80s board game that’s sold more than 38,000,000 copies finally becoming TV show-Josie Copson-Entertainment – Metro

Pictionary is being brought to the small screen (Picture: Keith Beaty/Toronto Star via Getty Images)

ITV has announced a brand new game show, but viewers will already be very familiar with the concept.

In partnership with toy brand Mattel, the broadcaster is bringing Pictionary to the small screen. The announcement has left us with only one question… how has it taken until 2024 for this to happen?

Many of us are used to playing it in our households after one too many glasses of wine, with a competitive aunty who takes things extremely seriously. If you don’t have a competitive aunty, we hate to inform you, but that person is you. But now, it’s finally getting the TV treatment.

The show will launch in December with a Christmas special, because nothing says festive more than shouting the word ‘cloud’ at a terrible drawing of an egg. After the seasonal offering has warmed us up, series one will run for 24 episodes. 

The board game, which has sold more than 38,000,000 copies since 1985, will be brought to life with Mel Giedroyc at the helm.

‘Everyone is familiar with Pictionary, and I am so excited to help bring the game to television. It is such a pleasure to be a part of and I know people will love the show,’ Mel, 56, excitedly shared.

You’ve been waiting for this day and you didn’t even realise it (Picture: PA)

Director of Entertainment & Daytime ITV Katie Rawcliffe said Mel’s ‘infectious energy and quick wit’ made her the ideal choice.

If she can make up endless cake jokes on the Great British Bake Off, then her Pictionary adlibs are practically going to write themselves.

Mel Giedroyc will be the host (Picture: John Phillips/John Phillips/Getty Images)

The concept has been a hit in America, with Fox already reaching its third season. Across the pond, Jerry O’Connell is doing the task Mel will be undertaking for British audiences.

On launching to the UK market, Mattel’s Vice President of Content DistributionAlex Godfrey said she was ‘excited to see Pictionary’s popularity with viewers’. They are ready to ‘invite even more fans of the classic game to join in on the fun,’ and we will be RSVPing ‘YES’.

Pictionary has been successful in the US (Picture: Fox First Run/20th Century Fox)

Only Connect this is not, so viewers will happily be able to join in with the antics. Making things super simple, Pictionary will follow the same rules that we’ve grown to love.

The contestants’ mission is to draw images to match a word or phrase from a specific category and the teammates will have to guess correctly to score.

The first episode will be a festive special (Picture: ITV)

Mel won’t be the only recognisable face. She will be joined by two celebrity team captains who will lead their teams of contestants.

The hopefuls don’t need to be able to draw and actually, it’s better for our enjoyment if they can’t. The quick-fire sketches will undoubtedly lead to hilarious guesses as two teams battle against each other.

To win the incredible prizes on offer, they will just have to create something distinguishable… or at least less abstract than their competitors.

Pictionary is coming soon to ITV1 and ITVX 

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