[quote name=\'TimK2003\' post=\'131431\' date=\'Sep 13 2006, 06:41 PM\']
You would think, with an obvious candidate at the top of this page, but I can see 2 or 3 other true contenders vying for that #1 spot. Will that number 1 host be there for the number of different shows they've done, the longevity of the shows they hosted, or for simply the popularity of a certain show(s) they have done?[/quote]
Well, we're talking about much, much different criteria here. I made the argument elsewhere in this forum The Price is Right doesn't necessarily deserve to be #1 on anyone's list solely because of its longevity. (Combine that with its pop cultural significance, entertainment value, consistent ratings, impact on other shows, its formula that keeps it fresh...okay then I could see it.) After all, are there that many people who really think The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet is 14 times better than The Honeymooners? Twice as good as The Mary Tyler Moore Show? Roughly half again as good as Seinfeld?
On the other hand, Bob Barker hosting the show for 35 years, still drawing in viewers at his age and with all those years under his belt, having broken a longevity record set by, uh, Bob Barker...now that is an accomplishment. It would seem to be a lock for he and Bill Cullen to be in the top two.