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Game Shows in the 1950s and 1960s

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CSUPYLFAN:
Hi!

I'm new to the board, but have been lurking for a while.  I know there are a number of fans here who have interest in game shows from the 1950s/1960s.  I'm doing a presentation in my class on game shows in this era, and I have two questions for you...

What do you think made these shows so popular in the 1950s, given the time and the era?

How do you think game shows maintained their presesnce in the 1960s, and why do you think they became popular again in the late 60s (or did they)?

Plus, I thought it might make a good discussion here.

Thanks so much in advance!

Matt Ottinger:

--- Quote ---What do you think made these shows so popular in the 1950s, given the time and the era?
--- End quote ---
The one thing that's usually lost on young people is the simple fact that television itself was new.  In this 200-channel digital cable and satellite TV universe, it's hard to imagine that there was a time when people got excited by ANYTHING they could watch on their nine-inch black and white screens.

Make sure that point gets made in your presentation.  And welcome to the board!

MikeK:
Sorry for going off-topic but your handle piqued my interest.

Which CSU do you attend?

CSUPYLFAN:
Matt,

Thanks!  Yes, as a fan both of early television and game shows, I do forget that an "average" (non-media fan) college student may have never seen a small black and white TV or can't relate to how television was unlike anything before, even radio or film.  At the present, I can't think of anything that had quite the novelty since (although I suppose arguments could be made for the Internet...).


Mike,

Colorado State University  =)  One of our own won Jeopardy! today (10/17).

I hope you all don't mind if I pose another question: Do you think another reason game shows were so closely followed (especially the quiz shows) was because of some of the same reasons reality TV is followed today, or was it primarily the novelty of TV?  Or something else?

Thanks for all your help!

tvrandywest:
[quote name=\'Matt Ottinger\' date=\'Oct 17 2003, 03:47 PM\'] The one thing that's usually lost on young people is the simple fact that television itself was new.  In this 200-channel digital cable and satellite TV universe, it's hard to imagine that there was a time when people got excited by ANYTHING they could watch on their nine-inch black and white screens.
 [/quote]
Right on , Matt.

I would add that game shows were just about the only programming at the time that featured "real people".... the kinds of people viewers could most easily relate to and live vicariously through. Most of the games had solid play-along. Additionally, if the shows were well cast with "everyman" types, the combination was compelling!

Between America's Most Wanted and COPS, these days I'm tired of seeing my neighbors on TV  ;-)


Randy
tvrandywest.com

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