The Game Show Forum
The Game Show Forum => The Big Board => Topic started by: Twentington on September 05, 2010, 12:11:09 AM
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This is one I've thought about for quite some time. It seems that here in this forum, we all have certain opinions that are pretty much held by every member. Things like Bill Cullen consistently being regarded as the best host (or at least pretty damn close), Gene Wood and/or Johnny Olson being among the best announcers (and of course, Randy West), Whew! being underrated, et cetera.
But are there any likes/dislikes you have where you seem to differ from the community's "norm"?
Here are some of mine:
* I really, really like the hobba-heeba-humba-hum of the All Star Blitz theme.
* I never cared for Johnny Jacobs or John Harlan as announcers. To my ears, both almost always sounded unenthusiastic and half-hearted. Jacobs gets an exception for the Treasure Hunt intro.
* I didn't think that Patrick Wayne was all that bad on TJW'90. Hell, I find "YOU WIIIIIIN!" a lot more tolerable than, say, Donny running onstage 0.00003 seconds after time runs out and screaming, "OH! OH! OH! OH! OH! OH! OH! OH! OH! WHAT WAS IT, AUDIENCE?!?!?!"
* The Newlywed Game annoys the shiznit out of me in any incarnation. My least favorite parts were the "funny" answers: "What is your husband's favorite rodent?" "The saxophone?" So painfully unfunny.
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[quote name=\'Twentington\' post=\'246852\' date=\'Sep 4 2010, 11:11 PM\']Things like Bill Cullen consistently being regarded as the best host (or at least pretty damn close)[/quote]This is one that I have never agreed with. Granted, I'm only able to go off most of his later work, but it seemed like he dragged the pace to a screeching halt.
I also don't particularly care for Card Sharks or the theme music that accompanied the Perry version. On the flip side, I've never found Pat Finn to be as bad as some make him out to be. I also like Newlywed Game, Love Connection and Baggage; types of shows that seem to be held in vein around here.
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I'm probably one of the few who thought that TnPIR '94 was an excellent show. Many people prefered the traditional daytime version to that, while I liked both equally. I actually found it cool that there were two TPIRs with slightly different formats from each other.
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Never, ever liked The Joker's Wild. Not a Jack Barry fan, not a fan of two-minutes-to-read easy questions, not a fan of the end game, not a fan of any game with an "instant win" feature, and definitely not a fan of the game - maybe it's because it's Barry-Enright, but I thought the "slot machine" was way to easy to fix to give one contestant the edge.
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[quote name=\'Johnissoevil\' post=\'246857\' date=\'Sep 5 2010, 07:43 AM\']I'm probably one of the few who thought that TnPIR '94 was an excellent show. Many people prefered the traditional daytime version to that, while I liked both equally. I actually found it cool that there were two TPIRs with slightly different formats from each other.[/quote]
I thought it was a fun show and in retrospect, liked that they didn't try to emulate Barker's version. But even at the age of 11 or 12, I found it odd that they cut directly to the chase. Doug Davidson was a pretty decent host, all things considered.
Although it was catchy, I thought the Perry's CS theme was a bit overrated.
I've mentioned this one before, but I never found the "French" blooper from P+ to be that funny.
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I loved Price 94- I think they did a lot more things right than wrong. I would have liked to see how the show would have evolved had it been around for a few more years.
I was never too fond of Cullen, either. I think watching Blockbusters and seeing him get through a whole two questions once before going to commercial again that really showed me how slow he was. Bill gets my respect, but there's either a problem with your game or your host if you can't get to a bonus round within a half hour. Although I do have to ask- can that be credited to the fact that he came from a time when conversation and chattiness were more commonplace on game shows (which really didn't age well by the 70s and 80s)?
The P+ French incident- not funny. I'm putting my money on 1) there was an inside joke somewhere in there or 2) somebody had a drink or two before showtime.
No matter what show he hosts, Bob Eubanks reeks of Newlywed Game to me. Maybe it's his voice or his question delivery, or maybe it's just his personality, but on all of the non-Newlywed Game shows he hosts, he sounds like he's still hosting The Newlywed Game.
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I really, really loved The Newlywed Game, specifically when hosted by Bob Eubanks. However, I agree that the famous "bloopers" of the show are almost always painfully un-funny. I actually think the funnier episodes are the ones that DON'T have some outrageous blooper. Speaking of Bob, he doesn't have a very good reputation in game show communities (And I understand the sentiment/reasons for that), but I think he is a fine host. Even on shows like Card Sharks; I think he fit the spirit of that version of the show very well.
I'm more of a Scrabble fan than I am of $ale of the Century. Also, I think Rod Roddy is terribly overrated, as is Burton Richardson. I actually prefer Rod on Soap, Whew!, and Press Your Luck even. Burton just sounds like a really stereotypical parody of game show announcers, and his voice sometimes makes me cringe, especially on Family Feud.
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I have said it before, but I've never liked The Price is Right in pretty much any iteration of the show.
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[quote name=\'Modor\' post=\'246856\' date=\'Sep 5 2010, 05:05 AM\']I also don't particularly care for Card Sharks or the theme music that accompanied the Perry version. On the flip side, I've never found Pat Finn to be as bad as some make him out to be. I also like Newlywed Game, Love Connection and Baggage; types of shows that seem to be held in vein around here.[/quote]
That's it? I was expecting a post in which one view would send Matt and Chris over their bandwidth quota for the month.
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I enjoy the work of Todd Newton.
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-I don't really drink the UK Kool-Aid
-If it weren't for 2 bad production decisions (one bad in hindsight), Temptation would've been an okay game
-I like fan jargon, if only because it allows you to paraphrase and because I think I sound like a bad color commentator half the time. Admittedly, it would be nice if the jargon was easily explainable.
-I find Chuck Woolery annoying
-I admit that the French incident is funny primarily because it's overly long
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[quote name=\'chad1m\' post=\'246878\' date=\'Sep 5 2010, 02:07 PM\']I enjoy the work of Todd Newton.[/quote]
Actually, I liked him on everything but Whammy!, or the first season. He falls into the category of good host who for some reason who keeps getting stuck with bad or unsuccessful shows.
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I've never been a huge fan of Plinko. It's my least favorite Pricing Game and I really wouldn't care if it was retired.
MG'90, probably due to not being able to get it in my area the first time around, is one of my favorite versions of MG.
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[quote name=\'Jeremy Nelson\' post=\'246863\' date=\'Sep 5 2010, 09:15 AM\']I was never too fond of Cullen, either. I think watching Blockbusters and seeing him get through a whole two questions once before going to commercial again that really showed me how slow he was. Bill gets my respect, but there's either a problem with your game or your host if you can't get to a bonus round within a half hour. Although I do have to ask- can that be credited to the fact that he came from a time when conversation and chattiness were more commonplace on game shows (which really didn't age well by the 70s and 80s)?[/quote]
I think Bill paced the show as instructed. I've been watching a LOT of Blockbusters lately (I recorded the show daily when it was on GSN and I have 2 hour breaks at work, so I bring my DVD player with me). If you watch early episodes of Blockbusters, he moves the show really fast. And here's where I am in the run...Liz & Pat McCarthy have just gone 20-for-20 and taken the show for $120,000, and as soon as they're gone, Bill begins slowing the game way, wayyyyyy down. "We're overbudget, we need to play the end game less often...Bill, go out and be funny for 30 seconds between each question!" It's the kind of thing you don't really notice when you see the show only once a day, but honestly, the more money "Blockbusters" gave away, the slower the show got.
And staying on topic, where do I differ from the norm? I think "Go" sucks.
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well, here are my differences:
1) I also really loved TnPIR '94. I loved the theme, the fact that they were willing to experiment with the format and production of the show, and hell, I really liked Doug Davidson.
2) I LOVED Don't Forget the Lyrics! Yeah I know, it was derivative of the Singing Bee, but I don't care. I thought it was awesome, and Wayne Brady is an excellent compere.
3) I thought Jack Barry was a MUCH better host of TJW than Bill Cullen. Don't get me wrong, Bill was, and is, the Dean of hosts, but Jack just brought so much drama and excitement to that game. Just watch his handling of the $1,000,000 Tournament final...he made the outcome of a game involving a giant slot machine look like it was the World freakin' Series! I know I was on the edge of my seat a few times.
Brian~
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I've never seen the appeal of 'Now You See It' and to an extent 'Press Your Luck'.
Not sure if I am in the majority or minority here, but I am not that fond of Drew Carey either.
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[quote name=\'fostergray82\' post=\'246886\' date=\'Sep 5 2010, 02:50 PM\']Actually, I liked him on everything but Whammy![/quote]Confession #2: I enjoy Whammy! ;)
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[quote name=\'PaulD\' post=\'246890\' date=\'Sep 5 2010, 01:14 PM\']I've never seen the appeal of 'Now You See It'[/quote]
I've been hard pressed to come up with anything shocking to participate in this thread, but here's one I can glom on to for now. What exactly do people see in this show? It actually made more sense when they ditched the numbers in the '89 revival. The team element in the first format was awkward, and the scoring was bad. The end game and "Chump Change" are good, but its cachet here leaves me scratching my head.
-Jason
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What's My Line > To Tell The Truth.
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I liked Free 4 All.
You have all just winced in your seats.
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I like Drew Carey's hosting of "Price", and actually prefer him to Bob's last few years.
I think that the '70s "Family Feud" theme feels out of place on what's otherwise a modern game show, even if it has been re-recorded. (But it's still better than the new theme they used at various times during the current run.)
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OK, here's my bit o'blasphemy for the day. I've always liked Tom Kennedy in just about everything he did...but I still don't see the appeal of "Whew!"
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Except for Pyramid and his G-T shows, I don't really like Bob Stewart shows. Their repetitive gameplay and el cheapo standards really turn me off to them. Not saying that I enjoy watching an occasional Go or Jackpot episode on the Youtubes, but I probably would go nuts watching the same things over and over daily.
And I still like using the "DOUBLING THE POINTS" (or "D. T. [insert another object]") and excessive cheering in a lot of situations despite the dislike of the use of them here.
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Where I differ from the norm is that I think GSN used to be much better than it is now. (Wait...what's that?)
Seriously, if I never saw another episode of "Hollywood Squares" or from the original run of "Password" in my life, I'd be fine with that. (Mind you, I appreciate fully the game of "Password", and I like all of the subsequent versions, but that original version...**yawn**.)
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Here's one I forgot to mention earlier. I like TJW '90. Many may disagree here, but I've always thought of it as the format being updated being no different than when TPIR was updated when that returned in 1972 (of course, Joker wouldn't last nearly as long)
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[quote name=\'Unrealtor\' post=\'246897\' date=\'Sep 5 2010, 03:49 PM\']I think that the '70s "Family Feud" theme feels out of place on what's otherwise a modern game show, even if it has been re-recorded. (But it's still better than the new theme they used at various times during the current run.)[/quote]
I actually liked the variant of the party theme used in the first couple of years in the O'Hurley version- at least enough where I wish the 88 version would just go away.
There's another- I loved the Ray Combs era of Feud, but that theme song needs to stay in those reruns and not brought back.
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I liked GONG (there's a few of us, but more seem to fall into the "not like it" camp than the "like it" camp).
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I've always liked Ray Combs better than Richard Dawson. It's not by a lot, mind you, but Combs' version is the one I grew up watching.
I'm not too keen on Bob Eubanks. I always found him incredibly condescending, and his mission always seemed to be to make the contestants look stupid.
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I've never liked Match Game or Family Feud. I never could see what the fuss was about either one. I loved Kline and Friends' "Break the Bank" and "Strike It Rich". I think Todd Newton has the potential to be a game show hosting legend. I think Bob Eubanks was a very good host, as was Jim Perry. I liked the prize cards on Rafferty's Card Sharks (changing the 8 to... a trip to Mexico!). And Rafferty was a decent host as well. Oh, and I think Supermarket Sweep is a classic.
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[quote name=\'GrandMasterGalvatron\' post=\'246896\' date=\'Sep 5 2010, 04:48 PM\']I liked Free 4 All.[/quote]
Ban him right now! ;-)
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[quote name=\'JasonA1\' post=\'246892\' date=\'Sep 5 2010, 04:24 PM\']What exactly do people see in this show? It actually made more sense when they ditched the numbers in the '89 revival. The team element in the first format was awkward, and the scoring was bad. The end game and "Chump Change" are good, but its cachet here leaves me scratching my head.[/quote]
Besides what Jason listed...
1974-5: Great hosting by Jack Narz, a very high-tech set for 1974, and a great playalong factor if you're watching the game. If you're Mrs. 1974 Housewife who's doing chores or taking care of the kids, not as much.
1989: Again, a set which didn't look like it was from the era. Cleveland didn't get NYSI in '89, so seeing stuff which didn't air here adds to the interest factor, even if it was sub-par to its predecessor.
My additions to the original topic:
I don't care for Ray Combs. I'd rank Combs below O'Hurley on the Feud hosting heirarchy.
I think Todd Newton is a great host, even though he was grating on Whammy! See Hollywood Showdown or some of his live work for proof.
I enjoy Minute to Win It, muted, as it might be as close as this generation comes to Beat the Clock. (C'mon The Cube...)
I never cared for Hollywood Squares in the late 80s. John Davidson, Jm J. Bullock, and Z-level celebrities galore, especially in the final year.
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I've never liked Tom Kennedy. No matter the show, he was always unprepared. Either he was screwing up the rules of the game, or he was forgetting the names of celebrities and their shows. And that phony laugh of his - gimme a break.
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I don't think TTD90 is the agonizing torture of tortures some people make it out to be.
In fact, if they had tweeked a few superficial things (barren set, Wayne, cheesy theme, the dated rapping, etc), I think it could've been great.
I think TJW90 random money format was far superior to classic TJW. (However, the category format slowed it to agonizing halt. If it's $1275 to $850, goal is $2000, and the next topic is worth $25... Yeah)
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With the exception of "To Tell the Truth", just about every panel show from that era puts me to sleep. There's zero play-along factor since they tell you the secret/their line/etc. I do find Moore's "I've Got a Secret" tolerable, but only because of Bill Cullen.
Jim Lange is the worst host among game show legends. He added absolutely nothing to "The Dating Game" and since the game practically moved itself along, he really didn't have to. Every other show he hosted after that where he was required to show some personality, he sucked. He was painfully dull and unfunny.
I thought "Taboo" was a great show.
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I like Chuck Barris' Camouflage. There, I said it.
Being on the trading circuit, I was used to seeing different game set-ups and read-outs on all the games on the forgein versions of TPIR. So when change happens on the US set, I don't fly into a rage over Fremantle. I like the updates, no matter how minor.
I never cared for Hollywood Squares, in any format. The game never appealed to me.
Never been a Pyramid fan either.
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[quote name=\'GrandMasterGalvatron\' post=\'246896\' date=\'Sep 5 2010, 04:48 PM\']I liked Free 4 All.
You have all just winced in your seats.[/quote]
You ain't kidding. A few dozen responses so far, and I've accepted them all stoically, but dude, that's just....wrong.
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I liked the Garagiola Strike It Rich theme. Thanks for having my back on that, Mr. L. Same for Rafferty's Blockbusters. Not the revised game so much, tho. Didn't like the Cullen era Blockbuster theme. I kinda liked the Card Sharks remake, except for the clip chip. In my home copy, we just play a regular percentage question for control. Either version, you just have people predicting what's next in a row of cards. A dull game that at least went faster in the '01 version. Also liked Duel and National Bingo Night.
Oh...AND Show Me The Money!
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[quote name=\'The Ol' Guy\' post=\'246936\' date=\'Sep 5 2010, 09:25 PM\']Also liked Duel and National Bingo Night.
Oh...AND Show Me The Money![/quote]
My love for Duel is best expressed by the photo album linked (http://\"http://www.facebook.com/#!/album.php?aid=92445&id=726126146\").
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I think the main idea that is springing out of this thread is that the "norms" aren't as widespread as a lot of people think.
Except for that Free 4 All one. Whoof.
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Excluding the original Gambit, and looking back in hindsight, Wink Martindale is one the most annoying hosts ever.
Alan Thicke: Game Show Theme-Writer = GOOD
Alan Thicke: Game Show Host = BAD
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[quote name=\'The Ol' Guy\' post=\'246936\' date=\'Sep 5 2010, 10:25 PM\']Also liked Duel and National Bingo Night. Oh...AND Show Me The Money![/quote]
2 out of 3 ain't bad. My sig quote happened after I told Greeny I was a big fan of Duel, though I preferred the first series. SMTM was entertaining, even though the game was too easy. I got a SMTM scroll off of eBay 3 or so years ago. It makes for a great doorstop.
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WWTBAM - liked "the dreaded clock", if only because of "Play It!"
Also loved "Duel". Basically head-to-head WWTBAM. Every time I see Pepsi Max at the grocery store, I find myself whistling the outro from the show.
--Charlie
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Some random thoughts, in some cases ones that are different from the more in "not usually thought of" than "against opinion".
I've liked what I've seen of the 1960s Match Game better than the 1970s version, which struck me as Goodson-Todman engaging in a Hollywood Squares knockoff (in other words, behaving more like Chuck Barris or Barry-Enright). On the other hand, I suspect that I liked the original run of the Hollywood Squares better than many people here have found it in retrospect.
I have a tolerance for the slow game shows of early television. For instance, I find "What In The World", from the handful of episodes I've seen, addictive, and would hold a similar opinion for Down You Go if I could find more than one.
The daytime episodes I've seen of Let's Make A Deal, on the other hand, have always struck me as grossly tedious. The fact that the later runs have tended to be short-lived is less of a surprise than that the original run lasted as long as it did.
I'm somewhat more familiar with OTR games than others here (I am one of two fans on this board I know of for Information Please), and, as a result, am somewhat more tolerant of radio-style hosting on television.
I don't dislike Family Feud per se (the game is largely sound), but the hosts as a collective are a mass of annoyances.
This probably doesn't count, but the more and more I've seen each man's work, the more I wish Robert Q Lewis had Dennis James' career, and the more and more I suspect that there's something that kept James working that people are reluctant to admit to.
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Loved Joker90, TNPiR'94, thought Davidson Squares & Davidson Pyramid weren't that bad, and I've enjoyed The Price is Right more in the last three years with Drew Carey, than the last decade with Bob Barker.
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[quote name=\'TimK2003\' post=\'246939\' date=\'Sep 5 2010, 07:57 PM\']Excluding the original Gambit, and looking back in hindsight, Wink Martindale is one the most annoying hosts ever.[/quote]
Explain?
[quote name=\'GrandMasterGalvatron\' post=\'246896\' date=\'Sep 5 2010, 01:48 PM\']I liked Free 4 All.[/quote]
Explain?
-Jason
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[quote name=\'JasonA1\' post=\'246950\' date=\'Sep 5 2010, 10:10 PM\'][quote name=\'TimK2003\' post=\'246939\' date=\'Sep 5 2010, 07:57 PM\']Excluding the original Gambit, and looking back in hindsight, Wink Martindale is one the most annoying hosts ever.[/quote]
Explain?
[/quote]
When I was a young'un, I don't think there was a Wink Martindale hosted show I didn't watch (except for Headline Chasers). I always thought that Wink's strongest show was CBS Gambit -- he seemed to be a decent, personable host. When he did TTD, he seemed to develop the Mr. Game Show persona that makes up much of the modern day "stereotypical" game show host to this day. And looking back at those same shows nowadays, I just see him as being too corny and now I say "why did I watch him so much back in the day"?
Which leads to an interesting question:
Before Wink & Tic Tac Dough, who/what was the definition of a "stereotypical" game show host? Allen Ludden? Bill Cullen?? Gary Moore??? And if there was no Wink Martindale for Galoob Toys to refer to, who's persona would the Mr. Game Show toy have used to be the definitive game show host then?
/I actually liked "Your Numbers Up" (With a little help from Lee Menning).
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[quote name=\'TimK2003\' post=\'246952\' date=\'Sep 6 2010, 12:57 AM\']Which leads to an interesting question:
Before Wink & Tic Tac Dough, who/what was the definition of a "stereotypical" game show host? Allen Ludden? Bill Cullen?? Gary Moore??? And if there was no Wink Martindale for Galoob Toys to refer to, who's persona would the Mr. Game Show toy have used to be the definitive game show host then?[/quote]
Large amounts of the stereotype seem to be associated with Bert Parks.
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[quote name=\'TimK2003\' post=\'246952\' date=\'Sep 6 2010, 12:57 AM\']Which leads to an interesting question:
Before Wink & Tic Tac Dough, who/what was the definition of a "stereotypical" game show host? Allen Ludden? Bill Cullen?? Gary Moore??? And if there was no Wink Martindale for Galoob Toys to refer to, who's persona would the Mr. Game Show toy have used to be the definitive game show host then?[/quote]
Bert Parks.
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I'll echo Mr. Nedeff's tenet that Go was not a good show. There's a reason it lasted 15 weeks.
And in general, most game shows that have made the air are not good shows. But that is true of almost any genre of TV, but we tend to be more hagiographic of our turf then we should be. We need to be more critical.
John Harlan is a very underrated announcer and should have gotten more gigs. Rod Roddy was an overrated announcer who probably got the TPIR gig more because he sounded liked Johnny O than people would like to admit.
I find most of whatever Chuck Barris did to be not worth my time, but for some reason I think Treasure Hunt is a great show.
The American version of Deal or No Deal was probably the worst thing for game shows in this country in the last 10 years. It proved having glitz, no game and slow pacing can get you ratings. Because of this, tons of poor imitators came along and we are probably entering another dead period.
--Mike
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[quote name=\'mmb5\' post=\'246964\' date=\'Sep 6 2010, 07:54 AM\']hagiographic[/quote]
I so had to Google that word. :)
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My favorite version of Scrabble was the one that was produced in 1993 and that includes the music.
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[quote name=\'mmb5\' post=\'246964\' date=\'Sep 6 2010, 08:54 AM\']I think Treasure Hunt is a great show.
The American version of Deal or No Deal was probably the worst thing for game shows in this country in the last 10 years. It proved having glitz, no game and slow pacing can get you ratings.[/quote]
That's an interesting set of statements.
I agree that DoND did a lot of negative things, but The Millionaire Formula seems to be just as pervasive now as it was 10 years ago.
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[quote name=\'JasonA1\' post=\'246950\' date=\'Sep 6 2010, 12:10 AM\']Explain?
-Jason[/quote]
Well, let's see. 1994, I think I was eight at the time. There really wasn't a game show I DIDN'T like. I remember always watching the USA blocks in the summer which had things like PYL and Name That Tune on them, and I was always trying to answer all the questions and such. I also took an interest in theme songs, and I really liked Free 4 All's (quicksilver's too. Though evidently they're both reused Shop Til You Drop cues?)
Today, not much has changed I think. Come to think of it, there STILL isn't a game show I can think of that I outright don't like. Granted, I didn't like the set of Million Dollar password, but the show itself was ok.
I guess I'm easy to please? =P
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OK - a few for me off the top of my head:
--I never really liked Go very much, although it almost seems to be a favorite for many people here
--I never cared for the '69-78 version of the To Tell the Truth theme, I find it annoying
--I never really cared for Gene Wood as an announcer
Also, as a general rule my tastes are a bit different than the norm: my favorite game shows of all time would probably be Press Your Luck, Celebrity Sweepstakes, Break the Bank '76, Whew, and probably "classic" WWTBAM. Most other people would probably rank Password, Pyramid, To Tell the Truth, Match Game and Price is Right at the top of their lists. I'd rank those shows high on my lists too, but a lot lower than many others would.
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[quote name=\'Joe Mello\' post=\'246977\' date=\'Sep 6 2010, 02:03 PM\']I agree that DoND did a lot of negative things, but The Millionaire Formula seems to be just as pervasive now as it was 10 years ago.[/quote]
As much as I hated the fact that a lot of the shows tried way too hard to give away money (21 offering $25,000 then $100,000 for winning a round; Greed's "Million Dollar Moment"), at least they still required you to do some work.
But the reason I think D/ND is a good example is because the production values started to resemble something from a movie set--theatrical gimmicks, eight-hour production times, actors as contestants. And it carried over to many other game shows. The contestants in 2000 seemed like everyday people, folks you identify with. The ones post-2005 have been caricatures and/or stereotypes, folks you identify as wannabe actors. Even though they were somewhat derivative, at least they didn't reek of Endemol mass production, all the way down to how the contestants act and dress. Their contestants were so cookie-cutter I'm surprised they didn't have "Mattel" stamped on their backs.
I'll take the 2000 crop over the 2006 crap any day of the week.
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[quote name=\'Jimmy Owen\' post=\'246958\' date=\'Sep 6 2010, 06:30 AM\'][quote name=\'TimK2003\' post=\'246952\' date=\'Sep 6 2010, 12:57 AM\']Which leads to an interesting question:
Before Wink & Tic Tac Dough, who/what was the definition of a "stereotypical" game show host? Allen Ludden? Bill Cullen?? Gary Moore??? And if there was no Wink Martindale for Galoob Toys to refer to, who's persona would the Mr. Game Show toy have used to be the definitive game show host then?[/quote]
Bert Parks.
[/quote]
Funny, my first thought was Bob Eubanks!
/but Bert Parks fits the mold, too!!!
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I think Ray Combs was the worst of the "Family Feud" hosts (yes that includes Louie Anderson), was not funny, didn't come across very warm and made for terrible TV the way he held his mic on his chin.
Don't care for Meredith Vieira's hosting style on WWTBAM, can't watch the show because of her
"GO" could be one of the worst game shows ever, I want to be the player on the right who barely does anything but shares in the loot
Bill Cullen is not the greatest host ever, he's average
MG' 98 was very enjoyable
WML belongs back at 2am, it puts me to sleep
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*MG90 is my favorite version of MG.
*Super Password is my favorite version of Password. After a while, Ludden would get on my nerves.
*Jim Caldwell wasn't that bad, at least on Top Card.
*I don't like Plinko.
*I do like Bonus Game, Joker, and Pick a Number.
*I've never liked WWtBaM.
*Eubanks is my favorite host.
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[quote name=\'Joe Mello\' post=\'246884\' date=\'Sep 5 2010, 11:44 AM\']-I don't really drink the UK Kool-Aid[/quote] I would have been much more inclined to argue this point had you not said "drink the Kool-aid." I like what Britain and Australia are putting out, especially when you compare the same show from different countries. That's not "drinking the Kool-aid."
-If it weren't for 2 bad production decisions (one bad in hindsight), Temptation would've been an okay game
What would those be?
-I like fan jargon, if only because it allows you to paraphrase and because I think I sound like a bad color commentator half the time. Admittedly, it would be nice if the jargon was easily explainable.
I don't like jargon because I think you should 1) say what you mean and 2) I don't like jargon that excludes people who don't have the decoder ring. I realize that you're not going to be able to wipe out all jargon, because it would be way easier to say "triple stumper" than "clue wherein all players are incorrect or refuse to buzz-in". But that's easily explainable or apparent to someone who has seen the show. Acronyms, initialisms and things where you have to be "one of us" to get it...I like those less.
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1. I hated the Jokers' Wild whistling theme.
2. I'm not fond of Tom Kennedy.
3. I liked Billy Bush's LMAD and didn't even mind him that much. (Although watching Access Hollywood is its own special form of hell.)
4. I prefer GSN's version of Chain Reaction to the original, which I hated.
5. I liked Louie Anderson on the Feud.
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[quote name=\'fostergray82\' post=\'246990\' date=\'Sep 6 2010, 02:22 PM\']As much as I hated the fact that a lot of the shows tried way too hard to give away money (21 offering $25,000 then $100,000 for winning a round; Greed's "Million Dollar Moment"), at least they still required you to do some work.[/quote]
Funny you bring 21 into that mention. It was the other way around; the first ladder started at $100,000, then the later ladder at $25,000. I remember being particularly perturbed specifically because 21's first 7-figure winner didn't have to do much work; his opponents kept missing questions while using their helps, which meant they picked up two of their three strikes at once. So they would strike out after two questions and he would win by default.
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I think "Whew!" is severely overrated. If Randy Amasia hadn't been a contestant on it and therefore hadn't made such a comprehensive site dedicated to it, it would be largely forgotten.
"You Don't Say!" annoys me to no end.
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[quote name=\'MSTieScott\' post=\'247061\' date=\'Sep 7 2010, 11:26 AM\']If Randy Amasia hadn't been a contestant on it and therefore hadn't made such a comprehensive site dedicated to it, it would be largely forgotten.[/quote]
I truly don't think this to be the case. I was a huge Whew! fan long before I even knew Randy Amasia (or, indeed, the World Wide Web) existed.
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[quote name=\'MSTieScott\' post=\'247061\' date=\'Sep 7 2010, 11:26 AM\']"You Don't Say!" annoys me to no end.[/quote]
I encountered a similar pain when I was watching the Rhyme and Reason pilot. I was embarrassed for the stars, trying to come up with a plausible poem for this silly game. At least, on YDS, there's more of a game; but I still couldn't help but get annoyed as they rambled on and on in these nearly-not sentences. Sort of like how Go (and Chain Reaction) allowed grammatically incorrect questions because not doing so would make the game harder to play and watch.
-Jason
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[quote name=\'Johnissoevil\' post=\'246901\' date=\'Sep 5 2010, 05:22 PM\']Here's one I forgot to mention earlier. I like TJW '90.[/quote]
I liked TJW 90 as well. The material wasn't as elementary on this version...something that always bothered me about the original. The definition format didn't bother me at all, but I do think adding the categories later in the run made more sense than having the players spin for dollar values. I also thought Pat Finn was a terrific host. Likable guy who kept the game moving...can't really ask for more than that.
TTD 90 was enjoyable to me as well. Wayne was awful and there were some cheesy elements to it, but the format was pretty solid overall. I kinda dug the theme music too.
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It appears that I do not differ from the norm.
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Let's see, what are mine:
One of my favorite game shows was High Rollers '78, only because I wanted to see what fonts they would use for the numbers that day; I even had my own little nicknames for the fonts when they came up. Observation: to my memory, it seemed that the most frequently used font on the show was Superstar.
As a kid, I didn't care for Match Game; I just remembered it for the theme song, the spinny box, and the confederate flag set.
Old panel shows (WML, TTTT, IGAS) bored me to death, though recently I've developed a new found respect for TTTT, it's a decent show in its own right.
I think they should bring back The Price is Right in its original format; even without pricing games, it was a very respectable show in its own right and has a solid format on the bidding element alone. I think that the unusual prizes the contestants bid on helps solidify the format.
I used to get up at 3:30 am every so often to watch Match Game '98 on WGN, I didn't think it was as bad a show as people made it out to be, although I thought the set(s), esp. the Rainbow Brite set was rather hideous. And the set designer was the same one who did the sets for MG '7x and MG '90. Go figure.
Jeopardy! '78 I actually liked better than its successor and predecessor; I though its format complimented similar game shows of its era very nicely. I always thought Final Jeopardy looked out of place to the point that it literally took me years to get used to it as an integral part of the show.
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[quote name=\'MSTieScott\' post=\'247061\' date=\'Sep 7 2010, 02:26 PM\']I think "Whew!" is severely overrated. If Randy Amasia hadn't been a contestant on it and therefore hadn't made such a comprehensive site dedicated to it, it would be largely forgotten.[/quote]
Personally, I vividly remember seeing the show as a kid and I LOVED it thoroughly! I'm glad Randy did make a page devoted to it so I could reminisce watching the show.
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- This century has only produced two classic series for me: 1 vs. 100 and Cash Cab. Weakest Link missed the cut because it became to gimmicky towards the end of its prime time run.
- Supermarket Sweep doesn't appeal anymore.
- Never really liked any incarnation of TJW or TTD.
- Unless I can play along, most game shows don't really interest me.
- A game played for big money doesn't automatically interest me. Increasing the stakes doesn't make the game more interesting either. Example: adding a bonus round to HS didn't make it a better show.
- I'm nostalgic for NBC's three-hour game show block on weekdays even if it did include $otC, which squandered an interesting premise with a dull quiz.
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[quote name=\'alfonzos\' post=\'247077\' date=\'Sep 7 2010, 05:50 PM\']- I'm nostalgic for NBC's three-hour game show block on weekdays even if it did include $otC, which squandered an interesting premise with a dull quiz.[/quote]How would you propose running the show? And I'm curious as to what made the quiz "dull"...
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alfonzos is seriously the most negative, dour person on this board. Wow.
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[quote name=\'J.R.\' post=\'247079\' date=\'Sep 7 2010, 03:57 PM\']alfonzos is seriously the most negative, dour person on this board. Wow.[/quote]
What? Clearly I need to redouble my efforts. :)
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I don't think it's very nice or very fair to criticize someone like that, considering we are in the "differing from the norm" thread. However, I too, am curious as to how $ale could be described as dull.
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My deviations:
- I actually prefer Rafferty's Blockbuster to Cullen's in many ways, not the least of which are the theme song and the format. Something about the 2-on-1 element of the original version struck me as rather odd - how does having the team's path being slightly longer balance out the face that the solo player is outnumbered?
- While I liked the original Joker's Wild front game to TJW '90, the latter's bonus round is better than the former's. If only the prizes weren't so cheap...
- Panel shows, including TTTT, bore the crap out of me. IGAS is the worst - seemed like half the time the show was plodding on aimlessly.
- Syndie 5th Grader is one of the best-constructed games of the past five years. (Not much competition for that, granted, but still.)
- I will never understand why so many people have a soft spot for Supermarket Sweep or Cash Cab. Both are OK. Neither are/were appointment television.
- I would rather 1 vs. 100 still be on XBLA than on GSN. That way I'd still be able to play it.
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[quote name=\'Loogaroo\' post=\'247082\' date=\'Sep 7 2010, 05:29 PM\']- I actually prefer Rafferty's Blockbuster to Cullen's in many ways, not the least of which are the theme song and the format. Something about the 2-on-1 element of the original version struck me as rather odd - how does having the team's path being slightly longer balance out the face that the solo player is outnumbered?[/quote] Dunno, but it worked out.
- Syndie 5th Grader is one of the best-constructed games of the past five years. (Not much competition for that, granted, but still.)
I am terribly curious to hear why this is the case, half because I have that much respect for your opinion, and half because I think that the only thing that sets 5th Grader apart is that they're asking easy questions that people get wrong.
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I have always thought Ron Ely was a pretty good host.
The only really good thing about Bullseye was the theme.
I really think Jim Peck should have been given the job of hosting TJW, rather than Bill Cullen. I thought Bill was well suited for Hot Potato, but definitely not TJW.
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[quote name=\'Loogaroo\' post=\'247082\' date=\'Sep 7 2010, 08:29 PM\']- I will never understand why so many people have a soft spot for Supermarket Sweep or Cash Cab. Both are OK. Neither are/were appointment television.[/quote]
With the former, a lot of it was because it was a childhood memory. But I also respect a show that's so cheesy and knows not to take itself seriously. That was part of the reason shows from the mid-2000s on annoyed me so much.
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Now that I've managed to come up with a few.....
-I too am bored by 50s/60s panel shows, with exception of IGaS. That said, I do like the 70s versions thereof.
-I liked TPIR '94. I don't remember ever questioning why someone other than Bob was hosting.
-I think the themes to "Last Word", "Talkabout", and "Wordplay" are awesome, and am hoping they turn up on TVPMM [or somewhere!]. [ETA: Just realized "Wordplay" is out there....]
-I loved STYD when I was younger, and never really thought Pat Finn was a bad host.
-Bill Rafferty is probably my favorite host of "Card Sharks". I also prefer his version of "Blockbusters" to Cullen's.
-I think Paul Alter was the better director of TPIR. Then again, I never really saw Breslow's work on the show until YouTube came around.....
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[quote name=\'TLEberle\' post=\'247083\' date=\'Sep 7 2010, 05:39 PM\']
- Syndie 5th Grader is one of the best-constructed games of the past five years. (Not much competition for that, granted, but still.)
I am terribly curious to hear why this is the case, half because I have that much respect for your opinion, and half because I think that the only thing that sets 5th Grader apart is that they're asking easy questions that people get wrong.
[/quote]
Because unlike many other games that have emerged since WWTBAM and DOND, this is a game where one has to play all the way through regardless of how well or how poorly they're doing. No chickening out on a question you don't know about (bonus question notwithstanding). No getting kicked out the door because you slip up. Everyone answers 10 questions, 11 if they're up for it. I like that. Jeff Foxworthy is a good host and the pacing is vastly improved over the prime-time version. And to be perfectly frank, I'd much rather watch people blow easy academic questions than easy pop-culture questions, simply because it gives me more opportunity to look at the contestant and say, "YOU. OUT."
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[quote name=\'Loogaroo\' post=\'247092\' date=\'Sep 7 2010, 06:28 PM\']No getting kicked out the door because you slip up. Everyone answers 10 questions, 11 if they're up for it.
I'd much rather watch people blow easy academic questions than easy pop-culture questions, simply because it gives me more opportunity to look at the contestant and say, "YOU. OUT."[/quote]That's quite the paradox, there.
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My only "issue" with Syndie Fifth Grader is the whole "pot is erased with a wrong answer" rule, I'd much prefer a "wrong answer = nothing gained/pot frozen at current amount" rule.
But that's me. It's a fine time killer.
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[quote name=\'J.R.\' post=\'247095\' date=\'Sep 7 2010, 06:39 PM\']My only "issue" with Syndie Fifth Grader is the whole "pot is erased with a wrong answer" rule, I'd much prefer a "wrong answer = nothing gained/pot frozen at current amount" rule.[/quote]
Yeah, but that eradicates the strategy of picking your questions in the order you want. When Ben played, he went straight for 5th grade Lit first because he knew if he could get that one, the rest of his stack would be cake.
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[quote name=\'Loogaroo\' post=\'247099\' date=\'Sep 7 2010, 10:14 PM\']Yeah, but that eradicates the strategy of picking your questions in the order you want.[/quote]And golly gee, we wouldn't want strategy in a game show, now would we? :P
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I actually liked hearing the rapping dragon on TTD90.
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Well, let's see:
-I didn't think Joe Theismann was THAT bad as the original host of American Gladiators, even though, obviously, Mike Adamle was the better host.
-I enjoyed Fred Travalena on every game show I've seen him guest-star on.
-I enjoyed Edie McClurg on every game show I've seen her guest-star on.
-I didn't think the 80's version of Crosswits was bad, from the few episodes I've seen.
-I enjoyed Double Talk.
-I didn't mind Larry Toffler as host of Finders Keepers (there were some people on another forum who found him to be "the creepiest game show host alive", but provided no examples as to what made him so "creepy").
-Hollywood Squares with John Davidson is my all-time favorite version of the show.
-The "You Fool!" moment from the Bergeron version of HS really isn't as funny as many people make it out to be.
-I really don't see the appeal in Legends of the Hidden Temple. Kirk Fogg is, to me, the perfect cure for insomnia. No improvisation whatsoever. And I don't care if its end game had a better win ratio than all the Marc Summers versions of Double Dare.
-Name That Tune with Jim Lange is my all-time favorite version of the show.
-I really, REALLY, cannot stand Bob Barker, especially given his real-life persona, which makes it hard for me to watch his era of TPIR these days, and wish he had never gotten the job. Bill Cullen, Dennis James, Tom Kennedy, Doug Davidson, and Drew Carey, are way better than him.
-Super Password is my all time favorite version of the show, and Bert Convy is my all-time favorite Password host.
-The $100,000 Pyramid with John Davidson isn't as bad as so many people say it is (even though Davidson was no Dick Clark)
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[quote name=\'gameshowlover87\' post=\'247116\' date=\'Sep 8 2010, 08:41 AM\']-The "You Fool!" moment from the Bergeron version of HS really isn't as funny as many people make it out to be.[/quote]This.
There's several other moments that people constantly rave about that have been overplayed and/or not that funny. Two other things I can think of are the "September" incident from Family Feud and the "nipples" incident from Match Game.
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[quote name=\'gameshowlover87\' post=\'247116\' date=\'Sep 8 2010, 08:41 AM\']-I enjoyed Edie McClurg on every game show I've seen her guest-star on.[/quote]
Not sure why that would be different from the norm. She's a hell of a game player.
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[quote name=\'SRIV94\' post=\'247120\' date=\'Sep 8 2010, 10:58 AM\'][quote name=\'gameshowlover87\' post=\'247116\' date=\'Sep 8 2010, 08:41 AM\']-I enjoyed Edie McClurg on every game show I've seen her guest-star on.[/quote]
Not sure why that would be different from the norm. She's a hell of a game player.
[/quote]
There were some that found her to be incredibly annoying as a GS panelist. Same thing goes with Travalena.
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[quote name=\'gameshowlover87\' post=\'247121\' date=\'Sep 8 2010, 09:59 AM\'][quote name=\'SRIV94\' post=\'247120\' date=\'Sep 8 2010, 10:58 AM\'][quote name=\'gameshowlover87\' post=\'247116\' date=\'Sep 8 2010, 08:41 AM\']-I enjoyed Edie McClurg on every game show I've seen her guest-star on.[/quote]
Not sure why that would be different from the norm. She's a hell of a game player.
[/quote]
There were some that found her to be incredibly annoying as a GS panelist. Same thing goes with Travalena.
[/quote]
I could see that.
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[quote name=\'gameshowlover87\' post=\'247116\' date=\'Sep 8 2010, 06:41 AM\']-The "You Fool!" moment from the Bergeron version of HS really isn't as funny as many people make it out to be.[/quote]
I don't think this is a minority opinion. There just happen to be a few people around here who won't. let it. go.
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I think most of those moments ("You fool" and "French" included) were originally funny and they still can be to newbies or if re-visited once in a while. But just like Top 40 radio, the constant overplaying and familiarity with them decreases their likability or enjoyable to our subculture.
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[quote name=\'chad1m\' post=\'247127\' date=\'Sep 8 2010, 09:48 AM\']I think most of those moments ("You fool" and "French" included) were originally funny and they still can be to newbies or if re-visited once in a while.[/quote]
I'll spot you "YOU FOOL!", but I'm gonna disagree with the "French" one. I've seen it precisely once and my sole reaction was "WTF?" I don't understand what THEY were laughing at, much less what I'M supposed to.
And since we all know I'm a miserable humorless bastard, I'm sure I'm alone in that opinion. ;)
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I agree with those who don't get the humor of the "French" incident. And I've only seen it once or twice, as well.
I can understand why people don't like "Supermarket Sweep" and "Legends of the Hidden Temple." I like both of those shows, but I still can't come up with an explanation as to why.
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-The "You Fool!" moment from the Bergeron version of HS really isn't as funny as many people make it out to be.
First time I saw it I was laughing so hard I was in tears. However, I agree that in repeated viewings it wouldn't be as funny.
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[quote name=\'gameshowlover87\' post=\'247116\' date=\'Sep 8 2010, 09:41 AM\']-The "You Fool!" moment from the Bergeron version of HS really isn't as funny as many people make it out to be.[/quote]
I never thought of the "You Fool!" moment as being funny insomuch as it demonstrates that Gilbert Gottfried was a good bluffer, even when he wasn't bluffing. I would like to say that he was good at zingers, but I never really paid attention to his zingers, so I can't comment.
A model HS celebrity is one who can give (original) zingers as well as they can effectively bluff the contestants. From what I've seen, very few celebrities, if any, can do both with equal effectiveness.
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Another insight (which may or may not differ from the norm):
I think those game shows which come off as "stereotypically cheesy game shows" actually in its own right is part of its charm, because from those shows I have seen, it is often those that you can clearly see that everyone from the contestant to the host to the audience are having a genuinely good time in playing/participating in the game. I think it is in part due to the low stakes prizes or endgames with the modest bonus cash/prize, so there isn't nearly as much pressure to be correct or luck out. (The recent YT Dealer's Choice ep and the Face the Music ep with the three over-energetic contestants which included the Mandel Ilagen lookalike comes to mind when I say this). It may look and be stereotypically cheesy, but it also looks like a lot of fun to participate in.
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[quote name=\'chad1m\' post=\'246891\' date=\'Sep 5 2010, 04:23 PM\']Confession #2: I enjoy Whammy! ;)[/quote]
So do I. And I actually found Todd to be quite tolerable on here his lack of indoor voice didn't bother me in the least.
[quote name=\'narzo\' post=\'247013\' date=\'Sep 6 2010, 06:51 PM\']Don't care for Meredith Vieira's hosting style on WWTBAM, can't watch the show because of her[/quote]
Agreed with this one. I especially hate how she says "Ohhhhhhh, I'm sooooooooooo sorry" in the phoniest way after Every. Single. Wrong. Answer.
[quote name=\'Loogaroo\' post=\'247082\' date=\'Sep 7 2010, 08:29 PM\']- I will never understand why so many people have a soft spot for Supermarket Sweep...[/quote]
This too. It just seemed so boring and cheesy in a bad way. That, and David Ruprecht reminded me a lot of a high school teacher whom I despised.
Also, another off-the-board pick... I think Donnymid had the best Pyramid set, albeit by a narrow margin over the CBS set.
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[quote name=\'clemon79\' post=\'247128\' date=\'Sep 8 2010, 01:13 PM\']...I'm gonna disagree with the "French" one. I've seen it precisely once and my sole reaction was "WTF?" I don't understand what THEY were laughing at, much less what I'M supposed to.[/quote]
Of that entire clip, what I found the funniest was the "pate"/"chopped liver" exchange. The rest seems like it was a "it would have been funnier if you were there in person" kind of thing.
I prefer Dennis James to Barker. Dennis seemed so much more affable than Barker during the period they were both hosting, and I wonder what would have happened long-term if their hosting duties were switched (Dennis in the daytime, Barker at night).
I never understood why some fans were so interested to see if Time is Money would be returning to TPIR. I felt the gameplay was overall poorly planned out.
I think the gameplay of Triple Play is stupid and the game is just an excuse to offer three cars.
I've also never liked Rich Fields and am glad he's gone. His over-the-top screaming was very grating.
I enjoyed the bonus game to Rodeo Drive.
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WHERE I DIFFER FROM THE NORM (maybe):
-Among the many things on my game show wantlist is the circulating episode of Shopper's Casino (9/8/87).
-I don't like most shows from the past decade, since they seem intent on being dark and moody with "contestants" who look like they were coached to act as stupid as possible.
-I can't stand early episodes of Shop 'Til You Drop. The "gag prizes" in the Bonus Round just kill any of the fun, and I can see why they were ousted.
-I get agitated when none of the press material/commercials for Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? use the full title. Do they even realize the show has an actual name?
-Wheel of Fortune has simply not been interesting for most of the past decade, and the pathetic attempts to whitewash its own history are sickening (I really think Friedman fed that infamous line to Robin Leach* for his article on Nighttime Season 28). [sarcasm]What's next, taking down all the contradictory YouTube videos? Vandalizing the contradictory Wikipedia articles? Burning all the contradictory master tapes in the Wheel storehouse?[/sarcasm]
-I think Bob Barker needs to get off his high horse about banning the fur coat episodes, seemingly because he wants nobody to know he was ever associated with them. I recall hearing that BCI offered pre-show disclaimers and charity donations if Bob would just allow the entire first week from '72 on the DVD set, because BCI knew that was what the fans wanted...and he declined.
-I want to see Dennis James' Price run on DVD, by season. GSN apparently didn't want to touch the <50 they could air, even though they were airing rarer shows in "Sunday Night In Black & White" and despite the Dark Period forcing almost every other Goodson-Todman show off the schedule. Seriously, what plausible reason is there for not airing those James episodes other than "Bob hates Dennis and decided to be a jackass"? Both were dick moves on Barker's part, but then again he's had a lot of experience making "dick moves".
[quote name=\'gameshowlover87\' post=\'247116\' date=\'Sep 8 2010, 09:41 AM\']-I didn't think Joe Theismann was THAT bad as the original host of American Gladiators, even though, obviously, Mike Adamle was the better host.[/quote]
-I didn't think Joe Theismann was THAT bad as the original host of American Gladiators, even though, obviously, Mike Adamle was the better host.
Which makes it a mark on Shout Factory that none of Theismann's episodes (the first 13 shows of the series) are present on "The Battle Begins" DVD release, even though such a name implies otherwise. It would've been on my bookshelf right now had those episodes been in there.
-Super Password is my all time favorite version of the show, and Bert Convy is my all-time favorite Password host.
-The $100,000 Pyramid with John Davidson isn't as bad as so many people say it is (even though Davidson was no Dick Clark)
*nod nod*
-I really, REALLY, cannot stand Bob Barker, especially given his real-life persona, which makes it hard for me to watch his era of TPIR these days, and wish he had never gotten the job. Bill Cullen, Dennis James, Tom Kennedy, Doug Davidson, and Drew Carey, are way better than him.
I'm thankful I'm not the only one that thinks so...although I do enjoy Barker shows pre-1988 (when he became Executive Producer and things started going downhill behind-the-scenes). Seriously, considering all he did, how does the man live with himself?
* That Pat and Vanna have hosted together since the show's 1981 debut on NBC, which is not only at least three kinds of wrong but completely rules out any possibility of other hosts or hostesses.
[EDIT 6/12/15: Fixed broken formatting.]
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[quote name=\'chad1m\' post=\'247081\' date=\'Sep 7 2010, 03:59 PM\']I don't think it's very nice or very fair to criticize someone like that,[/quote] You are completely right that it isn't nice. But it is fair to criticize someone for an opinion that seems as strange as saying the question-asking on "Sale of the Century" was dull.
[quote name=\'chad1m\' post=\'247127\' date=\'Sep 8 2010, 09:48 AM\']I think most of those moments ("You fool" and "French" included) were originally funny and they still can be to newbies or if re-visited once in a while. But just like Top 40 radio, the constant overplaying and familiarity with them decreases their likability or enjoyable to our subculture.[/quote]So...tastes change?
"You Fool" was funny because the game was going downhill. French was not funny (to me, anyway) because Dick was trying to drag everything away from the game and wouldn't just be done with it.
To me, anyway.
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Okay, I'll supply the 100th reply here...
Obviously, I seem to be the only one who thinks Spin-Off got a bum deal and ought to have its reruns revived on GSN at any cost, or at least come back in a somewhat retooled version.
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[quote name=\'DjohnsonCB\' post=\'247179\' date=\'Sep 8 2010, 10:14 PM\']and ought to have its reruns revived on GSN at any cost[/quote]
Here's where you lost me.
/and anyone else with any understanding of network economics at all, ever
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I like it when Drew Carey messes with the grocery products used in certain pricing games. It's funny. Laugh.
Based on episodes of TPIR hosted by Dennis James that I've seen, he uses a lot of "filler" when talking. To me, it's the equivalent of Drew's "uhs" and "umms".
The new Lets Make a Deal sucks, but Wayne Brady is a decent host.
Ray Combs was the best host of Family Feud. Richard Dawson's return was a traumatic event for me as a child.
Louie Anderson wasn't half bad as the host of the Feud.
Should his current venture fail, I'd like to see Jimmy Fallon host a game show. He seems like he'd be good at it.
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[quote name=\'Twentington\' post=\'247151\' date=\'Sep 8 2010, 04:07 PM\']Agreed with this one. I especially hate how she says "Ohhhhhhh, I'm sooooooooooo sorry" in the phoniest way after Every. Single. Wrong. Answer.[/quote]
I've never understood this criticism of Vieira. Just because she has a calm disposition and doesn't shout from the rooftops after every right answer, Geoff Edwards style ("YOU ARE RIGHT FOR TWENTY FIVE THOUSAND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"), doesn't make her a bad host.
(Not saying she doesn't have valid criticisms, but I don't think that's one of them)
[quote name=\'Dan88\' post=\'247159\' date=\'Sep 8 2010, 06:15 PM\']-Wheel Of Fortune has simply not been interesting for most of the past decade, and the pathetic attempts to whitewash its own history are sickening (I really think Friedman fed that infamous line to Robin Leach* for his article on Nighttime Season 28). What's next, taking down all the contradictory YouTube videos? Vandalizing the contradictory Wikipedia articles? Burning all the contradictory master tapes in the Wheel storehouse?[/quote]
Jesus Christ. You have truly outdone yourself in the "painfully not funny" category.
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Louie Anderson wasn't half bad as the host of the Feud.
We who think he was OK are in a small minority. I think he was a lot better than others they've had on this incarnation of FF. The stories I've heard are that he couldn't adhere to a schedule and cost them a lot of time and money for that reason.
Ray Combs was the best host of Family Feud. Richard Dawson's return was a traumatic event for me as a child.
On behalf of Jonathan Goodson, my apologies for traumatizing you. Given what a b*st*rd Dawson had been on the original run, one can't blame old man Goodson for going with someone else when they brought the show back with Combs.
I like it when Drew Carey messes with the grocery products used in certain pricing games. It's funny. Laugh.
In the old days, that could be taken two ways: Suppliers could take offense at Drew making fun of their products, or they could appreciate the extra attention he draws to their brand. Nowadays, they buy most of the grocery items at retail so there is no supplier to take offense.
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[quote name=\'gameshowlover87\' post=\'247116\' date=\'Sep 8 2010, 08:41 AM\']-I didn't mind Larry Toffler as host of Finders Keepers (there were some people on another forum who found him to be "the creepiest game show host alive", but provided no examples as to what made him so "creepy").[/quote]
This AND I find Eure creepy.
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[quote name=\'Mr. Brown\' post=\'247181\' date=\'Sep 9 2010, 01:33 AM\']Louie Anderson wasn't half bad as the host of the Feud.[/quote]
I felt that he was awesome in Fast Money, especially when he had players go up and touch the board to see if they had won.
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ok, my two cents on this topic:
Although I've become aware to Barker's less, uh, glamorous moments through reading this board, I still prefer him over Drew Carey as host of Price, most likely because I grew up watching Barker. I think he put much more excitement into the show then Carey does.
I enjoyed Trivia Trap. Always thought it was a somewhat unique way of doing a trivia game.
I never knew the theme song to the most recent incarnation of Hollywood Squares is a cover, for lack of a better word, of an actual song.
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I have a soft spot in my heart for "The Match Game/Hollywood Squares Hour." Don't get me wrong -- I certainly find the older versions of each to be superior, and I know that the HS portion and its host had their flaws. However, something about the combination of the rockin' theme song, the great intros, the stars' dressier attire, the cool set, the excitement when a contestant picked the 30 and was playing for $30,000 -- I just loved it. I couldn't wait to come home from school to watch it. Aside from 1973-1981 "Pyramid" and the ABC "Password," this is the game I most wish would air reruns on GSN...but will likely never happen.
Brendan
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I've never liked Card Sharks. "You have a 5. Is the next card higher or lower?" Well, duh.
I somewhat liked the Joe Garagiola Sale of the Century, and didn't care at all for the later version.
I agree that the sequences that go on too long are unfunny, like "You fool" and "French". Someone mentioned the "September" answer on Feud - that was hilarious in itself, but Dawson dragged it out way too long.
Some have said they're not fond of Bill Cullen based on his '80s work. This is like evaluating Willie Mays based on those last couple of years with the Mets.
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I've never liked Card Sharks. "You have a 5. Is the next card higher or lower?" Well, duh.
I like the CS survey questions, and how the contestants BS along the way to giving their answers. Yes, they're just making stuff up, but it's the sort of stuff that leads to better play-at-home value, especially if you're watching with somebody else, where the multiple home viewers can BS together as they argue their way to how many women admit to finding shorter guys a turn-on or whatnot.
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[quote name=\'fishbulb\' post=\'247248\' date=\'Sep 10 2010, 07:29 AM\']I agree that the sequences that go on too long are unfunny, like "You fool" and "French". Someone mentioned the "September" answer on Feud - that was hilarious in itself, but Dawson dragged it out way too long.[/quote]
In all fairness, I don't think that last one was "Dawson dragged it out way too long" so much as "Dawson couldn't stop laughing."
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[quote name=\'fishbulb\' post=\'247248\' date=\'Sep 10 2010, 06:29 AM\']I've never liked Card Sharks. "You have a 5. Is the next card higher or lower?" Well, duh.[/quote]
It's not a question of whether the card is more likely to be higher or lower. We both know the right way to play that decision. The actual calculated risks of playing the next card (and whether the opponent is playing behind you is big part of this risk, one that players often didn't understand) is an entertaining part of the game for me.
It's a part of the game I didn't appreciate until I got older and wiser (well, older), and it's something that makes me respect the much more complicated choices made by professional casino gamers.
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[quote name=\'parliboy\' post=\'247257\' date=\'Sep 10 2010, 10:09 AM\']It's not a question of whether the card is more likely to be higher or lower. We both know the right way to play that decision. The actual calculated risks of playing the next card (and whether the opponent is playing behind you is big part of this risk, one that players often didn't understand) is an entertaining part of the game for me.
It's a part of the game I didn't appreciate until I got older and wiser (well, older), and it's something that makes me respect the much more complicated choices made by professional casino gamers.[/quote]
I was going to post something very much like this. Very well put. The decision of whether the next card is higher or lower is the most automatic and least important part of the game, and not everybody sees that.
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[quote name=\'parliboy\' post=\'247257\' date=\'Sep 10 2010, 10:09 AM\'][quote name=\'fishbulb\' post=\'247248\' date=\'Sep 10 2010, 06:29 AM\']I've never liked Card Sharks. "You have a 5. Is the next card higher or lower?" Well, duh.[/quote]
It's not a question of whether the card is more likely to be higher or lower. We both know the right way to play that decision. The actual calculated risks of playing the next card (and whether the opponent is playing behind you is big part of this risk, one that players often didn't understand) is an entertaining part of the game for me.
It's a part of the game I didn't appreciate until I got older and wiser (well, older), and it's something that makes me respect the much more complicated choices made by professional casino gamers.
[/quote]
Slightly off topic, but worthy of mention:
When I was a kid, I loved Card Sharks (Perry version, the Eubanks version I didn't find nearly as good for some reason) for the high energy excitement factor (theme song, set, Jim Perry's staccato voice and enunciation style, card flipping suspense and the very energetic contestants) so much, I actually remember being asked by a tutor when I was in kindergarten to list three of my favorite game shows and I listed Card Sharks as one of the three. But I digress. Point is, as a kid, I loved CS for the externals (audio and visual excitement factor).
When I saw it again as an adult, I paid more attention to knowing when to go with and against the odds on the cards, and ironically, the part I hated most as a kid I actually really liked as an adult and that was the survey toss-up questions. I would actually try and guess the number of whatever was being surveyed, and half the fun of that was keeping in mind that these questions were as of 1978-81, and that our society's cultural values back then aren't necessarily reflective of society's values today. So I had to guess with that in mind, and believe it or not, my guesses were shockingly accurate; I usually was within 5-10 of the actual number, though there were a number of curveballs thrown my way, but it made me enjoy the show again from another perspective.
Card Sharks is one of those shows that simply isn't intended to be a long running show, but in its classic format will average 3-5 seasons out of its run in any incarnation, which I find to be respectable for a game show.
Ah, 1978 was for me, truly a game show year.
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[quote name=\'Matt Ottinger\' post=\'247265\' date=\'Sep 10 2010, 09:44 AM\'][quote name=\'parliboy\' post=\'247257\' date=\'Sep 10 2010, 10:09 AM\']It's not a question of whether the card is more likely to be higher or lower. We both know the right way to play that decision. The actual calculated risks of playing the next card (and whether the opponent is playing behind you is big part of this risk, one that players often didn't understand) is an entertaining part of the game for me.
It's a part of the game I didn't appreciate until I got older and wiser (well, older), and it's something that makes me respect the much more complicated choices made by professional casino gamers.[/quote]
I was going to post something very much like this. Very well put. The decision of whether the next card is higher or lower is the most automatic and least important part of the game, and not everybody sees that.
[/quote]
I agree, and I should have acknowledged that there's more to the game. It's just that I don't like those parts either, and I really dislike both Jim Perry and Bob Eubanks. Which is where I diverge from the pack, I think.
Maybe if they'd made the higher/lower part truly automatic, it wouldn't have looked so silly.
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I liked the John Davidson version of "Hollywood Squares." Davidson wasn't everyone's cup of tea, but I thought he played circus ringmaster well, and he had a great rapport with the panelists. I thought the car bonus game was exciting, and I remember being crushed that I wouldn't be able to attend the Radio City Music Hall tapings due to visiting relatives (lived about an hour from NYC during that time). Three or four of my junior high classmates attended one of the tapings and, through them, learned a few things about how game show TV tapings worked.
I liked the Pat Finn version of TJW. It was definitely not the Barry/Cullen game, but I thought Finn TJW was a challenging, hard quiz -- much harder than what I remember from Barry/Cullen.
I never cared much for Monty Hall as a host. Never got into LMAD, and I thought Hall was the weak link on the 80s version of "Split Second".
I can watch the original PYL from time to time, but I couldn't get into it the way others did. Usually I changed the channel or did something else after "Pyramid" ended.
JD
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The current WoF closing theme is my favorite of them all. Never did care at all for the hosting of Bert Convy and I thought Regis was a terrible host for WWTBAM.
--Jamie
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[quote name=\'MSTieScott\' post=\'247138\' date=\'Sep 8 2010, 01:39 PM\']I can understand why people don't like "Supermarket Sweep" and "Legends of the Hidden Temple." I like both of those shows, but I still can't come up with an explanation as to why.[/quote]
Legends was a great show. Stone Stanley definitely made better kids shows than adult shows. Legends is easily, for me, in my Top 3 kids game shows.
[quote name=\'Dan88\' post=\'247159\' date=\'Sep 8 2010, 06:15 PM\']* That Pat and Vanna have hosted together since the show's 1981 debut on NBC, which is not only at least three kinds of wrong but completely rules out any possibility of other hosts or hostesses.[/quote]
For someone to complain about Wheel's "history" the way you did and not get the dates right yourself...1981? By the way, how do you calculate three different types of wrong?
That being said, I think game shows parallel wrestling in that a lot of the top guys (and gals) take so long to retire that it's tough for the next generation to get a fair crack before they get too old. That leads to a lot of "revolving door" personnel in the generation waiting to get their shot. I mean, in the 80s, most game shows were hosted by vets, and the only new host to come out of the decade having made any headway was Sajak. Of course, he inherited a show that was already doing well (unlike Rafferty and Davidson, who had to hope that people would spring for the revivals of their respective shows). Hosts and hostesses won't be ruled out, but the longer you keep someone in a job, the harder it is for viewers to accept a new person. With a show like Wheel, though, it's not like they're fighting for better syndication spots and struggling to keep a 2.0 rating. They'll be just fine when it comes time to retire their dynamic duo (and I'm hoping they do it by syndie season 30).
Pat and Vanna, to me, are more expendable than Alex Trebek is.
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[quote name=\'Jeremy Nelson\' post=\'247304\' date=\'Sep 11 2010, 12:49 PM\'][quote name=\'Dan88\' post=\'247159\' date=\'Sep 8 2010, 06:15 PM\']* That Pat and Vanna have hosted together since the show's 1981 debut on NBC, which is not only at least three kinds of wrong but completely rules out any possibility of other hosts or hostesses.[/quote]
For someone to complain about Wheel's "history" the way you did and not get the dates right yourself...1981? By the way, how do you calculate three different types of wrong?
[/quote]
I had to re-read that quote a few times myself (both when originally made and just now), but I think Dan's referring to Harry Friedman apparently telling Robin Leach that Pat and Vanna have worked together since 1981.
And honestly, it's not the worst error in the world, considering it's only a year off. So Harry missed it by a year, it's not like he's being quizzed on the show's history.
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[quote name=\'fostergray82\' post=\'247305\' date=\'Sep 11 2010, 11:56 AM\'][quote name=\'Jeremy Nelson\' post=\'247304\' date=\'Sep 11 2010, 12:49 PM\'][quote name=\'Dan88\' post=\'247159\' date=\'Sep 8 2010, 06:15 PM\']* That Pat and Vanna have hosted together since the show's 1981 debut on NBC, which is not only at least three kinds of wrong but completely rules out any possibility of other hosts or hostesses.[/quote]
For someone to complain about Wheel's "history" the way you did and not get the dates right yourself...1981? By the way, how do you calculate three different types of wrong?
[/quote]
I had to re-read that quote a few times myself (both when originally made and just now), but I think Dan's referring to Harry Friedman apparently telling Robin Leach that Pat and Vanna have worked together since 1981.
And honestly, it's not the worst error in the world, considering it's only a year off. So Harry missed it by a year, it's not like he's being quizzed on the show's history.
[/quote]
I read it as Wheel's 1981 debut on NBC....which is pretty off. It's just the way he worded it, I presume.
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[quote name=\'colonial\' post=\'247292\' date=\'Sep 10 2010, 10:10 PM\']I liked the Pat Finn version of TJW. It was definitely not the Barry/Cullen game, but I thought Finn TJW was a challenging, hard quiz -- much harder than what I remember from Barry/Cullen.
JD[/quote]
I must confess, I liked this one myself. My lone peeve about it was there was really no need to call it "The Joker's Wild" because the Joker really wasn't "wild". It only enabled a player to triple the points for 15 seconds, it didn't represent any amount or category. It felt like the producers named it TJW to lure us longtime fans to watch, then hit us with something different.
And I must say this about You Don't Say! I still feel it was one of the better word games on TV; but I will concede that this was true for the original, not the remakes. It seemed when Password took off, the networks clamored for the "next great word game" For the most part, they were all derivative (The Object Is...; Get The Message; etc.). But, to me, YDS! was the next step beyond Password, sort of "phonetic Password".
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I like the Toss-ups. I think they bring more gameplay and a fine chance to spread the money around.
It's a nice moment when someone's been struggling throughout the game picks up that $3000 toss-up.
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Another opinion of mine that probably differs from the norm -- I think Chuck and Susan are miles better than Pat and Vanna.
[quote name=\'Jeremy Nelson\' post=\'247311\' date=\'Sep 11 2010, 01:36 PM\'][quote name=\'fostergray82\' post=\'247305\' date=\'Sep 11 2010, 11:56 AM\'][quote name=\'Jeremy Nelson\' post=\'247304\' date=\'Sep 11 2010, 12:49 PM\'][quote name=\'Dan88\' post=\'247159\' date=\'Sep 8 2010, 06:15 PM\']* That Pat and Vanna have hosted together since the show's 1981 debut on NBC, which is not only at least three kinds of wrong but completely rules out any possibility of other hosts or hostesses.[/quote]For someone to complain about Wheel's "history" the way you did and not get the dates right yourself...1981? By the way, how do you calculate three different types of wrong?[/quote]I had to re-read that quote a few times myself (both when originally made and just now), but I think Dan's referring to Harry Friedman apparently telling Robin Leach that Pat and Vanna have worked together since 1981. And honestly, it's not the worst error in the world, considering it's only a year off. So Harry missed it by a year, it's not like he's being quizzed on the show's history.[/quote]I read it as Wheel's 1981 debut on NBC....which is pretty off. It's just the way he worded it, I presume.[/quote]
The article used the exact line I quoted, and yes it claimed the show premiered in 1981 with Pat and Vanna. No Chuck, no Susan. Considering that Leach had behind-the-scenes access for at least that report, it would hence be logical that the show would supply such a statement...even though a few minutes on Google would knock that lie into dust.
What bothers me the most about this is that the show is trying to eradicate its formulative years, during which the show became popular -- if it hadn't been popular, NBC would have very likely canned it.
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[quote name=\'Dan88\' post=\'247328\' date=\'Sep 11 2010, 07:39 PM\']What bothers me the most about this is that the show is trying to eradicate its formulative years, during which the show became popular -- if it hadn't been popular, NBC would have very likely canned it.[/quote]Here's a shock--I completely disagree. WoF was on the brink of cancellation on NBC at one point. The show didn't take off until the syndicated run.
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[quote name=\'Dan88\' post=\'247328\' date=\'Sep 11 2010, 05:39 PM\']What bothers me the most about this is that the show is trying to eradicate its formulative years, during which the show became popular -- if it hadn't been popular, NBC would have very likely canned it.[/quote]And why wouldn't they? The show is popular NOW. It is no longer 1978. Your viewers are used to seeing Pat&Vanna, not Chuck&Susan.
But hey, you just keep clinging to this thing, don't you.
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I thought John Davidson was a great host on "Time Machine."
I will miss Charlie O' Donnell's "25 THOOOOOOOOOOOUUUUUSAND DOLLARS!" spiel.
I liked Greed more than Millionaire back in the day.
The Wheel '89 theme is crap, but the '79 HS theme is epic.
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I think Eastwood should have directed more of the series than Sudden Impact.
\Oops, right topic, wrong board.
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I though that Davidson HS was more watchable than the Marshall HS (most of the time).
I loved the older WOF theme (and even the later incarnations in the late 80's early 90's were better than today's). The one they use today is garbage.
I thought Greed was better than millionaire and I'd love to see new eps but will never happen.
I can't stand watching Jeopardy. Maybe I feel stupid watching it, or get an enormous brain cramp, or fall asleep due to boredom although I love Alex Trebek as a host.
I feel that Canadian made game shows are cheesy and are knockoffs of most American versions of the shows although some original Canadian Made game shows I love (even if some of them feel a bit cheesy) ie: Pitfall, The Joke's on Us.
I never felt there was a reason to make "What's my Line" and "To Tell the Truth". Even if they're not exactly the same, they're too close in gameplay for me to care. Oooh... 3 people to talk to compared to 1 :)
Vanna White is useless although she seems to be a very nice person. Can't turn letters? Give her something to do that's useful for the show.
I thought TPIR was going to be dead and buried soon after Bob Barker left. I never gave Drew Carey a chance.... I may start to watch TPIR again.
I actually love to watch poker games on GSN (although the channel itself seems to suck more than what it was 10-12 years ago when it was gold).
I prefer Liar's club (the newer one) with John Barber than the Allen Ludden era.
I find Todd Newton annoying as host.
Match Game can never be remade.
I hate most reality tv.
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[quote name=\'saussage\' post=\'247657\' date=\'Sep 15 2010, 07:52 PM\']I loved the older WOF theme (and even the later incarnations in the late 80's early 90's were better than today's). The one they use today is garbage.
I find Todd Newton annoying as host.[/quote]How are these different from the norm?
Vanna White is useless although she seems to be a very nice person. Can't turn letters? Give her something to do that's useful for the show.
Not true. I can think of a few people who could find a useful purpose.
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That all seemed more like a laundry list of pet peeves than "against the norm" opinions.
[quote name=\'saussage\' post=\'247657\' date=\'Sep 15 2010, 07:52 PM\']I can't stand watching Jeopardy. Maybe I feel stupid watching it, or get an enormous brain cramp, or fall asleep due to boredom although I love Alex Trebek as a host.[/quote]
Too easy...
[quote name=\'saussage\' post=\'247657\' date=\'Sep 15 2010, 07:52 PM\']I hate most reality tv.[/quote]
I thought bashing all reality shows was cool/popular/hip with the kids, especially if they've never even watched one.
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I thought bashing all reality shows was cool/popular/hip with the kids, especially if they've never even watched one.
If you wanna know which are to me the only good Reality shows, it's COPS and AMW.
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[quote name=\'gameshowlover87\' post=\'247664\' date=\'Sep 15 2010, 06:39 PM\']If you wanna know which are to me the only good Reality shows, it's COPS and AMW.[/quote]Those aren't my pants.
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I hate apple pie, Tom Hanks and the omni-present and boring money tree begat by Millionaire.
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I didn't think "Set For Life" was totally terrible, it was better then Deal Or No Deal(which is the worst game show of all time, not to mention the most boring) at the very least. I actually enjoyed "It's Your Chance Of A Lifetime" didn't think it was boring at all(it's better then what Millionare has now become, that new shuffle format just dosen't work for me)and was sad when it got cancelled so fast, I thought both "The Chair" and "The Chamber" were interesting enough and wished they lasted longer. I genuinely enjoyed Donnymid in spite of it's flaws(i'd like to have a few words with whoever thought "Things On A Cave Wall" would be a good category) Never really "got" Jeopardy. Finally, I like the new version of Lingo better then the old.
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I've come up with some more. I enjoyed GSN's "Chain Reaction" and was surprised by all of the negative reaction it got here. I prefer watching "The Price Is Right" from the years 1997 through 2007. I don't think that seventies "Match Game" is that funny. I liked Pearsons "To Tell the Truth" and Sony "Pyramid" esp. compared to the state of "Family Feud" and "Card Sharks" at the time.
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Here's a couple more, I liked Million Dollar Password more then most did(though MDP would've been better if the episodes weren't forced to be self-contained, or if it was half an hour longer, then the self-contained thing wouldn't be such a problem) shame CBS cancelled it because it didn't hit the target demographic(especially since i'm in that demographic) I also liked GSN's Chain Reaction, Catch 21 and Friend Or Foe were pretty decent as well)
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A few more I thought of:
* I thought TPIR was very bland and tired throughout most of the late 90s-early 2000s. Rod and Bob both seemed to be phoning it in big-time (e.g., Bob doing the "historic moment" joke EVERY SINGLE TIME the bids were xx0-xx1-xx2-xx3), and barring Rod/Rich from appearing on-camera really took a lot away.
* Not only do I despise TNG, I despise the entire Barris library. They all seem like they're trying way too hard to be campy/corny/etc. TDG didn't even need a host, so hiring a real-life cardboard cutout in Jim Lange actually wasn't a bad idea. Treasure Hunt has the same pitfalls as DoND (almost no game except "pick a box", over-emphasis on cartoonish schtick, contestants who REALLY need to switch to decaf). Gong is pretty much a one-trick pony (hey, here's someone who can't sing/can't dance/can't act/is fellating a popsicle, let's laugh at them). The only things I like about most Barris shows are their music packages.
* I hated Anne Robinson on The Weakest Link. I fail to see how insulting someone can be "funny", even if you really truly don't mean it.
* I also think Super was the best version of Password, and the best theme song.
* I second J.R.'s opinion that Wheel's Toss-Up rounds add more gameplay and spread the money around better.
* When you get to hear more than two bars of it on-air, "Happy Wheels" is a good theme.
* I thought M.G. Kelly was a good announcer.
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* Not only do I despise TNG, I despise the entire Barris library. They all seem like they're trying way too hard to be campy/corny/etc.
Could someone who has the picture fire of Rainier Wolfcastle as a stand-up comedian fire off a reply, please?
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* Not only do I despise TNG, I despise the entire Barris library. They all seem like they're trying way too hard to be campy/corny/etc. TDG didn't even need a host, so hiring a real-life cardboard cutout in Jim Lange actually wasn't a bad idea. Treasure Hunt has the same pitfalls as DoND (almost no game except "pick a box", over-emphasis on cartoonish schtick, contestants who REALLY need to switch to decaf). Gong is pretty much a one-trick pony (hey, here's someone who can't sing/can't dance/can't act/is fellating a popsicle, let's laugh at them). The only things I like about most Barris shows are their music packages.
I think you missed the point. Some of his shows were in a way, parodies of what was popular at the time. Sometimes it worked (Gong), other times it didn't ($1.98 Beauty Show).
His shows were endearingly bad, and he was perfectly aware of it. To me, what makes Treasure Hunt and Gong so funny is that they were so over-the-top and didn't take themselves seriously.
I've said this about D/ND, but you can't take yourself as a "SERIOUS BIZNESS" game show, then turn around and offer ponies or have the contestants act like live-action cartoon characters.
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* Not only do I despise TNG, I despise the entire Barris library. They all seem like they're trying way too hard to be campy/corny/etc.
Could someone who has the picture fire of Rainier Wolfcastle as a stand-up comedian fire off a reply, please?
I'll spare you his Woody Allen. (http://"http://www.reece-eu.net/gallery/var/albums/funny/thats-the-joke.jpg?m=1272640610")
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I'll spare you his Woody Allen. (http://"http://www.reece-eu.net/gallery/var/albums/funny/thats-the-joke.jpg?m=1272640610")
Yes. Spang on the money. Enjoy your point, Senor Palmer, for years and years.
And hey, look at this. Bobby didn't like TWL then (http://"http://gameshow.ipbhost.com/index.php?showtopic=15032&st=30"), he doesn't like it now. How about that.
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I think you missed the point. Some of his shows were in a way, parodies of what was popular at the time. Sometimes it worked (Gong), other times it didn't ($1.98 Beauty Show).
His shows were endearingly bad, and he was perfectly aware of it. To me, what makes Treasure Hunt and Gong so funny is that they were so over-the-top and didn't take themselves seriously.
This I'm well aware of. I still can't stand to watch them, because the "jokes" make me cringe ("What's your husband's favorite rodent?" "The saxophone.") far more than they make me laugh.
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What the hell's wrong with you? That's comedy GOLD. GOLD, JERRY! He asked about vermin and she said saxophone.
Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar.
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I'll second that if TJW90 hadn't been called The Joker's Wild, it would have been viewed as an okay game in its own right.
Davidson's hosting of $100,000 Pyramid wasn't bad enough to hurt my enjoyment of the show. (I can't say the same for the new bonus cards they came up with.)
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I'll second Jay on John Davidson. IMO he was the least of the problems on that show- just seemed like a tired format at the time, with changes made for the sake of change. And when a show like Pyramid, as good as it has been over the years, looks tired, it's not a good sign.
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This I'm well aware of. I still can't stand to watch them, because the "jokes" make me cringe ("What's your husband's favorite rodent?" "The saxophone.") far more than they make me laugh.
How was that a "joke"? It was a moron contestant giving a stupid answer.
If someone bids $5200 on a microwave on TPiR, do you dislike that "joke" too? I fail to see how insulting someone can be "funny", even if you really truly don't mean it.
I'm STUNNED by this comment.
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How was that a "joke"? It was a moron contestant giving a stupid answer.
It was a stupid answer that was SO friggin' stupid it made me cringe. Saying "frog" for an animal with three letters in its name is more of an "oh crap, think of something, anything" brain lock. Saxophone as a rodent would be like saying "bologna sandwich" for an animal with three letters in its name. It's so far off the mark it's not even funny.
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It was a stupid answer that was SO friggin' stupid it made me cringe. Saying "frog" for an animal with three letters in its name is more of an "oh crap, think of something, anything" brain lock. Saxophone as a rodent would be like saying "bologna sandwich" for an animal with three letters in its name. It's so far off the mark it's not even funny.
And so is "frog" and so is "alligator". It's the same effing thing no matter how ridiculous the answer.
Don't you have Wikipedia pages to nominate for deletion?
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I actually enjoyed The Perfect Match with Dick Enberg!
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* I hated Anne Robinson on The Weakest Link. I fail to see how insulting someone can be "funny", even if you really truly don't mean it.
Would like to have a word. (http://"http://www.lasvegas-nv.com/showpics/don-rickles.jpg")
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Among the highlights and lowlights:
I find Match Game to be a mediocre show at best most of the time. There are a few episodes (usually the episodes where it appears the panel has had a few too many) that come off as genuinely enjoyable, but most episodes fall somewhere in the neighborhood of "moderately entertaining background noise". Meanwhile another 70s staple, The Gong Show, is one of the more entertaining half-hours of television I've seen, and I could watch hours of it a day.
I hate Golden Road. Golden-Road is just a higher stakes, glorified version of the maligned Pick a Number game, and as a pricing game always puts me to sleep until the very end. And if the end prize is anything other than a supercar, I usually remain asleep then too.
Doug Davidson was a little rough around the edges, but I found the 1994 version of Price is Right to be a great take on the show.
I find the 80s version of Let's Make a Deal more enjoyable than the 70s version. I can't explain this one, I just do. Just as inexplicably, the Peter Marshall version of Hollywood Squares is my least favorite of the three stand-alone versions.
I think Pat Finn is a vastly underrated game show host. I found his work on Shop Til You Drop and Big Spin to be quite enjoyable, and he even made the 1990 version of Joker's Wild watchable. Conversely, I find Allen Ludden to be vastly overrated. On-air he always seemed to come off as a pompous and condescending windbag.
Finally: I think Jack was by far the more talented Narz brother. Don't take that to mean I think Tom Kennedy is a bad game show host, because I think he was fairly good most of the time. I just think Jack is one of the best hosts I've ever seen.
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Playing Plinko every week of a Price is Right season is boring and repetitive. The game isn't that stellar.
Don't know how common this is, but I'm sure it'll start a debate: What's My Line is better than To Tell The Truth.
EDIT: I already said this. Yay bumping
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Among the highlights and lowlights:
I find the 80s version of Let's Make a Deal more enjoyable than the 70s version. I can't explain this one, I just do.
I agree. Plus, the models were far hotter than Carol.
I think Pat Finn is a vastly underrated game show host. I found his work on Shop Til You Drop and Big Spin to be quite enjoyable, and he even made the 1990 version of Joker's Wild watchable. Conversely, I find Allen Ludden to be vastly overrated. On-air he always seemed to come off as a pompous and condescending windbag.
Agree and highly agree.
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I find Allen Ludden to be vastly overrated. On-air he always seemed to come off as a pompous and condescending windbag.
Agreed, but he seemed more relaxed as a guest on other shows than he did as the host of his own. I dreaded his Password/P+ contestant interviews--little to no interaction. When the camera was back on him, it usually felt like they had edited something out.
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I agree re: Pat Finn.
Some of my own:
-To continue with the theme of bad contestant interviews, I often find the interview portion of J! to be the most awkward, borderline unwatchable portion of the show. Alex seems to go out of his way to be as aloof as possible, and it only seems to get worse each season.
-I never cared much for Chain Reaction in any of its incarnations. It's just a boring game that doesn't seem to require much skill. Oddly enough, I really enjoyed Go (which I'm probably in the majority on).
-Aaaaaand the big shocker...I never really understood what exactly made Johnny Olsen the greatest announcer of all time. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy listening to him and he worked well on all the shows he did, but I just don't hear what sets him apart from, say, Johnny Gilbert or Gene Wood.
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-Aaaaaand the big shocker...I never really understood what exactly made Johnny Olsen the greatest announcer of all time. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy listening to him and he worked well on all the shows he did, but I just don't hear what sets him apart from, say, Johnny Gilbert or Gene Wood.
I'd definitely say his distinct delivery style would be a major reason why. His warm-up routine would be another.
I've personally come to consider Gene Wood a sub-par announcer----but I'd bet he had a great warmup as well. [never seen him, never heard/seen any recordings, so I can't really judge on that]
[quote name='same post']I agree re: Pat Finn.[/quote]
I personally didn't care for some of his excitement levels on STYD; other than that, I can't see anything else wrong with him. I think most of the flak he gets comes from TJW90: The whole "first definition.........last definition....." routine comes to mind. Then again, I'm sure Cullen or Martindale or Kennedy would've sounded like a robot if they had to say that several times per show...
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I really enjoyed "Duel", it was an inspired combination of Millionare and "World Series Of Poker" Too ABC pretty much killed the show by giving it the friday-night-slot-of-death against TPIR $100,000,000 Spectacular.
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I really enjoyed "Duel", it was an inspired combination of Millionare and "World Series Of Poker"
Other than the fact that the contestants were handed a stack of chips and that they beat the hell out of that drum in the promos 'cuz poker shows were Teh Current Hotness and any excuse to draw parallels was going to be taken, I utterly fail to see where Duel had much if anything to do with poker.
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I really enjoyed "Duel", it was an inspired combination of Millionare and "World Series Of Poker"
Other than the fact that the contestants were handed a stack of chips and that they beat the hell out of that drum in the promos 'cuz poker shows were Teh Current Hotness and any excuse to draw parallels was going to be taken, I utterly fail to see where Duel had much if anything to do with poker.
Well the show's official website called it a cross between Poker and Millionare, so take that how you will.
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I like Drew Carey on TPIR then Bob Barker, partly because I have a hard time mustering up any sort of respect for Barker after all the crap he's done to his employees and whatnot.
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I really enjoyed "Duel", it was an inspired combination of Millionare and "World Series Of Poker"
Other than the fact that the contestants were handed a stack of chips and that they beat the hell out of that drum in the promos 'cuz poker shows were Teh Current Hotness and any excuse to draw parallels was going to be taken, I utterly fail to see where Duel had much if anything to do with poker.
Well the show's official website called it a cross between Poker and Millionare, so take that how you will.
Just because they did doesn't mean you do.
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Well the show's official website called it a cross between Poker and Millionare, so take that how you will.
You will note in my post that I took it as the promotions people at ABC being full of what makes the grass grow green. And yet you just declared it to be "inspired," so clearly you agree with the assessment. So I'm inviting you to explain to me why you agree with it in the fervent hope that you will be able to give me some sort of answer other than "because ABC told me to," because frankly the idea that a sentient being is willing to go with that logic makes my head throb.
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Well the show's official website called it a cross between Poker and Millionare, so take that how you will.
Just because they did doesn't mean you do.
I'm remembering here how Hit Man compared itself to a videogame.
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I'm remembering here how Hit Man compared itself to a videogame.
While an equally inept comparison, at least Hit Man was going for something remotely resembling the *look* of a videogame. Near as I can tell, the lone parallels between Duel and poker were "there are chips" and "a contestant can "bluff", and by "bluff" we mean "try to look confused in order to smoke a Press out of their opponent," not that we're going to cast anyone savvy enough to pick up on that."
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Too ABC pretty much killed the show by giving it the friday-night-slot-of-death against TPIR $100,000,000 Spectacular.
What are these Hundred Million-Dollar Spectaculars of which you speak? I seem to have missed these episodes.
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I believe the Pat Finn stuff is unfair...he may not have been one of the best hosts in town during the early '90s, but compared to what we deal with today with all the Dylan Lanes of the world, boy howdy, Finn looks a lot better. I grew up on TJW90 before the '70s version and remember it fondly.
I loved Duel. Not afraid to say it. The idea behind the format is great. I like Greeny, maybe he wasn't the best choice for host. The show itself dragged a bit and could have used some help in presentation. But it was good at its core and it's a shame we don't see more shows in that vein...tougher one-on-one quizzes would fare well on GSN, I bet.
Earlier, someone said '80s LMAD > '70s LMAD, and I agree with that. Door #4 all the way.
Loved "The Chair." Didn't really like "Greed" all that much. Every day Regis hosted Millionaire, he became a worse host. Jim Perry was the best host of any game show in the '80s.
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Too ABC pretty much killed the show by giving it the friday-night-slot-of-death against TPIR $100,000,000 Spectacular.
What are these Hundred Million-Dollar Spectaculars of which you speak? I seem to have missed these episodes.
Those were the eps hosted by Ezekiel Barker.
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I'm still of the opinion Duel would have been FAR more interesting had they had also signed Mike Golic to co-host (or even as the sole host). Golic has always struck me as the more interesting of the duo, and the one with the stronger personality, and with Greeny hosting solo I always got a distinct "going through the motions" feeling.
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I believe the Pat Finn stuff is unfair...he may not have been one of the best hosts in town during the early '90s, but compared to what we deal with today with all the Dylan Lanes of the world, boy howdy, Finn looks a lot better.
Pat Finn wasn't a bad host at all. What he sucked at was "knowing when it's time to fire your agent."
Earlier, someone said '80s LMAD > '70s LMAD, and I agree with that. Door #4 all the way.
I strongly suspect this is a function of the truism we find more and more evidence of as time goes on, which is that for the most part people believe that the version of a given show they grew up with is the best one.
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I grew up with the '80s LMAD. I prefer the '70s series.
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I grew up with the '80s LMAD. I prefer the '70s series.
And I'm the other way--I grew up with the 70s version but prefer the '84-'86 version (slightly). Hated the 1980 version, though (seemed really dead compared to the versions it sandwiched).
None of this invalidates Chris L.'s point, though--he did say "for the most part," and for the most part the version of a show I grew up with I do look at more fondly than the version that either predated it or followed it.
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I strongly suspect this is a function of the truism we find more and more evidence of as time goes on, which is that for the most part people believe that the version of a given show they grew up with is the best one.
I remember almost nothing about LMaD from my childhood, except some ultra-vague recollections of LMaD'90. And I still think A-NLMaD is the best. At least some of it is the chrome (best set, extremely underrated announcing from Brian Cummings), but things like Door #4 didn't hurt.
Also, I didn't think Bob Hilton was half bad as LMaD host.
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I grew up with the '80s LMAD. I prefer the '70s series.
And I'm the other way--I grew up with the 70s version but prefer the '84-'86 version (slightly). Hated the 1980 version, though (seemed really dead compared to the versions it sandwiched).
None of this invalidates Chris L.'s point, though--he did say "for the most part," and for the most part the version of a show I grew up with I do look at more fondly than the version that either predated it or followed it.
You're right, it doesn't- just raising the "exceptions to every rule" point, just like you did after me.
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You're right, it doesn't- just raising the "exceptions to every rule" point, just like you did after me.
Indeed. Popcorn?
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Honestly, LMaD is one of those shows where, with the reruns, an episode from either decade could still pull me in. IMO they both had elements that made the shows exciting, and even into the mid-80s, Monty still knew how to build suspense over the price of a can of corn. I watch Wayne's version when I can, but there's a still a few things that irk me there.
I wish the 1980 version weren't as obscure, minus the episode and clip on Youtube.
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Too ABC pretty much killed the show by giving it the friday-night-slot-of-death against TPIR $100,000,000 Spectacular.
What are these Hundred Million-Dollar Spectaculars of which you speak? I seem to have missed these episodes.
The currency of choice was Zimbabwe dollars.
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Too ABC pretty much killed the show by giving it the friday-night-slot-of-death against TPIR $100,000,000 Spectacular.
What are these Hundred Million-Dollar Spectaculars of which you speak? I seem to have missed these episodes.
The currency of choice was Zimbabwe dollars.
That's a hundred quadrillion in that case. :)
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I've never been able to watch or enjoy anything hosted by Wink Martindale or John Davidson. I can't even tell you why. Something about their personalities just grated on my nerves.
I've always distrusted people with too many teeth, for fear of being bitten. Maybe that has something to do with it.
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I've always distrusted people with too many teeth, for fear of being bitten. Maybe that has something to do with it.
Yet another reason not to like Donnymid.
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Yet another reason not to like Donnymid.
Aside from his aforementioned inability to make some patter after WCs (which may have simply been a function of time), I thought Donny was by far the most tolerable aspect of the show.
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Yet another reason not to like Donnymid.
Aside from his aforementioned inability to make some patter after WCs (which may have simply been a function of time), I thought Donny was by far the most tolerable aspect of the show.
I agree. The writing staff and the front game format were more problematic than Donny as host was.
In differing, I really didn't mind the set or the theme all that much. Not to say the latter couldn't have had some improvement, but still.
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I agree. The writing staff and the front game format were more problematic than Donny as host was.
Didn't mind the 6-in-20 so much. Had a lot more trouble with the judging in the end game. Too often a word that conveyed the essence of the answer was not accepted because it wasn't the "right" word.
But, yeah, Donny was adequate (wouldn't say "great" but not bad either).
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Donny was decent, except he got a little too excited during Winner's Circle losses. If he wasn't going "Ooh! Ooh! Ooh!" over an illegal clue, then he was inviting the audience to shout out missed clues. Got a little annoying, but by far one of the least offensive things about the show.
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I enjoyed Donnymid in spite of it's flaws, the biggest flaw being the ridiculous and insanely difficult WC categories(Things Regis Coffee Cup Would Say? Colors Of The Olympic Rings? The odds of anyone correctly guessing those categories were slim to none)
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Pyramid needs a professional broadcaster as host. Actor/Singers just do not work.
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I think Rolf Benirschke was given a bum rap on "Wheel of Fortune". I thought he did alright.
I was never a big fan of Pyramid (any version). I think one reason was back in 1973, when I was home sick, and I saw Pyramid was on instead of the Price is Right at 10:30, I thought Price got canceled, and it upset me. I just can't enjoy watching a show where I see all the answers and am just watching the 2 players try to communicate said answer. Might be a bit more enjoyable if the answers could have been covered up I guess. Just wasn't my cup of tea.
So many think Michael Berger is all that and a bag of chips. I've watched some of his work, and he's "so/so" at best to me. I guess I grew up on too many "old school" hosts.
Even after 30 years, I still look upon Pat Sajak as the "new" Wheel of Fortune Host. Not saying I dislike him, just saying that I differ from the "norm" in that regard.
Never much cared for the Barry-Enright game "Bullseye". So many game show fans seem to love it. It was a very flawed game I felt. One player could answer 8 questions, then have a pot stolen by just 1 answer from his opponent and lose. While this is also true on Family Feud, at least with Feud, it's a bit more fair because the amount of money or points in the bank balances it out. If the #1 answer is still up on the board, the bank isn't worth as much, nor should it be since #1 SHOULD be the easiest answer to get. Conversely if the bank is 97 dollars or points, and the last answer is up there, it should be harder to get.
I never much cared for Rich Fields' announcing style. Maybe I don't differ from the norm there, hard to tell really...
I too cannot stand "Plinko". That may not be differing from the norm as far as us game show fans are concerned, but it does differ from the norm of the "casual" fan of "Price is Right".
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Might be a bit more enjoyable if the answers could have been covered up I guess.
Tape a piece of paper over the bottom part of the TV.
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I think Rolf Benirschke was given a bum rap on "Wheel of Fortune". I thought he did alright.
Seconded. Even little things like "hurry, hurry!" when someone's inching past the Lose a Turn wedge show that you're at least trying to give a darn.
I never much cared for Rich Fields' announcing style. Maybe I don't differ from the norm there, hard to tell really...
Also seconded. I actually grew to like the deeper, softer register he used when he filled in on Wheel, even though he still has that annoying habit of stretching words ("Vanna Whiiiiiiyyyyyyyyyyte"). As I've said before, I'm only a fair-weather Price fan, so I didn't realize just how shrill Rich had become over time until I went back and watched some clips on YouTube. He actually sounded great on his first episode (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Eohp5bzZGA) (click for a listen), but somewhere along the way, he devolved into a grating, screechy caricature.
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Might be a bit more enjoyable if the answers could have been covered up I guess.
Tape a piece of paper over the bottom part of the TV.
Or close your eyes/look away. No more difficult than what "Password" did in all its versions, and they even said the word out loud*...
*In most versions...
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I was never a big fan of Pyramid (any version).
Why, sir, do you hate America?
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Pyramid needs a professional broadcaster as host. Actor/Singers just do not work.
I agree for the most part(though Donny did alright by me) Athletes don't usually make very good hosts either(Chris Jericho being an exception) John McEnroe in "The Chair" being a prime example, easily one of the aboslute WORST game show hosts of all time.
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I was never a big fan of Pyramid (any version).
Why, sir, do you hate America?
Not a fan of Egypt, they have the Pyramids! But seriously, I was just never a big fan of Pyramid. Dick Clark was awesome, the endgame was chilling with that haunting clock sound effect, but it was just a game that never appealed to me as a viewer, though it would be terrific to play. Anything that requires me to tape my TV or close my eyes isn't worth it. If I close my eyes, it's to sleep (or when I sneeze, or am washing my hair).
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Not a fan of Egypt, they have the Pyramids! But seriously, I was just never a big fan of Pyramid. Dick Clark was awesome, the endgame was chilling with that haunting clock sound effect, but it was just a game that never appealed to me as a viewer, though it would be terrific to play. Anything that requires me to tape my TV or close my eyes isn't worth it. If I close my eyes, it's to sleep (or when I sneeze, or am washing my hair).
Then turn your back to the TV. That's how my sister and I played along with Pyramid as kids.
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Or just give clues. It's satisfying to think of something the giver on the show couldn't come up with.
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Or just give clues. It's satisfying to think of something the giver on the show couldn't come up with.
That's how I do it most of the time. Other times I just take off my glasses, because without them, I can't read the screen unless I'm literally on top of it.
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Wouldn't it be even harder to read the screen when it's directly below you?
Or just give clues. It's satisfying to think of something the giver on the show couldn't come up with.
Or, like Bill Simmons, you just tune in for Dick Clark being, well, Dick. (http://www.grantland.com/blog/hollywood-prospectus/post/_/id/30258/youtube-hall-of-fame-high-times-with-richard-pryor-final-pyramid-with-dick-clark-and-an-art-lesson)
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I too am in the boat who doesn't mind Drew and actually doesn't care much for Barker on Price. Granted, 70s-early 90s Bob is great, but by 2002 that it felt like he was going through the motions making everything a big spectacle even if somebody picked their nose. Probably didn't help that there was that Fremantle corporate shakeup and Rich replacing the late Rod going on around that time, that might have something to do with it.
I really don't care much for modern game shows like Minute to Win It or Million Dollar Money Drop. It's relying too much on suspenseful gimmicks hosted by comedians or TV personalities.
For me, most of Chuck Barris' shows were absolute crap save for The Gong Show. I don't fondly remember The Newlywed Game at all. (Despite I have about a dozen episodes of it on tape thanks to recording GSN at my dad's work.)
I think those are all that I can name offhand...
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I really don't care much for modern game shows like Minute to Win It or Million Dollar Money Drop. It's relying too much on suspenseful gimmicks hosted by comedians or TV personalities.
Trust me. I don't think you're too far in the minority there. ;-)
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Or, like Bill Simmons, you just tune in for Dick Clark being, well, Dick. (http://www.grantland.com/blog/hollywood-prospectus/post/_/id/30258/youtube-hall-of-fame-high-times-with-richard-pryor-final-pyramid-with-dick-clark-and-an-art-lesson)
Final Pyramid?
Oh, he means the Winner's Circle. You'd think he would know the actual name of the bonus round on a show he claims to be one of his favorites.
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Probably didn't help that there was that Fremantle corporate shakeup.
If you're talking about announcers getting less camera time, Fremantle didn't do that. Barker did.
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Probably didn't help that there was that Fremantle corporate shakeup.
If you're talking about announcers getting less camera time, Fremantle didn't do that. Barker did.
Have we been able to DEFINITIVELY prove that?
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I think that's what Chris Mann believes (still not sure why his book hasn't been released yet).
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I can't believe there's still anyone who believes it wasn't Barker.
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OK, here's one. I always liked Shoot for the Stars/Double Talk. I thought it was a fun word game. The American public obviously didn't agree with me.
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OK, here's one. I always liked Shoot for the Stars/Double Talk. I thought it was a fun word game. The American public obviously didn't agree with me.
Yes I agree. I thought it was a fun show, too.
Ex: "Contest Display" > "Game Show"
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OK, here's one. I always liked Shoot for the Stars/Double Talk. I thought it was a fun word game. The American public obviously didn't agree with me.
Double Talk was thoroughly meh for me. LOVED Shoot For The Stars, though.
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I really don't care much for modern game shows like Minute to Win It or Million Dollar Money Drop. It's relying too much on suspenseful gimmicks hosted by comedians or TV personalities.
Trust me. I don't think you're too far in the minority there. ;-)
Yeah, i'm the biggest fan of those shows myself, they would've both been alot better if they didn't depend so much on sheer blind luck, "Supercoin" is a game that you only have about a one-in-a-trillion chance of winning(Don't Blow The Joker was pretty awful too, it was so hard that the website actually had to tell you how to play the game, and even that wouldn't help you out much) i'll bet you anything "Minute" would've lasted another season if the producers either got rid of Supercoin for good or just kept it as a bonus game and removed it from the main levels. MDMD would've been better if the contestants weren't forced into playing all-or-nothing all the way through the game and were either given the option to walk away with some money before the final question or at least get some sort of consolation prize.
Also, I too liked Drew better then Barker on "Price"(mostly because it's hard for me to respect Barker after hearing about all the crap he's put his employees through), though to be fair most of the Barker episodes i've seen were from the 2000s, so maybe i'll like his earlier stuff better.
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Yeah, i'm the biggest fan of those shows myself, they would've both been alot better if they didn't depend so much on sheer blind luck, "Supercoin" is a game that you only have about a one-in-a-trillion chance of winning(Don't Blow The Joker was pretty awful too, it was so hard that the website actually had to tell you how to play the game, and even that wouldn't help you out much) i'll bet you anything "Minute" would've lasted another season if the producers either got rid of Supercoin for good or just kept it as a bonus game and removed it from the main levels.
A million dollar game which has been played under normal circumstances exactly once will not kill a show. There were many other factors which killed MTWI.
MDMD would've been better if the contestants weren't forced into playing all-or-nothing all the way through the game and were either given the option to walk away with some money before the final question or at least get some sort of consolation prize.
But...that's the way the game is played--get through the gauntlet of questions including a 50/50 shot at the end, take home the coin. Where's the fun if a couple walks with half a million before the final question? That's like ending Jeopardy! immediately after the second round.
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OK, here's one. I always liked Shoot for the Stars/Double Talk. I thought it was a fun word game. The American public obviously didn't agree with me.
Double Talk was thoroughly meh for me.
The host didn't help.
/And the countdown to 4500 concludes. :)
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I can't believe there's still anyone who believes it wasn't Barker.
Except perhaps Barker himself...
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The host didn't help.
Honestly, for me anyhow, the host didn't matter. You could have reanimated Bill Cullen and it still would have blown. The format of we're-gonna-play-X-puzzles-high-score-wins was just uninteresting and the bonus game was totally uninspired.
Which is not to say that the Shoot For The Stars format was perfect - certainly the random elements don't help from a game-fairness standpoint, but at least it's more engaging to watch than Double Talk.
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You could have reanimated Bill Cullen and it still would have blown.
For the record, you wouldn't have needed to.
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The host didn't help.
Honestly, for me anyhow, the host didn't matter. You could have reanimated Bill Cullen and it still would have blown. The format of we're-gonna-play-X-puzzles-high-score-wins was just uninteresting and the bonus game was totally uninspired.
Agreed. What I meant to say is that the host wouldn't have helped any show.