The Game Show Forum
The Game Show Forum => The Big Board => Topic started by: bellbm on January 14, 2004, 10:54:55 PM
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From Variety.com
Mystery of 'Pyramid': Sony TV yanks gamer
Latest Nielsen shows gameshow saw increase
By LILY OEI
Sony Pictures Television has upended "Pyramid" in its sophomore year.
Stations were informed by the distrib Tuesday that the show would not be returning. Meanwhile, a rep for Sony said no decision had yet been made and declined further comment.
According to latest Nielsen numbers, "Pyramid" finished the week of Jan. 4 up, with a 1.9 rating, a 6% increase season to date. Although sixth among syndie gameshows, for the most part, it was widely thought to be renewable.
News comes the same day that distrib released its February sweeps celebrity sked, including a promotion on the Feb. 5 episode of "Friends" when Matt LeBlanc's character, Joey Tribbiani, appears as a "Pyramid" contestant.
Since strip exhibited no signs of being on the bubble, insiders believe Sony is clearing the decks for its new fall launches: hourlong chat fest "Life & Style" or half-hour "Pat Croce: Moving In."
Date in print: Thurs., Jan. 15, 2004, Gotham
Dang, I was hoping to audition for the show again
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dude...tell me this is not happening?! Its January 14th, and its already becoming a death year for Game Shows! Yeesh!
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Despite its flaws, (Mainly judging) I greatly enjoyed Pyramid, and will miss the show a whole bunch... :(
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Oh well, nice while its lasted despite the flaws we've discussed in here. I suppose it'll turn up in GSN reruns next year perhaps.
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Man....I really liked this show...
however, I had heard a rumor three weeks or so ago that it was not being renewed. So maybe it's true.
sigh..all these shows being cancelled for MORE talk shows and Trading spaces ripoffs.
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This is getting pretty sad. Two cancellations in one week...I mean, we expected H2, but I thought Pyramid had legs, with the ratings increase. :-(
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That's as shocking than H2's axing. Really, I liked SOME parts of this version, just as I did the previous versions. But also, just like the previous versions, there were some things I could not stand.
The things I hated outweighed the things I liked about this version. While I like the fact that you CAN go back to a word that you passed in the front game (as opposed to the previous versions), the tournament rules aren't good, and the WC rules for both tournament and non-tournament play don't look so good.
I think they need to re-think their ideas if this show is ever gonna get revived again.
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[quote name=\'fostergray82\' date=\'Jan 14 2004, 11:19 PM\'] This is getting pretty sad. Two cancellations in one week...I mean, we expected H2, but I thought Pyramid had legs, with the ratings increase. :-( [/quote]
Let's hope the old addage ("bad things come in threes") doesn't hold true.
How's Feud doing in the ratings?
EDIT: scratch that...just saw it's been renewed.
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As they would often say in 'Peanuts,' AAAUUUGH!!!!!
It looks like my game show viewing time is getting whittled down some next year. Oh well, at least my cable outlet added VH-1 Classic last month; so I'll adjust.
Before they close up shop though, let's see some CLASSIC game show folk on 'Pyramid!'
Cordially,
Tammy Warner--the 'Anita Gillette of the Big Board!'
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That is bad news indeed! Our local NBC affiliate carries Squares and Feud as a morning block, and Pyramid and Millionaire as an afternoon block, and I was under the impression they were happy with all the shows. Two down....
Personally, I would rather have seen Feud go than Squares, but I never expected Pyramid would go away this year. One more season, maybe. But if true, this is rotten news. I know it's only a game show and life goes on - but it seems like life has a lot fewer nice things along the way these days.
Looks like Endless Games better get ready for a box cover reprint....
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[quote name=\'bellbm\' date=\'Jan 14 2004, 08:54 PM\'] Sony Pictures Television has upended "Pyramid" in its sophomore year.
[/quote]
This is the first judging decision made relating to this show that I agree with.
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Jeez, I'm getting dissapointed from all these cancellations, this show was good. Replacing for Talk Shows? What are they thinking?!?!
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[quote name=\'clemon79\' date=\'Jan 15 2004, 12:28 AM\'] [quote name=\'bellbm\' date=\'Jan 14 2004, 08:54 PM\'] Sony Pictures Television has upended "Pyramid" in its sophomore year.
[/quote]
This is the first judging decision made relating to this show that I agree with. [/quote]
Ditto. I greatly disliked this show all around...and I certainly won't miss it. Sorry to the person who posts on this board that is now unemployed.
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Since strip exhibited no signs of being on the bubble, insiders believe Sony is clearing the decks for its new fall launches: hourlong chat fest "Life & Style" or half-hour "Pat Croce: Moving In."
PAT CROCE?! You mean that schmuck in the in-studio Slamball segments who screams what comes up on his prompter?! (He sure as heck didn't come up with it himself...)
Pyramid had a stack of minor/major annoyances, but if they think anyone will be watching Pat freaking Croce for any more than five minutes, they're high.
Well, at this rate (and with the rumors that there's little new GS stuff at NATPE), may as well be hoping for the best when all the major network sitcoms die off in the near future...
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[quote name=\'Speedy G\' date=\'Jan 14 2004, 10:43 PM\'] PAT CROCE?! You mean that schmuck in the in-studio Slamball segments who screams what comes up on his prompter?! (He sure as heck didn't come up with it himself...)
Pyramid had a stack of minor/major annoyances, but if they think anyone will be watching Pat freaking Croce for any more than five minutes, they're high.
[/quote]
I like Pat Croce. Only (former) NBA owner aside from Mark Cuban who tells it like it is.
And that "schmuck" could buy and sell you.
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[quote name=\'Dsmith\' date=\'Jan 15 2004, 12:41 AM\'][quote name=\'clemon79\' date=\'Jan 15 2004, 12:28 AM\'] [quote name=\'bellbm\' date=\'Jan 14 2004, 08:54 PM\'] Sony Pictures Television has upended "Pyramid" in its sophomore year.
[/quote]
This is the first judging decision made relating to this show that I agree with. [/quote]
Ditto. I greatly disliked this show all around...[/quote]
NOT ME, THOUGH! I'm with Zach, urbanpreppie05, fostergray82, gameshowguy2000, catnap1972, Winkfan, and The Ol' Guy on this one! Come on, Sony, RECONSIDER AND KEEP PYRAMID GOING FOR AT LEAST FOURTEEN MORE YEARS! And while you are at it, make these changes for season THREE:
1) Let the contestant decide who gives and who receives in the third round of each front game.
2) Let the contestant that has won the most money in the WC at the end of each show, return for the next show, the only exception being if they have been on the show for five days up to that point.
2a) To make the above feasible, start airing the shows IN order, and...
2b) Only change the celebrities at the beginning of each week of shows!
3) Finally, anytime a player gets a perfect score in the front game, they get a $2,500 cash bonus which does not count in deciding who can return for the next show.
If I get into the TV biz AND I WILL eventually, EVERYONE involved with a game show will be REQUIRED to ALWAYS listen to us EVEN if there are only 300 or so of us game show fans watching vs. millions of ordinary Joe and Jo viewers watching! They will be REQUIRED to ALWAYS let us game show fans win and drag the ordinary Joe and Jo viewers kicking and screaming into accepting it! And it'll KEEP being that way FOREVER EVEN AFTER I get out of the TV biz.
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[quote name=\'Thad Dixon\' date=\'Jan 14 2004, 11:54 PM\'] If I get into the TV biz AND I WILL eventually, EVERYONE involved with a game show will be REQUIRED to ALWAYS listen to us EVEN if there are only 300 or so of us game show fans watching vs. millions of ordinary Joe and Jo viewers watching! They will be REQUIRED to ALWAYS let us game show fans win and drag the ordinary Joe and Jo viewers kicking and screaming into accepting it! And it'll KEEP being that way FOREVER EVEN AFTER I get out of the TV biz. [/quote]
"Hi. I'm Thad Dixon. You might know me as the person who completely destroyed the industry known as "television". No, please put that rock down..."
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[quote name=\'clemon79\' date=\'Jan 15 2004, 01:59 AM\'][quote name=\'Thad Dixon\' date=\'Jan 14 2004, 11:54 PM\'] If I get into the TV biz AND I WILL eventually, EVERYONE involved with a game show will be REQUIRED to ALWAYS listen to us EVEN if there are only 300 or so of us game show fans watching vs. millions of ordinary Joe and Jo viewers watching! They will be REQUIRED to ALWAYS let us game show fans win and drag the ordinary Joe and Jo viewers kicking and screaming into accepting it! And it'll KEEP being that way FOREVER EVEN AFTER I get out of the TV biz. [/quote]
"Hi. I'm Thad Dixon. You might know me as the person who fixed, not destroyed, the industry known as "television" when it was broken by having every game show on there get cancelled."[/quote]
Believe me, if Bergeron and Osmond walk up to me on the street one day 20 to 30 years from now, they're gonna THANK me for that!
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Mmm. Falsifying quotes. That's a smart move. The respect for you must be positively BURSTING now.
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[quote name=\'Thad Dixon\' date=\'Jan 15 2004, 01:54 AM\'] NOT ME, THOUGH! I'm with Zach, urbanpreppie05, fostergray82, gameshowguy2000, catnap1972, Winkfan, and The Ol' Guy on this one! Come on, Sony, RECONSIDER AND KEEP PYRAMID GOING FOR AT LEAST FOURTEEN MORE YEARS! And while you are at it, make these changes for season THREE:
<snipped> [/quote]
Must you do this all the time? Can't you ever type in a normal fashion?
And furthermore, I wonder will there ever be a feature to block a person's posts.
Brandon Brooks
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[quote name=\'Brandon Brooks\' date=\'Jan 15 2004, 12:25 AM\'] And furthermore, I wonder will there ever be a feature to block a person's posts.
[/quote]
Who would I have to talk to? :)
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Just when I was about to express my elation for Family Feud's renewal for a sixth season (in that post, of course) and how this may bring about a resurgence in syndie game shows...this happens. I am saddened that Sony cancelled Pyramid, but, at the same time, I am not surprised.
The show failed to capture the charm of the old Dick Clark and Bill Cullen versions. I am not talking about the trilons, and the theme music, and the such. This is 2004; we move on. What I am talking about is the overall gameplay and dramatic feel. Aiding celebrities in game material, as well as the lax judging, led to too many winners in too few days, and that cheapened the feel of the "Winner's Circle." The big Pyramid had zero value to the viewer, as well, since Sony thought that the "hey ma! Look at me!" camera angles would hit the fan.
I felt that the writing was close to being on the wall after November's (so-called) $100,000 Tournament. When no one wins the prize that was guaranteed in previous versions, that makes some people feel shortchanged. In my opinion, the 1985-style tournament was always the best.
While I did wish that Pyramid was renewed, the negatives clearly outweighed the positives, and it came back to haunt them.
The Inquisitive One
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Whoa.
I can't say I'm not suprised; I thought it would get renewed. Am I saddened? To be honest, not the slightest bit.
Pyramid, as said by the person above, lost it's charm. It was lttle things that made me hate this version:
-The set: Kinda gloomy. I love gloomy, but it doesn't work for a gameshow! The big ugly monitors used in the maingame were'nt there any more, the big tacky $100,000 sign idea was scrapped. And yes...I missed the trilons...sue me.
-The host: Too affectionate, but other than that, not terrible.
-The main game: The camera angles can make a person dizzy, and the new rules were awful. The stupid puns used as categories were unnecassary.
-The winners circle: The most boring 60 seconds on television! I don't know what it is, but this is the only version of pyramid where I couldn't care less whether the contestant wins or loses. In the reruns on GSN (soon to be GSN) I'm glued to the TV screen!
Feel free to agree, disagree, agree to disagree, or disagree when it comes to agreeing.
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[quote name=\'Speedy G\' date=\'Jan 15 2004, 12:43 AM\']
PAT CROCE?! You mean that schmuck in the in-studio Slamball segments who screams what comes up on his prompter?! (He sure as heck didn't come up with it himself...)
Pyramid had a stack of minor/major annoyances, but if they think anyone will be watching Pat freaking Croce for any more than five minutes, they're high.
Well, at this rate (and with the rumors that there's little new GS stuff at NATPE), may as well be hoping for the best when all the major network sitcoms die off in the near future... [/quote]
Schmuck? Wasn't there a John Schmuck who was a Pyramid semi-regular back in the day LOL.
I think Pat Croce and Tony Danza will befall the same fate as John Walsh, Ali and Jack(whose cancellation is bound to happen I think), and Wayne Brady very quickly.
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The set: Kinda gloomy. I love gloomy, but it doesn't work for a gameshow! The big ugly monitors used in the maingame were'nt there any more, the big tacky $100,000 sign idea was scrapped. And yes...I missed the trilons...sue me.
I still attest that the set was impressive...if any game show besides TPIR tried to use trilons, they probably would get laughed off the screen- and get made fun of on this board for "not updating". Pyramid used a set style that's popular right now...not saying they should have, but they did.
-The host: Too affectionate, but other than that, not terrible.
I really feel bad for Donny Osmond right now. By far, he was the best part of this show, and I really hope he doesn't stop trying other shows.
-The main game: The camera angles can make a person dizzy, and the new rules were awful. The stupid puns used as categories were unnecassary.
Were the camera angles really that bad? In this MTV-style era, should we really expect anything less? The front rules I thought were actually pretty good. It made for faster and more competitive gameplay. And seriously, were the puns really that bad either? Not enough to make me hate the show.
-The winners circle: The most boring 60 seconds on television! I don't know what it is, but this is the only version of pyramid where I couldn't care less whether the contestant wins or loses. In the reruns on GSN (soon to be GSN) I'm glued to the TV screen!
Nope. Disagree here. I still think that the WC was still very exciting except when there was a really bad contestant.
Honestly, I really don't feel that Pyramid was as bad as people were saying...but that's just me.
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I just have one too many pet peeves for this show, I don't care that much about the trilons and other set differences, I just prefer them.
Pyramid used a set style that's popular right now...not saying they should have, but they did.
Modern isn't always a good thing. I wonder how, in ratings, a "retro" game show would do...
The front rules I thought were actually pretty good. It made for faster and more competitive gameplay. And seriously, were the puns really that bad either? Not enough to make me hate the show.
Faster yes, but more competitive? I still like 8 in 30 seconds than 6 in 25. The puns were "cute" at first, but they simply began to annoy me.
Nope. Disagree here. I still think that the WC was still very exciting except when there was a really bad contestant.
When you trade in "things that are compounded" for "what Regis Philbins coffee mug might say" and allow clues that would normally be illegal, it loosens the tension.
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[quote name=\'1978-Jeopardy\' date=\'Jan 15 2004, 08:26 AM\']
Modern isn't always a good thing. I wonder how, in ratings, a "retro" game show would do...
[/quote]
I wonder how TPIR is doing in the ratings.
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Modern isn't always a good thing.
I agree. Today's technology takes away a bit of the charm of old-style game shows.
Well..."Pyramid", "Squares" and GSN...this isn't a good beginning to the year is it?
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[quote name=\'Ian Wallis\' date=\'Jan 15 2004, 09:10 AM\']
Modern isn't always a good thing.
I agree. Today's technology takes away a bit of the charm of old-style game shows.
Well..."Pyramid", "Squares" and GSN...this isn't a good beginning to the year is it? [/quote]
GSN isn't totally going bye-bye yet, just they're adding a few non-game shows to the mix. Only casualty we know of is Win Lose or Draw so far. Pyramid not getting renewed is a surprise, however.
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[quote name=\'urbanpreppie05\' date=\'Jan 15 2004, 08:12 AM\']
-The main game: The camera angles can make a person dizzy, and the new rules were awful. The stupid puns used as categories were unnecassary.
Were the camera angles really that bad? In this MTV-style era, should we really expect anything less? The front rules I thought were actually pretty good. It made for faster and more competitive gameplay. And seriously, were the puns really that bad either? Not enough to make me hate the show.
[/quote]
I agree, but I would like to think that game shows are the one thing that can be excused from trying to be hip. I actually prefer the traditional camera angles, and don't need all the tilting and rotating cameras on a game show. I watch game shows for the GAME element, not to see the new camera tricks which should stay on MTV. Am I really going to think the show is hip and "fresh" because they're trying to emulate the camera styles of "Cribs," which annoy the living hell out of me. If anything, I'm going to notice that the producers are trying way too hard to get a younger audience, and if they think that's what it takes, then they don't know jack about my generation.*
I enjoyed Pyramid, but I can definitely understand what people say by it having no charm. The tournaments were anti-climatic, as were some Winner's Circles. Contestants would win $10,000 and still act like they don't care.
BTW, I'm not really 21, I was actually born in 1962. :-P
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Brandon, getting contestants who don't care is the specialty of Leslie Aquaviva Shulman (who needs to be chastized OUT of the biz), and IIRC, she worked on Pyramid. She can't pick good contestants out of a group of good contestants. (Yes, I know that last sentence was rhetorical, but think about it).
BTW, Zach said John Schmuk, but meant John Schuck. I'm sure he'd love THAT! :-P
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And let me jump back in, if I may - please put me among those who are feeling bad more for the demise of the classic game show form than for this version of Pyramid specifically. You just wonder - is the classic style obsolete, or are viewers reacting negatively to the sloppy jazzing up of shows - in Pyramid's case, the 20 second rounds and bending the end game judging rules to accomodate people who aren't the sharpest tools in the box. A future where Fifth Wheel is considered a great game is..well...never mind. It's time for my Zoloft.
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First H2, now Pyramid? I can't believe it, considering that the latter was pulling what I thought were respectible ratings this season.
I'll admit like anyone else that the show had its flaws, but it wasn't a bad revival, and I'm def gonna miss it, even if I didn't get picked as a contestant at the Oct. '02 City Sweep in Paramus. :-) Donny did a fine job of hosting, a number of the celebs proved they could play just as good as the 80s regs, and the Super Six Sweepstakes going this season was a nice home viewer incentive.
So long, Pyramid...if there was a clue for "THINGS THAT YOU MISS", you'd be it.
Chuck Donegan (The Illustrious "Chuckie Baby")
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[quote name=\'The Ol' Guy\' date=\'Jan 15 2004, 11:44 AM\'] You just wonder - is the classic style obsolete, or are viewers reacting negatively to the sloppy jazzing up of shows [/quote]
The obvious evidence is that it's the latter. For all the whining we do about the smallest of nuances, Family Feud and Hollywood Squares each stayed very close to their original formulas and got six-year runs. Pyramid, Card Sharks and Match Game all deviated from their originals in a specific effort to be hip and edgy and were not nearly as successful. In the meantime, the three long-running classic shows are still going strong with no end in sight.
Naturally, there are a lot of other factors but the empirical evidence would seem to be glaringly obvious. A traditional, classic format doesn't get the demographic that some people are looking for. Producers need to accept this. However, if it's done right, a classic format can be successful and profitable, and tinkering with a classic format in a misguided attempt to draw a better demo is simply a recipe for disaster.
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[quote name=\'fostergray82\' date=\'Jan 15 2004, 09:44 AM\'] Contestants would win $10,000 and still act like they don't care.
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I think the reason for that is that while $10,000 is certainly a nice prize, it just doesn't go as far these days as it used to (especially after taxes). One of the problems was that they (for whatever reason - maybe the finances of syndication -although look at Millionaire) didn't increase the prize money. They were still giving away the same top prizes as in the seventies, for goodness sake. While true game show fans would probably play for any amount, the players should have been playing for more, IMO.
I too didn't really like all the "jazziness" of the new Pyramid. I wasn't that crazy about Donny either. A little too kiss a** for my tastes. Which tied into another problem from my perspective. It seemed that the new version was much more about plugging the celebrities than the older versions. To me, a game show should be about the gameplay and the people trying to win money that would affect their lives.
Wasabe
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Which tied into another problem from my perspective. It seemed that the new version was much more about plugging the celebrities than the older versions. To me, a game show should be about the gameplay and the people trying to win money that would affect their lives.
That's a very interesting point. Now that I think about it, contestants received very little on screen time while on the show. The celebrities would give two out of the three rounds and the camera would mostly stay on them until the contestant gave an answer. The same is true in the winner's circle. It might be interesting to take out a stop watch and clock how much screen time a contestant gets on any given episode.
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I did like the six words or phrases in 20 seconds idea. I also liked the fact that even if you won your second game of the day, you were still going for $10000 if you didn't nail it on your first visit. Donny did an okay job as host as I saw it.
Super Six was a clever title for the main game bonus.
I didn't like the cutey-pie category titles--an idea which has been pinched from Debt on many a show, most prominently Win Ben Stein's Money and even Jeopardy!. I didn't like that which passed for theme music, either. And, of course, the Trump Card idea of a tournament where the top prize was possible but not guaranteed deserves a raspberry.
Still, I did enjoy the program and am sorry to see it go. It will return one day.
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Despite all of its flaws, "Pyramid" didn't deserve to be slammed by Sony like this, especially considering its improving numbers. Steve Brown should be in shock.
And if only Donny wasn't so darned nice--there won't be any gallows humor coming from him in any shows to be taped this season (if there are any). Meanwhile, once we start seeing the "H2" shows that will be taped starting next week to the end, it should be fun to try to pick up the cancellation references that Tom and perhaps Martin will be sure to make--if they don't get edited out first.
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I'm sure it will be back within the next ten years and hopefully it will be a less frustrating show for viewers. Of course, by that time, we'll be able to select our own camera angles at home. For me, the show was at its pinnacle with Bill Cullen at the helm.
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[quote name=\'wasabe\' date=\'Jan 15 2004, 10:05 AM\'] I think the reason for that is that while $10,000 is certainly a nice prize, it just doesn't go as far these days as it used to
(...)
While true game show fans would probably play for any amount,
[/quote]
EXACTLY. I'm sorry, maybe it's because I worry too much about these things in this economy, but I'd be flippin' STOKED to win ten grand, and I'd make sure the world knew it. I flat refuse to believe it's Not Enough Money...I'm more inclined to go with Nicholas's assessment that the contestant coordinator was an idjit who couldn't pick an interesting Squares contestant. (as an example of a show that requires much less work on the player's part, with apologies to Brandon Brooks :))
Of course, when the contestant coordinators are ordered to only select beautiful people under the age of 40, they're limiting their options from the get-go, aren't they?
It seemed that the new version was much more about plugging the celebrities than the older versions. To me, a game show should be about the gameplay and the people trying to win money that would affect their lives.
Well, a celeb is on the show in the first place usually because they have a project of some kind to pimp. So I expect them to have pimping time. I think the new Pyramid's problem was that they tried to intersperse the pimping time into the game, instead of doing it the tried-and-true old way: one celeb gets to pimp before Game One, the other before Game Two.
I'm just deeply satisfied, because the producers were fighting the fans on this one from Day One, and now we know who was ultimately right. Which is not to say we won, or ANYBODY won: one less game show on the air. But we were RIGHT.
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[quote name=\'NicholasM79\' date=\'Jan 15 2004, 10:08 AM\'] Brandon, getting contestants who don't care is the specialty of Leslie Aquaviva Shulman (who needs to be chastized OUT of the biz), and IIRC, she worked on Pyramid. She can't pick good contestants out of a group of good contestants. (Yes, I know that last sentence was rhetorical, but think about it). [/quote]
But sometimes they'll find some real gems... look at how I did on the show, as well as my opponent Ruthie Davis. I do believe they gave us a broom right after we finished recording our show, IIRC. ;-)
As far as the celebrities go... well, that might be another matter.
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I'm taken aback by the double dose of bad news. For me, WJLA's H2/Pyramid hour was the only saving grace on TV at 10 a.m. -- the others had news, Judge Somebody, Montel and Pat Robertson.
I think I'll actually miss this version of Squares more than Pyramid, although I still believe Pyramid (in the general sense) is the best game ever put on TV.
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I'll just quote my wise wife:
"That's a shame. I liked that show, even if they didn't have anybody famous on it."
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Perhaps there is no final decision yet and we can help the powers
that be decide to keep Pyramid. I've heard of these things happening before.
For those that want to keep Pyramid, here are a few ways to speak up:
1) You can call Sony Pictures Studio at 310-244-4000 and ask to be put through to whoever you feel would be best to talk to. I wanted to find out what was going on, so I asked to be put through to the Pyramid Production Office. I got voicemail and left a message.
2) These are some execs you could ask to speak to or you can email them. (Sony TV execs from what I understand.)
Steve Mosko, President - email: steve_mosko@spe.sony.com
Russ Krasnoff, President of Programming - email: russ_krassnoff@spe.sony.com
John Weiser, Exec. Vice President of Sony Pictures Television.
email: john_weiser@spe.sony.com
3) More Sony Execs: (Higher up, not just for TV)
Michael Lynton
Chairman & CEO, Sony Pictures Entertainment
email: michael_lynton@spe.sony.com
Amy Pascal
Chairman, Motion Picture Group, Sony Pictures Entertainment & Vice Chairman, Sony Pictures Entertainment
email: amy_pascal@spe.sony.com
Jeff Blake
Vice Chairman, Sony Pictures Entertainment
email: jeff_blake@spe.sony.com
Yair Landau
Vice Chairman, Sony Pictures Entertainment
email: yair_landau@spe.sony.com
3) A pyramid show email address for feedback to them (I was told it would be passed on to Stephen Brown, Producer):
debbie_clark@pyramid-tv.com
Speaking up CAN make a difference. So let's do it, Pyramid fans!
Pyrawoman
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It is a shame that a game show is cancelled. However, I did not watch Pyramid unless there was a celebrity I was interested in seeing.
H2's cancelation was sad news but not unexpected. What is even sadder is there will be yet another entertainment gabfest with "The Insider". Jeesh, they are as saturated as the court shows.
Tim :-)
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But sometimes they'll find some real gems... look at how I did on the show, as well as my opponent Ruthie Davis. I do believe they gave us a broom right after we finished recording our show, IIRC. ;-)
As someone who taped that same day, you're preaching to the choir here, brother! And remember, Leslie didn't pick every single contestant, including myself and (I think) the first $100,000 winner, George Elias. We both auditioned for Stephen Brown at the City Sweeps that Leslie was unable to attend. Believe it or not, Leslie seemed quite capable of finding "good contestants" based on my experience, and she made damn sure we practiced playing that game until we could play it in our sleep! She also did a fine job of preparing us for the Winner's Circle during taping.
As far as the celebrities go... well, that might be another matter.
Amen again!! And Jeremy, Ruthie, and I got saddled w/ playing alongside who I consider to be one of the weakest of the bunch on this incarnation....Estelle Harris notwithstanding. Jeremy and Ruthie won big in spite of him, and I made it to the "horseshoes and hand grenades" level. :-)
Shane Elsberry
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Thad: ix-nay on the large type.
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[quote name=\'NicholasM79\' date=\'Jan 15 2004, 10:08 AM\']
BTW, Zach said John Schmuk, but meant John Schuck. I'm sure he'd love THAT! :-P [/quote]
It was a joke of course.
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[quote name=\'tidefan12\' date=\'Jan 15 2004, 05:01 PM\']
Amen again!! And Jeremy, Ruthie, and I got saddled w/ playing alongside who I consider to be one of the weakest of the bunch on this incarnation....Estelle Harris notwithstanding. Jeremy and Ruthie won big in spite of him, and I made it to the "horseshoes and hand grenades" level. :-)
Shane Elsberry [/quote]
Jeremy and Ruth's celebs IIRC were Lenny Krayzelburg(not great player) and Picabo Street(decent player)
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Well, here's something I liked about the show:
You CAN go back to a passed word or phrase in the front game. You couldn't do that in the front game on the previous versions.
But, even if you passed, you couldn't get credit for it. That's what I didn't like.
And I wonder why they decided to do THAT.
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[quote name=\'gameshowguy2000\' date=\'Jan 15 2004, 07:48 PM\'] Well, here's something I liked about the show:
You CAN go back to a passed word or phrase in the front game. You couldn't do that in the front game.
But, even if you passed, you couldn't get credit for it. That's what I didn't like.
And I wonder why they decided to do THAT. [/quote]
?
Brandon Brooks
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See edited post.
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The "new" Pyramid lost me when they went to camera angles that completely ignored the fact that there was a "Pyramid" to climb! Returning champs and a guaranteed $100,000 tournament would have brought me back to being a regular watcher . . . however, I'm still not happy to see it go so soon.
Eric
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Translation: You could keep cycling through the words, but you couldn't receive credit for a word your partner wasn't actively communicating.
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[quote name=\'SplitSecond\' date=\'Jan 15 2004, 07:07 PM\'] Translation: You could keep cycling through the words, but you couldn't receive credit for a word your partner wasn't actively communicating. [/quote]
Right. On the previous versions, once you passed, you could NOT go back. But, if you managed to say the word, though, you got credit for it.
On the current version, once the whole list has been cycled through, you return to the words you passed, and only at that time will you get credit.
(BTW, this marks post 400 for me!)
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[quote name=\'gameshowguy2000\' date=\'Jan 15 2004, 06:01 PM\'] See edited post. [/quote]
And, unsurprisingly, it's still wrong. Players on the Clark show gave (and got credit for) what were known as "backward answers" all the time, both in the front game and in the Winner's Circle.
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I'm just deeply satisfied, because the producers were fighting the fans on this one from Day One, and now we know who was ultimately right. Which is not to say we won, or ANYBODY won: one less game show on the air. But we were RIGHT..
Very well said, sir.
I'm sorry, maybe it's because I worry too much about these things in this economy, but I'd be flippin' STOKED to win ten grand, and I'd make sure the world knew it.
Oh yeah! TESTIFY!! :) $10K would be plenty for me. I live modestly, and as long as I came away with enough to take a nice vacation, I'd be cool.
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[quote name=\'whampyl03\' date=\'Jan 14 2004, 10:05 PM\'] Despite its flaws, (Mainly judging) I greatly enjoyed Pyramid, and will miss the show a whole bunch... :( [/quote]
what he said
ETA: If the focus of the show is gonna be the celebrities, have some real celebrities.
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As surprising as Pyramid's cancellation is, I'm saddened to see Sony has decided to ditch a rather decent revival. If it must be canceled, though, must it be replaced by lame-o gabfests or the programming flavor of the month? Sony, if you're going to replace Pyramid, at least give us another game--I'd settle for a remake of Break the Bank '76 without the original theme (despair in my tone)
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[quote name=\'clemon79\' date=\'Jan 15 2004, 08:12 PM\']And, unsurprisingly, it's still wrong. Players on the Clark show gave (and got credit for) what were known as "backward answers" all the time, both in the front game and in the Winner's Circle.[/quote]
It's not wrong--it's just in need of fewer conflicting pronouns. He means that Osmond Pyramid did good by going back to passed answers on the screen, and did bad by not accepting answers that weren't currently on the screen, unlike Clark Pyramid.
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[quote name=\'Robert Hutchinson\' date=\'Jan 15 2004, 11:36 PM\'] [quote name=\'clemon79\' date=\'Jan 15 2004, 08:12 PM\']And, unsurprisingly, it's still wrong. Players on the Clark show gave (and got credit for) what were known as "backward answers" all the time, both in the front game and in the Winner's Circle.[/quote]
It's not wrong--it's just in need of fewer conflicting pronouns. He means that Osmond Pyramid did good by going back to passed answers on the screen, and did bad by not accepting answers that weren't currently on the screen, unlike Clark Pyramid. [/quote]
Right. As I've noted, even if the word is said AFTER you pass it, you DON'T get credit. You have to return to the word to get credit.
On the Clark/Cullen/Davidson versions, you could NOT go back to any words that you passed. However, if you said the word EVEN after passing it, you STILL got credit. The studio and home audiences WOULD see the score change on camera, though. But, even if the score changes, the bell is turned off so as to not distract the team, as Clark would say.
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[quote name=\'Timsterino\' date=\'Jan 15 2004, 03:48 PM\'] H2's cancelation was sad news but not unexpected. What is even sadder is there will be yet another entertainment gabfest with "The Insider". Jeesh, they are as saturated as the court shows.
Tim :-) [/quote]
Are they really doing that well though? Judge Judy (who I thought was top 5 material at one time) is now towards the bottom of the top 10; "People's Court" isn't in the top 25 anymore, Judge Hatchett seems to be cancelled...and Judge Mills lane got axed a couple years ago..
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[quote name=\'Dsmith\' date=\'Jan 16 2004, 12:52 AM\'] [quote name=\'Timsterino\' date=\'Jan 15 2004, 03:48 PM\'] H2's cancelation was sad news but not unexpected. What is even sadder is there will be yet another entertainment gabfest with "The Insider". Jeesh, they are as saturated as the court shows.
Tim :-) [/quote]
Are they really doing that well though? Judge Judy (who I thought was top 5 material at one time) is now towards the bottom of the top 10; "People's Court" isn't in the top 25 anymore, Judge Hatchett seems to be cancelled...and Judge Mills lane got axed a couple years ago.. [/quote]
I believe Joe Brown still holds his own, no? I know he's second to Judy, but don't know what kind of ratings he pulls.
ObGameShows: Joe did an episode of Pyramid last season.
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One bright spot about the cancellation: At least Billy Crystal's record of 26 seconds in the WC will probably stand.
Sony got two things right that Bob Stewart didn't:- A single win in the WC is worth the same amount whether it's the first game or the second.
- There's no number in the title, so they can escape the Mo' Money Syndrome.
Next time, I suggest the following:- two celebs for the whole week, which enables ...
- returning champions
- Contestants choose whether to give in Round 3 and in the Winners' Circle.
- If you incorporate a Tournament as a regular feature, make sure that some figure is guaranteed.
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Another relevant question about the end of Osmond Pyramid: Does anyone wanna bet it might replace Clark Pyramid on GSN next Fall(assuming GSN picks it up)?
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[quote name=\'zachhoran\' date=\'Jan 16 2004, 08:24 AM\'] Another relevant question about the end of Osmond Pyramid: Does anyone wanna bet it might replace Clark Pyramid on GSN next Fall(assuming GSN picks it up)? [/quote]
I hope that doesn't happen.
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Wish me luck, I'm going down this afternoon to be in the Pyramid tournament. I think it'll be the last taping day of the season, and one of the four of us will win a guaranteed $100,000 this time, they tell us. Not only that, but the $100,000 is said to be in addition to whatever prize money is won during the tournament, so there is the potential to win $150,000+
(I'm the contestant whose show aired December 8th. I won with John Salley and Frenchie Davis.)
Kevin
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Good Luck,Kevin
Let us know if anything is said regarding the show in the studio.
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Court shows are right now the most stable syndication format--almost every one of them is either on a ratings upturn or steady. The only reason there aren't any new ones coming to NATPE, as far as I know, is that with Judy, Joe, Mathis, Hatchett, "Divorce Court," "Texas Justice" and "People's Court" all in good shape there isn't a reason to put another one out (and the market probably couldn't support another one). And they pull in the key demos and are economic to produce.
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[quote name=\'zachhoran\' date=\'Jan 16 2004, 09:24 AM\'] Another relevant question about the end of Osmond Pyramid: Does anyone wanna bet it might replace Clark Pyramid on GSN next Fall(assuming GSN picks it up)? [/quote]
Doesn't ABC Family still air episodes on Friday mornings?
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One bright spot about the cancellation: At least Billy Crystal's record of 26 seconds in the WC will probably stand.
Although Picabo Street came perilously close to breaking that record last season w/her 28-sec. $10K win for Jeremy Soria's opponent, Ruthie Davis.
Chuck Donegan (The illustrious "Chuckie Baby")
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In the wake of Pyramid and Squares cancellations, 'Twould be nice to see TOm or Donny win the GS host Emmy this year(Donny was nominated last year, and Tom tied with Bob Barker in 2000, upon which he bought Regis the Empire State Building). Seems more likely that Barker will get it given his turning 80 recently, but anyway.
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Ironically, Donny was a guest on today's Ellen; he spent a lot of time chatting with Ellen about how she ought to play Pyramid. (May have been a rerun, but it's one I hadn't heard about the first time.)
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Hold on a sec, guys. I think you ought to read this. (http://\"http://www.tvgameshows.net\")
Do I sense a false report somewhere?
The Inquisitive One
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[quote name=\'fostergray82\' date=\'Jan 16 2004, 11:52 AM\'] [quote name=\'zachhoran\' date=\'Jan 16 2004, 09:24 AM\'] Another relevant question about the end of Osmond Pyramid: Does anyone wanna bet it might replace Clark Pyramid on GSN next Fall(assuming GSN picks it up)? [/quote]
Doesn't ABC Family still air episodes on Friday mornings? [/quote]
The last time I checked, they still do.
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[quote name=\'zachhoran\' date=\'Jan 16 2004, 07:33 PM\'] In the wake of Pyramid and Squares cancellations, 'Twould be nice to see TOm or Donny win the GS host Emmy this year(Donny was nominated last year, and Tom tied with Bob Barker in 2000, upon which he bought Regis the Empire State Building). Seems more likely that Barker will get it given his turning 80 recently, but anyway. [/quote]
So, if Zach got to vote on who won the Emmy, he would base it on if a show got cancelled? Please explain.
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(Don't worry, no spoilers below)
Well I just got back a couple hours ago from an afternoon and evening of taping the Pyramid tournament, and I think fans of the show will be very pleased with this one. It was very competitive and suspenseful, and the level of game play was very high. If you like the show, you'll really like this tournament.
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[quote name=\'Dsmith\' date=\'Jan 17 2004, 02:01 AM\'] [quote name=\'zachhoran\' date=\'Jan 16 2004, 07:33 PM\'] In the wake of Pyramid and Squares cancellations, 'Twould be nice to see TOm or Donny win the GS host Emmy this year(Donny was nominated last year, and Tom tied with Bob Barker in 2000, upon which he bought Regis the Empire State Building). Seems more likely that Barker will get it given his turning 80 recently, but anyway. [/quote]
So, if Zach got to vote on who won the Emmy, he would base it on if a show got cancelled? Please explain. [/quote]
What I meant is cancelled shows sometimes get nominated for Daytime Emmys, as do the show's hosts. Betty White got nominated in 1984 for the second time for Just Men almost a year after the show got cancelled(the Daytime Emmy organization defines a "year" as March to March), for example.
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As it appears "Pyramid" is in a limbo status now. The leak of a cancellation is not good but Sony said it was premature. It's the time for all game show fans to help. (I would even liketo appeal those who felt the show needed improvement to write as well. As we saw with Feud, the kinks can be fixed... whats important is not losing another game show to yet another redundant talker or a home decor unlimited show.)
Here are some important contacts:
Sony President Steve Mosko: steve_mosko@spe.sony.com
Programming President Russ Krasnoff: russ_krasnoff@spe.sony.com
John Weiser, VP Sony TV john_weiser@spe.sony.com
If you prefer snail mail:
SONY PICTURES Television
3960 Ince Boulevard
Culver City California,90232
To comment about the show you can contact Debbie Clarke debbie_clarke@pyramid-tv.com
There's a phone # also but mail or e mail is best and cheaper!
(310) 244-4000
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Everybody's at NATPE this week. If enough stations want it at NATPE, that pretty much is the only way it could return in syndication.
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[quote name=\'TheGameShowGuy\' date=\'Jan 17 2004, 09:25 AM\'] It's the time for all game show fans to help. (I would even liketo appeal those who felt the show needed improvement to write as well. [/quote]
Is it really?
You really think I'd help save a show that, in my opinion, is terrible? Sorry, I don't think so. Pyramid sealed their own fate 1.5 years ago.
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For fans willing to save a gme show, pyrawoman says the BEST WAY is to CONTACT LOCAL STATIONS. This comes from SONY who states it wants to renew the show.
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[quote name=\'TheGameShowGuy\' date=\'Jan 17 2004, 09:21 PM\'] For fans willing to save a gme show, pyrawoman says the BEST WAY is to CONTACT LOCAL STATIONS. This comes from SONY who states it wants to renew the show. [/quote]
If they really wanted to renew the show, they would renew the show. What they are saying is that if they perceive enough of an audience to merit renewing the show, they will. Which is the case with EVERY show.
And they obviously did not, or this news wouldn't have leaked.
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[quote name=\'TheGameShowGuy\' date=\'Jan 17 2004, 11:21 PM\'] For fans willing to save a gme show, pyrawoman says the BEST WAY is to CONTACT LOCAL STATIONS. This comes from SONY who states it wants to renew the show. [/quote]
Please desist already.
Brandon Brooks
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Ironically, Donny was a guest on today's Ellen; he spent a lot of time chatting with Ellen about how she ought to play Pyramid. (May have been a rerun, but it's one I hadn't heard about the first time.)
No, it was a new one...missed it, but Oxygen airs Ellen's show on a 1-week delay, so I'll be able to catch it this coming Fri (1/23) at 11 PM (EST).
Chuck Donegan (The Illustrious "Chuckie Baby")