GamePro TV
Encyclopedia
GamePro TV was a syndicated
weekly video game television show that ran from 1990
through 1991
. The show was a low-budget partner to GamePro
magazine.
), the program showcased many new and upcoming video games, largely for the NES
, Super NES
, Game Boy
, Sega Genesis and TurboGrafx-16
systems. Viewers could send in recordings of themselves explaining tips and codes for games, one of which was chosen to be shown in each of the early episodes. Viewer mail was also frequently answered on-air.
. The infomercial version of GameProTV consistently ran a 1-800 number along the bottom of the screen inviting viewers to subscribe to GamePro
magazine. These episodes utilized the same sets as the syndicated program and retained J. D. Roth as host, but removed the option for viewers to send in tips or questions by mail. The half-hour ads ran for less than a year before GamePro TV finally vanished from the airwaves.
channels in New England, Ohio, Chicago
and the Bay Area. Reviews, previews, tips and interviews with press and developers were present in this version, utilizing the same themes and formats from the magazine. Review scores were lifted directly from the magazine as well. However, this version was short-lived, airing only a few episodes before its cancellation in early 1999.
on Game Show Network
.
Television syndication
In broadcasting, syndication is the sale of the right to broadcast radio shows and television shows by multiple radio stations and television stations, without going through a broadcast network, though the process of syndication may conjure up structures like those of a network itself, by its very...
weekly video game television show that ran from 1990
1990 in television
For the American TV schedule, see: 1990-91 United States network television schedule.The year 1990 in television involved some significant events.Below is a list of television-related events in 1990.-Events:-Debuts:-1950s:...
through 1991
1991 in television
For the American TV schedule, see: 1991-92 United States network television schedule.The year 1991 in television involved some significant events.Below is a list of television-related events in 1991.-Events:-Debuts:-1950s:...
. The show was a low-budget partner to GamePro
GamePro
GamePro Media was a United States gaming media company publishing online and print content on the video game industry, video game hardware, and video game software developed for a video game console , a computer, and/or a mobile device . GamePro Media properties include GamePro magazine and...
magazine.
First-run syndication version
Hosted by J. D. Roth (and, initially, co-host Brennan HowardBrennan Howard
Brennan Howard is an American actor and director. He has written, produced, directed, and starred in at least four films: Dick Richards featuring Ashley Judd, The Temple of Phenomenal Things , Straighten Up America , an ill-fated T.V...
), the program showcased many new and upcoming video games, largely for the NES
Nintendo Entertainment System
The Nintendo Entertainment System is an 8-bit video game console that was released by Nintendo in North America during 1985, in Europe during 1986 and Australia in 1987...
, Super NES
Super Nintendo Entertainment System
The Super Nintendo Entertainment System is a 16-bit video game console that was released by Nintendo in North America, Europe, Australasia , and South America between 1990 and 1993. In Japan and Southeast Asia, the system is called the , or SFC for short...
, Game Boy
Game Boy
The , is an 8-bit handheld video game device developed and manufactured by Nintendo. It was released in Japan on , in North America in , and in Europe on...
, Sega Genesis and TurboGrafx-16
TurboGrafx-16
TurboGrafx-16, fully titled as TurboGrafx-16 Entertainment SuperSystem and known in Japan as the , is a video game console developed by Hudson Soft and NEC, released in Japan on October 30, 1987, and in North America on August 29, 1989....
systems. Viewers could send in recordings of themselves explaining tips and codes for games, one of which was chosen to be shown in each of the early episodes. Viewer mail was also frequently answered on-air.
Paid advertisement version
After its initial cancellation as a syndicated weekly series, GamePro TV was reborn as a paid advertisement programInfomercial
Infomercials are direct response television commercials which generally include a phone number or website. There are long-form infomercials, which are typically between 15 and 30 minutes in length, and short-form infomercials, which are typically 30 seconds to 120 seconds in length. Infomercials...
. The infomercial version of GameProTV consistently ran a 1-800 number along the bottom of the screen inviting viewers to subscribe to GamePro
GamePro
GamePro Media was a United States gaming media company publishing online and print content on the video game industry, video game hardware, and video game software developed for a video game console , a computer, and/or a mobile device . GamePro Media properties include GamePro magazine and...
magazine. These episodes utilized the same sets as the syndicated program and retained J. D. Roth as host, but removed the option for viewers to send in tips or questions by mail. The half-hour ads ran for less than a year before GamePro TV finally vanished from the airwaves.
Fox Sports Net version
In 1998, GamePro TV returned to the airwaves, this time with a different host (Michael Komessar), and a largely different format. This version of the show was produced by Timeline and aired on various Fox Sports NetFox Sports Net
The Fox Sports Regional Networks, or simply Fox Sports Net , are a collection of cable TV regional sports networks in the United States owned and operated by News Corporation.- Beginnings :...
channels in New England, Ohio, Chicago
FSN Chicago
Fox Sports Net Chicago was a regional sports network based in Chicago, Illinois. The network carried the Chicago Cubs, the Chicago White Sox, the Chicago Blackhawks, the Chicago Bulls, the Chicago Fire, the Arena Football League's Chicago Rush, local and national collegiate sports, including those...
and the Bay Area. Reviews, previews, tips and interviews with press and developers were present in this version, utilizing the same themes and formats from the magazine. Review scores were lifted directly from the magazine as well. However, this version was short-lived, airing only a few episodes before its cancellation in early 1999.
GamePro Minute
In 2003, a new abbreviated version of GamePro TV titled the GamePro Minute appeared on the short-lived series GSN Video GamesGSN Video Games
GSN Video Games was a short-lived block of shows on television network GSN. The show was hosted by Carmen Nicole.The block was merely a repackaging of British gaming programs gamer.tv and Game Sauce, with Nicole's comments interspersed during the block...
on Game Show Network
Game Show Network
The Game Show Network is an American cable television and direct broadcast satellite channel dedicated to game shows and casino game shows. The channel was launched on December 1, 1994. Its current slogan is "The World Needs More Winners"...
.