Tears on the Set of Hard Quiz Kids: It's Not What You Think
Tom Gleeson, the host of the popular Hard Quiz franchise, reveals that the spin-off show, Hard Quiz Kids, has seen its share of tears. However, the reason behind the young contestants' sadness might surprise you. Unlike the adult version, it's not Gleeson's teasing that prompts the waterworks, but rather intense competitiveness.
The Competitive Spirit of Hard Quiz Kids
The success of Hard Quiz stems from the dynamic between Tom Gleeson and the contestants, characterized by playful banter and witty comebacks. While the adult contestants are quick to fire back at Gleeson's jibes, the children on Hard Quiz Kids are more affected by the outcome of the game itself.
"Sometimes I’d boot a kid out and I could see the tears starting as they had to go backstage," says Gleeson. "But invariably, they’re upset that they’d lost. They’re not really worried about what I say at all. I’m just a boring old man to them."
This highlights a key difference between the adult and children's versions of the show: the source of emotional investment. For the kids, the desire to win and the disappointment of losing are paramount.
The Agony of Defeat
Gleeson draws a comparison to children's athletics competitions to illustrate the feeling of disappointment experienced by the young contestants.
"It was [like] seeing a kid at an athletics carnival, who probably spent two months thinking they’re going to win, suddenly realising that they’re actually the seventh-fastest kid in their class."
This analogy underscores the intense emotional impact of losing, particularly for children who have invested time and effort into preparing for the competition. Hard Quiz Kids, therefore, is not just a game show but a microcosm of the challenges and disappointments that children face as they navigate the world.
The second season of Hard Quiz Kids, featuring Tom Gleeson, promises to deliver more of this compelling dynamic, showcasing the raw emotions and competitive spirit of young quiz enthusiasts.
