Discovery premiered “Penn & Teller Tell A Lie” on Wednesday night, and the show (hosted by the aforementioned iconic magicians and entertainers) challenges viewers to identify which of the stories featured is true and which is a lie. In honor of the premier, Discovery has updated their successful apps (available for iPad, iPhone and web app) for the first live, interactive, on-air integration.
Viewers cast their votes during the show, with results presented live during the premiere; they also get bonus content to complement live tune-in. As with Shark Week Live (their first co-viewing experience), the app is designed for live viewing and is also an editorial part of the show.
Lost Remote interviewed Discovery Communications VP of Digital Media Miguel Monteverde about the integration.
Lost Remote: What partners have you used for this launch? For the voting?
Miguel Monteverde: Our Guess the Lie co-viewing experience, including voting, is being produced by our Digital Media team in conjunction with LiveHive, and integrated into our Discovery Channel HD iPad App working with Bottle Rocket Apps.
LR: Why is a show about lying great for social media?
MM: Penn & Teller Tell A Lie is all about provoking our audience, getting them to question what’s true. Each of the stories presented is quirky and gets viewers thinking and talking. Who wouldn’t want to know if you can melt steel with bacon?
LR: What are your goals with the co-viewing app?
MM: Our primary goals are to encourage live viewership for this new series and to offer our fans an enjoyable, multiplatform experience – moving from passive to participatory and having our audience engage with the series on an individual and group level.