Genius Game, ITV’s latest game show, might be better described as “Tedious Game”. It’s remarkably uneventful, reminiscent of the thrill of reading the instructions on a tub of tile grout.

While I enjoy game shows that feature complex rules, the entertainment value should always be prominent. Genius Game strives to create tension with elements like “cliffhangers” before commercial breaks and includes contestants locked in a cage. However, these attempts come across as somewhat forced. The desperation is palpable when contestants are shown expressing enthusiasm, like saying, “I love this game!” Do they really? It left me with a headache.

You may label me as someone unable to comprehend, and that could be true; however, I enjoy shows like University Challenge and Only Connect, despite not knowing most of the answers. This IQ show has the uninspired feel of a “first draft.” It’s as if viewers are trapped in a stifling space while being bombarded with random, tedious rules. At least one contestant, Paul the businessman, candidly confessed he didn’t understand the game. Good for him.

The show has been likened to the Numberwang sketch by David Mitchell and Robert Webb, which humorously critiques illogical game shows. The key difference, though, is that Numberwang is genuinely funny. Genius Game lacks humor altogether, which is disappointing given that it secured David Tennant as host—a decision that likely involved a significant budget. Interestingly, Tennant did not appear with the 11 contestants in person but only showed up via screen, initially in silhouette, later promoting what sounds like an enticing game focused on “intelligence, lateral thinking, and the power of persuasion.” We’re told alliances will form and fall apart, with backstabbing and friendship dynamics—a narrative that echoes elements of strategy and deceit.

This premise appears to mimic the successful BBC show The Traitors, with Tennant serving a role akin to Claudia Winkleman. However, The Traitors shines with its straightforwardness, whereas Genius Game suffers from unnecessary complexity and flawed game mechanics. During the “heist” segments, where contestants enter a room with a dealer to declare their desired theft amount, I nearly spaced out.

The selected contestants are all intellectually gifted; among them is Benjamin, a university lecturer, who amusingly noted he once applied for gay Love Island, alongside Ken, a stand-up comedian, and two doctors. Charlotte, a post-graduate from Cambridge, appeared to be the sharpest of the group. There seems to be a desire for Genius Game to blend elements of The Crystal Maze and The Krypton Factor, featuring challenges where players collect “garnets” for bartering. Yet, I found myself zoning out at this juncture.

Energy peaked during the Death Match towards the show’s conclusion when a player was knocked out. This moment made it feel like viewers were finally engaged. Unfortunately for Paul, who expressed sentiments like “Oh, shit” and “I’m doomed,” luck was not on his side that evening.

Curiously, Tennant has also been involved in another ITV project, The Assembly, which has received outstanding reviews and acclaim as exemplary television. Well, not every show can be a winner. ★★★☆☆