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25 Words or Less
25 Words or Less
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25 Words or Less
GenreGame show
Based on25 Words or Less
Presented byMeredith Vieira
Announcer
  • Jamie Anderson
  • Marc Istook
Theme music composerScott Szabo
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons7
No. of episodes1,119
Production
Executive producers
Production locations
Camera setupMulti-camera
Running time19 minutes
Production companies
  • Dino Bones Productions
  • Is or Isn't Entertainment
  • Regular Brand
Original release
NetworkSyndication
ReleaseSeptember 16, 2019 (2019-09-16) –
present

25 Words or Less is an American television game show. It is based on the board game of the same name. Two teams, each consisting of a celebrity and a contestant, convey mystery words to each other to win cash. Hosted by Meredith Vieira, this show is produced by Dino Bones Productions, Is or Isn't Entertainment, Regular Brand, and distributed by Fox First Run. It first aired in summer 2018 as a three-week summer trial run on nine Fox Television Stations and premiered as a regular series on September 16, 2019.[1][2]

History

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The show premiered on September 16, 2019.[3]

On November 13, 2019, Fox renewed the show for a second season, which launched on September 14, 2020.[4] The second through fourth seasons featured some staging differences to accommodate for the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States, with the two competing teams separated into pods and Vieira hosting remotely from her personal basement studio at her home in New York.[5] On November 18, 2020, the series was renewed for two additional seasons, through the 2022–23 season.[6]

On January 31, 2023, the show was renewed through the 2023–24 season.[7]

On January 11, 2024, the show was renewed through the 2024–25 season, with production moving to Atlanta.[8] In spring 2025, the show was renewed for the 2025-26 season.[9]

Broadcast

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In summer 2018, the show tested as first run on Fox-owned stations in New York, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Dallas, Atlanta, Minneapolis, Phoenix, Orlando, and Charlotte. In 2019, the show premiered nationwide on all TV stations.[10] It is currently available on Tubi.[11] It is also available as a 24/7 FAST channel on The Roku Channel.

Gameplay

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Two three-member teams, consisting of two contestants and a celebrity (for the first two seasons, it was two celebrities and one contestant), compete in the game.

Round 1

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In Round 1, team members are called up to the host's podium, one on one. At the podium, they are shown a list of five words to convey to their teammates in 45 seconds via single word clues. In the second season, instead of coming up, the list is shown on the tablet of the two players.

Starting with a varying number of clue words set by the host as the opening bid between 17 and 25, the face-off contestants bid against each other as to how few clue words they can use to complete the round. The bidding continues until one of the contestants concedes to the other contestant's bid. The contestant who wins the bid then plays the game using the number of words they bid between 6 and 23. The contestant can pass on a word if it is too difficult, returning to any passed words if time remains on the clock.

Clue givers must keep their hands on the electronic tablet at all times. Clue givers cannot use a word itself, a part of a word, or a derivative form of a word, in a clue. Clue givers are also forbidden from using hand gestures. Doing so ends the round immediately, with the opponents earning the points. The round also ends if the clue giver exceeds their word limit for the round.

Contestants score points if they are successful in getting all five words within the 45-second time limit. The other team receives the points if the playing team fails to complete the round. In some episodes, three word sets are played, with each player playing once for 250 points. In other episodes, there are four word sets, with the first two worth 250 points each and the final two 500 points each, each contestant plays once, and then the teams choose a clue giver for the final set.

Contestants and celebrities have an individual tablet and compete in separate studios in Seasons 2 and 3 due to social distancing guidelines resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. Only the players active in each round see the clues on their tablet.

Starting with the third season, the celebrities play first, followed by the civilian contestants.

Round 2

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Round 2 begins with the contestants at the podium while the celebrities are in a soundproof room offstage. In the second season, the celebrities are told to put on a pair of noise-cancelling headphones with music playing in them, but from the third season on, the celebrities make the lists and the contestants put on the headphones.

Clue givers are shown a series of five sets of three words which have been determined by the producers to be of distinct levels of difficulty (in season three the celebrities see the sets of words). Green words are easiest, and worth 250 points, yellow words are more difficult, and worth 500 points, and red words are the most difficult, and worth 1,000 points.

The clue givers alternate first choice of the three words to place in their own five-word stack, with the trailing team choosing first in the first, third, and fifth word sets. The team who chooses second picks from the remaining two words in the set, the unchosen word in each set is discarded. Once the process is done, the contestant/celebrity plays their five words.

Starting in the fourth season, during the second round, two of the words are bonus words. If the clue giver selects a bonus word and the team manages to guess that word during their turn, they receive a $250 cash bonus.

The trailing team, otherwise, whichever one that played last the previous round in a tie, goes first. The teams have 45 seconds and a set limitation of 20 words. Contestants score the points for each successful word and earn a 1,000-point bonus for successfully getting all five. If the clue giver gives an illegal clue in this round, the word in play is removed.

The round will end early if a clue giver exceeds the 20-word limit. Moreover, the second team's round will end if they take the lead or an illegal clue makes it mathematically impossible for them to win.

The team with more points is the champion and moves on to the Money Round to play for $10,000. The losing contestant/team from the main game receives consolation prizes.

In the event of a tie, both civilian contestants face off at the podium with buzzers. The host will begin giving clues to one final word. The first contestant to buzz gives their answer. If correct, they are declared the winner and advance to the Money Round, if incorrect, their opponent wins.

Money Round

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In the Money Round, the champion must convey 10 words to their celebrity partners (or, beginning in Season 3, one civilian partner and the celebrity) in one minute with the maximum of 25 clue words available to them. If the contestant can get the two partners to solve all 10 words, the champion wins $10,000.

If they do not succeed, the champion (civilian partners in season 3) receives consolation prizes, such as a trip. If the clue giver exceeds the 25 clue word limit, or gives an illegal clue at any time, the round ends.

For the second season of the show, a new rule was introduced in which the contestants are also playing for a "SuperFan" who registered via the show's website or on social media accounts. The losing contestant in the main game receives consolation prizes, and the losing SuperFan that they played for receives a $100 gift card. If the champion in the Money Round wins the $10,000, the chosen SuperFan receives $1,000 as well. If the champion fails to win the Money Round, the chosen SuperFan will receive consolation prizes, such as the 25 Words or Less party game.

In Season 3, the SuperFan rule returned and a new rule stated the team that wins and advances to the Money Round will return for the next episode and can continue to do so until they are defeated, regardless of the outcome (like Jeopardy!, without limitations). One SuperFan is chosen per game instead of two.

International versions

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The Spanish channel Telecinco was the first international broadcaster to launch a local format of the show, called 25 palabras and hosted by Christian Gálvez.[12][13]

Country Name Presenter Channel Broadcast
Spain[14][15] 25 palabras Christian Gálvez Telecinco December 19, 2022 – September 15, 2023

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
25 Words or Less is an American word association that debuted as a in 1996, designed by Sterten and published by , and was later adapted into a syndicated that premiered on September 16, 2019. In both formats, players divide into teams where a clue-giver attempts to convey five secret words or phrases to their teammates using a limited number of descriptive words—ideally 25 or fewer—within a strict time limit, emphasizing concise and creative communication to score points. The version, reissued in subsequent editions including a 2025 update by The Op Games, supports 4 or more players aged 10 and up, with revolving around on the minimum number of words needed to successfully communicate the targets; the lowest bidder then races against the timer, earning points based on performance and advancing teams toward a win at 10 points. It has been praised for its fast-paced, family-friendly energy but critiqued for occasionally challenging word lists that can hinder accessibility. On television, hosted by and produced for broadcast on and other syndicators, the show features two teams—each comprising one celebrity and two civilians—competing through rounds of clue-giving challenges, culminating in a round where winners can claim up to $10,000 in prizes. Following a successful three-week test run in August 2018 on select Fox stations, the series expanded nationally and entered its seventh by 2025, maintaining a 30-minute format that highlights wordplay and team dynamics in a lively studio setting.

Overview

Premise

25 Words or Less is an American daytime in which two teams, each consisting of two contestants and one partner, compete to guess lists of five words by providing clues restricted to 25 words or fewer. The objective is for clue-givers to describe the target words creatively without exceeding the word limit, aiming to convey all five words within a one-minute time constraint per attempt. A key rule prohibits clue-givers from using the target words themselves, "rhymes with," starting letters, hand gestures, or any parts of the target words in their descriptions, ensuring that clues rely on indirect associations rather than direct hints. This restriction adds challenge and encourages inventive phrasing, similar to mechanics in related . Violations, such as incorporating forbidden elements, result in penalties like forfeiting the round. The winning team advances to a final round for a chance to win up to $10,000, while non-champions receive consolation prizes such as trips or copies of the 25 Words or Less . The show is adapted from the 1996 board game of the same name originally published by , which features comparable team-based clue-giving and bidding on word counts.

Host and Staff

Meredith Vieira has hosted 25 Words or Less since its pilot in 2018, bringing her extensive experience as a veteran to the series. Previously, she served as the host of the syndicated version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? from 2002 to 2013, where she earned two for her engaging on-screen presence and rapport with contestants. Vieira also executive produces the show through her company, Dino Bones Productions, contributing to its development and ongoing production. The show's announcements are primarily handled by Jamie Anderson, who serves as the lead narrator, delivering clues, timers, and winner declarations with a lively tone that complements the fast-paced gameplay. Marc Istook acts as the backup announcer, stepping in for select episodes to provide support. 25 Words or Less is produced by Dino Bones Productions in association with Is or Isn't Entertainment and Regular Brand, with distribution handled by Twentieth Television. Key executive producers include Michael Canter as , alongside , , and , who oversee creative direction and production elements. The , composed by Scott Szabo, features an upbeat, energetic score with rhythmic elements that evoke and quick thinking, setting an playful tone for the competition.

Background

Board Game Origins

25 Words or Less is a party designed by Bruce Sterten and first published by Winning Moves Games in 1996. The game quickly gained recognition, winning the Games Magazine Game of the Year award in 1997 for its innovative word-association . Intended for groups, it supports 4 to 12 or more players divided into two teams, with a recommended age of 10 and older, and typical playtime of 20 to 35 minutes. The core mechanics revolve around competitive and clue-giving to describe lists of five related words. Players form teams, and each round begins with the clue-givers from opposing teams secretly viewing a card featuring five words, often grouped thematically such as people, places, or things like items in a . They then bid downward from 25 on the minimum number of clue words needed to prompt their teammates to guess all five target words within a one-minute limit. The team with the lowest bid attempts the challenge; if successful, they score the card, but failure passes the card to the opponents. No gestures, rhymes, or partial words are allowed, emphasizing verbal precision and strategy in to balance risk and reward. The first team to claim 10 cards wins. The game includes 288 clue cards—each containing five words for a total of 1,440 terms across various categories—along with a one-minute sand timer and a board to track bids and clues. Later editions, such as the 2019 version by The Op Games tied to the television adaptation, expanded to 300 cards while retaining the essential components, with a 2025 edition continuing availability as of November 2025. These elements facilitate quick setup and replayability, making it suitable for family gatherings or parties. The game's enduring popularity, evidenced by multiple reprints and its into a syndicated television series in , underscores its commercial viability and broad appeal in the party game genre.

Development

The development of the television of 25 Words or Less began with an initial pilot episode produced in early , featuring a simplified set design without a permanent host. Following positive internal feedback, was attached as host and in July , leading to a three-week trial run airing on nine that summer. The trial run's success prompted to commit to a full-season order in November 2018, securing the show for first-run syndication with a national rollout planned for fall 2019. Distributed by Fox First Run and produced by Is or Isn't Entertainment in association with , the series premiered on September 16, 2019, across Fox-owned and affiliated stations. Adapting the created by Sterten, the TV format incorporated key modifications, including pairing civilian contestants with celebrities as clue-givers and structuring gameplay into timed rounds to heighten the competitive pace. These changes, developed during testing, emphasized rapid to distinguish the show within the genre.

Production

Filming Locations

The first five seasons of 25 Words or Less were filmed at in , . The set design incorporates vibrant blue, violet, and gold accents in its graphics and layout, with dedicated team podiums for contestants and celebrities, along with digital displays for clue presentation. Beginning with season 6 in 2024, production relocated to , Georgia, initially at the studios, to leverage the state's tax incentives and growing infrastructure for television production. For season 7 in 2025, filming shifted to in , providing expanded facilities and further cost efficiencies through Georgia's production ecosystem. The show maintains a brisk production pace, taping six episodes per day to support syndication runs of approximately 175 episodes per season. Starting May 6, 2025, for season 7, one episode per weekday is taped and broadcast live on Xumo Play at 3 p.m. ET, enabling real-time viewer interaction with the host and celebrities.

COVID-19 Adaptations

Due to the , production of 25 Words or Less implemented significant adaptations starting with its second season in 2020 to ensure participant safety while continuing filming. Host conducted all episodes remotely from a dedicated studio setup in her basement in , eliminating the need for on-set travel and reducing exposure risks. This remote hosting format persisted through seasons 2 through 4 (2020–2022), with celebrities and contestants positioned in isolated "pods" on the soundstage to maintain . Safety protocols included comprehensive for all on-set personnel, no live to minimize gatherings, and the use of pre-recorded applause tracks in place of real-time crowd reactions. These measures had a subtle effect on gameplay, primarily introducing a 2–3 second lag in communication between Vieira's New York feed and the Los Angeles set, which occasionally delayed clue delivery but did not alter core rules or mechanics. By season 5 in 2023, production returned to a fully in-studio format at the Los Angeles facility, with Vieira joining the cast and crew on-site for the first time since the began.

Gameplay

Round 1

In Round 1, two teams compete, each consisting of two contestants and one celebrity guest. The clue-giver for each team approaches the podium and is shown a list of five target words on a card, then bids on the minimum number of clue words—ranging from 6 to 23—they will need to describe all five words to their teammates within a 45-second time limit. The bidding alternates between the two clue-givers, with each trying to outbid the other by proposing a lower number; the team with the lowest bid attempts the challenge first. If the clue-giver successfully conveys all five words using no more than the bid number of words, the team scores 250 points; failure results in zero points for that attempt and awards 250 points to the opposing team. Clue-giving must adhere to strict rules: exactly the bid number of words or fewer can be used, with no proper names, gestures, rhymes, or direct references to the targets permitted, ensuring clues remain indirect and creative. Each team completes two such lists during the round, accumulating scores across both. The team with the higher total advances to Round 2, while a tie allows both teams to proceed.

Round 2

In Round 2, the winning team from Round 1 selects a difficulty level (green for easiest, yellow for medium, red for hardest) from five available sets, each containing three related words. Green sets award 250 points if all three are correctly guessed, yellow sets offer 500 points, and red sets provide 1,000 points per complete set. Each team has 45 seconds to convey their chosen list to their partner using no more than 20 clue words in total, with clues limited to single words or short phrases as in prior rounds. Successful completion of a list allows the team to immediately select and attempt another set if time remains, accumulating points across multiple lists within the clue limit. Starting in Season 4 (2022), a bonus feature permits teams to earn $250 in cash for each additional "bonus word" guessed beyond the standard three on a list, with these prizes retained regardless of the round's outcome or overall game result. Points earned in Round 2 are added to the team's total from Round 1, with the higher-scoring team advancing as champion to the Money Round.

Money Round

The Money Round serves as the bonus round for the winning team from Round 2, where the team's provides clues to one contestant while the other sits out. The objective is to correctly guess 10 target words within , with the celebrity limited to a total of 25 words across all clues given. If all 10 words are guessed correctly, the team wins $10,000. Partial or no success yields consolation prizes, such as gift cards or copies of the . A SuperFan twist adds an additional layer, with a pre-selected fan viewer associated with the receiving $1,000 if the champion team succeeds in the Money Round; otherwise, the SuperFan receives consolation prizes such as the 25 Words or Less . The losing team from earlier rounds receives non-cash consolation prizes at the end of the show, typically including gift cards or copies of the 25 Words or Less .

Broadcast and Release

Premiere and Renewals

"25 Words or Less" premiered as a regular syndicated series on September 16, 2019, on , following a limited three-week trial run on select stations during the summer of 2018 and pilot episodes taped that year. Due to the , the airing of season 2 was delayed until September 14, 2020. The series received its first renewal in November 2019 for a second season. In November 2020, announced a two-season renewal covering seasons 3 and 4, extending the show through the 2022-23 television season. Further renewals followed in January 2023 for season 5 and January 2024 for season 6, with production relocating to Atlanta, Georgia. In spring 2025, the show was renewed for its seventh season, set to air during the 2025-26 television season. As of November 2025, "25 Words or Less" has produced over 1,000 episodes across its seven seasons, maintaining consistent 39-week production schedules typical of syndicated daytime programming. The program has remained in syndication under Fox First-Run Syndication throughout its run, expanding its clearance to a broad national audience. Since June 2025, select episodes have aired live in markets including New York and Philadelphia.

Distribution

25 Words or Less is distributed in syndication by Fox First Run, reaching 97% of U.S. television markets as of 2024. The show airs weekdays in daytime time slots on local stations, such as 11:30 a.m. ET on select affiliates. Full episodes are available for streaming on ad-supported platforms including and , where it has been offered since at least 2021. Unlike many programs, it is not accessible on premium subscription services such as . Distribution outside the United States remains limited, with clips and highlights shared on the official YouTube channel. No official home media releases, such as DVDs, have been produced for the series; however, tie-in board games based on the show's format are commercially available.

Reception

Critical Response

Critics have praised 25 Words or Less for its straightforward adaptation of the board game into a fast-paced television format, emphasizing concise clue-giving to convey word lists. The show's structure, which pairs contestants with celebrities to guess five words in under 25 clues, has been noted for evoking the simplicity and fun of classic word-association games while maintaining high energy. Meredith Vieira's hosting has been a particular highlight, with reviewers commending her natural rapport with contestants and celebrities, as well as her ability to keep the pace lively without overshadowing the gameplay. In a 2018 review, Vieira was described as a "stellar host" who "effortlessly navigates the game and interacts with the contestants and celebrities," contributing to the show's approachable, entertaining vibe. Vieira's extensive experience in game shows, including her Emmy-winning tenure on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, has been credited with lending authenticity and warmth to the proceedings. While the program has not garnered major awards recognition, its consistent renewals across multiple seasons, including Season 7 in 2025, reflect industry confidence in its reliable, family-oriented appeal. Some observers have pointed to occasional repetition in guest lineups and clue predictability as minor drawbacks, though these have not significantly detracted from its overall solid execution as a staple. In 2025, the show reported hitting a five-week high in ratings, indicating continued growth.

Ratings and Viewership

The premiere of 25 Words or Less in September 2019 achieved a 0.8 household rating in key metered markets, with weekly viewership averaging approximately 1.2 million viewers during its debut season. Viewership peaked at approximately 1.2 million viewers during the in 2020-2021, before stabilizing at 1.0 to 1.3 million viewers per episode through 2025. The program has demonstrated strong performance among key daytime demographics, particularly women aged 25-54, and bolsters Fox's dominance in syndicated daytime programming. In comparative terms, 25 Words or Less outperforms some niche contemporaries while trailing established leaders such as Jeopardy!, with renewals supported by its consistent performance among adults 18-49.

International Versions

Spanish Adaptation

The Spanish adaptation of 25 Words or Less, titled 25 palabras, premiered on December 19, 2022, on the network, with Christian Gálvez serving as host. The show was produced by Fénix Media Audiovisual for . The format maintained high fidelity to the original U.S. premise, where two teams—each consisting of one civilian contestant and two celebrities—compete in rounds to guess five words using 25 or fewer clue words provided by teammates, progressing to a final money round for a jackpot starting at 250 euros, which accumulates with each episode. Adaptations included localized Spanish vocabulary for clues and puzzles, as well as Spanish celebrities such as and television personalities to appeal to local audiences; a distinctive feature was the inclusion of an "intruso" (intruder) contestant participating remotely via video call from home. Episodes typically aired in a 45-minute slot during late afternoons or early evenings, with core gameplay rules presented in Spanish through on-screen explanations and host narration. Minor production tweaks were implemented to suit Spanish broadcasting pacing, such as streamlining the money round to maintain viewer engagement within the time constraints. The series ran daily from its debut, accumulating 193 episodes before its abrupt cancellation on September 15, 2023, attributed to persistently low viewership ratings that averaged below 10% share, often in the 7-9% range and trailing competitors like Antena 3's programs.

Potential Expansions

The success of 25 Words or Less in the , where it has maintained strong viewership and been renewed for a seventh season in fall 2025, has sparked interest in further international adaptations beyond the existing Spanish version on . As of November 2025, the Spanish version remains the only international , with no new versions or major franchise extensions announced, as producers focus on stabilizing U.S. syndication amid competitive programming. The show's demand rating is 1.9 times the average for U.S. television series, as of October 2025, underscoring its potential for future expansion.

References

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