The US has a long history of providing top-quality entertainment. Be it Hollywood movies or hilarious sitcoms, there has been a steady influx of American culture that has influenced the UK and Ireland over the years. Yet some US institutions have never reached the giddy heights over here they have done on home soil. Below, we pick out three that have only just started to become popular in the UK and Ireland.
Jeopardy
Jeopardy is truly a television staple in the US. First introduced in 1964, it has had three major runs which continue to this day. A host of spin-offs include such illustrious series as Sports Jeopardy and Rock and Roll Jeopardy. There have even been masters editions, calling back the grand champions for a showdown.
The game show is trivia-based but provides contestants with answers to which they have to pose the question. Three contestants compete in an attempt to make it through three rounds known as Jeopardy! Double Jeopardy! and Final Jeopardy! In the UK Jeopardy has had three outings, but none were as long-running or successful as the US original until the recent outing. It first aired in 1983 with the most recent series starting in 2024 and is still ongoing.
Powerball Lotto
The Powerball is a lottery game run in most US States. It began in 1992 and was the first lottery that used two drums to draw lotto balls. This was a pioneering concept, now used in many national lotteries around the world. It quickly became popular due to the prizes that could be won. Many of the largest lottery wins in the world have come from the game, with one topping the $2.1 billion mark.
In the UK, Powerball is an additional game that can be played alongside or instead of the main lottery. In Ireland, this version is very popular and is considered one of the main lottos. Citizens can pick up tickets from designated vendors and Powerball lottery tickets can be bought online.
The NBA
The NBA has always touted itself as a global league, yet it hasn't always come to fruition. Despite attempts for branded entertainment such as Harlem Globetrotter tours and televised games in the UK and Ireland, most countries have kept to their preferred sports like football and cricket. Yet in the past few years, the NBA has achieved the goals it always wanted, growing huge in popularity over the Atlantic.
There are several reasons for this. The world is now much more connected, making the NBA more accessible to viewers. Europe has also drastically improved funding for young players and its leagues, increasing the love for the sport. This has been to the advantage of all parties, with huge numbers of European players now working in the NBA.
Many more sports and pastimes will become available. Yet it is the nuisances and odd fascination with local activities that give us our differences. You may wish to try some of these out and you may just find your new favourite hobby.
