The Phone (Australian TV series)

The Phone is an Australian reality TV series, derived from its Dutch counterpart bearing the same title.

Format

Participants are selected spontaneously from public locations and must answer one of two ringing phones positioned at different sites. The 'Cluemaster', portrayed by Justin Melvey, offers them an opportunity to compete for a prize of $25,000. Once they accept, the competition starts immediately with a sequence of tasks designed to bring the contestants together as a team.

As a duo, they undertake multiple challenges aimed at acquiring four memory cards, which later reveal images that direct them to their ultimate destination. Directions are provided through phone calls or SMS. Teams have the option to exchange portions of the prize money, ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, from the briefcase for extra memory cards or additional help.

Upon arrival at the final site, the partnership ends and contestants face off individually; the first participant to correctly answer three multiple-choice questions secures the cash reward. The Cluemaster may encourage the winner to split the prize evenly with their former partner.

Broadcast

The Phone made its debut on the subscription channel FOX8 on 19 January 2009. Its premiere drew an audience of 108,000 viewers, placing it tenth among subscription television programs for that week and eighth among non-sports broadcasts. A subsequent airing on FOX8+2 attracted 43,000 viewers.

Similarities to other programs

Due to its format involving tasks and team collaboration, The Phone has been likened to The Bourne Identity, 24, The Mole, and The Amazing Race.

External links

• Official site