The Game Show Forum

The Game Show Forum => The Big Board => Topic started by: Otm Shank on April 24, 2010, 11:40:33 AM

Title: Who can host a game show?
Post by: Otm Shank on April 24, 2010, 11:40:33 AM
I often hear who is not suited, or shouldn't be considered, to host a game show. Let me throw out a hypothetical and see how you would cast this:

You need to hire a game show host. Format of the show is not relevant to the talent, but for argument's sake, let's say it's a light Q&A game with a random luck aspect to it (no celebrity contestants). You need to present a list to your boss of five people who should be considered, but you cannot suggest anyone who has hosted a game show (including reality-style competition), nor anyone who is/was a stand-up comedian.

Who are your five?
Title: Who can host a game show?
Post by: catkins522 on April 24, 2010, 12:18:39 PM
Malcolm, the computer guy
Lucy, the computer girl
Vanna White
Barry Williams
and, Matt Ottiger

Charles Atkins
Title: Who can host a game show?
Post by: clemon79 on April 24, 2010, 01:57:47 PM
[quote name=\'Otm Shank\' post=\'239915\' date=\'Apr 24 2010, 08:40 AM\']Format of the show is not relevant to the talent[/quote]
Shenanigans. It's ALWAYS relevant.
Title: Who can host a game show?
Post by: J.R. on April 24, 2010, 02:26:42 PM
I'm hiring Rolf.

/What?
Title: Who can host a game show?
Post by: MikeK on April 24, 2010, 02:33:16 PM
[quote name=\'J.R.\' post=\'239921\' date=\'Apr 24 2010, 02:26 PM\']I'm hiring Rolf.

/What?[/quote]
The word "talent" was clearly used in the original post.
Title: Who can host a game show?
Post by: Jeremy Nelson on April 24, 2010, 03:22:32 PM
Well, you've just basically narrowed it to actors, newspeople, and "that guy I go to school with".

If comedic acting doesn't count as comedy, then I'm going with Neil Patrick Harris. It seems he enjoys the genre enough to warrant giving him a show. Other than that, it's hard to choose 5.

And yes, format does count.
Title: Who can host a game show?
Post by: Jimmy Owen on April 24, 2010, 03:39:00 PM
George Clooney
Jim Rome
George Lopez (may not be eligible, due to stand up)
Jim Carrey
George Stephanopoulos

If Lopez is out, then I'll go with George from "Dead Like Me."
Title: Who can host a game show?
Post by: TLEberle on April 24, 2010, 04:11:43 PM
[quote name=\'Jimmy Owen\' post=\'239925\' date=\'Apr 24 2010, 12:39 PM\']If Lopez is out, then I'll go with George from "Dead Like Me."[/quote]<--- does not see what you did there.
Title: Who can host a game show?
Post by: Dbacksfan12 on April 24, 2010, 05:05:46 PM
[quote name=\'Jimmy Owen\' post=\'239925\' date=\'Apr 24 2010, 02:39 PM\']Jim Rome[/quote]Unless it was a revival of Weakest Link, I see it ending badly.
Title: Who can host a game show?
Post by: BrandonFG on April 24, 2010, 05:39:20 PM
I'm thinking for trivia (light or serious), someone with a news background works well, as they're usually well-versed on current and past events. There are the airheaded ones, but that's honestly not as common as sitcoms make you want to think. With a trivia show, when the host breaks down the answer, I want him to sound like he really knows what he's talking about, i.e. Trebek, and not robotic just reading facts off of the teleprompter, i.e. Treadway.

And when I say news, that includes weather and sports. In many cases, a good anchor/meteorologist should be able to ad-lib in the event that their teleprompter goes kaput. I'd be willing to guess that a lot of former meteorologists do so well as hosts because a lot of their job is ad-libbing with the forecast.

Two I always thought could work were Keith Olbermann (probably a tougher trivia game...would love to see him do a week of Millionaire) or Dan Patrick. Another one I thought could work is Bill Weir...he's done some stuff for Good Morning America, and I think he still anchors their weekend version. I second NPH as well.

And yeah, format means everything. For example, would you put Keith Olbermann as host on Minute to Win It?
Title: Who can host a game show?
Post by: Winkfan on April 24, 2010, 05:48:57 PM
I can only come up with these:
1.) Jimmy O'Neill from Shindig (whom I had the great fortune of meeting)
2.) Don Webster of Upbeat (whom I had the great mis-fortune of NOT meeting, so far.....)
3.) Dick "The Wild Eye-Tralian" Biondi (see #2)

Cordially,
Tammy

I can just hear the younguns saying "Who the GONG SHOW OOPS are those guys?!?!"
Title: Who can host a game show?
Post by: DoorNumberFour on April 24, 2010, 05:56:32 PM
Just as an aside, how was Tucker Carlson as a host? Did anyone see that Trust pilot he taped a while back?
Title: Who can host a game show?
Post by: MikeK on April 24, 2010, 06:10:08 PM
[quote name=\'Winkfan\' post=\'239936\' date=\'Apr 24 2010, 05:48 PM\']2.) Don Webster of Upbeat (whom I had the great mis-fortune of NOT meeting, so far.....)[/quote]
It's not a national show, but Don Webster hosted Cleveland's version of Academic Challenge and It's Academic from the 70s through the 90s.

I met him once a number of years back.  I didn't care for him that much.
Title: Who can host a game show?
Post by: J.R. on April 24, 2010, 06:59:56 PM
[quote name=\'Jimmy Owen\' post=\'239925\' date=\'Apr 24 2010, 02:39 PM\']Jim Rome[/quote]
If only Jim Everett gets to slam him to the ground again.
Title: Who can host a game show?
Post by: mmb5 on April 24, 2010, 07:40:32 PM
[quote name=\'Jimmy Owen\' post=\'239925\' date=\'Apr 24 2010, 03:39 PM\']George Clooney
Jim Rome
George Lopez (may not be eligible, due to stand up)
Jim Carrey
George Stephanopoulos

If Lopez is out, then I'll go with George from "Dead Like Me."[/quote]
I don't get what you did either, but I am in favor of anything that will get Ellen Muth back on TV.
Title: Who can host a game show?
Post by: clemon79 on April 24, 2010, 08:19:27 PM
[quote name=\'mmb5\' post=\'239943\' date=\'Apr 24 2010, 04:40 PM\']I don't get what you did either[/quote]
I dunno. I thought that claiming Lopez on the grounds that one must first be funny to be a comedian was inspired.
Title: Who can host a game show?
Post by: NickS on April 24, 2010, 09:16:04 PM
Montel Williams
Guy Johnson
Keith Olbermann
Dan Patrick
and to make a point - Ron Jeremy

Format does matter, especially when you're dealing with the last person on the list.  Has to find the right fit for him.
Title: Who can host a game show?
Post by: chrisholland03 on April 24, 2010, 09:48:42 PM
[quote name=\'J.R.\' post=\'239921\' date=\'Apr 24 2010, 01:26 PM\']I'm hiring Rolf.

/What?[/quote]

The Muppet Rolf could be quite interesting as a host...
Title: Who can host a game show?
Post by: NickS on April 24, 2010, 10:10:57 PM
[quote name=\'chrisholland03\' post=\'239946\' date=\'Apr 24 2010, 08:48 PM\']The Muppet Rowlf could be quite interesting as a host...[/quote]

Fixed that for you.
Title: Who can host a game show?
Post by: Joe Mello on April 25, 2010, 12:59:32 AM
[quote name=\'MikeK\' post=\'239923\' date=\'Apr 24 2010, 02:33 PM\'][quote name=\'J.R.\' post=\'239921\' date=\'Apr 24 2010, 02:26 PM\']I'm hiring Rolf.

/What?[/quote]
The word "talent" was clearly used in the original post.[/quote]
I bet you Rolf has more talent in his big toe...
Title: Who can host a game show?
Post by: MikeK on April 25, 2010, 01:19:34 AM
[quote name=\'Joe Mello\' post=\'239951\' date=\'Apr 25 2010, 12:59 AM\'][quote name=\'MikeK\' post=\'239923\' date=\'Apr 24 2010, 02:33 PM\'][quote name=\'J.R.\' post=\'239921\' date=\'Apr 24 2010, 02:26 PM\']I'm hiring Rolf.

/What?[/quote]
The word "talent" was clearly used in the original post.[/quote]
I bet you Rolf has more talent in his big toe...
[/quote]
...than in the rest of his body?  That explains why he's better known as a place kicker compared to a TV host. :-)
Title: Who can host a game show?
Post by: Thunder on April 25, 2010, 01:28:01 AM
[quote name=\'TeppanYaki\' post=\'239945\' date=\'Apr 24 2010, 09:16 PM\']...
and to make a point - Ron Jeremy

....  
Has to find the right fit for him.[/quote]

 No one has reigned Snarkily Supreme with that posting in four hours?

I am highly disappointed in the board's membership in that.

Heh.
Title: Who can host a game show?
Post by: Speedy G on April 25, 2010, 02:22:25 AM
[quote name=\'Modor\' post=\'239930\' date=\'Apr 24 2010, 05:05 PM\'][quote name=\'Jimmy Owen\' post=\'239925\' date=\'Apr 24 2010, 02:39 PM\']Jim Rome[/quote]Unless it was a revival of Weakest Link, I see it ending badly.
[/quote]
Personally, I'm picturing Jim Rome explaining a solved rebus puzzle, and I can't stop giggling.

/INN...K...red..."A"...bull.
Title: Who can host a game show?
Post by: Jumpondees on April 25, 2010, 09:42:44 AM
[quote name=\'Thunder\' post=\'239953\' date=\'Apr 25 2010, 01:28 AM\'][quote name=\'TeppanYaki\' post=\'239945\' date=\'Apr 24 2010, 09:16 PM\']...
and to make a point - Ron Jeremy

....  
Has to find the right fit for him.[/quote]

 No one has reigned Snarkily Supreme with that posting in four hours?

I am highly disappointed in the board's membership in that.

Heh.
[/quote]

Isn't that the point of Ron Jeremy's line of work, finding the "right fit" or lack thereof?
*ducks*
Title: Who can host a game show?
Post by: clemon79 on April 25, 2010, 11:00:55 AM
[quote name=\'Jumpondees\' post=\'239960\' date=\'Apr 25 2010, 06:42 AM\']Isn't that the point of Ron Jeremy's line of work, finding the "right fit" or lack thereof?
*ducks*[/quote]
http://img191.imageshack.us/img191/5296/thatsthejokez.jpg (http://\"http://img191.imageshack.us/img191/5296/thatsthejokez.jpg\")
Title: Who can host a game show?
Post by: Jumpondees on April 25, 2010, 11:41:47 AM
[quote name=\'clemon79\' post=\'239961\' date=\'Apr 25 2010, 11:00 AM\'][quote name=\'Jumpondees\' post=\'239960\' date=\'Apr 25 2010, 06:42 AM\']Isn't that the point of Ron Jeremy's line of work, finding the "right fit" or lack thereof?
*ducks*[/quote]
http://img191.imageshack.us/img191/5296/thatsthejokez.jpg (http://\"http://img191.imageshack.us/img191/5296/thatsthejokez.jpg\")
[/quote]

LOL!
Title: Who can host a game show?
Post by: tpirfan28 on April 25, 2010, 03:33:20 PM
Gus Johnson.

/Evidence A (http://\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OneiEg7rm20&feature=related\")
//Evidence B (http://\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6npKFKU4fmc&feature=related\")
///I'd link the cooler soundboard but it's down
Title: Who can host a game show?
Post by: J.R. on April 25, 2010, 06:23:12 PM
[quote name=\'tpirfan28\' post=\'239971\' date=\'Apr 25 2010, 02:33 PM\']///I'd link the cooler soundboard but it's down[/quote]
This will do for now. (http://\"http://www.sportspickle.com/article:753/gus-johnson-does-mad-libs\")

/FAROKHMANESH!!!!!!!!
Title: Who can host a game show?
Post by: TLEberle on April 26, 2010, 12:28:51 AM
[quote name=\'Otm Shank\' post=\'239915\' date=\'Apr 24 2010, 08:40 AM\']Format of the show is not relevant to the talent[/quote]It absolutely is. Which genius thought that Monty Hall would be a good host for Split Second? He's awesome when he has a crowd of people and a free-form format to work with, but when it came to just reading questions, it was awful

On the other hand, Tom Kennedy could take anything you threw at it and host it with excitement and a fervor that didn't look forced. Alex Trebek is known for being the no-nonsense host of Jeopardy!, but his turn as host of Concentration showed that he was able to have a good time, joke around and to not need to be a stuffy all the time.

Dismissing the format as not relevant is silly at best, and set-up-for-abject-fail at worst.

The question basically parses down to "who is the undiscovered talent?" The problem is that they're undiscovered. There's a reason that Frank Caliendo's Hot Streak isn't going into the tenth year on TBS or why the host of your local afternoon independent station's cartoon/live-action block isn't hosting Card Sharks 2010.

I think that Dave Niehaus is one of the greatest radio PBP guys in the history of Western Civilization. I get chills when Steve Raible's call of "Touchdown Seahawks!" is spread over Pugetopia's airwaves. But I wouldn't say that makes them good game show hosts. Just because I like listening to a pair of local pundits doesn't mean they ought to be hosts of Red vs. Blue: The Game Show.

And so on. The reason they haven't hosted a game show is probably because they wouldn't be good at it. (I note with a bit of amusement that one of our local weathermens hosted a local weekly Casino Night game show, and wasn't terrible at it, perpetuating the meme of the weatherman as game show host. But I wouldn't have him hosting Blockbusters or anything.)

[quote name=\'fostergray82\' post=\'239933\' date=\'Apr 24 2010, 02:39 PM\']Two I always thought could work were Keith Olbermann (probably a tougher trivia game...would love to see him do a week of Millionaire) or Dan Patrick.[/quote]A while ago back when H2 was on GSN, there was a week of episodes with Keith Olbermann, and he was really good. I liked Sports Keith. But when he became Ranting MSNBC Keith, any liking just went out the window. No joy. He might be awesome as a host (aside from the possibility that we might have the Worst Answer in the World every day before the credit roll) but I could not bring myself to watch.

/Ditto with "Your host of Home Run Derby: Barry Bonds!"
Title: Who can host a game show?
Post by: chris319 on April 26, 2010, 12:45:22 AM
The only way to find out if someone's any good as an emcee is through an audition. You know, an audition, the thing Drew Carey never had to do. Then you need people evaluating the audition who aren't saying how lovely the emperor's new clothes look if the auditioner doesn't measure up. Richard Dawson auditioned and was rejected as an emcee of several nascent game shows before he struck gold with FF.

Most performers probably don't anticipate ever emceeing a game show so they probably don't give a lot of thought to how they would approach it.
Title: Who can host a game show?
Post by: Jay Temple on April 26, 2010, 12:47:18 AM
Not every sportscaster would be a good host, but I imagine a good number of them would be. I think Bob Costas would be good for a serious show like J! or WWTBAM.

I would venture to say that in any successful team of an ex-player and a non-player, the non-player could probably handle the duties of a mid-level straight quizzer or even a celeb-based communication game.

\would love to see Sportscasters v. Managers Week on Pyramid
Title: Who can host a game show?
Post by: J.R. on April 26, 2010, 01:04:00 AM
[quote name=\'chris319\' post=\'239986\' date=\'Apr 25 2010, 11:45 PM\']The only way to find out if someone's any good as an emcee is through an audition. You know, an audition, the thing Drew Carey never had to do.[/quote]
Shut up about Drew Carey.

He's the host of TPIR now. Get over it.
Title: Who can host a game show?
Post by: Joe Mello on April 26, 2010, 01:13:59 AM
[quote name=\'chris319\' post=\'239986\' date=\'Apr 26 2010, 12:45 AM\']Then you need people evaluating the audition who aren't saying how lovely the emperor's new clothes look if the auditioner doesn't measure up.[/quote]
The next time a job interviewer straight-up tells me "you suck, get out" will probably be the first.
Title: Who can host a game show?
Post by: TLEberle on April 26, 2010, 01:15:29 AM
[quote name=\'Joe Mello\' post=\'239990\' date=\'Apr 25 2010, 10:13 PM\']The next time a job interviewer straight-up tells me "you suck, get out" will probably be the first.[/quote]That is more-or-less what keeps me going when thinking about work, that eventually I'll be the one in charge of hiring and firing.

"If you can tell me why I shouldn't fire you without using the letter E, you can stick around."
Title: Who can host a game show?
Post by: BrandonFG on April 26, 2010, 01:27:00 AM
[quote name=\'Jay Temple\' post=\'239987\' date=\'Apr 26 2010, 12:47 AM\']Bob Costas[/quote]
I knew there was a name that I always liked, and just couldn't place it. Costas rounds out my list.
Title: Who can host a game show?
Post by: chris319 on April 26, 2010, 03:13:20 AM
Quote
He's the host of TPIR now.
And a thoroughly mediocre one at that.
Title: Who can host a game show?
Post by: J.R. on April 26, 2010, 03:18:56 AM
[quote name=\'chris319\' post=\'239993\' date=\'Apr 26 2010, 02:13 AM\']And a thoroughly mediocre one at that.[/quote]
I never said he was Emmy worthy. But he certainly doesn't deserve constant bashing.
Title: Who can host a game show?
Post by: mmb5 on April 26, 2010, 07:34:12 AM
[quote name=\'TLEberle\' post=\'239985\' date=\'Apr 26 2010, 12:28 AM\']It absolutely is. Which genius thought that Monty Hall would be a good host for Split Second? He's awesome when he has a crowd of people and a free-form format to work with, but when it came to just reading questions, it was awful[/quote]
That genius would be Monty Hall.

And I'll also chime in that format does mean something.  You would not want Bill Cullen hosting Jeopardy.  His skills are best used in a loose game.


--Mike
Title: Who can host a game show?
Post by: Jimmy Owen on April 26, 2010, 07:47:26 AM
[quote name=\'mmb5\' post=\'239997\' date=\'Apr 26 2010, 07:34 AM\'][quote name=\'TLEberle\' post=\'239985\' date=\'Apr 26 2010, 12:28 AM\']It absolutely is. Which genius thought that Monty Hall would be a good host for Split Second? He's awesome when he has a crowd of people and a free-form format to work with, but when it came to just reading questions, it was awful[/quote]
That genius would be Monty Hall.

And I'll also chime in that format does mean something.  You would not want Bill Cullen hosting Jeopardy.  His skills are best used in a loose game.


--Mike
[/quote]

Listening to Bill's radio work, I think he could adapt to a more serious J!-style game if need be.
Title: Who can host a game show?
Post by: BillCullen1 on April 26, 2010, 08:08:20 AM
[quote name=\'TLEberle\' post=\'239985\' date=\'Apr 26 2010, 12:28 AM\'][quote name=\'Otm Shank\' post=\'239915\' date=\'Apr 24 2010, 08:40 AM\']Format of the show is not relevant to the talent[/quote]It absolutely is. Which genius thought that Monty Hall would be a good host for Split Second? He's awesome when he has a crowd of people and a free-form format to work with, but when it came to just reading questions, it was awful

On the other hand, Tom Kennedy could take anything you threw at it and host it with excitement and a fervor that didn't look forced. Alex Trebek is known for being the no-nonsense host of Jeopardy!, but his turn as host of Concentration showed that he was able to have a good time, joke around and to not need to be a stuffy all the time.  [/quote]

Monty probably thought he could host SS, he owned the show.

I agree with your assessments of TK and AT. Throw in Cullen and Martindale as well.

Now to answer the question. Costas was considered for Millionaire in 1999. It was in a book about ABC written by James Stewart a few years back (can't think of the title). Here are my five:

Bob Costas
Montel Williams
Phil Donahue (if Maury and Jerry can do it, give him a chance)
Dan Patrick
Tom Brokaw
Title: Who can host a game show?
Post by: chris319 on April 26, 2010, 09:31:43 AM
Quote
But he certainly doesn't deserve constant bashing.
He doesn't get "constant bashing". I made a simple statement of fact that Drew never had to audition for TPIR. Now tell me, how is that considered "bashing", and how does the occasional remark about Drew qualify as "constant"?

If you have problems with posts which contain strong opinions or which defile your personal icons as you seem to, Mr. Raygor, I would respectfully suggest that Internet discussion boards are not the place for you to be.
Title: Who can host a game show?
Post by: TimK2003 on April 26, 2010, 10:10:04 AM
[quote name=\'BillCullen1\' post=\'239999\' date=\'Apr 26 2010, 06:08 AM\']Monty probably thought he could host SS, he owned the show.[/quote]

There were a lot of things about the revised Split Second that made that show far less enjoyable than it's predecessor.  Monty as host was one reason, but some of that was because he was the "Canadian Content" of the show that was required for shows shot in Canada. I'm not sure who of Canadian heritage could have done better at the time, but under the right circumstances, Jim Perry would have been a great candidate for that show since he was out of the game show hosting circuit by that time.
Title: Who can host a game show?
Post by: Joe Mello on April 26, 2010, 10:20:09 AM
[quote name=\'TimK2003\' post=\'240002\' date=\'Apr 26 2010, 10:10 AM\']Jim Perry would have been a great candidate for that show since he was out of the game show hosting circuit by that time.[/quote]
$ale lasted all through the 80's.
Title: Who can host a game show?
Post by: Jimmy Owen on April 26, 2010, 10:21:06 AM
[quote name=\'TimK2003\' post=\'240002\' date=\'Apr 26 2010, 10:10 AM\'][quote name=\'BillCullen1\' post=\'239999\' date=\'Apr 26 2010, 06:08 AM\']Monty probably thought he could host SS, he owned the show.[/quote]

There were a lot of things about the revised Split Second that made that show far less enjoyable than it's predecessor.  Monty as host was one reason, but some of that was because he was the "Canadian Content" of the show that was required for shows shot in Canada. I'm not sure who of Canadian heritage could have done better at the time, but under the right circumstances, Jim Perry would have been a great candidate for that show since he was out of the game show hosting circuit by that time.
[/quote]


Jim was still doing $ale and Definition in 87, but would have done a good job on the show.  I can think of a number of Canadian hosts who might have done the show well, but none with any name recognition in the U.S.
Title: Who can host a game show?
Post by: Unrealtor on April 26, 2010, 10:37:15 AM
[quote name=\'chris319\' post=\'240001\' date=\'Apr 26 2010, 08:31 AM\']
Quote
But he certainly doesn't deserve constant bashing.
He doesn't get "constant bashing". I made a simple statement of fact that Drew never had to audition for TPIR. Now tell me, how is that considered "bashing", and how does the occasional remark about Drew qualify as "constant"?

If you have problems with posts which contain strong opinions or which defile your personal icons as you seem to, Mr. Raygor, I would respectfully suggest that Internet discussion boards are not the place for you to be.
[/quote]

To be frank, you've been pissing me off with this, too. You've made it clear from the first fifty times you've repeated it that you don't think he's a good host and you don't like how Drew was picked without an audition, and now you're trying to argue semantics to claim that this isn't the fifty-first time. That sentence may be a "simple statement of fact", but it is one which is worded in a way that makes the author's opinion on the subject matter clear. That post would have worked without mentioning Drew Carey; in fact, without the sentence that mentions him, it would have been a wonderful insight from your time in the business, but it comes off completely differently when you throw in that little dig.

Bottom line, it's not about "If you don't have anything nice to say..." for me, it's about "If you don't have anything original to say...."
Title: Who can host a game show?
Post by: Matt Ottinger on April 26, 2010, 11:50:52 AM
[quote name=\'Jimmy Owen\' post=\'239998\' date=\'Apr 26 2010, 07:47 AM\'][quote name=\'mmb5\' post=\'239997\' date=\'Apr 26 2010, 07:34 AM\']
And I'll also chime in that format does mean something.  You would not want Bill Cullen hosting Jeopardy.  His skills are best used in a loose game.[/quote]
Listening to Bill's radio work, I think he could adapt to a more serious J!-style game if need be.[/quote]
Bill could do straight, serious quiz, sure.  Blockbusters is the obvious example.  I believe Mike's point was that you didn't want Bill hosting a game that needs to move quickly.  The hyper Bill of the early radio days did not make the transition to television.  On TV, Bill was pretty laid back in his approach, and there are many shows for which that approach would not have been very effective.
Title: Who can host a game show?
Post by: mmb5 on April 26, 2010, 12:22:02 PM
[quote name=\'Matt Ottinger\' post=\'240007\' date=\'Apr 26 2010, 11:50 AM\']Bill could do straight, serious quiz, sure.  Blockbusters is the obvious example.  I believe Mike's point was that you didn't want Bill hosting a game that needs to move quickly.  The hyper Bill of the early radio days did not make the transition to television.  On TV, Bill was pretty laid back in his approach, and there are many shows for which that approach would not have been very effective.[/quote]
Actually there's a decent comparison point here.  I would guess that Bill would get on average 3 games of BB in during a show.  In watching Bob Holness, where he rarely bantered between questions, he could get 5 in.  It makes for a different show.  Bill likely would have been great on Split Second, but it definitely would have felt different.

It's not that Bill couldn't had adapted to Jeopardy, I just think it would have stifled what made Bill great.  I also think it's not just a case of quick-paced shows where he may not be the best choice, it's also those shows where there is moments of just over-the-top frenzy, like Whew.


--Mike
Title: Who can host a game show?
Post by: chris319 on April 26, 2010, 03:12:33 PM
[quote name=\'Unrealtor\' post=\'240006\' date=\'Apr 26 2010, 06:37 AM\'][quote name=\'chris319\' post=\'240001\' date=\'Apr 26 2010, 08:31 AM\']
Quote
But he certainly doesn't deserve constant bashing.
He doesn't get "constant bashing". I made a simple statement of fact that Drew never had to audition for TPIR. Now tell me, how is that considered "bashing", and how does the occasional remark about Drew qualify as "constant"?

If you have problems with posts which contain strong opinions or which defile your personal icons as you seem to, Mr. Raygor, I would respectfully suggest that Internet discussion boards are not the place for you to be.
[/quote]

To be frank, you've been pissing me off with this, too. You've made it clear from the first fifty times you've repeated it that you don't think he's a good host and you don't like how Drew was picked without an audition, and now you're trying to argue semantics to claim that this isn't the fifty-first time. That sentence may be a "simple statement of fact", but it is one which is worded in a way that makes the author's opinion on the subject matter clear. That post would have worked without mentioning Drew Carey; in fact, without the sentence that mentions him, it would have been a wonderful insight from your time in the business, but it comes off completely differently when you throw in that little dig.

Bottom line, it's not about "If you don't have anything nice to say..." for me, it's about "If you don't have anything original to say...."
[/quote]
If you don't like it, you're welcome not to participate here -- both of you.
Title: Who can host a game show?
Post by: chris319 on April 26, 2010, 03:15:09 PM
One of our complaints about Bill on P+ was that he moved the game along much more slowly than Allen.
Title: Who can host a game show?
Post by: Dbacksfan12 on April 26, 2010, 03:26:44 PM
[quote name=\'Matt Ottinger\' post=\'240007\' date=\'Apr 26 2010, 10:50 AM\'][quote name=\'Jimmy Owen\' post=\'239998\' date=\'Apr 26 2010, 07:47 AM\'][quote name=\'mmb5\' post=\'239997\' date=\'Apr 26 2010, 07:34 AM\']
And I'll also chime in that format does mean something.  You would not want Bill Cullen hosting Jeopardy.  His skills are best used in a loose game.[/quote]
Listening to Bill's radio work, I think he could adapt to a more serious J!-style game if need be.[/quote]
Bill could do straight, serious quiz, sure.  Blockbusters is the obvious example.[/quote]I can back this up to a T.  I was watching Blockbusters one day with some friends who aren't as into game shows as I am.  One of the first comments that was made was "Why is that old [fogey] taking so damn long.  This show takes forever". [quote name=\'chris319\']If you don't like it, you're welcome not to participate here -- both of you[/quote]A comment that is sure to invite productive discussion.
Title: Who can host a game show?
Post by: clemon79 on April 26, 2010, 04:17:17 PM
[quote name=\'Modor\' post=\'240012\' date=\'Apr 26 2010, 12:26 PM\'][quote name=\'chris319\']If you don't like it, you're welcome not to participate here -- both of you[/quote]A comment that is sure to invite productive discussion.[/quote]
Pretty sure that wasn't its intent.
Title: Who can host a game show?
Post by: Bobby B. on April 26, 2010, 08:30:52 PM
I have a few from the sports world that I think might be worthy:

Chip Caray (announcer for the Atlanta Braves)
Rick Allen (NASCAR announcer for Speed Channel)
Allen Bestwick (NASCAR announcer for ESPN)
Title: Who can host a game show?
Post by: Otm Shank on April 26, 2010, 08:42:13 PM
[quote name=\'TLEberle\' post=\'239985\' date=\'Apr 26 2010, 12:28 AM\'][quote name=\'Otm Shank\' post=\'239915\' date=\'Apr 24 2010, 08:40 AM\']Format of the show is not relevant to the talent[/quote]It absolutely is.
[/quote]
I do agree. In my brevity, I wound up implying something else. I meant for the sake of discussion, let's leave the format aside. Seeing that would potentially stop the conversation, I did offer up a hypothetical. Essentially, the question is, as someone else put it more succinctly, where is the "undiscovered" talent?

But there have, indeed, been some really bad host/format mismatches.

My thought was some of the entertainment news programs: like Bob Goen, Billy Bush, and perpetual piloter Tim Vincent. (And didn't Pat O'Brien host something?) But I don't watch them to know who's on there.

Sportscasters are an interesting talent niche, but as long as there is sports, there is a forever job as long as you don't screw it up. Game shows, even good ones, get canceled.

Interesting suggestions so far.
Title: Who can host a game show?
Post by: BrandonFG on April 26, 2010, 09:02:35 PM
[quote name=\'Otm Shank\' post=\'240041\' date=\'Apr 26 2010, 08:42 PM\'](And didn't Pat O'Brien host something?)[/quote]
I don't believe so...you might be thinking of Pat Kiernan (Studio 7, World Series of Pop Culture), who joins Mark L. Walberg in the category of "Deserves a Really Good Gig".
Title: Who can host a game show?
Post by: Neumms on April 26, 2010, 09:28:59 PM
A lot of old game show hosts were disk jockeys, and it could still be a source. Ryan Seacrest is a modern example.
Title: Who can host a game show?
Post by: Jay Temple on April 28, 2010, 01:07:41 AM
Good point, Neumms. While I can't imagine a "true" game show that I'd want to see Seacrest host, many of the traits that make a good disc jockey would also serve a host well.

\Dear God, I just pictured Howard Stern talking to a contestant.
Title: Who can host a game show?
Post by: Neumms on April 28, 2010, 05:45:47 PM
[quote name=\'Jay Temple\' post=\'240095\' date=\'Apr 28 2010, 12:07 AM\']\Dear God, I just pictured Howard Stern talking to a contestant.[/quote]

There's all his experience with Lesbian Dating Game and such. And I suppose now that Sulu and his partner played Newlywed Game, that's not such a titillating prospect anymore.
Title: Who can host a game show?
Post by: Dbacksfan12 on April 28, 2010, 06:03:58 PM
[quote name=\'Jay Temple\' post=\'240095\' date=\'Apr 28 2010, 12:07 AM\']Good point, Neumms. While I can't imagine a "true" game show that I'd want to see Seacrest host, many of the traits that make a good disc jockey would also serve a host well.[/quote]I thought he did a fine job on Click, given his young age and the format.
Title: Who can host a game show?
Post by: Joe Mello on April 28, 2010, 08:12:26 PM
[quote name=\'Modor\' post=\'240110\' date=\'Apr 28 2010, 06:03 PM\'][quote name=\'Jay Temple\' post=\'240095\' date=\'Apr 28 2010, 12:07 AM\']While I can't imagine a "true" game show that I'd want to see Seacrest host, many of the traits that make a good disc jockey would also serve a host well.[/quote]I thought he did a fine job on Click, given his young age and the format.[/quote]
Sure, but I can't imagine one that fully work outside of some music show or that new Trust Me, I'm a Game Show Host.

As an aside, I feel the disc jockey is pretty much extinct.

[quote name=\'chris319\' post=\'240010\' date=\'Apr 26 2010, 03:12 PM\']If you don't like it, you're welcome not to participate here -- both of you.[/quote]
You've sounded like you need a vacation for quite some time now.