an on-screen drawing of a phrase, and once completed, participants buzzed in to provide their answers.
In round one, standard catch phrases held values ranging from $20 to $75; in round two, from $40 to $100; and in round three, between $75 and $150.
A correct response granted the contestant the amount displayed plus an opportunity to solve the Bonus Catch Phrase, concealed behind nine squares bearing the show's emblem. Players stopped another randomiser to select a square and attempted to identify the phrase. Successful guesses earned bonus cash prizes ($100 in round one, $200 in round two, and $300 in round three) along with a small prize hidden behind a mystery square.
During the 2002 revival, correctly solving the second-round Bonus Catch Phrase within five revealed squares unlocked an extra $200 round. Additionally, a mystery Cash Prize began at $200 and increased by $200 each day it remained unclaimed.
After completing three rounds, the contestant with the highest total advanced to compete in the Super Catch Phrase.
Super Catch Phrase
The final challenge presented a 5x5 grid consisting of 25 lettered squares (A–Y), each concealing a catchphrase. The objective for the winner was to claim five consecutive squares either horizontally, vertically, or diagonally within a 60-second time limit. Prizes were awarded for success, with enhanced rewards if the central "M" square was part of the completed line. Achieving two lines—one including "M" and another excluding it—allowed contestants to win both prizes.
From their fifth consecutive victory onward, champions had the chance to win a car by completing a line passing through "M." For three seasons, this "M" square displayed sponsor logos: initially Volkswagen Group's VW emblem, followed by Hyundai Motor Group's stylized "H." To play that particular square, contestants were required to correctly name the sponsor ("VW" or "Hyundai").
Winning the vehicle resulted in immediate retirement of the champion along with their total winnings; otherwise, they continued competing until defeated.