The Young Talent Time Game

Lights, camera, board game! In 1987, the razzle-dazzle of Young Talent Time leapt off the screen and onto the tabletop with its official board game release. Proving that any TV show can become a game, players took on the role of YTT team members, completing challenges and answering questions delivered via cassette tape – all in a race to hit 100 points. The game aimed to bottle the colour and energy of the beloved variety show, but let’s be honest – what’s Young Talent Time without the music? Still, it’s a glittery slice of nostalgia from a time when Saturday nights meant sequins, spotlights and singing your heart out.

Beginning with a tiny budget in 1971, Young Talent Time was born as a desperate attempt by Melbourne’s ATV-0 to combat the popular Australian Rules football broadcasts on Saturday evenings. Luckily for them, it became a sensation. Over its 18-year run, ‘60s pop star Johnny Young mentored the ever-changing cast of hopeful youngsters. Some star graduates of the show you might remember include Tina Arena, Dannii Minogue, Debra Byrne, Jamie Redfern, Jane Scali, Sally Boyden, Beven Addinsall and Milton Hammon.