In a thrilling new addition to Australian television, Nine Network has launched its latest game show, The Floor, hosted by the charismatic Rodger Corser. This high-stakes trivia competition, which premiered on April 28, 2025, features 81 contestants vying for a grand prize of $200,000, all while navigating a unique and interactive format.
Filmed on a massive set in The Netherlands, The Floor spans the size of a basketball court, providing an expansive arena for contestants to battle it out. Corser, known for his roles in Doctor Doctor and Underbelly, expressed his excitement about the show, stating, "Had a blast doing [The Floor]. Great bunch of contestants and categories. A game that everyone can get involved in!! Can’t wait!" His enthusiasm is palpable as he describes the energy and camaraderie among the contestants, many of whom are everyday Australians.
As the contestants take their positions on the floor, they must face off against their neighbors, challenging them to trivia questions that span a wide array of topics. The goal? To claim territory on the floor, with the ultimate aim of ruling it by the end of the competition. Each night, contestants can win $10,000 for having the most territory, adding an extra layer of excitement to the gameplay.
Corser reflects on the unique dynamics of the show, noting, "The Floor is the great leveller, isn’t it? It doesn’t matter how many university degrees you’ve got, if you come up against a Taylor Swift song and you don’t know it you could be in trouble." This sentiment highlights the show's blend of trivia knowledge and pop culture, making it accessible to a wide audience.
The contestants include a mix of familiar faces and everyday people, with notable participants such as Jules Robinson from Married At First Sight and Kale from LEGO Masters. Robinson made headlines during her time on MAFS when she and Cameron Merchant became one of the show's most memorable couples. Corser mentioned, "I’ve spoken to Cam a few times. He was a cricketer and I like cricket. But no favouritism!" This comment underscores the lighthearted nature of the competition.
Each episode of The Floor is packed with strategy, as contestants can gain advantages by knowing their neighbor’s category. Corser explained, "Winners who passed on a new trivia challenge had the advantage of knowing their neighbour’s category." This strategic element adds depth to the gameplay, encouraging contestants to think critically about their choices.
Throughout the filming process, which involved shooting nine episodes, Corser noted that the contestants were well-vetted and excited to participate. "They were all really happy to be there. We shot it in Amsterdam so you can imagine it was like a massive Rock Band or Contiki tour for them," he remarked. This atmosphere of camaraderie is reflected in the contestants' interactions, making for engaging television.
Corser, who previously hosted The Traitors, brings a wealth of experience to The Floor. He described the challenges of hosting, particularly the need to balance multiple voices in his earpiece while maintaining rapport with the contestants. "There’ll be a few suggestions. There’s a few people in the control so sometimes there’s three or four voices in your head," he explained. Yet, he found joy in getting to know the participants, stating, "It was actually quite enjoyable, because you actually get to know the people."
As the competition progresses, viewers can expect to see contestants reveal their hidden talents and backgrounds. Corser noted, "Some of them are hiding secrets and they’re not letting on that they’re an astrophysicist or something." This element of surprise adds an intriguing layer to the show, as audiences learn more about the contestants each week.
In terms of gameplay, Corser advises contestants to act quickly when unsure about a trivia question. "It starts off usually easier for the first images, like a picture of a basketball or cricket bat. But then you’ll get some obscure ones thrown in," he cautioned. This advice reflects the fast-paced nature of the show, where hesitation can lead to elimination.
Despite the competitive atmosphere, Corser emphasizes the importance of general knowledge. He noted, "As long as you’re very good at general knowledge, because most of the time you’ll be playing in someone else’s category." This highlights the need for contestants to be well-rounded in their knowledge to succeed on the show.
As the season unfolds, viewers will witness the ups and downs of the contestants’ journeys, with some lasting longer than others. Corser humorously compared the show to Squid Game, saying, "It’s a little bit Squid Game-esque but we do send the losers home to their families. That’s the one difference compared to Squid Game, I suppose." This light-hearted comparison underscores the show’s entertaining approach to competition.
With The Floor airing at 7:30 PM on Mondays and Tuesdays on Nine, audiences are in for an exciting ride filled with trivia, strategy, and unexpected twists. As Corser continues to navigate the challenges of hosting, viewers can look forward to a show that promises to engage and entertain.
