Author Topic: Syndicators Bet on Game and Court Shows (Read 7211 times)

dzinkin · « **on:** November 21, 2006, 12:22:38 AM »

The full article, a rundown on new (hey, look at the title!) game and court shows that syndicators are trying to sell, is here. Two excerpts, with at least one nice surprise for those of us who would like to see Sale of the Century revived:

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The linchpin of a syndicated Deal will be the choice of host; Howie Mandel is widely credited for the success of the primetime version. Sources with knowledge of the show’s development say former late-night host Arsenio Hall was originally slated, but he and NBCU have since parted ways. Comic actor Mark Curry has also been in talks with NBC about the job.

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Meanwhile, a raft of syndicated game shows, both new and retread, are making the rounds:

* Game-show guru Harry Friedman, who oversees Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy!, is planning new-format Combination Lock and an update of the old Joker’s Wild with a casino-style set.
* Merv Griffin is pitching syndicators on a couple of game shows, one of which is a word-scramble format. Griffin and his agents at William Morris have not yet revealed their strategy.
* Twentieth Television may be considering Catch Phrase and Connections from Granada and Temptations from Fremantle.
* Fremantle also has been shopping a remake of the enduring Match Game.

This is also the first time I've heard that CBS wanted an hour-long Jeopardy!

As always, let the comments begin!

BrandonFG · « **Reply #1 on:** November 21, 2006, 12:59:18 AM »

Interesting...I was wondering how the Catch Phrase pilot was coming along.

Keeping fingers crossed as always...

ETA: I think this quote was interesting:

[quote name=\'Roger King\']
“Deal or No Deal will be a huge bomb” in syndication, he says. “Cutting it down to a half-hour will make it look chintzy.”
[/quote]

Damn. This is what's wrong with Mo-Money Syndrome. Now a half-million is considered "chintzy". ;-) I see what he's saying, esp. since that seems like the average given away per contestant, but that's still a heluva lot of dough, even for a syndicated version, esp. since this version would air 5 days a week.

Besides, I seriously doubt the reduced potential jackpot killed syndie Link.

Joe Mello · « **Reply #2 on:** November 21, 2006, 01:08:57 AM »

[quote name=\'dzinkin\' post=\'138404\' date=\'Nov 21 2006, 12:22 AM\']This is also the first time I've heard that CBS wanted an hour-long Jeopardy![/quote]
That sounds like a bad idea. I think 60 minutes would be pushing the tolerance level to the limit.

Anyway, since talkies seem to be failing left and right, syndicators might as well try and find something else other than court shows. Now if they could get rid of the court shows and give talkies to someone we actually like to watch......

chris319 · « **Reply #3 on:** November 21, 2006, 01:43:41 AM »

Building on the success of Match Game '98:

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* Fremantle also has been shopping a remake of the enduring Match Game.

Judy Tenuta IS available (haven't used that line in years).

Quote

I seriously doubt the reduced potential jackpot killed syndie Link.

When did anyone ever win a substantial amount of money on any version of Weakest Link?

Craig Karlberg · « **Reply #4 on:** November 21, 2006, 03:54:16 AM »

We all knew about CL & TJW for a few months now, but Friedman is considering a word scramble game? Hopefully, it'll be better than Jumble tried to be on the Family Channel back in the mid 90's.

I was wondering what's up with Catch Phrase. Connections is a new one on me. Curious as to how that p;ays out.

I hope the next MG incarnation will keep the classic elements of the original & not the crapfest that it was '98.

Bah! on the idea of a 60-minute J! Half an hour is long enough for me. And since when did CBS acquired the rights to the format originally done by NBC in the first place?

Eddie "Chiclets" McGee · « **Reply #5 on:** November 21, 2006, 06:49:45 AM »

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Interesting...I was wondering how the Catch Phrase pilot was coming along.

I was present in the audience of both "Catch Phrase" and "Connections." Starting with "Catch Phrase," It is completely faithful to the original, with the money chase, Super Catch Phrase and 5-in-a-row bonus game. The animations were great, the puzzles updated to keep up with current pop culture and technology. I loved it, but the trouble I had with it, and the reason I don't think it will make it, is that it's too slow paced.
All-in-all, though I really did enjoy it. Then I found out why it was so faithful. It was being overseen by Marty Peseta, who created the original "Catch Phrase."

As far as "Connections," I think this has a better chance of making it to air, as it has a strong pop culture influence, a lot of visuals, some good humor, and a unique game play. I don't want to give it all away, but the show could be called "visual Tribond." As much as I liked this one, there were also some problems. Just some things I found unnecessary, but, things that could easily be fixed. If they fix these "teething problems" I have no doubt that "Connections" could be a great success.

As a game show fan, I'd like to see both of these shows sell.
As a game show realist, I think "Connections" probably will, "Catch Phrase" most likely will not.

NickS · « **Reply #6 on:** November 21, 2006, 08:11:28 AM »

[quote name=\'Eddie "Chiclets" McGee\' post=\'138422\' date=\'Nov 21 2006, 05:49 AM\']

As a game show fan, I'd like to see both of these shows sell.
As a game show realist, I think "Connections" probably will, "Catch Phrase" most likely will not.
[/quote]

I think your former statement will happen. Why? You have MyNetwork affiliates which could use syndie shows, and also the CW 100+ group -- currently, they have:

A double run of Roseanne
A double run of Cosby Show
Judge Maria Lopez
Greg Behrendt Show
Still Standing
Bernie Mac
King of Queens (I think)
Will and Grace

With the last four a double run as well.

I'll put a shiny nickle that Behrendt is done, which opens an hour up.

As for Roger King's statement, that's spin for now. Wonder if he's seen the Aussie DoND? That's 28:26 and it works just fine.

tpirfan28 · « **Reply #7 on:** November 21, 2006, 08:22:02 AM »

Regarding "Tempation(s)/SoTC"...I found this comment when looking at the IMdB on US Sale...

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Of all the game shows I've seen in my life, this one was always one of my favorites. I used to watch it on TV a lot when I was around 6 or 7 years old and then came the reruns on USA when I was 13. I think my favorite part of the show was the speed round. I really wish this show would come back on in America, and if it did, I think Louie Anderson or "Mad TV" alum Phil LaMarr would be a good host.

If Louie did "SoTC", I'd probably never watch it, even though I love the format.

/same goes for Feud
//Oh wait....

clemon79 · « **Reply #8 on:** November 21, 2006, 09:34:55 AM »

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and if it did, I think Louie Anderson or "Mad TV" alum Phil LaMarr would be a good host.

If "Sale Of The Century" is a "firm go" for the 2007-2008 television season...

/who sings the Anthem for the Flyers these days?

FOXSportsFan · « **Reply #9 on:** November 21, 2006, 09:47:02 AM »

That would be Lauren Hart, Chris.

Brig Bother · « **Reply #10 on:** November 21, 2006, 12:09:36 PM »

That's interesting. Seeing the Granada connection, it's not the same Connections that was on UK telly in the late 80s, is it?

http://www.ukgameshows.com/page/index.php/...ections_%281%29

itiparanoid13 · « **Reply #11 on:** November 21, 2006, 12:39:17 PM »

Well since it was here, I can safely say that the pilot for Temptation has already been shot in Australia. It was done a few weeks ago. Obviously that thing we thought was Temptation was infact Temptation. As far as I know, the format is relatively close to the Australia one.

I have never said Temptation that many times in my life.

Also, unless someone already said it, the original pilot host for Catch Phrase was Todd Newton, but they reshot a pilot after that, and from what I heard it went very very well.

uncamark · « **Reply #12 on:** November 21, 2006, 12:40:38 PM »

To make a correction before anyone else:

Steve Radosh created "Catch Phrase." Marty Pasetta was only the money man behind the original project.

And how would you be able to do "J!" with an hour format? Every time someone buzzed in, all of the lights go down and Vari-Lites hit the contestant while a dramatic music sting plays? Have Alex take fifteen seconds to tell anyone that their response was correct? Ask the contestant to consult his friends in the audience before he makes his Daily Double bet? The "Jeopardy!" Girls? (Wait, that was my idea.)

TimK2003 · « **Reply #13 on:** November 21, 2006, 01:46:59 PM »

[quote name=\'uncamark\' post=\'138440\' date=\'Nov 21 2006, 01:40 PM\']
The "Jeopardy!" Girls? (Wait, that was my idea.)
[/quote]

How about the "Clue Crew Dancers" -- sponsored by Bed Bath & Beyond?

tpirfan28 · « **Reply #14 on:** November 21, 2006, 01:54:19 PM »

[quote name=\'itiparanoid13\' post=\'138439\' date=\'Nov 21 2006, 12:39 PM\']
Well since it was here, I can safely say that the pilot for Temptation has already been shot in Australia. It was done a few weeks ago. Obviously that thing we thought was Temptation was infact Temptation. As far as I know, the format is relatively close to the Australia one.

I have never said Temptation that many times in my life.
[/quote]
This makes me very very happy. I'd assume we don't know the host?

Finally...someone making a game show that knowledge and luck work hand in hand. First time we've seen that, since, what...TJW '90?

EDIT: My roommate just brought up a good point. How many times do you think the host would use the following line...

"Here's the Instant Bargain for XX dollars...sale or no sale?"

/puns intended.