In 1999, documentary filmmaker Steven Lipscomb produced and directed a documentary on the WSOP for the Discovery Channel. It was 💯 the first U.S. poker production funded entirely by a television network rather than the casino. When the 1999 WSOP aired, 💯 it doubled its audience over the hour time slot. Seeing the audience reaction, Lipscomb believed there was an untapped market 💯 and began pitching poker series ideas to cable and network television. Because poker had been on the air for over 💯 twenty years, with little viewer interest, broadcasters were unwilling to commit resources to put a series on the air.
During this 💯 time, the “WPT Format” was created featuring the WPT hole cam, interactive graphics and “live sports feel”. These new features 💯 put viewers into the minds and at the heart of the action. The first WPT episode aired on March 30, 💯 2003, on the Travel Channel and became an instant success (the highest rated show in network history).
The much improved ratings 💯 of poker television programs from this point on lead to ESPN covering many more events of the World Series of 💯 Poker (in addition to the Main Event as in the past) since 2003, as well as covering some other tournaments 💯 outside of the World Series, such as the United States Poker Championship. Since its first broadcast, WPT has also expanded 💯 its tour stops from 12 events at seven casino partner locations to 23 domestic and international tournaments and 14 casino 💯 partners in Season VI.
The World Poker Tour does not offer general coverage of the multi-day poker tournaments. Instead, the WPT 💯 covers only the action at the final table of each event. With aggressive play and increasing blinds and antes, the 💯 important action from a single table can easily be edited into a two-hour episode. Although the tournament fate of fewer 💯 stars are chronicled this way, it allows the drama to build more naturally toward the final heads up showdown.
Here is 💯 a list of poker television programs that have aired on television in either North America or Europe.