The Game Show Forum

The Game Show Forum => The Big Board => Topic started by: weaklink75 on March 21, 2019, 12:05:40 PM

Title: Catch 21 coming back to GSN...
Post by: weaklink75 on March 21, 2019, 12:05:40 PM
Among other GSN news in this article...

https://www.adweek.com/tv-video/game-show-network-builds-audiences-by-going-back-to-basics-and-its-previous-name/
Title: Re: Catch 21 coming back to GSN...
Post by: TLEberle on March 21, 2019, 01:24:24 PM
How many times do they have to relearn the same lesson? The public at large would be forgiven for thinking that GSN's core competency is airing Family Feud starring Steve Harvey for forty hours a week.
Title: Re: Catch 21 coming back to GSN...
Post by: JasonA1 on March 21, 2019, 01:47:07 PM
What lesson am I missing? The bulk of the article is behind an ad for me right now, so I may have missed what you're referring to...but I read up to the point about Game Show Network making "double digit growth" with its focus to simple/stripped series. If they're leaning into making 5-a-week shows that are focused on game, I'm ecstatic. Until now, I don't think GSN ever executed this strategy purely, as even the heyday of Whammy, Cram, Russian Roulette, etc. was more on the "dark side" of things in both aesthetic and game mechanics (see: Friend or Foe).

-Jason
Title: Re: Catch 21 coming back to GSN...
Post by: TLEberle on March 21, 2019, 02:01:15 PM
I'm also getting ad blocked--my inference is that the network is seeing gains by going back to basics. That means that they hadn't been doing that before (such as shunting their original programming to overnights) and that when they have decent original shows that it does work for them. I find little pleasure in an episode of Catch 21, but it's a step ahead of Common Knowledge and fits the mold of what they're about.
Title: Re: Catch 21 coming back to GSN...
Post by: cmjb13 on March 21, 2019, 02:51:41 PM
You just have to look at the page source...
Title: Re: Catch 21 coming back to GSN...
Post by: pacdude on March 21, 2019, 02:51:49 PM
For those who can't read the article: https://outline.com/jJvtH8
Title: Re: Catch 21 coming back to GSN...
Post by: Sonic Whammy on March 21, 2019, 04:06:13 PM
Even for someone who doesn't get GSN right now, I'm all for this.

Catch 21 was a very put together show, TBH, one of their best over the past 10 years. Now some of you can dump on that all you want (as seems to happen with almost any GSN show that didn't start with "The" and end in "Chase"), but WE here in this group are NOT the public at large and we never will be. The public at large by the standards GSN usually has are watching America Says and Common Knowledge. And it's because of those shows doing so well that they're in a rebirth period of "hey, let's do more stuff". And what does that mean? Less Harvey (the only thing they had getting any ratings before this all started)!

It may not be the show most hoped for around here, but hey, baby steps. Root for these shows to succeed whether you're big on them or not, and your chances of seeing bigger things out of GSN can only grow.
Title: Re: Catch 21 coming back to GSN...
Post by: colonial on March 21, 2019, 05:05:22 PM
From the description, "Best Ever Trivia Show" sounds like "Chase" on a budget -- perhaps a livelier take on the BBC's "Eggheads" (which is similar in scope with the "team of trivia experts vs. team of Average Joes" format and is essentially "The Chase" on Valium).


Don't have an issue with "Catch 21" returning. It was harmless daytime fare the first time around and should be the same again.


JD
Title: Re: Catch 21 coming back to GSN...
Post by: BrandonFG on March 21, 2019, 05:11:02 PM
Even for someone who doesn't get GSN right now, I'm all for this.

Catch 21 was a very put together show, TBH, one of their best over the past 10 years. Now some of you can dump on that all you want (as seems to happen with almost any GSN show that didn't start with "The" and end in "Chase")
(citation needed) :P The worst thing I saw about Catch 21 from this forum was that most of the contestants were annoying but attractive. Everything else was take it or leave it.

I like the new model GSN is striving for...air a few low-stakes game shows every day. Reminds me a bit of what USA did in the mid/late-80s. I do think GSN could focus more on polishing the game and less on trying to create shareable zany moments a la Family Feud, but that's Game Shows 2019.

/Need any more pitches, GSN?
//I've got a few lying around
Title: Re: Catch 21 coming back to GSN...
Post by: JasonA1 on March 21, 2019, 08:29:56 PM
Catch 21 was a very put together show, TBH, one of their best over the past 10 years. Now some of you can dump on that all you want (as seems to happen with almost any GSN show that didn't start with "The" and end in "Chase")

Where did this ax to grind come from? I'm all for discussion here, but pitting yourself against this silent-yet-apparently-still-existing group seems odd.

My impression of the board's collective impression of Catch 21 was benign-to-good. If anything, the show didn't/doesn't inspire discussion here for the same reason any long-running show doesn't: it had a happy run and did what it set out to do. As far as our discussion boards have gone, that sort of performance doesn't get heaps of unsolicited praise, nor does it solicit angry mobs.

-Jason
Title: Re: Catch 21 coming back to GSN...
Post by: Sonic Whammy on March 21, 2019, 09:48:10 PM
Fair enough from all sides. I don't mean to make it sound how it is, it just always like the dumpers say things first around here. So I never know when good news like this actually feels like good news.

That aside, yeah, maybe you can make a case for the contestants being more high-energy, but it's a lighter game, and these days lighter games are asking for louder energy. I mean, what do you think we're going to see out of Card Sharks and PYL this summer? Those are the highest of high energy. No stumps in the ground there, that's for sure. All in all, though, small price to pay for what again is solid, light-hearted game.
Title: Re: Catch 21 coming back to GSN...
Post by: TLEberle on March 21, 2019, 10:19:01 PM
The fact that someone posts an opinion that doesn't square with yours doesn't make it any more or less valid, nor does it disqualify your participation. Also, I don't think I'm a "dumper," but that I know what I like and don't and I'm not afraid to say as such. I think that puts me a step or two above Statler and Waldorf.
Title: Re: Catch 21 coming back to GSN...
Post by: BillCullen1 on March 22, 2019, 10:22:13 AM
I wonder if they will get Alfonso back to host "Catch 21." He did a good job IMO.
Title: Re: Catch 21 coming back to GSN...
Post by: Jimmy Owen on March 22, 2019, 11:08:52 AM
Alphonso was a little too loud for my taste.
Title: Re: Catch 21 coming back to GSN...
Post by: Stackertosh on March 25, 2019, 12:08:49 PM
Alfonso was loud and annoying on Catch 21.

Its a decent show i am glad its coming back. I hope GSN cuts back on Harvey Family Feud airings.
Title: Re: Catch 21 coming back to GSN...
Post by: cmjb13 on March 25, 2019, 12:23:01 PM
Let me ask this....

How well do you think Rich Fields would have done as host?
Title: Re: Catch 21 coming back to GSN...
Post by: chrisholland03 on March 25, 2019, 02:52:16 PM
I'll take Alfonso instead, thank you.

Title: Re: Catch 21 coming back to GSN...
Post by: SamJ93 on March 25, 2019, 06:27:33 PM
Let me ask this....

How well do you think Rich Fields would have done as host?

3 words: "A NEW CAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH...d."
Title: Re: Catch 21 coming back to GSN...
Post by: urbanpreppie05 on March 31, 2019, 06:47:08 PM
Let me ask this....

How well do you think Rich Fields would have done as host?

Honestly...it could have worked? Maybe.
Title: Re: Catch 21 coming back to GSN...
Post by: Stackertosh on March 31, 2019, 08:57:01 PM
Let me ask this....

How well do you think Rich Fields would have done as host?

I always wanted to see Rich host a Game Show i think he would do a good job.
Title: Re: Catch 21 coming back to GSN...
Post by: TLEberle on March 31, 2019, 09:05:35 PM
So you're the one! Good to meet you.
Title: Re: Catch 21 coming back to GSN...
Post by: cmjb13 on March 31, 2019, 09:28:59 PM
Let me ask this....

How well do you think Rich Fields would have done as host?

Honestly...it could have worked? Maybe.
He was almost chosen, but was not to be
Title: Re: Catch 21 coming back to GSN...
Post by: JakeT on April 01, 2019, 06:44:10 PM
Let me ask this....

How well do you think Rich Fields would have done as host?

Honestly...it could have worked? Maybe.
He was almost chosen, but was not to be

In this context, please define "almost"...

JakeT
Title: Re: Catch 21 coming back to GSN...
Post by: cmjb13 on April 02, 2019, 11:56:56 AM
In this context, please define "almost"...

JakeT

Rich had said that he auditioned for the show and even sent flowers to, I believe, Bob Stewart who had some role with the show.
Either the gig was officially his and it was changed or he thought he had the gig, but plans were changed and Alfonso was hired.
The change was due to GSN demographics
Title: Re: Catch 21 coming back to GSN...
Post by: Neumms on April 02, 2019, 12:59:46 PM
The article also mentions that a show based on the People Puzzler is in the works. Given that’s one of the most pathetic crosswords out there, this would fit the “let’s not make things too difficult” approach demonstrated by Common Knowledge and America Says.
Title: Re: Catch 21 coming back to GSN...
Post by: TLEberle on April 02, 2019, 01:40:55 PM
That's odd given how totally gung-ho GSN was over The Chase. I realize that tough-as-nails quizzing isn't for everyone, but I would say that is the place for it, if not on BBC Radio/TV.

/I still think that America Says would have benefitted from ranked survey answers and the ability to steal the pot.
//End game is still nifty.
Title: Re: Catch 21 coming back to GSN...
Post by: JakeT on April 02, 2019, 07:01:47 PM
In this context, please define "almost"...

JakeT

Rich had said that he auditioned for the show and even sent flowers to, I believe, Bob Stewart who had some role with the show.
Either the gig was officially his and it was changed or he thought he had the gig, but plans were changed and Alfonso was hired.
The change was due to GSN demographics

And we all know this is true because "Rich had said"?

And Bob Stewart had some role in "Catch 21"?

JakeT
Title: Re: Catch 21 coming back to GSN...
Post by: JasonA1 on April 02, 2019, 07:52:30 PM
I think Chris tempered the story enough - Rich auditioned, sent flowers to somebody, thought he had the gig, and then he didn't. It's possible Chris and/or Rich conflated Bob Stewart with Merrill Heatter.

-Jason
Title: Re: Catch 21 coming back to GSN...
Post by: cmjb13 on April 02, 2019, 08:11:41 PM
I think Chris tempered the story enough - Rich auditioned, sent flowers to somebody, thought he had the gig, and then he didn't. It's possible Chris and/or Rich conflated Bob Stewart with Merrill Heatter.

-Jason
It could have been Merrill Heater. I'm going off of a memory of 11 years ago.
Title: Re: Catch 21 coming back to GSN...
Post by: JakeT on April 03, 2019, 07:03:00 PM
I think Chris tempered the story enough - Rich auditioned, sent flowers to somebody, thought he had the gig, and then he didn't. It's possible Chris and/or Rich conflated Bob Stewart with Merrill Heatter.

-Jason

Ohhhhhhhhh...THAT'S what "almost" means...

In that case, I was "almost"...oh, never mind...

JakeT
Title: Re: Catch 21 coming back to GSN...
Post by: knagl on May 21, 2019, 04:20:09 PM
Live near or are planning to visit Las Vegas in July or August, 2019?  It's your chance to be a contestant on Catch 21!

(https://i.postimg.cc/59Ygky7M/Catch21.jpg)
Title: Re: Catch 21 coming back to GSN...
Post by: Neumms on May 21, 2019, 05:34:36 PM
This time they're shooting for knowledgeable contestants. I wonder how that will affect the game.
Title: Re: Catch 21 coming back to GSN...
Post by: BrandonFG on May 28, 2019, 11:14:54 PM
I watched an episode this afternoon, and I either didn't give this fair shot 10 years ago or I've mellowed out over the years, because this really wasn't a bad show, in an era where I was not fond of too many modern game shows. A little loud and times yes, and the bonus round dragged in places - I could definitely tell Alfonso was vamping - but again, I think it fits what GSN is looking for in its afternoon lineup.

/The winning contestant's bonus round strategy, on the other hand, was abysmal
Title: Re: Catch 21 coming back to GSN...
Post by: Stackertosh on May 28, 2019, 11:39:34 PM
I can't wait to see who will host the show
I thought Catch 21 was a pretty good show.
I thought Alfonso was annoying and loud if he does come back i hope he tones it down a bit.
Title: Re: Catch 21 coming back to GSN...
Post by: weaklink75 on July 25, 2019, 05:39:36 PM
Buzzerblog tweeted that Alfonzo Ribeiro is returning to host (not a big shock in hindsight) and the new dealer will be Witney Carson (who was Alfonzo's partner when he won DWTS a couple of years back, so the chemistry will be there)
Title: Re: Catch 21 coming back to GSN...
Post by: byrd62 on July 25, 2019, 08:58:46 PM
So I suppose that means Alfonso joins a select group that includes Alex Trebek, Wink Martindale, Allen Ludden, Gene Rayburn, Bert Convy, Tom Kennedy, Monty Hall and even Bob Barker, all of whom have hosted more than one version of the same game show.
Title: Re: Catch 21 coming back to GSN...
Post by: weaklink75 on August 01, 2019, 03:54:54 PM
According to Witney Carson's Instagram, the return date is 10/14.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B0oeQdWh1D5/