Game shows have long been a staple of television entertainment. Since the early days of TV and “I Love Lucy”, we have also been treated to game and quiz shows, like “Beat the Clock', “You Bet Your Life”, “Truth or Consequences” and many more. These shows have proven time and time again that TV viewers like to watch regular people answer trivial questions or compete in unique games, to win cash and prizes. Many shows have come and gone over the years. Some disappear faster than a speed round, never to be seen again. Other, more popular shows come back every few years with a new, updated version, ready to catch the eye of the current viewing audience. One thing I have noticed is that the shows that do stick around for decades, in one form or another, have something in common. They are all based on a simple, easy to follow premise. They aren't hard to play, for the contestants as well as for the folks watching at home. Let's take a look at a some classics here. Password
This classic show first appeared in 1961, hosted by Allen Ludden, and lasted until 1975 in daytime and nighttime versions. The premise of the show is simple: two teams, consisting of one celebrity and one contestant each, have to guess a word by using one word clues. The clues are then displayed on a board and all are clues to the main puzzle. Simple, easy to follow and fun. The show reappeared in 1979, again hosted by Ludden and then Tom Kennedy, and aired until 1982. The show came back a third time in 1984, this time with Bert Convy as host, lasting until 1989. And even now, CBS is working on yet a fourth version, to air sometime in 2008 and to be hosted by Regis Philbin. A timeless appeal.Jeopardy!
This show, created by Merv Griffin, first hit the air more than 40 years ago. Still a ratings champ today, the original host was Art Fleming, but the most popular incarnation is the current version, which has been hosted by Alex Trebek since 1984. Again, a simple premise. Each show has three contestants, each competing to answer questions in various categories displayed on a big board. The more questions you answer correctly, the higher your dollar amount rises. In Final Jeopardy, contestants have to wager a portion of their score against a single category. Once this is done, they are shown the question and have time to write their answer. Correct scores add the wager to their amount, incorrect scores deduct it. Highest score wins. Players at home love to watch and shout out the answers before the players on screen. A classic with intellectual appeal.Wheel of Fortune
Another Merv Griffin creation, “Wheel” has been around since 1975, with the most popular incarnation first appearing in 1983. Pat Sajak and Vanna White have been with the show since then, creating an American tradition in homes across the country.Another simple premise, this game is based on the concept of “hangman”. A number of blank spaces are shown with a category mentioned. Contestants than take turns spinning a wheel and choosing letters to fill in the blanks. When they know the word they can answer and win the amount they have accumulated. The contestant with the most money goes on to the final puzzle, a word or phrase they have to solve to win a prize such as a trip or a car. Another great game to play along with at home.The Price is Right
Long a daytime TV classic, this show has garnered a cult following as well as a loyal fan base. First premiering in 1956, the show is best known for it's current version, which first aired in 1972 and is now in it's 36 th season. Long-time host Bob Barker retired last year to quite a media frenzy, with his final show airing in daytime as well as primetime. New host Drew Carey has big shoes to fill, but so far seems to be a good fit and obviously cares about the contestants winning their games and prizes.The show is fun, with different games being presented throughout the hour broadcast. Some of these have become fan favorites, such as PLINKO and CLIFF HANGERS. The big wheel is spun at two intervals throughout the show, to narrow down the contestants from 6 to 2, to see which go on to play in the final Showcase round. Some games are trickier than others, but fun is had for all.Family Feud
Another classic, this show has been seen in no less than 3 versions since first debuting in 1976. The first, and most remembered, version was hosted by Richard Dawson. He was the suave host who kissed all the ladies. Dawson also truly hoped for the best for the families on the show, often being at odds with decisions rendered by the judges. The show reappeared in the 80s and again in the late 90s. This version is still on the air, currently hosted by John O'Hurley, known for his time on “Seinfeld”.Another fun, easy show, contestants from two families take turns attempting to come up with the answers that match surveys of 100 people. If a family matches all the answers for a given category, they win the money for that round. If not, the other family can attempt to steal the money. Winning family goes on to play Fast Money, which is the same premise, but down to only two contestants answering the same questions at different times. Fans at home shout out the answers that the players on TV just can't seem to grasp, making it fun for viewers, too.Deal or No Deal
A more-current show, this is another fine example of a simple premise being the best. A contestant has to choose one case out of 26, each containing one amount ranging from 1 cent to $1,000,000. The player than has to remove cases from the 25 left, one at a time. Each time a case is called, it is opened and an amount is shown. After so many cases, the “banker” calls, offering the player a monetary amount. If the player takes it, the game ends with the player winning the offered amount. If the player says “No Deal”, play continues with more cases opened. The player has to hope the case they chose at the beginning has the $1,000,000 prize. Otherwise, they would do best to take one of the offers from the Banker. Hosted by Howie Mandel, it has proven to be a fan, and ratings, favorite.Match Game
One of the best-remembered and best-loved of all game shows, “Match Game” premiered in the 60s, but the version that premiered in 1973 was a disco-era sensation. Two contestants attempt to match answers to risqué questions with a panel of six celebrities. The player with the most matches wins. Simple enough, this game show was better known for it's improvisation and interplay, with the celebrities being bawdy and fun. The game often took a backseat to the ad libs and innuendo bandied about. This show has attempted a couple of comebacks and is set for another go-round later this year. What would make this show a hit again is the right panel of celebrities. A group that consisted of, perhaps, Paula Poundstone in Brett Somers old spot, or Colin Mochrie in Charles Nelson Reilly's place could make lightning strike twice for this much-missed classic.
That is my list of classic games shows. I know other viewers out there have their own list of favorites and may disagree with my choices. But one thing is for sure; as long as there is TV, there will be game shows to play along to. Come on down! Top seven answers on the board, and the password is FUN! |
