Studio Production: Countdown - Research

Countdown is a British game show which focuses around word and number puzzles that must be solved within a time limit by the contestants. It is broadcast on Channel 4 with its debut dating back to 1982, however, it was produced by ITV Studios. With over 6,500 episodes, Countdown is one of the longest running game shows on Television. The show was originally presented by Richard Whitely who presented it for 20 years before his death in 2005. He was then replaced by Des Lynam. We see the show today presented by Nick Hewer, accompanied by Rachel Riley and Susie Dent as the Lexicographer.
I wanted to research into Countdown a little more as I am interested in using a time element for my idea. I find when watching Countdown, the element of the clock and the restricted time limit really helps to bring the show to life and add something extra. It also makes it more challenging and pressured for the contestants as they are having to do some quite academic tasks to a restricted time. The time limit is usually 30 seconds which ends with the widely recognised sting, signifying that the time is up.
The show it self is aimed at family viewing as it is aired before the watershed and doesn't include any material that is suitable for younger age groups. I would like my idea for a show to have the same demographic, however, I don't think I want it to be as educational as Countdown, and instead have more of a comedy element. In terms of the clock element, I really like this idea as it gives a sense of urgency and pressure for the contestants. Therefore I think using a clock for each of the rounds where the contestants would have to complete a task or solve a riddle would be an interesting factor to include.