Today, June 3, the Polish remake of classic quiz show Fifteen to One will celebrate its 30th anniversary on TVP1 in Poland. Marking the occasion, CEETV got in touch with Anna Brzywczy, President Euromedia TV, and Ben Packwood, VP CEE at All3Media International, to talk about the long-lasting success of the Polish show and the potential of the format to conquer new ground in the CEE region.



This year Fifteen to One celebrates its 30th anniversary in Poland. The program which airs locally as Jeden z dziesięciu is the longest running quiz show on Polish TV, currently in its 50th season. To what do you attribute this impressive record, what makes the Polish adaptation so special?

Anna Brzywczy: Fifteen to One has proved a highly adaptable format, which has allowed us to create a version in Poland that perfectly fits what our audience want. Starting with the title, the Polish version is called One Out of Ten (“Jeden z Dziesięciu”) which highlights some key changes the local producer Euromedia have made. The title Fifteen to One translates in Polish as Fifteen Against One, which makes it sound more fiercely competitive where as a key element of what our viewers love about the series is the friendly atmosphere that it has, whilst also offering a captivating competition. Our version reduced the number of the contestants from fifteen to ten, which shortened the format from 45 minutes to around 25, meaning the program is snappy, smart and concise. Another reason why this series has done so well is that our questions are always fact checked extremely rigorously, so the program gained popular trust and has become an authority of knowledge for the average viewer. In short – empathy, emotions, and rules that are clear for all the participants and viewers have made the series iconic in Poland, gaining a footing within popular culture, and even appearing in movies. Finally in times of chaos and uncertainty the program has been a certain constant for the audience, providing a sense that there was something stable within the media landscape. It is not without significance that we have never changed the program’s emission hour, nor its music jingles; all these elements constitute respect towards the viewer.


How will you and TVP celebrate the anniversary of the format, are there going to be special editions and surprises for the Polish viewers?

Anna Brzywczy: Frankly, we were always characterized by modesty; on the center stage there were the contestants, the questions, fair rules, our host and respect towards the viewers and their habits. Thorough 30 years we have produced only two special episodes as we believe they are deprived of valuable and substantive content, our priority has always been the knowledge, not the flash of lights. Thanks to TVP’s decision on June 3 we are returning to the studio in Warsaw for the first time in in 20 years. We will celebrate this date with new scenography, in a new studio and with a new graphic design – all these have not been changed in 12 years. Out of this occasion TVP is planning plethora live entrances into its daily shows. We hope that this day at TVP will be mostly devoted for celebrating the show’s 30th birthday on the television’s channels.


The host of the show Tadeusz Sznuk has been with the program the whole time - over the last 30 years and for 50 seasons. What is the importance of the host for the success of the format and what are Tadeusz's qualities that have made him a special figure for Polish TV viewers?

Anna Brzywczy: When Taduesz Sznuk joined our program, he already was a well-known and popular journalist for the Polish Radio. He also had an experience in hosting program Studio 2 (very popular program in late 70’) on Polish Television. These, were not however, the only deciding factors. He has vast knowledge, an empathy towards the participants, a sense of humor and an understanding that in television, less means better. He did not need to build his authority; he already had it and the viewers recognized it. Furthermore, I would like to emphasize a fact that may not be that apparent to the general audience. Namely that Mr. Sznuk is not merely reading the questions, he quite frankly transcends the role of a host. He is thoroughly engaged in the selection and verification process of the questions, he remembers the answers and the viewers as well as contestants, trust him and appreciate his presence. Most importantly he is a great person to work with, respectful gentleman who brings joy to the set and provides a nation-wide example of a knowledgeable and professional individual. Additionally, he has been repeatedly awarded by the audience in a variety of contests for television personalities, but he also has, and cherishes, a title of Champion of Polish Speech awarded by a collective of distinguished polish linguists. Tadeusz Sznuk has one of the best and most gorgeous and noble voice in Poland.


Have you considered introducing new elements to the format, so it stays current?

Anna Brzywczy: From the 51st series we would want to increase the financial rewards; content-wise we are keen to add questions that employ photographs and videos while using the TVP’s vast archives. Besides that, we believe there is no need for a change, the format is perfect - the rules are clear, and the game is fair – nothing else is needed.


Ben, Fifteen to One has been adapted in numerous territories, with over 6500 episodes produced around the world. How would you pitch the popular quiz show to new broadcasters who are looking to adapt new programs in this genre?

Ben Packwood: It’s scaleable, so can be daily or weekly primetime, celebrity versions and can have a variety of themes depending on the broadcasters needs. It’s perfect for PSBs that have an educational remit but offers plenty of entertainment value for a commercial channel too.

The format can also be adapted to suit different size territories and budget, as evident through Euromedia’s version which has 10-1 players and has been watched by Polish audiences for 30 years!


The show has been adapted in Poland, Hungary and Greece. Do you see the format traveling to more CEE territories where viewers definitely love their quiz shows on TV?

Ben Packwood: “Having just returned from a CEE sales trip, I have had many conversations about Fifteen to One with broadcasters who have slots for a new quiz show or are prepping to replace some existing ones. The importance of a proven success is really key when broadcasters have a limited budget, so the success of the Polish version is very useful in these conversations. Also, having our expertise on hand to make sure that the first season is well made is essential as many new quiz shows fail in the first season.


We see more and more classic formats coming back on air with success. What other “old” shows besides Fifteen to One, can you offer to clients in CEE in the quiz genre?

Ben Packwood: “Some of the best ideas have been around for a while and are ripe for rebooting as recently proven by Lingo (relaunched in UK, USA, Greece and Turkey), Cash Cab (Germany, Serbia) as well as a host of others! We also have a format called Quizmaster which brings together your winners from across a range of other quiz shows, so for clients whose audiences are fans of quiz shows this format takes it to the next level.