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Positioned as ITV’s intellectual counterpart to The Traitors, The Genius Game, starring actor David Tennant, delivered intense mental duels and captivating plotlines.

In this show inspired by a popular Korean concept, twelve individuals with exceptional intellect take part in brainteasers and mental challenges to dodge daily eliminations.

Think Big Brother meets Squid Game, but with poker faces and maths problems.

Despite having a substantial budget of approximately £2.5 million, this venture unfortunately turned out to be a significant failure for ITV, earning its place among their most dismal rating performances in recent times.

Initially, the prime-time reality series kicked off with 1.2 million viewers, however, by the second episode, the viewership had fallen to 846,000.

Then, the ratings dropped significantly to an modest 739,000 viewers, causing ITV to gradually reduce the show’s broadcasting days from twice a week to just one.

In spite of its impressive visuals, thoughtful gameplay strategy, and popular star, David Tennant, The Genius Game did not resonate with its audience.

Audience members struggled to engage with its clinical ambiance, elusive structure, and absence of compelling narrative, suggesting that they were left puzzled and uninterested in the events unfolding on screen. What transpired backstage, though, is a different story.

25-year-old PhD student and avid gamer Charlotte Yeung, one of the show’s participants, exclusively talked to The Mail about the behind-the-scenes happenings, revealing details such as the use of white noise for isolation, late-night dining, and an enigmatic absence of the host.

1. David Tennant? More like Doctor Who

Instead of saying “He’s billed as ‘the creator’, appears godlike on screen and delivers booming instructions from a big TV – but unlike The Traitor’s host Claudia Winkleman, the Doctor Who actor never got close to the cast,” you could rephrase it as: “On screen, he plays a divine figure who issues commands through a large television, much like the creator in appearance, yet unlike Claudia Winkleman from ‘The Traitors’, he didn’t interact directly with the Doctor Who cast.

Charlotte remarked, “We didn’t get a chance to physically meet him. However, he recorded his segments ahead of our shows. The man you see on the screen explaining the games is essentially the host.

2. White noise and locked-in silence

As a die-hard fanatic, I can tell you that contestants weren’t merely forbidden to chat off-screen; instead, they were required to remain silent, engulfed by noise-canceling headphones that filled their ears with the soothing drone of white noise.

Charlotte confessed that when the cameras weren’t rolling, we were required to pause or halt our activities, which she referred to as being “put on hold.” This period was extremely energy-consuming… many of us experienced headaches. We were not permitted any informal conversations off-camera; everything needed to be recorded.

3. Dinner? Only if they remembered

Charlotte remembered the meals not being particularly fancy or high-end. Instead, they often received takeout-like dishes as their options, typically featuring a vegetarian choice and a meat alternative, along with a sweet treat for dessert.

Meals were typically provided during the gap between the primary game and the final round, though their exact timing could be inconsistent. The food offered was generally simple and on some occasions, it didn’t receive the attention it deserved.

On my off-day, I enthusiastically ordered some grub, but alas, the excitement of the moment led me to overlook it. Come ten in the evening, a pang of hunger reminded me, much to my dismay, that they too seemed to have forgotten about my meal.

Though the timely arrival of deliveries was occasionally problematic, participants were well taken care of in various aspects. For instance, each had personal dressing rooms and refrigerators filled with snacks and beverages they had chosen prior to their arrival.

4. The ‘Watchers’ were always watching

Every evening, after an intense day of mind games on a studio set nestled in Maidstone, Kent, I found myself whisked away to the tranquil embrace of the Marriott Tudor Park Country Club. Yet, even within these welcoming walls, the iron-clad rules of isolation ensured no covert chats or clandestine alliances could transpire under the cover of darkness.

According to Charlotte, the contestants were divided into two separate areas, each ending with an observer who ensured no one disturbed others by knocking on different doors or engaging in discussions. These unobtrusive sentinels were always on duty around the clock, their purpose being to maintain distance between the players.

On our days off, someone was always present throughout the day, Charlotte clarified. They were ready to assist if required, but primarily their role was to ensure no one disturbed us by knocking on the doors or speaking aloud.

One evening, Charlotte knocked on her door seeking assistance. They proved incredibly helpful, even managing to fetch a member of the hotel staff for her. The experience subtly reinforced the idea that someone was always available to lend a hand.

5. Gruelling days on set

According to Charlotte, our typical workdays on set lasted about 12 hours. She usually arrived at around 9 in the morning, and we’d wrap up anywhere between 10 and 11 in the evening.

To prevent friendships from forming off-set, each competitor traveled individually: “We rode in separate vehicles… we were told not to talk much.

6. Not all players were what they seemed

Initially, eleven contestants were shown at the start of the show, but Charlotte pointed out that some weren’t entirely open about their professions.

In a few episodes, I disclosed my role in games rather than my occupation. However, there were some contestants who concealed their true professions or even had two jobs and revealed only one, which later appeared to be more menacing. It wasn’t until much later that I became aware of this deception.

7. Dressed to Impress

In the show, they didn’t offer a wardrobe, but they assigned a personal stylist for each contestant instead. The contestants were asked to bring clothes reflecting their unique style, yet the sequence in which they appeared was carefully planned.

Charlotte mentioned that in the morning, a stylist came to us. They decided the sequence of our outfits for the episodes. Additionally, we had makeup artists every morning as well.

8. Getting cast was its own game

The application procedure was quite challenging to those with little courage. Charlotte reminisced: ‘First came the application, followed by a phone conversation, then a virtual interview on Zoom, and finally, an in-person performance. The possible outcomes were rejection, acceptance, or being placed on a waiting list.’

The initiation commenced by distributing a form seeking fundamental details such as your name, job, age, source of knowledge regarding the program, and any honors or achievements you may possess.

Charlotte spoke about her accomplishments, such as being on the Dean’s list at university. She also mentioned that she is an eSports player and considered applying for the eSports representative position, similar to how it works in the Korean version.

It appears that the show organizers were intentionally seeking a diverse group of participants. ‘Each participant is unique in their own way. I believe they aimed to gather a wide range – from various game backgrounds, age groups, and genders. I wanted to represent the esports community, but I don’t think they focused heavily on that aspect.’

I’m often depicted only as a PhD student in advertisements, and while I understand that’s my reality, it seems more beneficial to emphasize the gaming aspect of individuals instead.” This version maintains the original meaning while making the language more natural and easier to read.

Charlotte expressed: “It’d be great to attract participants from various gaming backdrops. I believe they missed an opportunity slightly there. It’d be fascinating to include a grandmaster chess player. While we did have poker players, it’s not too bad overall.

9. Yes, there was therapy

Producers took contestant wellbeing seriously.

Immediately following our acceptance, we connected with someone to ensure our readiness for the performance – both mentally sound and with no prior criminal history. Post-performance, there was an exit interview followed by a consultation with a psychologist to assess our wellbeing.

Once accepted, we reached out to a contact to verify our suitability for the show, considering both mental fitness and clean criminal records. After the performance concluded, we had an exit meeting, followed by a review with a psychologist to ensure our emotional health was intact.

Contestants were also given a ‘social media pack’.

In situations where you encounter trolling, they suggest taking specific actions. For instance, they advise blocking the offender, or if possible, making your profile private. Overall, their advice is encouraging and supportive.

10. They got paid a measly salary

Charlotte mentioned that during our filming days, everyone received compensation. Expenses such as travel, meals, and accommodation were taken care of. If an individual was dismissed on the initial day, they were still compensated for that specific day and then asked to leave. However, if someone continued working, they received payment for all the remaining days.

And the set itself? Surprisingly luxe.

In the show, we had private changing areas that were tastefully decorated. The on-screen dressing rooms were carefully designed. Before coming to the set, we specified our preferred snacks, and they were already stocked in the refrigerator.

Instead of the ominous hush of surveillance, or the pulsating irritation of white noise headaches, The Genius Game presented more than just an intellectual challenge; it pushed contestants’ nerves, endurance, and resilience to their limits.

Charlotte put it best: ‘It’s very fair… but very physically draining.’

Even though time has passed, she recounted the experience as ‘the most wonderful weeks I’ve ever had,’ expressing that she would ‘do anything to return.’

She delighted in employing her full intellectual capacity and left with a sense of pride and increased self-assurance. “I’d suggest this experience to everyone,” she declared. “If there was a career that involved playing such mentally stimulating games all day long, I’d jump at the opportunity.

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2025-05-21 19:42

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