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SCATTERGORIES
NBC, 1993
Dick Clark
*1/18/1993 premiere w/Brian Austin Green, Anne-Marie Johnson, CHUCK WOOLERY, Eleni Kelavis, Kelsey Grammar - Dana's team vs. Matthew's team - somewhat blurry video; low and muffled audio [OC, DDowns7.1, B-]
*6/1993 (from final week) w/Peter Noon, Vivica A. Fox, Robert Kelter Kelly, Richard Karn, Candace Cameron - Jane's team vs. Phillip's team - low audio [OC, RRinkerman7.5.5, B+]
SCRABBLE
Very creative, very well put-together, very fun to play along with... easily one of Reg Grundy's best.
NBC, 1984-1990
Chuck Woolery
Straddling
*7/2/1984 PREMIERE - Vanessa vs. Jack [OB w/few comm., RRinkermanMay2010/7.1, B+]
*7/3/1984 - Jeff vs. Claude [OC, MPannoni2.4, A]
*7/4/1984 - Sprint w/Mary Jo vs. Jack - VERY close call in second Sprint! [OC, RRinkerman2.2, A-]
*7/24/1984 - Beverly vs. Chuck - Can Annie win her 10th Sprint? [OC, MPannoni3.1, A]
*10/2/1984 - Spring w/Barbara (back due to an error) vs. Dean (going for $20K!) [OC, CCohan0420-5.2, A]
*12/24/1984 - first day of Teen Week! - Kimberley vs. Jason - muffled audio [USA w/comm, RRinkermanDec2011/2.3, B+]
*12/25/1984, from Teen Week! - Shanah vs. Jeremy - contains the Jewish incident! - video is jerky at a lot of points; pretty low audio [USA w/comm, RRinkermanDec2011/2.4, B]
*3/28/1985 - Tournament of Champions finale! - Annie vs. Jeff - video slightly wavy in some shots [USA, RRinkermanMay2010/7.4, B]
*3/1985 - Dave vs. Juanita - first episode where both Sprint players get the same words! - video is rather jerky first half, and pretty pixelated second half [USA, PBurgos8.9, C at first then C+]
*4/22/1985 w/short-lived Spelling format - starts at Sprint w/DamitaJo vs. Mitchell [OB, DDowns13.2, B-]
*9/1985 - Craig vs. Denese - John Heaner goes for $40,000! [OC, RRinkermanMay2010/7.2, B]
*1985 - 7-minute clip of a beyond disastrous Sprint with Sang vs. Steven - Highly recommended, if a bit cringey. Unfortunately, video is all kinds of jerky and occasionally B&W, with constant distortion across the bottom and middle [OB, D+]
*1986 - Susie vs. Jake [USA w/comm, RRinkermanScrCP.1, A-]
Self-contained
*9/29/1986 - first episode of the All-American tournament, and the self-contained format! - Cayce vs. Eric, and Alyse vs. Ted - low and quite muffled audio; dark video [USA, RRinkermanMay2010/7.3, B-]
*1987 - Dianne vs. Rick Mandl and Ruth vs. Ramon - bright video [USA, RRinkerman0120-5.1, B-]
*11/9/1987 - Monday of Game Show Week - John Davidson vs. Peter Tomarken, and Jamie Farr vs. Chuck Woolery (with Marc Summers guest-hosting!) [OB, RRinkerman0120-5.2, B]
*11/10/1987 - Tuesday of Game Show Week - Bill Rafferty vs. Tom Kennedy, and John Davidson vs. Chuck Woolery (with Marc Summers guest hosting!) [OC, JMadigan2.1, A]
*11/11/1987 - Wednesday of Game Show Week - Tom Kennedy vs. Peter Tomarken, and Jamie Farr vs. Bill Rafferty - slightly jerky video [OB, CDonegan7.2.5, B+]
*11/12/1987 - Thursday of Game Show Week - John Davidson vs. Jamie Farr, and Peter Tomarken vs. Chuck Woolery (with Marc Summers guest-hosting!) [OC, DDowns3.5, B-]
*early 1988 - Celebrity Teen Week episode - Shannen Doherty vs. Scott Nemes, and Nicole Eggert vs. Gary Coleman - video blurry, rather green-tinted, and lots of "jumps" throught [USA, RRinkermanMay2010/7.5, B-]
*1988 - Breney vs. Bob, and Shari s. Jim - contains a record 15-second Sprint time! - somewhat dark video [USA w/comm, RRinkerman517-4.5, B+]
*1988 - Monday of second Game Show Week - Wink Martindale vs. Bill Rafferty, and Vicki Lawrence vs. Jeff MacGregor [OB, DDowns7.2, B]
*1988 - Wednesday of second Game Show Week - Jamie Farr vs. Jim Lange, and Wink Martindale vs. Vicki Lawence [OB, DDowns7.3, B]
*2/13/1989 - from Love Connection Week! - Debbie vs. Adam, and Debbie vs. George - video gets wavy at times [OB, RRinkermanScrCP.2, B]
*8/1989 - Sharyne vs. Brent (aka "The Bunny") - Chuck promotes the Summer Sweepstakes! [USA, A]
*8/1989, from Teen Week! - Kelly vs. Chief, and Hilary vs. Daniel [OB, RRinkerman0120-5.3, A-]
*3/24/1990 finale - Debbie vs. George, and Trina vs. John - Chuck has a lot of sad things to say thoughout the show! - video jumps a lot of times [OC, DDowns13.1, B-]
*1/18/1993 premiere - Deb vs. George (the 1990 finale champ!), and Monique vs. Sam - slight audio glitches come up throughout [OC, JMadigan2.2, A-]
NBC, 1993
*1/21/1993 - Joanne vs. Ryan, and Nina vs. Avery - Chuck becomes humorously desperate to add money to the jackpot! - slightly glitchy video [OB, RRinkermanDec2011/8.1, B+]
*1/27/1993 - Sharon vs. Duan, and Sandy vs. Rob - bad commercial edits [OB, PBurgos8.10, B]
*1993 - Mary Jo vs. Harry, and Nancy vs Charlie - the first game has some disastrous words - VERY low audio [OB, RRinkerman7.7.1, B]
*6/9/1993 - Christy vs. John, and Linda vs. Stew - Chuck remarks to a contestant plug in what might be a subtle reference to the show's cancellation. [OC, filtered copy is A (fixed tint); original is RRinkerman7.7.2, A-]
*6/11/1993 finale (though not stated) - Caryn vs. Blake, and Shelley vs. Nick [OB, filtered copy is B+ (fixed brightness and color); original is JMadigan2.3, B]
SCRABBLE SHOWDOWN
The Hub, 2011-2012
Justin Willman
*9/3/2011 premiere - Shiloh and Marcia vs. Nate and Katy [9/18/2011 RPT, A++]
SECOND CHANCE
Press Your Luck in the '70s. Makes a really interesting watch, but copies of this show are simply very few and far between.
ABC, 1977
Jim Peck
*VTR 11/9/1976 third pilot - Maggie Brown vs. Jack Campion vs. Lynn - contains a couple of minor differences from the actual series [SM w/slate, JDay6.5, A-]
*5/31/1977 - Bob vs. Davenia vs. Marion - slightly distorted audio, but fantastic video! [OC, A]
*6/27/1977 - Jean vs. Joseph vs. Bob - GREAT game, with a perfect first question round! - blurry video and rough frame rate [OB, B]
SHOOT FOR THE STARS
A 70s Double Talk, and just as good as that, if not a little better.
NBC, 1977
Geoff Edwards
*4/26/1977 w/Vicki Lawrence and Tony Randall - Janet vs. Beth - missing final segment; cuts after second bonus round [OC, JLeeman6.3.2, B+]
SHOP 'TIL YOU DROP
Very interesting yet enjoyable mix of entertainment and merchandise. You can only imagine just how chaotic things can get!
Lifetime, 1991-1994
Pat Finn
*7/1991 - Denise and Thom vs. John and Natalie [OB, MPannoni4.1, A-]
*1993 season premiere - Michelle and James vs. Lisa and Robert - one of very few Lifetime ep.s aired on GSN! [GSN, RRinkerman517-3.1, A++]
The Family Channel, 1996-1998
*early 1998 finale - Tammy and Chris vs. Heather and Chuck [GSN, RRinkerman517-3.2, A++]
PAX, 2000-2005
*2000 - Julie and Clark vs. Michelle and Jason - two board games in game 2 are wrongly said to be from Hasbro multiple times, which goes completely unnoticed! [GSN, RRinkerman517-3.3, A++]
*5/24/2002 season finale - Karen and Anthony vs. Charisse and John - last ep. with mall format and Pat Finn (this isn't acknowledged, but the fact it's a season finale is) [GSN, RRinkerman517-3.4, A++]
SHOWOFFS
Just a fun charades game that sadly is almost entirely gone nowadays.
ABC, 1975
Bobby Van
*11/1975 w/Joyce Brothers, Dick Gautier, Karen Morrow, Mike Ferrell - Dick at Payoff Round - video slightly breaks coming out of commercial [SM, JLeeman4.5, B]
THE $64,000 CHALLENGE
CBS, 1956-1958
Ralph Story
*9/1957 - Norman Kruman (comic book writer) vs. L. Sprague deCamp - a later match features Dr. Joyce Brothers against a group of heavyweight champs! - studio timecode onscreen [SC, IWallis2.1, A-]
THE $64,000 QUESTION
The Who Wants To Be a Millionaire of the 50s; you can definitely see why this show was so popular back in its heyday. Pity it had to fall victim to the scandals.
CBS, 1955-1958
Hal March
*11/22/1955 - Stanley Skeems plays for $2K in the Bible; later, Joyce Brothers plays for $16K in Boxing - studio timecode onscreen [SC, CDonegan1219-2.5, B+]
*9/18/1956 - Giovanna plays for $2K in American History [OC, filtered version is A- (fixed brightness); original is BSchwartz4.4, B+]
*4/3/1958 - Virgil Earp goes for $32K in Wild West - you can tell the show was rigged by this point - now in better quality (though video is still pretty blurry)! [SC, IWallis2.2, B+]
SPLIT SECOND
Just as fast-paced as the title suggests. Very solidly executed, and can get incredibly exciting! Kennedy's version is far superior.
ABC, 1972-1975
Tom Kennedy
*1974 - Neil vs. John vs. Stuart - B&W video, missing final segment [OB, A-]
*1974 - Wayne vs. Robin vs. Jeff - B&W video [OB, A-]
*5/8/1975 - Marvin (going for an automatic car win!) vs. Shari vs. Valiant - missing opening; begins as gameplay is about to start - now in better quality! [OB w/few comm, JLeeman0620-3.4, A]
*6/27/1975 finale - Judd vs. Martha vs. Steve - Monty Hall appears at the end to thank Tom, and the cast and crew join in! [OC, filtered version is A- (fixed saturation and color); original is CDonegan2.5, B]
syndication, 1986-1987
Monty Hall
Original bonus format
*12/15/1986 premiere (at least in Canada) - Cathy vs. Jim vs. Ricki [GAMETV w/comm, TMcSwain717-1.4, A]
*early 1987 - Cesar vs. Leslie vs. Barbara [FAM w/comm, DBarkow6.3.1, A-]
'Three of Five' format
*1987 - Lisa vs. Marty vs. Elizabeth [OC, DBarkow6.3.2, B+]
*6/1987 - Diane vs. Bob vs. Susan [GAMETV w/comm, TMcSwain717-2.1, A]
STARCADE
You wouldn't think a game show about arcade games would be too great, but there's so much variety, there's practically something for everyone.
WTBS, 1982-1983
Mark Richards
*1/26(?)/1983 - Duru vs. Elaine - Q-Bert, Pole Position, Pengo, Holey Moley, Rescue - contains a completely different theme tune that will get stuck in your head [Twitch, A+]
*2/2(?)/1983 - Stu vs. Cindy - Domino Man, Buck Rogers, Tron, Millipede, Donkey Kong Jr. - appears to be the first taped episode; the camera work is a lot more rough, the mystery game offers a point bonus rather than a prize, and Mark's hosting is especially painful [Shout Factory, A+]
*4/1983 - Eric vs. Rachel - Donkey Kong, Wacko, Q-Bert, Bagman, Pole Position [G4, RRinkerman5.7.2, A+]
*4 or 5/1983 - Mike vs. Stephen - Super Pac-Man, Donkey Kong Jr, Donkey Kong, Pac-Man, Ms. Pac-Man - VERY close bonus finish! [Shout Factory, A+]
*5/1983 - John vs. Amy - Q-Bert, Pooyan, Pengo, Burger Time, Popeye [Twitch, A+]
Geoff Edwards
*mid-1983 - Vance vs. Leo - Super Pac-Man, Super Zaxxon, Bagman, Pole Position, Star Trek - one of Geoff's first episodes, if not THE first [Shout Factory, A+]
*1983 - Marcello vs. Dorian - Munch Mobile, Pole Position, Star Trek, Tron, Super Pac-Man - somewhat rough frame rate [Twitch, A]
syndication, 1983-1984
*9/1983 - Mike vs. Jared - Star Trek, Galaxia, Journey, Stargate, Zoar - low audio [G4, RRinkerman5.7.3, A+]
*1983 - John vs. Mike - Sini-Star, Gyruss, Super Zaxxon, Tron, Krull - somewhat rough frame rate [Twitch, A]
*1983 - Dionne vs. Zak - Donkey Kong Jr., Pac-Man, Super Pac-Man, Ms. Pac-Man, Donkey Kong [G4, RSeidelman4.2.1, A]
*1983 - John vs. Mike - Sini-Star, Gyress, Super Zaxxon, Tron, Krull [Twitch, A+]
*1983 - Gavon and JoAnne vs. Bob and Kate (mother and son teams) - Super Cobra, Zoar, Bagman, Guzzler, Popeye [Twitch, A+]
*late 1983 - Inviitational Tournament episode, with only Dragon's Lair played and a trip to Hawaii at stake! - Jonah vs. Marcelo & Mike vs. Mike [Shout Factory, A+]
*late 1983 - Invitational Tournament episode, with a programmable robot at stake! - Tim vs. Rhonda & John vs. Mary - Zookeeper, Tac-Scan, Mario Bros(!!), Gyruss, Motorace USA [Twitch, A+]
*late 1983 - Invitational Tournament episode, with a trip to Hawaii at stake! - David vs. SaRa & Craig vs. Will - Time Pilot, Star Wars, Popeye, Donkey Kong Jr, Dorodon - CLOSE finish! [Twitch, A+]
*1/1984 - Todd vs. Earl - Robotron, Dig Dug, Cosmic Chasm, Pole Position II, Zoo Keeper [Twitch, A+]
*early 1984 - Beaver vs. Greg - Sini-Star, Mach 3, Pole Position 3, Motor Race USA, TX-1 - the Starcade Hotline features Geoff playing Sini-Star! [G4, RRinkerman5.7.4, A+]
*1984 - Mark vs. Patrick - Motorace USA, The Pit, Rock'n Rope, Solar Fox, Discs of Tron [Twitch, A+]
*1984 - Anne and Randy vs. Marco and Noe - Change Lanes (which is so much of a game breaker it's borderline hilarious), Marvin's Maze, Elevator Action, Major Havoc, Snake Pit [Twitch, A+]
*1984 - Damon and Vicky vs. Brenda and Arnie - Donkey Kong 3, Star Wars, Motorrace USA, Juno First, Elevator Action [3/1984 RPT w/comm, NJohnson4.1, B]
*2/24/1984 unannounced finale - Tim and Danny vs. Cliff and Char - Zoo Keeper, Calipso, Sini-Star, Change Lanes, Dig Dug [Twitch, A+]
STRIKE IT RICH
Pretty good game, and Garagiola hosts very well. The pacing does leave a little to be desired, though.
syndication, 1986-1987
Joe Garagiola
*9/15/1986 premiere - Al and Fran vs. Louis and Ginny - reception problems, and buzzy audio [OC, RRinkermanDec2011/10.4, B]
*5/1987 - Paul and Linda vs. Don and Carol - buzzy audio at some areas, as well as some minor tracking issues here and there [OC, RSeidelman2.1.1, B]
*Next ep. - Paul and Linda vs. Linda and Rod - some minor tracking issues here and there [OC, RSeidelman2.1.2, B+]
STUMPERS
Totally underrated and totally fun Password spinoff!
NBC, 1976
Allen Ludden
*10/4/1976 premiere w/Dick Goutier and Robert Reed - Gail vs. Mauri - Tom Kennedy stops by at the end to plug 50 Grand Slam! [OC, filtered version is A (fixed brightness); original is JDay2.1, A-]
*12/31/1976 finale w/Anite Gilette and Bill Bixby - Bonnie vs. Jeff - contains a rather classy goodbye from Allen, and some guy backstage can be heard coughing during the entire show! - very minor audio skips throughout [SM, JDay2.2, B]
STUMP THE SCHWAB
Surprisingly engaging in how its presented and executed, even if you aren't huge into sports. The final round can get especially suspenseful.
ESPN2/ESPN Classic, 2004-2006
Stuart Scott
*4/11/2005 season premiere - Andrew vs. Jason vs. Mike Wargo [OC, RRinkerman117-2.3, A+]
*5/27/2005 season finale, and championship! - Adam vs. Nick vs. Mike Wargo [OC, RRinkerman7.1.4, A+]
*2005 - Micah vs. Vik vs. Adam - contains a rare result in the Schwab Showdown! - buzzy audio [6/2006 RPT, CCohan0720-4.4, A-]
*10/4/2005 - Sportscaster special with Chad Cushnir vs. Dan Needles vs. Chuck Oliver - contains a strikeless Schwab Showdown! [7/3/2006 RPT, CCohan3.5, A]
*11/4/2005 (B) - first of the season 3 semifinals - Brian vs. Geoff vs. Vi [7/4/2006 RPT, CCohan0720-4.5, A]
*9/25/2006 - Max vs. Chad vs. Cliff - the last preliminary ep. of the series, with a rare result in the Schwab Showdown! [OC, CDonegan417-3.1, A]
SUPERMARKET SWEEP
ABC, 1965-1967
Bill Malone
*3/28/1967 - Fran and John vs. Dick and Ranada vs. Hank and Peggy - Also includes 2 1/2 minutes of four additional openings - VERY inconsistent brightness throughout, which also jerks considerably often. [OB (B&W), BSchwarts4.2, B-]
Lifetime, 1990-1995
David Ruprecht
*2/5/1990 premiere - Gary and Mildred vs. Gary and Ron vs. Doris and Debbie [OC, PBurgos2.1, A]
*5/7/1990 - Matt and Scott vs. Kevin and Julie vs. Tani and Lani - Sweep of Champions ep. w/the short-lived Mr. Yuck in the big sweep! [OC, PBurgos2.2, A]
*7/15/1993 - Deanna and Alan vs. Sharon and Leeann vs. Jodi and Jan [OC, JOswald3.2, A-]
*7/16/1993 - Del and Tanya vs. Jeff and Steve vs. Renee and Denise [OC, JOswald3.3, A-]
*10/14/1994 - Twin Car giveaway finals! - two games played throught - too many contestants to name! - rather annoying buzzing tone at times [PAX w/comm, JOswald3.1, A]
*10/20/1994 - Dave and Teresa vs. Christy and Debbie vs. Lisa and Tom - both the main and bonus rounds come right down to the wire! - missing opening and closing; begins at Mini-Sweep [OB, MTiller3.2, A-]
PAX, 2000-2003
*5/2/2000 - Julie and Jil vs. Greg and Stacey vs. Gina and Toni - the winning Big Sweep is a record $1,567! [BUZZR, CCohan0420-5.3, A+]
TATTLETALES
Not my kind of show, but if you're into gossip, it's definitely for you.
CBS, 1974-1977, 1982-1984
Bert Convy
*VTR 6/7/1974 - Patty Duke and John Astin vs. Claire and Scooey Mitchell vs. Mitzi McCall and Charlie Brill - from the first week with the "All Quickies" format [SC w/slate, JLeeman4.3.1, A]
*11/1975 - Babbe and Willie Shoemaker vs. Jean and Tom Bosley vs. Bernadette Stanis and Tom Fanaroy (sp?) - contains the first three-way tie! [GSN, BBolton2.3, A]
*1977 - Bob and Dorothy Jo Barker vs. William Shatner and Marcy Laferty vs. Pat and Patty Cooper [GAME, JLeeman4.4.4, B+]
*1983 - Scoey and Claire Mitchell vs. John Patrick Weber and Shannon Tweed (Who were not doing well at all the entire week!) vs. Lee and Karen Bergere [OC, JLeeman4.2.1, B+]
TEMPTATION
ABC, 1967-1968
Art James
*12/18/1967 - Margo vs. Rosama vs. Sheryl [KIN w/comm, filtered version is A (fixed brightness); original is RRinkerman7.8.2, A-]
THREE FOR THE MONEY
syndication, 1975
Dick Enburg
*1975 - Linda Kaye Henning, Tony, Dona vs. Dick Goutier, Kim, Art [SM, JLeeman3.2.2, A]
THREE ON A MATCH
The pacing leaves something to be desired, but Cullen's hosting and the overall format manages to keep it afloat.
NBC, 1971-1974
Bill Cullen
1-match format; board has prizes
*3/15/1973 - Joan vs. Bob vs. Joanne [SM, filtered version is A (improved color); original is JLeeman6.2.1, A-]
3-Match format; board has pictures
*12/17/1973 - Francine vs. Doug vs. Don - video slightly jerky at most points [SM w/slate, filtered version is A- (fixed color); original is GBrobeck1.5, B+]
*2/6/1974 - Fred vs. Marilyn vs. Jon [OC, TMcSwain5.3, B+]
*2/7/1974 - Fred vs. Marilyn vs. Jon (again!) [OC, TMcSwain4.1, B+]
*2/8/1974 - Fred vs. Ronni vs. Lynn - Geoff Edwards stops by to promote Jackpot! [OC, TMcSwain5.1, B+]
*2/11/1974 - Fred vs. Ronni vs. Lynn (again!) [OC, TMcSwain5.2, B+]
*2/12/1974 - Fred vs. Ann vs. Art - two consecutive games end fast, including a huge win! [OC, filtered version is A (vastly improved color and saturation); original is GBrobeck1.6, A-]
TIC TAC DOUGH
One of Barry-Enright's finest. Concept is pretty simple but still an instant classic. I personally stomach the 1990 version okay as long as the dragon isn't rapping...
NBC daytime, 1956-1959
Jack Barry
*mid-1957 - Irving (who sings "Without a Song" midway through the show!) vs. Anne - includes a promo for Twenty-One, which Jack also promotes in-show! - contains a watermark of sorts on the middle-right of the screen [SC, filtered version is A- (adjusted tones, mitigated inconsistent brightness, and removed watermark); original is B]
*1/31/1958 - Morton vs. Shirley [SC, A+]
NBC primetime, 1957-1958
Win Elliot
*12/22/1958 - Bill vs. Dick - absolutely nothing happens except continuous ties, unfortunately [KIN w/comm, filtered version is A (fixed brightness); original is CDonnegan4.2, A-]
CBS, 1978
Wink Martindale
All episodes of this version shown here have blurry video and VERY low audio.
*7/3/1978 premiere - Ruth vs. Dan [OB, filtered version is B (fixed tint); original is JOswald1.2, B-]
*7/4/1978 - Ruth vs. Emily - no credits [OB, filtered version is B (significantly improved tint and saturation); original is JOswald1.2b, B-]
*7/5/1978 - Ruth (going for a car!) vs. Rick - video sometimes briefly turns B&W [OB, filtered version is B- (significantly improved tint and color); original is JOswald1.2c, C]
*7/6/1978 - Ruth vs. Phil - video can occasionally glitch, and no credits [OB, filtered version is B- (adjusted brightness and tint); original is JOswald1.2d, C+]
syndication, 1978-1986
*9/18/1978 PREMIERE - Carla vs. Logan - Johnny Gilbert announces - somewhat blurry video but no watermark [GAME, filtered version is A- (fixed levels & saturation); original is CDonegan417-1.4, B+]
*1978 - Stephanie vs. Steve - interestingly, this ep. starts with a post-production message from Wink announcing this as the premiere; this most likely first aired in affiliates that didn't start with the official premiere [GAME, filtered version is A (adjusted brightness & color); original is CDonegan417-2.2, A-]
*early 11/1978 - Pieter vs. Mike [GAME w/comm (no watermark!), JOswaldtape3.4, A-]
*11/1978 - first ep. of the Tournament of Children! - Gayle vs. Jack [GAME (no watermark for most of the show!), RRinkerman517-5.2, B]
*11/24/1978 - Pieter DeVries vs. Pat [OC, JLeeman6.1.1, A-]
VTR 12/1978 - Scott Wyant (future TTD writer) vs. Linda [GAME, RRinkerman4.6.1, B+]
*Next ep. - Scott Wyant vs. Nick [GAME, RRinkerman4.6.2, B+]
*2/1979 - Brian Donovan (going for car 5!) vs. Sharron [GAME w/few comm, JOswaldtape3.5, B]
*VTR 2/1979 - Brian Donovan vs. the Dragon - Wink calls Jay "Kenny" at the beginning; also last episode with shuffling after every round - a subscription message for Game Show Network crawls on the bottom from time to time [GAME, JOswaldtape3.6, B]
*VTR 4/1979 - Gary Meyers vs. Terry [GAME, JOswaldtape3.8, A-]
*9/17/1979 season premiere - Peter vs. the Dragon (with a blue background) [GSN, A++]
*2/29/1980 - Marc vs. Sharon - part of open missing [GSN, A]
*3/3/1980 - Ron vs. Linda - part of open missing [GSN, A]
*5/12/1980 - second half only; starts at Thom McKee vs. the Dragon [GSN, A++]
*5/13/1980 - Thom McKee ($41K) vs. Pete - features the short-lived Secret Category which here made the pot grow like crazy!
*5/14/1980 - Thom McKee vs. Pete (still!) - the match ends with a record pot of $36K!
*5/15/1980 - Thom McKee ($81K; going for car #2!) vs. Sister Armida
*5/16/1980 - Thom McKee ($93.2K) vs. Smitty
*5/19/1980 - Thom McKee ($93.8K) vs. Leila
*5/20/1980 - Thom McKee ($95K) vs. Leila (still going!) - the champ enters six digit territory here!
*5/27/1980 - Thom McKee ($136K) vs. Teresa
*5/28/1980 - Thom McKee ($141K) vs. Bill
*5/29/1980 - Thom McKee ($144K; going for car #4!) vs. Cheryl
*5/30/1980 - Thom McKee vs. Cheryl (still going!) - TTD's all-time winnings record is broken!
*6/2/1980 - Thom McKee ($158K) vs. Tom
*6/3/1980 - Thom McKee ($164K) vs. Ruth
*6/4/1980 - Thom McKee ($167K) vs. the Dragon
*6/5/1980 - Thom McKee ($176K; going for car #5!) vs. Will
*6/6/1980 - Thom McKee ($195K) vs. Ann
*6/10/1980 - Thom McKee ($201K!) vs. Joe
*6/11/1980 - Thom McKee ($210K) vs. the Dragon
*6/12/1980 - Thom McKee ($214K; going for car #6!) vs. Joseph
*6/13/1980 season finale - Thom McKee ($226K) vs. Cheryl (different from the one above) - oddly, a contestant is introduced at the end that doesn't return for the season premiere.
*9/2/1980 - Thom McKee ($229K) vs. Candy - Art James announces this and the next two weeks of shows!
*9/3/1980 - Thom McKee vs. Candy (in their 6th game!)
*9/5/1980 - Thom McKee ($248K) vs. Dorothy
*9/8/1980 - Thom McKee ($253K; going for car #7!) vs. Ron
*9/9/1980 - Thom McKee vs. Ron (still going!) - the all-time game show winnings record is broken, which no single person would exceed until 1999!
*9/10/1980 - Thom McKee ($267K) vs. Jerry
*9/11/1980 - Thom McKee ($270K) vs. Donna
*9/12/1980 - Thom McKee ($278K) vs. Fred
*9/15/1980 - Thom McKee ($284K) vs. the Dragon - Jay Stewart returns as announcer
*9/16/1980 - Thom McKee ($289K; going for his 8th car!) vs. Pete (different from the one above)
*9/17/1980 - Thom McKee ($299K) vs. Laurie
*9/18/1980 - Thom McKee ($307K!) vs. Stan
*9/19/1980 - Thom McKee ($310K) vs. Gloria
*9/22/1980 - Thom McKee vs. Eric - after $312K and 46 shows, Thom finally goes down! [GSN, A++]
*10/1980 - Erik vs. Mary - the pot is over $24,000! - slightly glitchy video [GAME, JOswaldtape3.7, B]
*11/5/1980 - John vs. the Dragon - also includes the first few minutes of the next ep [OB, B+]
*early 1981 - Allan vs. Roxanne [GAME, GGarsten0820-3.5, A]
*late 1981 - Mimi vs. the Dragon - contains a particularly unique intro variant! [OB, B+]
*12/1981 - H.J. vs. Laura Chambers - Charlie O'Donnell announces from this point onward - blurry video and low audio [OB, JOswald1.3, B]
*Next ep. - H.J. vs. Laura Chambers - same issues as above [OB, JOswald1.3b, B]
*Next ep. - 10-minute clip of H.J. and Laura’s match result. [OB, CDonnegan4.1, B+]
*1982 - Bill vs. the Dragon - Wink introduces the champ as a 'lady'! [USA w/comm, filtered version is A- (improved brightness and A/V sync); original is RRinkerman117-5.2, B+]
*early 1983 - Jeffrey vs. Dave - dark video [USA, JOswaldtape3.9, B+]
*1983 - Joan vs. the Dragon - debut of the short-lived Audience Dragon Finder game! [GAME, DBarkow4.3, B+]
*11/1983 - Penny vs. Bambi - TWO Dragon Finder playings! - muffled audio [GAME, DBarkow4.4, B]
*11/16/1983 - All-Time Champ tournament, day 3! - Thom McKee vs. Wilbur Hicks - video slightly glitchy at times [GAME, JCranmer3.3, B]
*11/18/1983 - All-Time Champ tournament, day 5! - Mark Leinwand vs. Wilbur Hicks - video slightly glitchy at times [GAME, JCranmer3.4, B]
*11/21/1983 - All-Time Champ tournament finale! - Gary Meyers vs. Mark Leinwand - blurry video, which is also slightly glitchy at times [GAME, DBarkow6.5, B-]
*late 1983 - Jan Kraepelin (his brother defeated Thom McKee) vs. Kathy [GAME, JCranmer3.2, B+]
*5/23/1984 - Linda vs. Kit Salisbury [OB, JCranmer4.3, A-]
*5/25/1984 season finale - Kit Salisbury vs. Kathleen - Kit shows impressive knowledge in the Auction category! [OC, JOswald1.4, A-]
*8/27/1984 season premiere - Kit Salisbury vs. Kathleen (still going!) [OC, JOswald1.4b, A]
*8/31/1984 - Kit Salisbury (going for his second car!) vs. Lisa [OB w/some comm, MPannoni3.2, A-]
*9/25/1984 - Kit Salisbury vs. Royanne - Kit gets misspelled out as champ! - audio is pretty buzzy [GAME, DDowns13.4, B]
*4/29/1985 - Patricia vs. Steve - cuts during bonus prize plugs [USA, BSchwartz3.4.4, A-]
*6/1985 - Gisele vs. the Dragon - Wink’s unannounced last episode [GAME, filtered version is A- (fixed A/V sync and color); original is DDowns14.1, B+]
Jim Caldwell
*9/23/1985 season premiere (also Jim's first episode!) - Gisele vs. Archie [GAME, fiiltered version is B+ (fixed tint and A/V sync); original is DBarkow9.4, B]
*9/26/1985 - Tricia vs. Morgan [GameTV, A+]
*9/27/1985 - Morgan vs. the Dragon [GameTV, A+]
*9/30/1985 - Morgan vs. Artie [GameTV, A+]
*11/22/1985 - Ted vs. Derrick [GameTV, A+]
*11/25/1985 - Allise vs. the Dragon - afterward, Ted returns due to an error [GameTV, A+]
*11/28/1985 - Ted vs. the Dragon - he goes for his third car afterwards! [GAME, JCranmer4.1a, B+]
*11/29/1985 - first 5 minutes of an ep w/Ted (going for car 3!) vs. Chris [GAME, JCranmer4.2, B+]
*1/20/1986 - Barry vs. the Dragon - he goes for his second car afterwards! [GAME, RRinkerman117-6.1, A-]
*1986 - Jacqueline vs. the Dragon [GameTV, A+]
*Next ep - Jacqueline vs. Michelle [GameTV, A+]
*Next ep - Michelle vs. Fred [GameTV, A+]
*1986 - Don Benn vs. Madeline - occasionally slightly glitchy video; muffled audio [OB, JOswaldtape3.10, B]
*Next ep. - Don Benn vs. Craig - somewhat fuzzy video, which is also slightly glitchy at a few points; VERY muffled audio [OB, JOswaldtape3.11, B-]
*4/1986 - David vs. Tonia [OB, JOswaldtape3.12, B+]
*5/23/1986 finale - Dwier vs. Laurie - Jim gives an update on Thom McKee! [OC, RRinkermanMay2010/8.3, A-]
syndication, 1990-1991
Patrick Wayne
*9/10/1990 premiere - Andrew vs. Gita [USA, RSeidelman1.4, A]
*9/14/1990 - Daniel vs. the Dragon - some slight reception distortion [OB, DBarkow9.2, B+]
*9/17/1990 - Daniel vs. Aaron - bright video [OB, DBarkow7.1, B+]
*9/21/1990 - Brian vs. the Dragon - Mark DeCarlo is a contestant! - fluctuating colors "flash" onscreen throughout, though it usually isn't too noticeable and it occasionally takes a small break [OC, RRinkerman4.1.1a, B+]
*10/1990 - Joel vs. Myrna - now contains the ever-infamous Rapping Dragon! [USA, JOswaldtape3.14, A-]
*10/24/1990 - Joel vs. Agnes [OB w/few comm, PBurgos4.5, B+]
*10/25/1990 - John vs. the Dragon - the bonus round is played THREE times! - missing closing; cuts at beginning of final segment - shaky video for the first couple minutes, and pretty jerky the next few, and video is relatively fine afterward; VERY low audio (which somewhat increases as the show progresses) [USA w/comm, C+ at first then B-]
*1990 - Cris vs. the Dragon - VERY low audio [USA, JOswaldtape3.13, B+]
*11/20/1990 - from Divorced Couples Week! - Sirod vs. Alan - missing open; begins during interviews [USA w/comm, DBarkow7.2, A-]
TIME MACHINE
Meh, it's too much of a shameless ripoff of the Price is Right to really appeal to me. The set looks really nice though.
NBC, 1985
John Davidson
*1/7/1985 premiere - Shannon vs. Barbara vs. Greg - games: Tube Game, Main Event, Three in a Row [OC, JLeeman3.1, A-]
TO SAY THE LEAST
Shorten sentences to as little as possible to win! Very original concept with a format and execution to match.
NBC, 1977-1978
Tom Kennedy
*10/3/1977 premiere w/Rita Moreno, Lee Merriwether, Robert Fuller, and Jamie Farr - Bill vs. Gerri - video jerks at times, and breaks during a few commercials [OC, MLight2.6.2, B]
*1/18/1978 w/Susan Seaforth, JoAnne Pflug, Jamie Farr, and Paul Sylvan - Dan at All-Star Game [OC, JLeeman0220-3.1, A-]
*1/19/1978 w/same guests as above, and also starts with Dan at All-Star Game - no credits [OC, JLeeman0220-3.2, A-]
*1/20/1978 w/same guests as above (again) - Kathy vs. Bob [OC, JLeeman0220-3.3, A-]
*2/23/1978 w/Ruta Lee, Sharon Lee, Paul Sylvan, and Jamie Farr - Wayne at All-Star Game (and a pretty exciting one at that!) [OC, MLight1.3, B+]
TO TELL THE TRUTH
I am usually not a panel show person, but this is quite an exception for me thanks to all the fun stories.
CBS primetime, 1956-1967
Bud Collyer
Black-and-White
*8/6/1957 w/Polly Bergen, Eamonn Andrews, Kitty Carlisle, and Hy Gardener - Ralph Bellemy guest-hosts! [GSN, A++]
*2/26/1962 w/Tom Poston, Dina Merill, Johnny Carson, Peggy Cass - Merv Griffin guest-hosts! [GAME w/some comm, BBolton3.4, B+]
*12/23/1966 w/Tom Poston, Peggy Cass, Orson Bean, and Kitty Carlisle (the four regulars) - first guest is leader of the Procrastinator's Club (really silly segment) [GAME w/ORIGINAL comm (yeah, they sure goofed up), RRinkermanDec2011/6.1, A-]
Color
*4/1967 w/the four regulars - one of only two surviving color episodes! - two copies: [GAME w/comm, JLeeman6.3, A-] or [OC (with CBS color promo!), BBolton2.4, B+]
CBS, 1962-1968
*4/1/1964 w/Nancy Dussalt, Barry Nelson, Ann Sheridan, Sam Levonsan - a really clever joke is pulled in game 2! - EXTREMELY bright video, but still highly recommended! [KIN w/some comm, JLeeman2.3, B-]
*1966 w/Tom Poston, Peggy Cass, Orson Bean, Joan Fontaine - Kitty Carlisle is the second guest, and the three have veils over their heads! [GAME w/some comm, JLeeman4.2, A-]
Color
*1967 w/the four regulars - VERY early episode with audience voting, with 12 members selected as a "jury"! [GAME w/comm, JLeeman6.2, B+]
*1967 w/the four regulars - first guest is a man who dumped 1000 love leaflets out of a plane [GSN, MLight2.2.4, A++]
*3/3/1968 w/Robert Q. Lewis, Peggy Cass, Orson Bean, Kitty Carlisle - Bert Convy guest-hosts! - now with new (and lamer) set and music [GSN, MLight2.2.5, A++]
syndication, 1969-1978
Garry Moore
*1970 w/Darrell Curtie, Peggy Cass, *Mark Goodson*, Kitty Carlisle - Bill Cullen guest-hosts! [GSN, MLight3.1, A++]
*1970 w/Peggy Cass, Bill Cullen (who switches with Garry during game 2!), Kitty Carlisle, Tom Poston [GAME w/comm, JLeeman4.3, A-]
*1971 w/Bill Cullen, Peggy Cass, Durward Kirby, Carol Burnett - an armadillo relieves itself on the stage floor! [GAME, JLeeman5.3, A-]
*1971 w/Bill Cullen, Peggy Cass, Bennett Cerf (his first appearance, with a special introduction!), Kitty Carlisle [GAME w/few comm, JLeeman4.4.3, B+]
*5 or 6/1971 w/Gene Rayburn, Peggy Cass, Tom Poston, Kitty Carlisle - last day of the first set! [GAME w/few comm, RRinkermanTTTT.1, A-]
*late 1971 w/Bill Cullen, Peggy Cass, Gene Shalit, and Kitty Carlisle - first guest takes care of lion cubs, one of which performs some 'familiar business' [GAME, JLeeman0220-3.4, A]
*late 1971 w/Bill Cullen, Peggy Cass, Rosey Grier (his first appearance, with a special and humorous introduction!), Kitty Carlisle - first guest trains a famous toucan who is present (and quite disruptive) throughout the round! Also, one of the imposters in game 2 rings a bell to Garry, and for good reason... [GAME w/comm, JLeeman0620-5.4, A]
*1972 w/Gene Rayburn (who gets more and more tipsy as the show progresses!), Kitty Carlisle, Bill Cullen, Peggy Cass - somewhat fuzzy video [GAME w/comm, JLeeman2.2, B+]
*VTR 4/1972 w/Bill Cullen, Peggy Cass, Orson Bean, Kitty Carlisle - first game ends with a lengthy and hilarious karate demonstration, which Garry ends up giving a shot! Also, the panel gets wiped out both times today, with a total of 5 for the week! - slightly buzzy audio [GAME w/comm, JLeeman0620-4.1, A-]
*late 1973 w/Kitty Carlisle, Bill Cullen, Peggy Cass, Gene Rayburn - the ‘Dog Food in Stroganoff’ episode! [GSN, MLight3.2, A++]
*1974 w/Bill Cullen, Peggy Cass, Joe Garagiola, Kitty Carlisle - the hysterical Richard Buggy episode, where the imposters are Kitty's and Joe's kids - video pretty wavy in some shots, with studio timecode onscreen; distorted audio [SM, JLeeman4.4.1, B]
*1975 w/Bill Cullen, Peggy Cass, Nipsey Russell, Kitty Carlisle - first guest is Bill Hanna of Hanna-Barbara productions, and Yogi Bear introduces everyone in the open! [GAME, RRinkermanTTTT.2, A]
*11/1975 w/Bill Cullen, Peggy Cass, Nipsey Russell, Kitty Carlisle - first guest is Bob Clampett, creator of Porky Pig, Daffy Duck, and Bugs Bunny! [GAME, JLeeman0220-2.1, A-]
*VTR 11/1976 w/Soupy Sales, Kitty Carlisle, Bill Cullen, Peggy Cass - a live eagle is onstage for the first game, who proves just a tad intrusive! [GAME, JLeeman0620-2.2, A-]
*early 1977 w/Gene Rayburn, Peggy Cass, Nipsey Russell, Kitty Carlisle - Bill Cullen guest-hosts! [GAME, A-]
*1977 w/Gene Rayburn, Peggy Cass, Nipsey Russell, Kitty Carlisle - Bill Cullen guest-hosts (again!) - audio is buzzy and EXTREMELY VERY low during first segment, and better but still quite low afterward [GAME, JLeeman4.4.2, B-]
*9/1977 w/Bill Cullen, Peggy Cass, Joe Garagiola, Kitty Carlisle - Garry's last episode, who spends the second half discussing his earlier absence and why he's retiring. Highly recommended! [GAME, RRinkermanTTTT.3, A]
Joe Garagiola
*VTR 5/18/1977 w/Bill Cullen, Peggy Cass, Frank Field, & Kitty Carlisle - first game contains the infamous parakeet blooper where Bill, shall we say, knows the guest a little too well... and this keeps the panel in hysterics for the rest of the segment! [SM w/slate, A+]
*1977 w/Bill Cullen, Peggy Cass, Barry Neilson, Kitty Carlisle - first guest is the actor who plays Darth Vader in ‘Star Wars’! [GSN, MLight4.2, A-]
*1978 w/Nipsey Russell, Peggy Cass, Bill Cullen, Kitty Carlisle - pretty bright video; audio pretty off-sync [OC, JLeeman1.1c, A-]
*1978 finale (which Joe sort of announces...) w/Bill Cullen, Peggy Cass, Barry Neilson, Kitty Carlisle - slightly snowy video [GAME, DBarkow4.3.3, B+]
syndication, 1980-1981
Robin Ward
*9/29/1980 premiere w/Pat Collins, Nipsey Russell, Margaret Kruknow(?), John Wayne [GAME, JLeeman2.1.4, A-]
*10/1980 w/same guests as above - first guest is cartoon legend Chuck Jones! [GSN, CCohan0720-4.6, A-]
*VTR 7/31/1980 w/John Wayne, Susan Luchi, Bill Cullen, Polly Bergen - features a retake on one part! - time code onscreen [SM w/slate, TMcSwain3.5, B+]
*10/23/1980 w/Nipsey Russell, Tori Leen, Gordon Jump, Kitty Carlisle - ROSA PARKS is the second guest! [GSN, MLight2.2, A++]
*VTR 1/1981 w/Nipsey Russell, Carol Shelley, Soupy Sales, Polly Bergen [GAME, JLeeman2.1.5, A]
NBC, 1990-1991
*1990 pilot hosted by Richard Kline, which was mistakingly aired in the East in lieu of the premiere! - panel: Morton Downey Jr., Cindy Adams, Lynn Swann, Lynn Redgrave - low audio [OB w/few comm, RrinkermanTTTT.4, B]
Gordon Elliot
*9/3/1990 premiere w/David Nibbin Jr., Gloria Loring, Lynn Swann, Kitty Carlisle [GSN, MLight2.4.1, A++]
*10/26/1990 w/David Niven Jr., Gloria Allred, Lynn Swann, Sarah Purcell - Gordon's final episode (unannounced) [GSN, RRinkermanDec2011/6.2, A+]
Lynn Swann
*12/25/1990 w/Orson Bean, Peggy Cass, Chris Lemmon, Kitty Carlisle - Rip Taylor is a Santa imposter in game 1! [GAME w/comm, TMcSwainD1.5, A-]
*1/29/1991 w/Ron Masak, Jennifer Verabi, David Nibbin Jr., Kitty Carlisle (everyone but Ron disqualifies themselves in game 1!) [GSN w/comm, RRinkermanTTTT/WBSM.1, A]
Alex Trebek
*2/4/1991 - Alex's first episode! - panel: Orson Bean, Betty White, Richard Moll, Kitty Carlisle [GSN, GGarsten5.1, A+]
*2/18/1991 w/Orson Bean, Gloria Loring, David Nibbin Jr., Cindy Adams - MARK GOODSON guest-hosts! [GSN, GGarsten5.2, A+]
*2/19/1991 w/same guests as above - Mark Goodson guest-hosts, taped just after Alex's wife gave birth! [GAME w/comm, A]
*5/31/1991 finale w/Ron Masak, Orson Bean, Mother Love, Kitty Carlisle - the one-on-one player is the TTTT director! [OC, GGarsten5.3, A]
syndication, 2000-2002
John O’Hurley
*10/5/2000 w/Meshach Taylor, Paula Poundstone, Richard Kind, Kitty Carlisle(!) [GSN, RRinkerman7.8.1, A++]
*2000 w/Meshach Taylor, Paula Poundstone, Bryan Cranston, Molly Curver [GSN, RRinkermanTTTT.5, A++]
TREASURE HUNT
Think a more different Let's Make a Deal, with a lot of suspense and a ton to win. Very fun in how you never know what's going to happen, and Edwards does an especially fantastic job as host here.
weekly syndication, 1973-1977 ("The New Treasure Hunt")
Geoff Edwards
*9/1973 premiere - first player: Sharon - blurry video with a constant "Hi-Fi" graphic - no closing; cuts during Geoff's farewell [SM, TMcSwain717-2.2, B]
*late 1973 - first player: Sharron - both games have the kind of fake-outs that made this show a delight to watch, with one twist after another! - Fee plugs are replaced with newer ones [CBN, JLeeman0220-2.4, A-]
*1974 - first player: Celia - who knew there'd be so much to a freaking birdcage... - now in better quality! [GAME, CCohan0720-6.4, A-]
*1974 - first player: Betty [CBN, CCohan0420-3.5, A-]
*1974 - first player: Jean - first game contains a party of sorts, with Chuck Barris making an appearance! But that's not the only surprise that happens here... [CBN, JLeeman0220-2.5, B+]
*1974 - first player: Susan - the episode where a contestant faints over winning a car! [GSN w/comm, FOF.6, A++]
*1/1975 - first player: Elizabeth - missing entire first segment; bright video [OC, B+]
*1976 - first player: Labora - first qualifying game has four contestants come up; nice try... - contains a Face the Music promo! - Inconsistent tracking can cause distracting jumps in some portions; shame, because the video is otherwise quite clear [CBN, CCohan4.2, B+ (on average)]
*1976 - first player: Audrey [CBN, CCohan0720-2.5, A-]
*1976 - first player: Gussie [10/1984 RPT w/comm, RRinkerman0120-1.1, B+]
syndication, 1981-1982
*10/5/1981 - returning champion: Betty - second game features Juan Ponce de Leon... who leaves a tampered prop, forcing Geoff to improvise! [GAME w/comm, CCohan4.3, A-]
*late 1981 - returning champion: Sandy - perhaps bringing in a baby for a skit wasn't the best idea (HILARIOUS segment!)... - both the audio and video quality are much better in the second half than the first [GAME, CCohan4.4, B+ at first then A]
*late 1981 - returning champion: Cathy [1984 RPT w/comm, RRinkerman817-2.5, B+]
*12/1981 - returning champion: Joya - the second prize is Christmas-themed! [1984 RPT w/comm, CCohan0420-6.3, A]
*1/4/1982 - returning champion: Rose (her fifth hunt; can she finally win the $50K?) [GAME, CCohan4.5, B]
TRIVIAL PURSUIT: AMERICA PLAYS
A decent concept, and the technicals are pretty cool, but it just felt lacking in many areas. It could've easily been tweaked into something better.
syndication, 2008-2009
Christopher Knight
*11/13/2008 - from Brady Week w/SUSAN OLSEN as team leader! - Brad vs. Kate vs. Michael - no opening [OC, A++]
*1/1/2009 - Alyssa vs. Matthew vs. Toni [OB, A++]
*4/8/2009 - Michele vs. Ryan vs. Deb - winner goes for the rare double-or-nothing gamble! [OB, A]
TRUMP CARD
syndication, 1990-1991
Jimmy Cefalo
*9/6/1991 finale, where the champ has the chance to win an extra $100K! - Tom vs. Rich vs. John - pretty pixelated video, which also has lots of "jerks" and is pretty shaky at times [OB w/some comm, TMcSwain6.3.1, B-]
TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES
A very historical show for more reasons than one, and that's the truth.
CBS, 1950-1954
Ralph Edwards
*1951 - first stunt involves a square dance - quite distorted audio [SC, filtered version is A- (fixed brightness); original is CDonegan417-3.2, B+]
NBC, 1956-1965
Bob Barker
*12/31/1956 premiere, along with the beginning of Bob's 50-year legacy, introduced by Ralph Edwards! - first stunt involves a mini Rose Bowl - inactive studio time code onscreen [SC, MPannoni1.1, B+]
*12/1961 - first stunt involves identifying demographic averages - reception is not the best [America One, CDonegan1219-4.4, B]
syndication, 1966-1975
*1970s - 32 minutes of clips [SM, RRinkerman0120-1.3, B]
syndication, 1977-1978
Bob Hilton
*1977 - first stunt involves a couple tracking down each other with the husband in a helicopter - inactive studio timecode onscreen [SM, CDonegan417-3.3, B+]
TWENTY-ONE
Very decent and pretty exciting in theory... though the rigging in the '50s version kinda ruined it. 2000 version is slightly flawed in gameplay, but is still very underappreciated.
NBC primetime, 1956-1958
Jack Barry
*3/1956 pilot, made for CBS! - Marian vs. Maurice [SM, RRinkerman817-5.1, A-]
*12/19/1956 - Charles (Van Doren) vs. Barbara - somewhat blurry and slightly unstable video with a studio timecode [SC, filtered version is B; original is TMcSwain717-2.4, B-]
*1/23/1957 - Charles (Van Doren) vs. Ruth - somewhat blurry video with a studio timecode [SC, filtered version is B+; original is TMcSwain717-2.3, B-]
*6/1957 - Hank Bloomgarten vs. James Snodgrass - the show starts with them restarting their match at game 7 due to a complicated error [KIN w/comm, RRinkerman817-5.8, A-]
NBC primetime, 2000
Maury Povich
*2/2/2000 - Rahim Obreholtzer vs. Victoria - two copies: [GSN, A++] or [GAME, RRinkerman’21’.1, A-]
*4/24/2000 - Tim vs. Kim [GSN, RRinkerman817-5.3, A]
*5/28/2000 unannounced finale - Mary at Perfect 21 [GSN, Rrinkerman’21’.2, A-]
20Q
One of GSN's better recent originals. It had a good concept and good gameplay. Mr. Q can be kind of annoying at times, but at least he has a good enough purpose.
GSN, 2009
Cat Deeley
*7/11/2009 - Shawn vs. Stephen vs. Melanie then Jessica vs. Michelle vs. Brooke [9/13/2009 RPT, A++]
WHAMMY! THE ALL-NEW PRESS YOUR LUCK
For a revival of such an awesome show, it doesn't disappoint much at all. I prefer the second season because of the better set, the Big Bank, and slightly higher stakes.
GSN, 2002-2003
Todd Newton
*5/6/2002 - Scott Hostetler vs. Michelle vs. Sharon [2008 RPT, A]
*6/28/2002 - second taped episode, with slightly different graphics, lower budget, and no initial $1000 - missing open and first two spins - Abner vs. Michele vs. Carie [2007 RPT, A]
*7/5/2002 - first taped episode, with same differences as above - Kamenna vs. Kenny vs. Leora [2007 RPT, A]
*3/17/2003 season premiere, with new set and Big Bank - Kelly vs. Shannon vs. Kevin - St. Patrick's day special, with set decorations and new Whammies debut here [OC, BEvans1.1.4, A-]
*3/17/2003 (again) - Larson rematch special, with Michael's brother James playing against Michael's original two opponents (Ed and Janie); plus, Peter Tomarken returns to host the question round! Highly recommended! [OC, BEvans1.1.3, A-]
*4/1/2003 - Larry vs. Katie vs. Cheryl - April Fools' episode, where Graham Elwood hosts and Todd Newton helps out with the Double Whammies! [OC, BEvans1.1.2, A+]
*5/16/2003 - Tournament Finals (and finale of series) – Shirley vs. Sandy vs. Jack [2009 RPT, A+]
WHAT'S MY LINE
I'm not much of a panel show person, but it's safe to say I know why this was so successful. :)
syndication, 1968-1976
Larry Blyden
*1973 w/Gene Rayburn, Sherrye Henry, Anne Alda, and Arlene Francis - wavy video [1970s RPT w/comm, DDownsBonus1.2, B-]
WHEEL OF FORTUNE - No space for this show on the wheel. See it in this page.
WHEW!
About as creative as a 70s show gets, though I can't say it's one of my favorites. I don't know, something about the front game feels a little too easy in my opinion.
CBS, 1979-1980
Tom Kennedy
*5/1979 - 8.5-minute clip, with the final round of a match and the Gauntlet round - Gene vs. Carrie [OB w/some comm, RRinkerman4.7.4, B+]
*6/1/1979 - Melissa vs. Tony - video wavy at some points [OB, DBarkow7.4, B-]
*6/4/1979 - Sharlene vs. Howard - video somewhat red-tinted [OB w/some comm, BSchwartz1.1, B]
*6/8/1979 - Howard vs. Alan - video somewhat red-tinted [OB w/some comm, BSchwartz1.2, B]
*6/11/1979 - Howard vs. Donna - HEARTBREAKING Gauntlet round! - video blurry, slightly wavy at some points, and some slight reception distortion [OB, DBarkow7.5, B-]
*6/12/1979 - 5-minute clip of Howard vs. the Villians [OB, BSchwartz1.3, B]
*8/27/1979 - Pat at Gauntlet - Randy Amesia's first appearance! [SM, RRinkerman6.9.4, A-]
*8/28/1979 - Randy Amesia vs. the Villians - Randy didn't have a copy of this episode, and the day he got one, he died [SM, JLeeman3.2.6, B+]
*late 10/1979 - 14 minutes of clips of two ep.s containing a full match - Tami vs. Steven - Tom plugs the celebrity version! [OB, BSchwartz1.4, A-]
Celebrities paired with contestants
*4/8/1980 w/Trish Stewart and Jamie Farr - Rose vs. Keith [OB, BSchwartz1.5a, B+]
*4/9/1980 w/same guests as above - Keith vs. Kelly - no credits; due to its length, this counts as half an episode [OB, BSchwartz1.5b, B+]
*5/23/1980 w/Marcia Wallace and Robert Vaughn - David vs. Laura - now has the bonus board for winners of 2-game matches - missing closing segment [OB, BSchwartz1.6, B]
*5/29/1980 w/John Saxon and Betty White - Mona vs. Chris - video VERY blurry, jumpy at most points, and slightly wavy at times [OB, RRinkerman4.4.4, C]
*5/30/1980 finale w/same guests as above - Stephen vs. Stephanie - bright video [OB, CDonnegan2.6, A-]
WHO WANTS TO BE A MILLIONAIRE?
Started off amazing, but sadly lost its luster in the mid-2000s and just never could recover.
ABC primetime, 1999-2002, 2009
Regis Philbin
1999 run, Half-hour
*11/19/1999 - JOHN CARPENTER at $300. It's the final answer heard all around the world, as Regis puts it! [OB, NJohnson3.5, A]
2000-2002 run, Hour-long
*3/23/2000 - contestant info TBA, but contains Joe Trela's $1M win! - missing opening and closing [GSN, A++]
*6/13/2000 - Bob House at $300 - missing part of opening [GSN, A++]
2009 10th anniversary return
*8/10/2009 (ep. 2) - Gary Cousins at $4,000 - celebrity question: Vanessa Williams [OB, A++]
*8/23/2009 - last episode of prime-time return - Jim Robinson at $16,000 – Ken Basin becomes the first US contestant to lose on the $1M question! - celebrity question: REGIS PHILBIN (with Meredith guest-hosting!) - combination of two copies: [OC, A++] and [OC, BMoore2.4.5, A+ (final segment)]
syndication, 2002-2019
Meredith Viera
Classic Format
*2/18//2003 - Kevin Smith at $2,000, who gets very gutsy later on! [OB, MTiller1.1, A-]
*4/14/2005 - Dan Avila at $8,000 (his various game show appearances are brought up at one point, too) [OB w/few comm, RRinkerman5.8.6, A-]
*5/19-20/2005 - a 10-minute clip from Walk In and Win Week at Walt Disney World! - Michelle Glover here really struggles right from the offset, ending in a particular unusual manner! [OB, TMcSwain0820-4.1, A-]
With the Clock
*11/13/2008 - Nicole Jurado at $4,000 - missing first minute or so; does not affect gameplay [OC, A++]
*9/7/2009 season premiere, and start of the tournament entries; also, the 9 contestants who didn’t play in the 10th anniversary finale play throughout the week! - Will at $100 [OB, A++]
*12/4/2009 - Trisha at $15,000 - *Regis Philbin* guest-hosts, in what would end up being his final ever time hosting the series! [OC, IWallis2.4, A+]
Shuffle Format
*9/13/2010 season premiere, and first episode with new format and music! - David at question 1 [OB, RRinkerman5.9.4, A+]
*12/14/2010 - Marla at $100,000 [OC, A++]
*9/22/2011 - from Celebrity Week! - Anthony Anderson at question 7 [OB, A+]
*9/23/2011 - Friday of Celebrity Week! - Anthony Anderson at $500,000 - This day alone has 3/4ths of the money given in the entire week! [OB, A+]
United Kingdom versions
ITV, 1998-present
Chris Terrant
Half-hour format
*9/4/1998 PREMIERE - Graham starts a game [OB, BSchwartz3.4, B+]
Hour-long format
*1/9/1999 - Martin at £4,000 - first hour-long show, and contains the first six-figure wins in the series! [CHALLENGE, A+]
*1/17 and 1/18/2000 - 30 minutes of footage containing Peter Lee's full run! [OB, A-]
*11/20/2000 - Judith at £36,000 (with a very historic moment later on!) [OB w/few comm, BSchwartz3.5, B+]
*9/15/2001 - Craig at £16,000 - this is actually two ep.s merged together to remove Charles Ingram's infamous run, with all traces of him at the Fastest Finger removed and a rather suspicious announcement at that point. In fact, his accomplice Tecwen Whittock is a later contestant! - slightly fuzzy video [OB, CDonegan417-2.3, B+]
THE WHO, WHAT, OR WHERE GAME
NBC, 1969-1973
Art James
*1970 - Greg vs. Claire vs. John - sadly what could very well be the only existing episode - Now in better quality, though video occasionally jerks and is also somewhat blurry [SM, GBrobeck3.3, B]
WIN BEN STEIN’S MONEY
A somewhat overlooked show with raunchy yet hilarious humor galore. The actual game is quite well executed, too.
Bolded names are the co-host with Ben Stein.
Comedy Central, 1997-2003
Jimmy Kimmel
*7/28/1997 premiere - Russell vs. Kate vs. David [OB, CDonegan4.1.1, A-]
*8/6/1997 - Geoffrey vs. Lara vs. Wampus (yes, really) [12/1997 RPT, CDonegan0420-1.1, A]
*9/16/1997 - David vs. Janet vs. Mike - Ben is accompanied by two cheerleaders throughout the show! [OB, CDonegan0420-1.2, A]
*9/19/1997 - Craig vs. Rose vs. Hank [12/1997 RPT, RRinkermanMay2010/1.1, B+]
*9/25/1997 - Fred vs. Deborah vs. David [12/1997 RPT, RRinkermanMay2010/1.2, B+]
*10/10/1997 - supposedly the aired pilot, because of a Best of 10 rule that was changed later - David vs. Vicky vs. Mitchell - pretty echo-ey audio [OB, CDonegan7.2.2, A-]
*4/15/1998 season premiere, with Tax Day mentions galore! - Norm vs. Carolyn vs. Alan [GSN w/comm, CCohan0420-5.1, A]
*4/22/1998 - Tom vs. Carol vs. CURTIS WARREN [GSN w/comm, DBarkow6.3, B+]
*4/30/1998 - Michael vs. Kelly vs. Peter - ends on one of Ben's funnier outbursts [OB, filtered version is B+ (corrected lighting and saturation); original is RRinkermanMay2010/4.5, B]
*6/22/1998 - Terry vs. Karen vs. Christian - video slightly fuzzy [OB, RRinkermanMay2010/5.5, B]
*7/1/1998 - Christopher vs. Lisa vs. Bob - rather bad commercial edits [GSN, JOswald1.1, A]
*10/7/1998 - Rosemary vs. Josh vs. Susie [GSN w/comm, DBarkow4.1, B+]
*10/22/1998 - Leslie vs. ROBERT WARGO vs. Eileen [OC, RRinkermanTTTT/WBSM.2, A]
*10/28/1998 - Ron vs. Pamela vs. Tom - no credits nor ending announcement [GSN w/comm, DBarkow4.2, B+]
*6/8/1999 - Alec vs. Adrienne vs. Luther - Ben does a funny but IMO almost insulting imitation of Mr. Rogers [2001(?) RPT, JCranmer3.5, A-]
*6/17/1999 - Mark vs. Lynn vs. Tim - Jimmy and Ben switch places for most of the show (until the Best of 10)! [GSN w/comm, RRinkermanTTTT/WBSM.3, A+]
*10/26/1999 - the All-Ben Stein episode (pretty self-explanatory) [GSN, RRinkermanMay2010/1.3, A+]
*11/9/1999 - Leszek (from Jeopardy! and History IQ) vs. Oscar vs. Greg [GSN, RRinkermanMay2010/1.4, A+]
*11/17/1999 - Bob vs. Ann vs. Bruce - Halloween-themed episode, with Ben as Dracula and Jimmy as his Igor! [6/2000 RPT w/comm, IWallis2.3, A-]
*12/16/1999 - Cathy vs. Dom vs. Laura - the contestants are apparently comedians, someone gets the Dunce Cap, and a VERY down-to-the-wire Best of 10 is seen here! [GSN w/comm, RRinkermanDec2011/6.3, A]
*3/28/2000 - "Who Wants to Win Ben Stein's Money?" (no prizes for guessing what this is parodying) - Joe vs. Heather vs. Greg [OB w/most comm, RRinkerman0120-4.5, A-]
*mid-2000 - Ben Stein's Cup, with former winners playing for $25,000! - Benjamin vs. Tom vs. Mike [OB, JCranmer1.1, A-]
*9/8/2000 - Jimmy's last episode, with he and Ben showing clips of past shows! [OB, JCranmer1.2, A-]
Nancy Pimentel
*9/11/2000 - Nancy’s first episode! - Steve vs. Kelli vs. Larry [OB, JCranmer1.3, A-]
*9/12/2000 - Kurt vs. Emily vs. Jude - $2300 is won in the main game! [OB, JCranmer1.4, A]
*9/13/2000 - Grant vs. Lauren vs. Jeff - tracking is not very good [OB, RRinkerman4.7.1, B-]
*9/14/2000 - Stephanie vs. Mark vs. Laine - tribute to Scotland, with Ben and Nancy dressed for the occasion! - most of opening missing; tracking is not very good [OB w/most comm, RRinkerman4.7.2, B-]
*2000 - salute to First Ladies, with Ben dressed as Barbara Bush and Nancy as Jackie O! - Johnathan vs. Cynthia vs. Joel [2001 RPT, JCranmer1.6, A-]
*11/21/2000 - Rock and Roll special w/CC DeVille vs. Matthew Sweet vs. *Weird Al Yankovic* [3/2001 RPT w/comm, TMcSwain0420-5.3, A]
*12/4/2000 - Special with authors as contestants! - Jon Scieszka vs. Malachy McCourt vs. Wally Lamb [OC, CDonegan0420-3.1, A+]
*late 12/2000 - Christmas special, with Ben dressed as Santa and Nancy as an elf! - Gregg vs. Debi vs. Jim - audio is extremely low, and virtually nonexistent sometimes. I salvaged it as best I could, but best you have the closed captions on for this one. [OC, CDonegan0420-3.2, A]
*late 12/2000 season finale - second Ben Stein's Cup episode, again with $25K on the line! - Peter vs. Liani vs. Ed [2001 RPT, CDonegan6.1, A]
*4/2/2001 - fifth season premiere, taped in Venice Beach (contains a humorous intro!) - Issac vs. Lisa vs. Derek [OC, CDonegan4.3, A]
*4/17/2001 - Playboy special, taped in Venice Beach! - Katie vs. Jessica vs. Carissa - a ZERO is gotten in the Best of 10! [OB, JCranmer1.5, A-]
*5/14/2001 - 500th episode, with balloons all over the stage and apperances by the entire cast (and Jimmy Kimmel) at the end! - Joe vs. Paula vs. James [2004 RPT w/comm, RSeidelman2.1, A-]
*6/26/2001 - Battlebots special! - Bill Dwyer vs. Heidi Mark vs. Bill Nye - one player ends with $0, round 2 ends in a tie, and Best of 10 player has pants down while in the booth! - Highly recommended! [OB, CDonegan6.2, A]
*6/28/2001 - The Man Show special! - Adam Carolla vs. three Juggies vs. *Jimmy Kimmel* (who gets the dunce cap!) - Extremely entertaining and highly recommended! [OB, CDonegan6.3, A]
*9/11/2001 (yeah...) - from College Week, filmed at UCLA and co-hosted by Jimmy Kimmel! - Shahnaz vs. Jermaine vs. Aileen - missing most of intro [OC, TMcSwain0420-5.1, A]
*10/31/2001 - Halloween Special w/Ben dressed as Frankenstein and Nancy as his wife! - Sandy vs. Deane vs. Jeri [OB w/some comm, RSeidelman2.3, A-]
*11/21/2001 - John vs. Melissa vs. Alistair - low audio [6/2002 RPT w/comm, TMcSwain0420-5.2, A-]
*11/26/2001 - David vs. Jennifer vs. Rick - contains a rare instance of round 2 ending with *two* four-figure scores [OB (Canadian), IWallis3.1, A]
Sal Iacono
*3/25/2002 season premiere, and beginning of a test week with Jimmy Kimmel co-hosting alongside relatives (this one being his mother Joan)! - Ron vs. Shinae vs. Grant - audio slowly decreases in volume, but is easy to hear even at its lowest [OC, CDonegan0620-1.1, A]
*3/26/2002 - from Jimmy's co-host test week, joined with his Uncle Frank - Stuart vs. Charlotte vs. Sam - low audio [OC, CDonegan4.1.3, A-]
*3/27/2002 - from Jimmy's co-host test week, joined with his daughter Katie - Gary vs. Marlo vs. Mike - VERY low audio [OC, CDonegan4.1.2, A-]
*3/28/2002 - from Jimmy's co-host test week, joined with his aunt Chippie - Michael vs. Estaire vs. Dan - low audio, which decreases over time [OC, CDonegan0620-1.2, A]
*3/29/2002 - from Jimmy's co-host test week, joined with his cousin Sal - Mark vs. Erin vs. Tahm - contains a SHOCKING best of 10 result! - missing most of round 1; counts as half an episode due to its length [OB, CDonegan7.2.3, A]
*4/1/2002 - Sal's first permanent ep. as co-host, which is announced in a humorous cold open - Dan vs. Megan vs. Bill - audio fluctuates in volume [OC, CDonegan4.4, A-]
*4/26/2002 - Dave Foley vs. Sarah Silverman vs. Joe Rogan [2004 RPT w/few comm, RSeidelman2.2, A-]
*6/12/2002 - "The Weakstein Link", where Ben (and later Sal) rather creepily channel Anne Robinson! - Kirk vs. Carolyn vs. Conor - missing opening; begins when Ben introduces Sal [OC, TMcSwain0420-5.4, A-]
*6/20/2002 - Vanessa vs. Ron vs. Barbara-Anne - GREAT game, where one contestant proves especially brutal to Ben! [OC, TMcSwain0420-6.1, A-]
*11/4/2002 - Andy vs. Robin vs. Zach - missing opening [OC, RSeidelman1.5, A]
*11/15/2002 - Sarah vs. Nelson vs. Debbie [OC, TMcSwain0420-6.2, A]
*12/26/2002 - Aaron vs. Melinda vs. Kevin [OC, TMcSwain0420-6.3, A-]
Australian versions (titled "Win Roy and H.G.'s Money")
Channel 7, 2000
H.G. Nelson and Roy Slaven
*8/25/2000 - Leigh vs. Steve vs. Rebecca - contains a perfect 10 in the final round! [OC, A]
*late 2000 (appears to be the finale) - Ron vs. Elizabeth vs. Tristan [OB, CDonegan7.2.4, A-]
United Kingdom versions (titled "Win Beadle's Money")
Channel 5, 1999
Jeremy Beadle, with Richard Morton
*1999 - Dave vs. Paul vs. Mark - contains a perfect 10 in the final round! - video is unfortunately bright, shaky, and sometimes B&W, alongside buzzy audio. What can you do... [OB, CDonegan0620-2.3, C]
WIN, LOSE, OR DRAW
NBC, 1987-1989
Vicki Lawrence-Shultz
*1988 w/Constance Towers, Jacklyn Zieman, Marc Summers, and Peter Marshall - Sandy vs. Keith - low audio [OC, TMcSwain5.11, B+]
*1/1989 w/Kim Fields, Jess Walton, Hollywood Hamilton, and Jed Allen - Schae vs. Chuck - pretty shaky video at times, but nice quality otherwise [OC, TMcSwain5.10, B]
syndication, 1987-1989
Bert Convy
*8/1987 pilot (aired as a Sneak Preview) w/Loni Anderson, Betty White, Tony Danza, and Burt Reynolds - Zee vs. Jerry - video pretty red-tinted [OB w/some comm, TMcSwain5.9, B]
Robb Weller
*1989 w/Dawn Lewis, Chanel Brown, Marc Summers, and Steve Whitting - Adam vs. Lois - audience game played! [OB, TMcSwain5.12, B+]
WINTUITION
Not the most entertaining show, but it does have its moments for sure and I like the idea of winning curriculum money.
GSN, 2002-2003
Marc Summers
*12/9/2002 (second episode; aired same day as premiere) - Antonio vs. Carol vs. Jose - contains a $50,000 win... that never got rewarded due to the champ being discovered ineligible. This also resulted in the ep never being rerun. [OC, RRinkerman117-8.1, A]
WIPEOUT
Fun elimination game with Tomarken's solid-as-always hosting, even if the bonus round can be a bit abused.
syndication, 1988-1989
Peter Tomarken
*9/2/1987 pilot - Nan vs. Chuck vs. La Dawn - lots of very notable but minor differences, what with the set and the trilons and all... [SM w/slate, PBurgos4.2, B]
*9/12/1988 premiere - Dennis vs. Cynthia vs. Caryn - bright video [USA, PBurgos2.4.2-6, B]
*1988 - Maggie Brown-Sphock(!) vs. Marshall vs. Matthew [OB, DDowns11.4, B-]
*1988 - Mickey vs. Kathy vs. Kevin - Peter accidentally refers to the first wipeout as a Whammy! [OB, PBurgos2.4, B]
*10/31/1988 - Pamela vs. Lisa vs. Mark - Peter comes out in a (rather strange) face mask, and he takes away a piece of candy from the contestants for each wipeout! [12/1988 RPT, PBurgos2.2.2, B+]
*11/1/1988 - Janet vs. Erica vs. Ken [12/1988 RPT, PBurgos2.2.3, B+]
*11/2/1988 - Janet vs. Scott vs. Joanna - video very bright and blurry, which is occasionally glitchy [OB w/some comm, PBurgos2.2.4, B-]
*1/1989 - Darnell vs. Scott vs. Dorian - the hot spot gets thrown too many times… - video breaks up throught intro [USA w/comm., PBurgos2.5, B+]
WORDPLAY
The game's a little flawed, slow, and simplistic, but it's still interesting and humorous enough.
NBC, 1986-1987
Tom Kennedy
*12/29/1986 premiere w/Dick Shawn, Dorothy Lyman, and Richard Moll - Claudia vs. Jaimi [OB, JDay6.1, B+]
*1/16/1987 w/Roseanne Barr, Stephen Furst, and Ned Beatty - Ayofemi (her final day!) vs. Mary - pretty bright video; muffled audio [OB, TMcSwain5.7, B]
*2/17/1987 w/Bert Convy, Abby Dalton, and Bill Rafferty - Diane vs. Don [OB, TMcSwain5.5, B]
*8/20/1987 w/Curtis Baldwin, Andrea Elson, and Corey Feldman - Jamie Farr guest-hosts! - Toni vs. Jennifer - low audio [OB, TMcSwain5.8, B]
*8/21/1987 w/same guests as above - Jamie Farr guest-hosts! - Jennifer vs. David [OB, A-]
*8/24/1987 w/same guests & Jamie again - Jennifer (her final day!) vs. David (different guy) [OB, A-]
*9/4/1987 finale (for both the show AND Tom) w/Jimmy Aleck, Marsha Winfield, and Jamie Farr - John vs. Elizabeth [OB w/few comm, JDay6.3, B]
YOU BET YOUR LIFE
The comedy is what really makes this game.
NBC, 1950-1961
Groucho Marx
*1954 - Bert & Edgar, Bill & Joan, Carrol & Indra - secret word: Chair [PBS, RRinkerman7.7.3, A-]
syndication, 1992-1993
Bill Cosby (yeah, this sure holds up today)
*1993 - Nancy & Fred, Joanne & Dave, Tordelle & Jerry - secret word Table [OB, RRinkerman7.7.4, A-]
YOU DON’T KNOW JACK
Very quirky and weird, and while the final product is pretty solid on its own merits, it doesn't hold a candle to the games.
ABC primetime, 2001
Paul Reubens as Troy Stevens
*6/20/2001 premiere - Alex vs. Kat vs. Veldemar - Regis Philbin gives Troy a call! [OC, RRinkerman4.2, A+]
*6/20/2001 (again) - Angie vs. Eric vs. Holly - Carl Lewis makes an appearance! [OB, RRinkermanWheel/YDKJ.3, A-]
*6/27/2001 - Danielle vs. Scott vs. Desalyn - opening missing; begins during contestant interviews [OB w/some comm, RSeiodelman2.1.3, A-]
*7/4/2001 - Errol vs. Carrie vs. Randy [OB, RSeidelman4.2.4, A]
*7/11/2001 - Tien vs. Marq vs. Hillary [OB, RSeidelman4.2.5, A]
*7/18/2001 finale (ironically the aired pilot) - Stewart vs. Vivicca vs. Terry - somewhat dark video [OC, RRinkermanWheel/YDKJ.4, B+]
YOU DON'T SAY
Very nice and rather interesting Password variant.
NBC, 1963-1969
Tom Kennedy
*4/5/1963 (ep 5) w/Betty White & Barry Sullivan - Hope at Bonus Board [KIN w/comm, MWise4.5, B+]
*4/23/1963 w/Mary Tyler Moore and Kennan Wynn - Kyle vs. Connie [KIN w/comm, A-]
*1/14/1964 w/Lorraine Day and Michael Landon - from the short-lived prime-time run, with a slightly different format - Gene vs. Boy [KIN, MPannoni1.3, A]
*1967 w/Pat Carroll and Mel Torme - Errol at Bonus Board [SC, JLeeman3.3, A-]
*4/25/1969 w/Jaye P. Morgan and Rod Sterling - Connie vs. Susan [Color KIN w/comm, MWise4.4, B+]
ABC, 1975
*7/7/1975 premiere w/Loretta Switt, Sherman Kensley, Bob Crane, & Abby Dalton - Ann Marie vs. Maddy - contains a much more gray-ish set than later episodes! - station V/O talks over Tom's closing remarks [OC, A]
*11/12/1975 w/Rex Reed, Connie Van Dyke, June Lockhart, and Larry Hovis - Pat vs. Marty - you can tell the finale was abrupt, as Tom announces an upcoming Christmas kids week that never happened [SM w/slate (probably the weirdest slate I've ever seen), MLight2.4.2, A]
*11/26/1975 w/Connie Van Dyke, Bob Ridgely, Larry Hovis (wears a gorilla mask in intro!), and Ann Elder - Maureen vs. Kathy - bright video; some skips in intro due to jerky video, but is quite fine after [SM, JLeeman5.4, B+]
syndication, 1978-1979
Jim Peck
9 or 10/1978 w/Charlie Brill, Nipsey Russell, Dick Goutier, and Valerie Bertinelli - Judy vs. Pheobe - video freezes during one of the fee plugs; sub-par frame rate [SM, A-]
*11/10/1978 w/Bob Ridgeley, Dick Goutier, Ann Elder, and Charlie Brill - Evelyn vs. Anngel [OC, JLeeman1.1a, A-]
*VTR 8/5/1978 w/Charlie Brill, Nipsey Russell, Dick Goutier, and Connie Van Dyke - Bob vs. Marilyn [SM w/slate, JLeeman4.4, B+]
YOUR NUMBER'S UP
And I thought we had a lot of audience participation today...
NBC, 1985
Nipsey Russell
*9/23/1985 premiere - Lea vs. Mary vs. Doug - missing opening and end credits [OB, JDay2.2.1, B]
*10/7/1985 - Casey vs. Sylvia vs. Ray [OC, JDay3.1, A]
*10/8/1985 - Roberta vs. Nancy vs. Casey [OC, JDay3.2, A]
*10/9/1985 - Lenny vs. Linda vs. Casey [OC, JDay3.3, A]
*10/25/1985 - Linda vs. Ralph vs. Debbie - blurry video [OC, JDay2.2.2, B+]
*12/20/1985 finale - Carol vs. Barry vs. Peggy - the car is lit up 7 times but never won! [OC, JDay3.4, B]
YOU'RE IN THE PICTURE
According to Gleason, this show laid "without a doubt, the biggest bomb in TV history". But in order to fully understand this show, better watch yourself... or don't just to save the pain.
CBS primetime, 1961
Jackie Gleason
*1/20/1961 only episode w/Jan Sterling, Arthur Treacher, Pat Carroll, Pat Harrington - studio counter at bottom of screen [SC, MWise6.1, A-]
*1/27/1961 apology episode w/nothing but Jackie being funny and bashing the show - studio counter at bottom of screen [SC, MWise6.1b, A-]
SCATTERGORIES
NBC, 1993
Dick Clark
*1/18/1993 premiere w/Brian Austin Green, Anne-Marie Johnson, CHUCK WOOLERY, Eleni Kelavis, Kelsey Grammar - Dana's team vs. Matthew's team - somewhat blurry video; low and muffled audio [OC, DDowns7.1, B-]
*6/1993 (from final week) w/Peter Noon, Vivica A. Fox, Robert Kelter Kelly, Richard Karn, Candace Cameron - Jane's team vs. Phillip's team - low audio [OC, RRinkerman7.5.5, B+]
SCRABBLE
Very creative, very well put-together, very fun to play along with... easily one of Reg Grundy's best.
NBC, 1984-1990
Chuck Woolery
Straddling
*7/2/1984 PREMIERE - Vanessa vs. Jack [OB w/few comm., RRinkermanMay2010/7.1, B+]
*7/3/1984 - Jeff vs. Claude [OC, MPannoni2.4, A]
*7/4/1984 - Sprint w/Mary Jo vs. Jack - VERY close call in second Sprint! [OC, RRinkerman2.2, A-]
*7/24/1984 - Beverly vs. Chuck - Can Annie win her 10th Sprint? [OC, MPannoni3.1, A]
*10/2/1984 - Spring w/Barbara (back due to an error) vs. Dean (going for $20K!) [OC, CCohan0420-5.2, A]
*12/24/1984 - first day of Teen Week! - Kimberley vs. Jason - muffled audio [USA w/comm, RRinkermanDec2011/2.3, B+]
*12/25/1984, from Teen Week! - Shanah vs. Jeremy - contains the Jewish incident! - video is jerky at a lot of points; pretty low audio [USA w/comm, RRinkermanDec2011/2.4, B]
*3/28/1985 - Tournament of Champions finale! - Annie vs. Jeff - video slightly wavy in some shots [USA, RRinkermanMay2010/7.4, B]
*3/1985 - Dave vs. Juanita - first episode where both Sprint players get the same words! - video is rather jerky first half, and pretty pixelated second half [USA, PBurgos8.9, C at first then C+]
*4/22/1985 w/short-lived Spelling format - starts at Sprint w/DamitaJo vs. Mitchell [OB, DDowns13.2, B-]
*9/1985 - Craig vs. Denese - John Heaner goes for $40,000! [OC, RRinkermanMay2010/7.2, B]
*1985 - 7-minute clip of a beyond disastrous Sprint with Sang vs. Steven - Highly recommended, if a bit cringey. Unfortunately, video is all kinds of jerky and occasionally B&W, with constant distortion across the bottom and middle [OB, D+]
*1986 - Susie vs. Jake [USA w/comm, RRinkermanScrCP.1, A-]
Self-contained
*9/29/1986 - first episode of the All-American tournament, and the self-contained format! - Cayce vs. Eric, and Alyse vs. Ted - low and quite muffled audio; dark video [USA, RRinkermanMay2010/7.3, B-]
*1987 - Dianne vs. Rick Mandl and Ruth vs. Ramon - bright video [USA, RRinkerman0120-5.1, B-]
*11/9/1987 - Monday of Game Show Week - John Davidson vs. Peter Tomarken, and Jamie Farr vs. Chuck Woolery (with Marc Summers guest-hosting!) [OB, RRinkerman0120-5.2, B]
*11/10/1987 - Tuesday of Game Show Week - Bill Rafferty vs. Tom Kennedy, and John Davidson vs. Chuck Woolery (with Marc Summers guest hosting!) [OC, JMadigan2.1, A]
*11/11/1987 - Wednesday of Game Show Week - Tom Kennedy vs. Peter Tomarken, and Jamie Farr vs. Bill Rafferty - slightly jerky video [OB, CDonegan7.2.5, B+]
*11/12/1987 - Thursday of Game Show Week - John Davidson vs. Jamie Farr, and Peter Tomarken vs. Chuck Woolery (with Marc Summers guest-hosting!) [OC, DDowns3.5, B-]
*early 1988 - Celebrity Teen Week episode - Shannen Doherty vs. Scott Nemes, and Nicole Eggert vs. Gary Coleman - video blurry, rather green-tinted, and lots of "jumps" throught [USA, RRinkermanMay2010/7.5, B-]
*1988 - Breney vs. Bob, and Shari s. Jim - contains a record 15-second Sprint time! - somewhat dark video [USA w/comm, RRinkerman517-4.5, B+]
*1988 - Monday of second Game Show Week - Wink Martindale vs. Bill Rafferty, and Vicki Lawrence vs. Jeff MacGregor [OB, DDowns7.2, B]
*1988 - Wednesday of second Game Show Week - Jamie Farr vs. Jim Lange, and Wink Martindale vs. Vicki Lawence [OB, DDowns7.3, B]
*2/13/1989 - from Love Connection Week! - Debbie vs. Adam, and Debbie vs. George - video gets wavy at times [OB, RRinkermanScrCP.2, B]
*8/1989 - Sharyne vs. Brent (aka "The Bunny") - Chuck promotes the Summer Sweepstakes! [USA, A]
*8/1989, from Teen Week! - Kelly vs. Chief, and Hilary vs. Daniel [OB, RRinkerman0120-5.3, A-]
*3/24/1990 finale - Debbie vs. George, and Trina vs. John - Chuck has a lot of sad things to say thoughout the show! - video jumps a lot of times [OC, DDowns13.1, B-]
*1/18/1993 premiere - Deb vs. George (the 1990 finale champ!), and Monique vs. Sam - slight audio glitches come up throughout [OC, JMadigan2.2, A-]
NBC, 1993
*1/21/1993 - Joanne vs. Ryan, and Nina vs. Avery - Chuck becomes humorously desperate to add money to the jackpot! - slightly glitchy video [OB, RRinkermanDec2011/8.1, B+]
*1/27/1993 - Sharon vs. Duan, and Sandy vs. Rob - bad commercial edits [OB, PBurgos8.10, B]
*1993 - Mary Jo vs. Harry, and Nancy vs Charlie - the first game has some disastrous words - VERY low audio [OB, RRinkerman7.7.1, B]
*6/9/1993 - Christy vs. John, and Linda vs. Stew - Chuck remarks to a contestant plug in what might be a subtle reference to the show's cancellation. [OC, filtered copy is A (fixed tint); original is RRinkerman7.7.2, A-]
*6/11/1993 finale (though not stated) - Caryn vs. Blake, and Shelley vs. Nick [OB, filtered copy is B+ (fixed brightness and color); original is JMadigan2.3, B]
SCRABBLE SHOWDOWN
The Hub, 2011-2012
Justin Willman
*9/3/2011 premiere - Shiloh and Marcia vs. Nate and Katy [9/18/2011 RPT, A++]
SECOND CHANCE
Press Your Luck in the '70s. Makes a really interesting watch, but copies of this show are simply very few and far between.
ABC, 1977
Jim Peck
*VTR 11/9/1976 third pilot - Maggie Brown vs. Jack Campion vs. Lynn - contains a couple of minor differences from the actual series [SM w/slate, JDay6.5, A-]
*5/31/1977 - Bob vs. Davenia vs. Marion - slightly distorted audio, but fantastic video! [OC, A]
*6/27/1977 - Jean vs. Joseph vs. Bob - GREAT game, with a perfect first question round! - blurry video and rough frame rate [OB, B]
SHOOT FOR THE STARS
A 70s Double Talk, and just as good as that, if not a little better.
NBC, 1977
Geoff Edwards
*4/26/1977 w/Vicki Lawrence and Tony Randall - Janet vs. Beth - missing final segment; cuts after second bonus round [OC, JLeeman6.3.2, B+]
SHOP 'TIL YOU DROP
Very interesting yet enjoyable mix of entertainment and merchandise. You can only imagine just how chaotic things can get!
Lifetime, 1991-1994
Pat Finn
*7/1991 - Denise and Thom vs. John and Natalie [OB, MPannoni4.1, A-]
*1993 season premiere - Michelle and James vs. Lisa and Robert - one of very few Lifetime ep.s aired on GSN! [GSN, RRinkerman517-3.1, A++]
The Family Channel, 1996-1998
*early 1998 finale - Tammy and Chris vs. Heather and Chuck [GSN, RRinkerman517-3.2, A++]
PAX, 2000-2005
*2000 - Julie and Clark vs. Michelle and Jason - two board games in game 2 are wrongly said to be from Hasbro multiple times, which goes completely unnoticed! [GSN, RRinkerman517-3.3, A++]
*5/24/2002 season finale - Karen and Anthony vs. Charisse and John - last ep. with mall format and Pat Finn (this isn't acknowledged, but the fact it's a season finale is) [GSN, RRinkerman517-3.4, A++]
SHOWOFFS
Just a fun charades game that sadly is almost entirely gone nowadays.
ABC, 1975
Bobby Van
*11/1975 w/Joyce Brothers, Dick Gautier, Karen Morrow, Mike Ferrell - Dick at Payoff Round - video slightly breaks coming out of commercial [SM, JLeeman4.5, B]
THE $64,000 CHALLENGE
CBS, 1956-1958
Ralph Story
*9/1957 - Norman Kruman (comic book writer) vs. L. Sprague deCamp - a later match features Dr. Joyce Brothers against a group of heavyweight champs! - studio timecode onscreen [SC, IWallis2.1, A-]
THE $64,000 QUESTION
The Who Wants To Be a Millionaire of the 50s; you can definitely see why this show was so popular back in its heyday. Pity it had to fall victim to the scandals.
CBS, 1955-1958
Hal March
*11/22/1955 - Stanley Skeems plays for $2K in the Bible; later, Joyce Brothers plays for $16K in Boxing - studio timecode onscreen [SC, CDonegan1219-2.5, B+]
*9/18/1956 - Giovanna plays for $2K in American History [OC, filtered version is A- (fixed brightness); original is BSchwartz4.4, B+]
*4/3/1958 - Virgil Earp goes for $32K in Wild West - you can tell the show was rigged by this point - now in better quality (though video is still pretty blurry)! [SC, IWallis2.2, B+]
SPLIT SECOND
Just as fast-paced as the title suggests. Very solidly executed, and can get incredibly exciting! Kennedy's version is far superior.
ABC, 1972-1975
Tom Kennedy
*1974 - Neil vs. John vs. Stuart - B&W video, missing final segment [OB, A-]
*1974 - Wayne vs. Robin vs. Jeff - B&W video [OB, A-]
*5/8/1975 - Marvin (going for an automatic car win!) vs. Shari vs. Valiant - missing opening; begins as gameplay is about to start - now in better quality! [OB w/few comm, JLeeman0620-3.4, A]
*6/27/1975 finale - Judd vs. Martha vs. Steve - Monty Hall appears at the end to thank Tom, and the cast and crew join in! [OC, filtered version is A- (fixed saturation and color); original is CDonegan2.5, B]
syndication, 1986-1987
Monty Hall
Original bonus format
*12/15/1986 premiere (at least in Canada) - Cathy vs. Jim vs. Ricki [GAMETV w/comm, TMcSwain717-1.4, A]
*early 1987 - Cesar vs. Leslie vs. Barbara [FAM w/comm, DBarkow6.3.1, A-]
'Three of Five' format
*1987 - Lisa vs. Marty vs. Elizabeth [OC, DBarkow6.3.2, B+]
*6/1987 - Diane vs. Bob vs. Susan [GAMETV w/comm, TMcSwain717-2.1, A]
STARCADE
You wouldn't think a game show about arcade games would be too great, but there's so much variety, there's practically something for everyone.
WTBS, 1982-1983
Mark Richards
*1/26(?)/1983 - Duru vs. Elaine - Q-Bert, Pole Position, Pengo, Holey Moley, Rescue - contains a completely different theme tune that will get stuck in your head [Twitch, A+]
*2/2(?)/1983 - Stu vs. Cindy - Domino Man, Buck Rogers, Tron, Millipede, Donkey Kong Jr. - appears to be the first taped episode; the camera work is a lot more rough, the mystery game offers a point bonus rather than a prize, and Mark's hosting is especially painful [Shout Factory, A+]
*4/1983 - Eric vs. Rachel - Donkey Kong, Wacko, Q-Bert, Bagman, Pole Position [G4, RRinkerman5.7.2, A+]
*4 or 5/1983 - Mike vs. Stephen - Super Pac-Man, Donkey Kong Jr, Donkey Kong, Pac-Man, Ms. Pac-Man - VERY close bonus finish! [Shout Factory, A+]
*5/1983 - John vs. Amy - Q-Bert, Pooyan, Pengo, Burger Time, Popeye [Twitch, A+]
Geoff Edwards
*mid-1983 - Vance vs. Leo - Super Pac-Man, Super Zaxxon, Bagman, Pole Position, Star Trek - one of Geoff's first episodes, if not THE first [Shout Factory, A+]
*1983 - Marcello vs. Dorian - Munch Mobile, Pole Position, Star Trek, Tron, Super Pac-Man - somewhat rough frame rate [Twitch, A]
syndication, 1983-1984
*9/1983 - Mike vs. Jared - Star Trek, Galaxia, Journey, Stargate, Zoar - low audio [G4, RRinkerman5.7.3, A+]
*1983 - John vs. Mike - Sini-Star, Gyruss, Super Zaxxon, Tron, Krull - somewhat rough frame rate [Twitch, A]
*1983 - Dionne vs. Zak - Donkey Kong Jr., Pac-Man, Super Pac-Man, Ms. Pac-Man, Donkey Kong [G4, RSeidelman4.2.1, A]
*1983 - John vs. Mike - Sini-Star, Gyress, Super Zaxxon, Tron, Krull [Twitch, A+]
*1983 - Gavon and JoAnne vs. Bob and Kate (mother and son teams) - Super Cobra, Zoar, Bagman, Guzzler, Popeye [Twitch, A+]
*late 1983 - Inviitational Tournament episode, with only Dragon's Lair played and a trip to Hawaii at stake! - Jonah vs. Marcelo & Mike vs. Mike [Shout Factory, A+]
*late 1983 - Invitational Tournament episode, with a programmable robot at stake! - Tim vs. Rhonda & John vs. Mary - Zookeeper, Tac-Scan, Mario Bros(!!), Gyruss, Motorace USA [Twitch, A+]
*late 1983 - Invitational Tournament episode, with a trip to Hawaii at stake! - David vs. SaRa & Craig vs. Will - Time Pilot, Star Wars, Popeye, Donkey Kong Jr, Dorodon - CLOSE finish! [Twitch, A+]
*1/1984 - Todd vs. Earl - Robotron, Dig Dug, Cosmic Chasm, Pole Position II, Zoo Keeper [Twitch, A+]
*early 1984 - Beaver vs. Greg - Sini-Star, Mach 3, Pole Position 3, Motor Race USA, TX-1 - the Starcade Hotline features Geoff playing Sini-Star! [G4, RRinkerman5.7.4, A+]
*1984 - Mark vs. Patrick - Motorace USA, The Pit, Rock'n Rope, Solar Fox, Discs of Tron [Twitch, A+]
*1984 - Anne and Randy vs. Marco and Noe - Change Lanes (which is so much of a game breaker it's borderline hilarious), Marvin's Maze, Elevator Action, Major Havoc, Snake Pit [Twitch, A+]
*1984 - Damon and Vicky vs. Brenda and Arnie - Donkey Kong 3, Star Wars, Motorrace USA, Juno First, Elevator Action [3/1984 RPT w/comm, NJohnson4.1, B]
*2/24/1984 unannounced finale - Tim and Danny vs. Cliff and Char - Zoo Keeper, Calipso, Sini-Star, Change Lanes, Dig Dug [Twitch, A+]
STRIKE IT RICH
Pretty good game, and Garagiola hosts very well. The pacing does leave a little to be desired, though.
syndication, 1986-1987
Joe Garagiola
*9/15/1986 premiere - Al and Fran vs. Louis and Ginny - reception problems, and buzzy audio [OC, RRinkermanDec2011/10.4, B]
*5/1987 - Paul and Linda vs. Don and Carol - buzzy audio at some areas, as well as some minor tracking issues here and there [OC, RSeidelman2.1.1, B]
*Next ep. - Paul and Linda vs. Linda and Rod - some minor tracking issues here and there [OC, RSeidelman2.1.2, B+]
STUMPERS
Totally underrated and totally fun Password spinoff!
NBC, 1976
Allen Ludden
*10/4/1976 premiere w/Dick Goutier and Robert Reed - Gail vs. Mauri - Tom Kennedy stops by at the end to plug 50 Grand Slam! [OC, filtered version is A (fixed brightness); original is JDay2.1, A-]
*12/31/1976 finale w/Anite Gilette and Bill Bixby - Bonnie vs. Jeff - contains a rather classy goodbye from Allen, and some guy backstage can be heard coughing during the entire show! - very minor audio skips throughout [SM, JDay2.2, B]
STUMP THE SCHWAB
Surprisingly engaging in how its presented and executed, even if you aren't huge into sports. The final round can get especially suspenseful.
ESPN2/ESPN Classic, 2004-2006
Stuart Scott
*4/11/2005 season premiere - Andrew vs. Jason vs. Mike Wargo [OC, RRinkerman117-2.3, A+]
*5/27/2005 season finale, and championship! - Adam vs. Nick vs. Mike Wargo [OC, RRinkerman7.1.4, A+]
*2005 - Micah vs. Vik vs. Adam - contains a rare result in the Schwab Showdown! - buzzy audio [6/2006 RPT, CCohan0720-4.4, A-]
*10/4/2005 - Sportscaster special with Chad Cushnir vs. Dan Needles vs. Chuck Oliver - contains a strikeless Schwab Showdown! [7/3/2006 RPT, CCohan3.5, A]
*11/4/2005 (B) - first of the season 3 semifinals - Brian vs. Geoff vs. Vi [7/4/2006 RPT, CCohan0720-4.5, A]
*9/25/2006 - Max vs. Chad vs. Cliff - the last preliminary ep. of the series, with a rare result in the Schwab Showdown! [OC, CDonegan417-3.1, A]
SUPERMARKET SWEEP
ABC, 1965-1967
Bill Malone
*3/28/1967 - Fran and John vs. Dick and Ranada vs. Hank and Peggy - Also includes 2 1/2 minutes of four additional openings - VERY inconsistent brightness throughout, which also jerks considerably often. [OB (B&W), BSchwarts4.2, B-]
Lifetime, 1990-1995
David Ruprecht
*2/5/1990 premiere - Gary and Mildred vs. Gary and Ron vs. Doris and Debbie [OC, PBurgos2.1, A]
*5/7/1990 - Matt and Scott vs. Kevin and Julie vs. Tani and Lani - Sweep of Champions ep. w/the short-lived Mr. Yuck in the big sweep! [OC, PBurgos2.2, A]
*7/15/1993 - Deanna and Alan vs. Sharon and Leeann vs. Jodi and Jan [OC, JOswald3.2, A-]
*7/16/1993 - Del and Tanya vs. Jeff and Steve vs. Renee and Denise [OC, JOswald3.3, A-]
*10/14/1994 - Twin Car giveaway finals! - two games played throught - too many contestants to name! - rather annoying buzzing tone at times [PAX w/comm, JOswald3.1, A]
*10/20/1994 - Dave and Teresa vs. Christy and Debbie vs. Lisa and Tom - both the main and bonus rounds come right down to the wire! - missing opening and closing; begins at Mini-Sweep [OB, MTiller3.2, A-]
PAX, 2000-2003
*5/2/2000 - Julie and Jil vs. Greg and Stacey vs. Gina and Toni - the winning Big Sweep is a record $1,567! [BUZZR, CCohan0420-5.3, A+]
TATTLETALES
Not my kind of show, but if you're into gossip, it's definitely for you.
CBS, 1974-1977, 1982-1984
Bert Convy
*VTR 6/7/1974 - Patty Duke and John Astin vs. Claire and Scooey Mitchell vs. Mitzi McCall and Charlie Brill - from the first week with the "All Quickies" format [SC w/slate, JLeeman4.3.1, A]
*11/1975 - Babbe and Willie Shoemaker vs. Jean and Tom Bosley vs. Bernadette Stanis and Tom Fanaroy (sp?) - contains the first three-way tie! [GSN, BBolton2.3, A]
*1977 - Bob and Dorothy Jo Barker vs. William Shatner and Marcy Laferty vs. Pat and Patty Cooper [GAME, JLeeman4.4.4, B+]
*1983 - Scoey and Claire Mitchell vs. John Patrick Weber and Shannon Tweed (Who were not doing well at all the entire week!) vs. Lee and Karen Bergere [OC, JLeeman4.2.1, B+]
TEMPTATION
ABC, 1967-1968
Art James
*12/18/1967 - Margo vs. Rosama vs. Sheryl [KIN w/comm, filtered version is A (fixed brightness); original is RRinkerman7.8.2, A-]
THREE FOR THE MONEY
syndication, 1975
Dick Enburg
*1975 - Linda Kaye Henning, Tony, Dona vs. Dick Goutier, Kim, Art [SM, JLeeman3.2.2, A]
THREE ON A MATCH
The pacing leaves something to be desired, but Cullen's hosting and the overall format manages to keep it afloat.
NBC, 1971-1974
Bill Cullen
1-match format; board has prizes
*3/15/1973 - Joan vs. Bob vs. Joanne [SM, filtered version is A (improved color); original is JLeeman6.2.1, A-]
3-Match format; board has pictures
*12/17/1973 - Francine vs. Doug vs. Don - video slightly jerky at most points [SM w/slate, filtered version is A- (fixed color); original is GBrobeck1.5, B+]
*2/6/1974 - Fred vs. Marilyn vs. Jon [OC, TMcSwain5.3, B+]
*2/7/1974 - Fred vs. Marilyn vs. Jon (again!) [OC, TMcSwain4.1, B+]
*2/8/1974 - Fred vs. Ronni vs. Lynn - Geoff Edwards stops by to promote Jackpot! [OC, TMcSwain5.1, B+]
*2/11/1974 - Fred vs. Ronni vs. Lynn (again!) [OC, TMcSwain5.2, B+]
*2/12/1974 - Fred vs. Ann vs. Art - two consecutive games end fast, including a huge win! [OC, filtered version is A (vastly improved color and saturation); original is GBrobeck1.6, A-]
TIC TAC DOUGH
One of Barry-Enright's finest. Concept is pretty simple but still an instant classic. I personally stomach the 1990 version okay as long as the dragon isn't rapping...
NBC daytime, 1956-1959
Jack Barry
*mid-1957 - Irving (who sings "Without a Song" midway through the show!) vs. Anne - includes a promo for Twenty-One, which Jack also promotes in-show! - contains a watermark of sorts on the middle-right of the screen [SC, filtered version is A- (adjusted tones, mitigated inconsistent brightness, and removed watermark); original is B]
*1/31/1958 - Morton vs. Shirley [SC, A+]
NBC primetime, 1957-1958
Win Elliot
*12/22/1958 - Bill vs. Dick - absolutely nothing happens except continuous ties, unfortunately [KIN w/comm, filtered version is A (fixed brightness); original is CDonnegan4.2, A-]
CBS, 1978
Wink Martindale
All episodes of this version shown here have blurry video and VERY low audio.
*7/3/1978 premiere - Ruth vs. Dan [OB, filtered version is B (fixed tint); original is JOswald1.2, B-]
*7/4/1978 - Ruth vs. Emily - no credits [OB, filtered version is B (significantly improved tint and saturation); original is JOswald1.2b, B-]
*7/5/1978 - Ruth (going for a car!) vs. Rick - video sometimes briefly turns B&W [OB, filtered version is B- (significantly improved tint and color); original is JOswald1.2c, C]
*7/6/1978 - Ruth vs. Phil - video can occasionally glitch, and no credits [OB, filtered version is B- (adjusted brightness and tint); original is JOswald1.2d, C+]
syndication, 1978-1986
*9/18/1978 PREMIERE - Carla vs. Logan - Johnny Gilbert announces - somewhat blurry video but no watermark [GAME, filtered version is A- (fixed levels & saturation); original is CDonegan417-1.4, B+]
*1978 - Stephanie vs. Steve - interestingly, this ep. starts with a post-production message from Wink announcing this as the premiere; this most likely first aired in affiliates that didn't start with the official premiere [GAME, filtered version is A (adjusted brightness & color); original is CDonegan417-2.2, A-]
*early 11/1978 - Pieter vs. Mike [GAME w/comm (no watermark!), JOswaldtape3.4, A-]
*11/1978 - first ep. of the Tournament of Children! - Gayle vs. Jack [GAME (no watermark for most of the show!), RRinkerman517-5.2, B]
*11/24/1978 - Pieter DeVries vs. Pat [OC, JLeeman6.1.1, A-]
VTR 12/1978 - Scott Wyant (future TTD writer) vs. Linda [GAME, RRinkerman4.6.1, B+]
*Next ep. - Scott Wyant vs. Nick [GAME, RRinkerman4.6.2, B+]
*2/1979 - Brian Donovan (going for car 5!) vs. Sharron [GAME w/few comm, JOswaldtape3.5, B]
*VTR 2/1979 - Brian Donovan vs. the Dragon - Wink calls Jay "Kenny" at the beginning; also last episode with shuffling after every round - a subscription message for Game Show Network crawls on the bottom from time to time [GAME, JOswaldtape3.6, B]
*VTR 4/1979 - Gary Meyers vs. Terry [GAME, JOswaldtape3.8, A-]
*9/17/1979 season premiere - Peter vs. the Dragon (with a blue background) [GSN, A++]
*2/29/1980 - Marc vs. Sharon - part of open missing [GSN, A]
*3/3/1980 - Ron vs. Linda - part of open missing [GSN, A]
*5/12/1980 - second half only; starts at Thom McKee vs. the Dragon [GSN, A++]
*5/13/1980 - Thom McKee ($41K) vs. Pete - features the short-lived Secret Category which here made the pot grow like crazy!
*5/14/1980 - Thom McKee vs. Pete (still!) - the match ends with a record pot of $36K!
*5/15/1980 - Thom McKee ($81K; going for car #2!) vs. Sister Armida
*5/16/1980 - Thom McKee ($93.2K) vs. Smitty
*5/19/1980 - Thom McKee ($93.8K) vs. Leila
*5/20/1980 - Thom McKee ($95K) vs. Leila (still going!) - the champ enters six digit territory here!
*5/27/1980 - Thom McKee ($136K) vs. Teresa
*5/28/1980 - Thom McKee ($141K) vs. Bill
*5/29/1980 - Thom McKee ($144K; going for car #4!) vs. Cheryl
*5/30/1980 - Thom McKee vs. Cheryl (still going!) - TTD's all-time winnings record is broken!
*6/2/1980 - Thom McKee ($158K) vs. Tom
*6/3/1980 - Thom McKee ($164K) vs. Ruth
*6/4/1980 - Thom McKee ($167K) vs. the Dragon
*6/5/1980 - Thom McKee ($176K; going for car #5!) vs. Will
*6/6/1980 - Thom McKee ($195K) vs. Ann
*6/10/1980 - Thom McKee ($201K!) vs. Joe
*6/11/1980 - Thom McKee ($210K) vs. the Dragon
*6/12/1980 - Thom McKee ($214K; going for car #6!) vs. Joseph
*6/13/1980 season finale - Thom McKee ($226K) vs. Cheryl (different from the one above) - oddly, a contestant is introduced at the end that doesn't return for the season premiere.
*9/2/1980 - Thom McKee ($229K) vs. Candy - Art James announces this and the next two weeks of shows!
*9/3/1980 - Thom McKee vs. Candy (in their 6th game!)
*9/5/1980 - Thom McKee ($248K) vs. Dorothy
*9/8/1980 - Thom McKee ($253K; going for car #7!) vs. Ron
*9/9/1980 - Thom McKee vs. Ron (still going!) - the all-time game show winnings record is broken, which no single person would exceed until 1999!
*9/10/1980 - Thom McKee ($267K) vs. Jerry
*9/11/1980 - Thom McKee ($270K) vs. Donna
*9/12/1980 - Thom McKee ($278K) vs. Fred
*9/15/1980 - Thom McKee ($284K) vs. the Dragon - Jay Stewart returns as announcer
*9/16/1980 - Thom McKee ($289K; going for his 8th car!) vs. Pete (different from the one above)
*9/17/1980 - Thom McKee ($299K) vs. Laurie
*9/18/1980 - Thom McKee ($307K!) vs. Stan
*9/19/1980 - Thom McKee ($310K) vs. Gloria
*9/22/1980 - Thom McKee vs. Eric - after $312K and 46 shows, Thom finally goes down! [GSN, A++]
*10/1980 - Erik vs. Mary - the pot is over $24,000! - slightly glitchy video [GAME, JOswaldtape3.7, B]
*11/5/1980 - John vs. the Dragon - also includes the first few minutes of the next ep [OB, B+]
*early 1981 - Allan vs. Roxanne [GAME, GGarsten0820-3.5, A]
*late 1981 - Mimi vs. the Dragon - contains a particularly unique intro variant! [OB, B+]
*12/1981 - H.J. vs. Laura Chambers - Charlie O'Donnell announces from this point onward - blurry video and low audio [OB, JOswald1.3, B]
*Next ep. - H.J. vs. Laura Chambers - same issues as above [OB, JOswald1.3b, B]
*Next ep. - 10-minute clip of H.J. and Laura’s match result. [OB, CDonnegan4.1, B+]
*1982 - Bill vs. the Dragon - Wink introduces the champ as a 'lady'! [USA w/comm, filtered version is A- (improved brightness and A/V sync); original is RRinkerman117-5.2, B+]
*early 1983 - Jeffrey vs. Dave - dark video [USA, JOswaldtape3.9, B+]
*1983 - Joan vs. the Dragon - debut of the short-lived Audience Dragon Finder game! [GAME, DBarkow4.3, B+]
*11/1983 - Penny vs. Bambi - TWO Dragon Finder playings! - muffled audio [GAME, DBarkow4.4, B]
*11/16/1983 - All-Time Champ tournament, day 3! - Thom McKee vs. Wilbur Hicks - video slightly glitchy at times [GAME, JCranmer3.3, B]
*11/18/1983 - All-Time Champ tournament, day 5! - Mark Leinwand vs. Wilbur Hicks - video slightly glitchy at times [GAME, JCranmer3.4, B]
*11/21/1983 - All-Time Champ tournament finale! - Gary Meyers vs. Mark Leinwand - blurry video, which is also slightly glitchy at times [GAME, DBarkow6.5, B-]
*late 1983 - Jan Kraepelin (his brother defeated Thom McKee) vs. Kathy [GAME, JCranmer3.2, B+]
*5/23/1984 - Linda vs. Kit Salisbury [OB, JCranmer4.3, A-]
*5/25/1984 season finale - Kit Salisbury vs. Kathleen - Kit shows impressive knowledge in the Auction category! [OC, JOswald1.4, A-]
*8/27/1984 season premiere - Kit Salisbury vs. Kathleen (still going!) [OC, JOswald1.4b, A]
*8/31/1984 - Kit Salisbury (going for his second car!) vs. Lisa [OB w/some comm, MPannoni3.2, A-]
*9/25/1984 - Kit Salisbury vs. Royanne - Kit gets misspelled out as champ! - audio is pretty buzzy [GAME, DDowns13.4, B]
*4/29/1985 - Patricia vs. Steve - cuts during bonus prize plugs [USA, BSchwartz3.4.4, A-]
*6/1985 - Gisele vs. the Dragon - Wink’s unannounced last episode [GAME, filtered version is A- (fixed A/V sync and color); original is DDowns14.1, B+]
Jim Caldwell
*9/23/1985 season premiere (also Jim's first episode!) - Gisele vs. Archie [GAME, fiiltered version is B+ (fixed tint and A/V sync); original is DBarkow9.4, B]
*9/26/1985 - Tricia vs. Morgan [GameTV, A+]
*9/27/1985 - Morgan vs. the Dragon [GameTV, A+]
*9/30/1985 - Morgan vs. Artie [GameTV, A+]
*11/22/1985 - Ted vs. Derrick [GameTV, A+]
*11/25/1985 - Allise vs. the Dragon - afterward, Ted returns due to an error [GameTV, A+]
*11/28/1985 - Ted vs. the Dragon - he goes for his third car afterwards! [GAME, JCranmer4.1a, B+]
*11/29/1985 - first 5 minutes of an ep w/Ted (going for car 3!) vs. Chris [GAME, JCranmer4.2, B+]
*1/20/1986 - Barry vs. the Dragon - he goes for his second car afterwards! [GAME, RRinkerman117-6.1, A-]
*1986 - Jacqueline vs. the Dragon [GameTV, A+]
*Next ep - Jacqueline vs. Michelle [GameTV, A+]
*Next ep - Michelle vs. Fred [GameTV, A+]
*1986 - Don Benn vs. Madeline - occasionally slightly glitchy video; muffled audio [OB, JOswaldtape3.10, B]
*Next ep. - Don Benn vs. Craig - somewhat fuzzy video, which is also slightly glitchy at a few points; VERY muffled audio [OB, JOswaldtape3.11, B-]
*4/1986 - David vs. Tonia [OB, JOswaldtape3.12, B+]
*5/23/1986 finale - Dwier vs. Laurie - Jim gives an update on Thom McKee! [OC, RRinkermanMay2010/8.3, A-]
syndication, 1990-1991
Patrick Wayne
*9/10/1990 premiere - Andrew vs. Gita [USA, RSeidelman1.4, A]
*9/14/1990 - Daniel vs. the Dragon - some slight reception distortion [OB, DBarkow9.2, B+]
*9/17/1990 - Daniel vs. Aaron - bright video [OB, DBarkow7.1, B+]
*9/21/1990 - Brian vs. the Dragon - Mark DeCarlo is a contestant! - fluctuating colors "flash" onscreen throughout, though it usually isn't too noticeable and it occasionally takes a small break [OC, RRinkerman4.1.1a, B+]
*10/1990 - Joel vs. Myrna - now contains the ever-infamous Rapping Dragon! [USA, JOswaldtape3.14, A-]
*10/24/1990 - Joel vs. Agnes [OB w/few comm, PBurgos4.5, B+]
*10/25/1990 - John vs. the Dragon - the bonus round is played THREE times! - missing closing; cuts at beginning of final segment - shaky video for the first couple minutes, and pretty jerky the next few, and video is relatively fine afterward; VERY low audio (which somewhat increases as the show progresses) [USA w/comm, C+ at first then B-]
*1990 - Cris vs. the Dragon - VERY low audio [USA, JOswaldtape3.13, B+]
*11/20/1990 - from Divorced Couples Week! - Sirod vs. Alan - missing open; begins during interviews [USA w/comm, DBarkow7.2, A-]
TIME MACHINE
Meh, it's too much of a shameless ripoff of the Price is Right to really appeal to me. The set looks really nice though.
NBC, 1985
John Davidson
*1/7/1985 premiere - Shannon vs. Barbara vs. Greg - games: Tube Game, Main Event, Three in a Row [OC, JLeeman3.1, A-]
TO SAY THE LEAST
Shorten sentences to as little as possible to win! Very original concept with a format and execution to match.
NBC, 1977-1978
Tom Kennedy
*10/3/1977 premiere w/Rita Moreno, Lee Merriwether, Robert Fuller, and Jamie Farr - Bill vs. Gerri - video jerks at times, and breaks during a few commercials [OC, MLight2.6.2, B]
*1/18/1978 w/Susan Seaforth, JoAnne Pflug, Jamie Farr, and Paul Sylvan - Dan at All-Star Game [OC, JLeeman0220-3.1, A-]
*1/19/1978 w/same guests as above, and also starts with Dan at All-Star Game - no credits [OC, JLeeman0220-3.2, A-]
*1/20/1978 w/same guests as above (again) - Kathy vs. Bob [OC, JLeeman0220-3.3, A-]
*2/23/1978 w/Ruta Lee, Sharon Lee, Paul Sylvan, and Jamie Farr - Wayne at All-Star Game (and a pretty exciting one at that!) [OC, MLight1.3, B+]
TO TELL THE TRUTH
I am usually not a panel show person, but this is quite an exception for me thanks to all the fun stories.
CBS primetime, 1956-1967
Bud Collyer
Black-and-White
*8/6/1957 w/Polly Bergen, Eamonn Andrews, Kitty Carlisle, and Hy Gardener - Ralph Bellemy guest-hosts! [GSN, A++]
*2/26/1962 w/Tom Poston, Dina Merill, Johnny Carson, Peggy Cass - Merv Griffin guest-hosts! [GAME w/some comm, BBolton3.4, B+]
*12/23/1966 w/Tom Poston, Peggy Cass, Orson Bean, and Kitty Carlisle (the four regulars) - first guest is leader of the Procrastinator's Club (really silly segment) [GAME w/ORIGINAL comm (yeah, they sure goofed up), RRinkermanDec2011/6.1, A-]
Color
*4/1967 w/the four regulars - one of only two surviving color episodes! - two copies: [GAME w/comm, JLeeman6.3, A-] or [OC (with CBS color promo!), BBolton2.4, B+]
CBS, 1962-1968
*4/1/1964 w/Nancy Dussalt, Barry Nelson, Ann Sheridan, Sam Levonsan - a really clever joke is pulled in game 2! - EXTREMELY bright video, but still highly recommended! [KIN w/some comm, JLeeman2.3, B-]
*1966 w/Tom Poston, Peggy Cass, Orson Bean, Joan Fontaine - Kitty Carlisle is the second guest, and the three have veils over their heads! [GAME w/some comm, JLeeman4.2, A-]
Color
*1967 w/the four regulars - VERY early episode with audience voting, with 12 members selected as a "jury"! [GAME w/comm, JLeeman6.2, B+]
*1967 w/the four regulars - first guest is a man who dumped 1000 love leaflets out of a plane [GSN, MLight2.2.4, A++]
*3/3/1968 w/Robert Q. Lewis, Peggy Cass, Orson Bean, Kitty Carlisle - Bert Convy guest-hosts! - now with new (and lamer) set and music [GSN, MLight2.2.5, A++]
syndication, 1969-1978
Garry Moore
*1970 w/Darrell Curtie, Peggy Cass, *Mark Goodson*, Kitty Carlisle - Bill Cullen guest-hosts! [GSN, MLight3.1, A++]
*1970 w/Peggy Cass, Bill Cullen (who switches with Garry during game 2!), Kitty Carlisle, Tom Poston [GAME w/comm, JLeeman4.3, A-]
*1971 w/Bill Cullen, Peggy Cass, Durward Kirby, Carol Burnett - an armadillo relieves itself on the stage floor! [GAME, JLeeman5.3, A-]
*1971 w/Bill Cullen, Peggy Cass, Bennett Cerf (his first appearance, with a special introduction!), Kitty Carlisle [GAME w/few comm, JLeeman4.4.3, B+]
*5 or 6/1971 w/Gene Rayburn, Peggy Cass, Tom Poston, Kitty Carlisle - last day of the first set! [GAME w/few comm, RRinkermanTTTT.1, A-]
*late 1971 w/Bill Cullen, Peggy Cass, Gene Shalit, and Kitty Carlisle - first guest takes care of lion cubs, one of which performs some 'familiar business' [GAME, JLeeman0220-3.4, A]
*late 1971 w/Bill Cullen, Peggy Cass, Rosey Grier (his first appearance, with a special and humorous introduction!), Kitty Carlisle - first guest trains a famous toucan who is present (and quite disruptive) throughout the round! Also, one of the imposters in game 2 rings a bell to Garry, and for good reason... [GAME w/comm, JLeeman0620-5.4, A]
*1972 w/Gene Rayburn (who gets more and more tipsy as the show progresses!), Kitty Carlisle, Bill Cullen, Peggy Cass - somewhat fuzzy video [GAME w/comm, JLeeman2.2, B+]
*VTR 4/1972 w/Bill Cullen, Peggy Cass, Orson Bean, Kitty Carlisle - first game ends with a lengthy and hilarious karate demonstration, which Garry ends up giving a shot! Also, the panel gets wiped out both times today, with a total of 5 for the week! - slightly buzzy audio [GAME w/comm, JLeeman0620-4.1, A-]
*late 1973 w/Kitty Carlisle, Bill Cullen, Peggy Cass, Gene Rayburn - the ‘Dog Food in Stroganoff’ episode! [GSN, MLight3.2, A++]
*1974 w/Bill Cullen, Peggy Cass, Joe Garagiola, Kitty Carlisle - the hysterical Richard Buggy episode, where the imposters are Kitty's and Joe's kids - video pretty wavy in some shots, with studio timecode onscreen; distorted audio [SM, JLeeman4.4.1, B]
*1975 w/Bill Cullen, Peggy Cass, Nipsey Russell, Kitty Carlisle - first guest is Bill Hanna of Hanna-Barbara productions, and Yogi Bear introduces everyone in the open! [GAME, RRinkermanTTTT.2, A]
*11/1975 w/Bill Cullen, Peggy Cass, Nipsey Russell, Kitty Carlisle - first guest is Bob Clampett, creator of Porky Pig, Daffy Duck, and Bugs Bunny! [GAME, JLeeman0220-2.1, A-]
*VTR 11/1976 w/Soupy Sales, Kitty Carlisle, Bill Cullen, Peggy Cass - a live eagle is onstage for the first game, who proves just a tad intrusive! [GAME, JLeeman0620-2.2, A-]
*early 1977 w/Gene Rayburn, Peggy Cass, Nipsey Russell, Kitty Carlisle - Bill Cullen guest-hosts! [GAME, A-]
*1977 w/Gene Rayburn, Peggy Cass, Nipsey Russell, Kitty Carlisle - Bill Cullen guest-hosts (again!) - audio is buzzy and EXTREMELY VERY low during first segment, and better but still quite low afterward [GAME, JLeeman4.4.2, B-]
*9/1977 w/Bill Cullen, Peggy Cass, Joe Garagiola, Kitty Carlisle - Garry's last episode, who spends the second half discussing his earlier absence and why he's retiring. Highly recommended! [GAME, RRinkermanTTTT.3, A]
Joe Garagiola
*VTR 5/18/1977 w/Bill Cullen, Peggy Cass, Frank Field, & Kitty Carlisle - first game contains the infamous parakeet blooper where Bill, shall we say, knows the guest a little too well... and this keeps the panel in hysterics for the rest of the segment! [SM w/slate, A+]
*1977 w/Bill Cullen, Peggy Cass, Barry Neilson, Kitty Carlisle - first guest is the actor who plays Darth Vader in ‘Star Wars’! [GSN, MLight4.2, A-]
*1978 w/Nipsey Russell, Peggy Cass, Bill Cullen, Kitty Carlisle - pretty bright video; audio pretty off-sync [OC, JLeeman1.1c, A-]
*1978 finale (which Joe sort of announces...) w/Bill Cullen, Peggy Cass, Barry Neilson, Kitty Carlisle - slightly snowy video [GAME, DBarkow4.3.3, B+]
syndication, 1980-1981
Robin Ward
*9/29/1980 premiere w/Pat Collins, Nipsey Russell, Margaret Kruknow(?), John Wayne [GAME, JLeeman2.1.4, A-]
*10/1980 w/same guests as above - first guest is cartoon legend Chuck Jones! [GSN, CCohan0720-4.6, A-]
*VTR 7/31/1980 w/John Wayne, Susan Luchi, Bill Cullen, Polly Bergen - features a retake on one part! - time code onscreen [SM w/slate, TMcSwain3.5, B+]
*10/23/1980 w/Nipsey Russell, Tori Leen, Gordon Jump, Kitty Carlisle - ROSA PARKS is the second guest! [GSN, MLight2.2, A++]
*VTR 1/1981 w/Nipsey Russell, Carol Shelley, Soupy Sales, Polly Bergen [GAME, JLeeman2.1.5, A]
NBC, 1990-1991
*1990 pilot hosted by Richard Kline, which was mistakingly aired in the East in lieu of the premiere! - panel: Morton Downey Jr., Cindy Adams, Lynn Swann, Lynn Redgrave - low audio [OB w/few comm, RrinkermanTTTT.4, B]
Gordon Elliot
*9/3/1990 premiere w/David Nibbin Jr., Gloria Loring, Lynn Swann, Kitty Carlisle [GSN, MLight2.4.1, A++]
*10/26/1990 w/David Niven Jr., Gloria Allred, Lynn Swann, Sarah Purcell - Gordon's final episode (unannounced) [GSN, RRinkermanDec2011/6.2, A+]
Lynn Swann
*12/25/1990 w/Orson Bean, Peggy Cass, Chris Lemmon, Kitty Carlisle - Rip Taylor is a Santa imposter in game 1! [GAME w/comm, TMcSwainD1.5, A-]
*1/29/1991 w/Ron Masak, Jennifer Verabi, David Nibbin Jr., Kitty Carlisle (everyone but Ron disqualifies themselves in game 1!) [GSN w/comm, RRinkermanTTTT/WBSM.1, A]
Alex Trebek
*2/4/1991 - Alex's first episode! - panel: Orson Bean, Betty White, Richard Moll, Kitty Carlisle [GSN, GGarsten5.1, A+]
*2/18/1991 w/Orson Bean, Gloria Loring, David Nibbin Jr., Cindy Adams - MARK GOODSON guest-hosts! [GSN, GGarsten5.2, A+]
*2/19/1991 w/same guests as above - Mark Goodson guest-hosts, taped just after Alex's wife gave birth! [GAME w/comm, A]
*5/31/1991 finale w/Ron Masak, Orson Bean, Mother Love, Kitty Carlisle - the one-on-one player is the TTTT director! [OC, GGarsten5.3, A]
syndication, 2000-2002
John O’Hurley
*10/5/2000 w/Meshach Taylor, Paula Poundstone, Richard Kind, Kitty Carlisle(!) [GSN, RRinkerman7.8.1, A++]
*2000 w/Meshach Taylor, Paula Poundstone, Bryan Cranston, Molly Curver [GSN, RRinkermanTTTT.5, A++]
TREASURE HUNT
Think a more different Let's Make a Deal, with a lot of suspense and a ton to win. Very fun in how you never know what's going to happen, and Edwards does an especially fantastic job as host here.
weekly syndication, 1973-1977 ("The New Treasure Hunt")
Geoff Edwards
*9/1973 premiere - first player: Sharon - blurry video with a constant "Hi-Fi" graphic - no closing; cuts during Geoff's farewell [SM, TMcSwain717-2.2, B]
*late 1973 - first player: Sharron - both games have the kind of fake-outs that made this show a delight to watch, with one twist after another! - Fee plugs are replaced with newer ones [CBN, JLeeman0220-2.4, A-]
*1974 - first player: Celia - who knew there'd be so much to a freaking birdcage... - now in better quality! [GAME, CCohan0720-6.4, A-]
*1974 - first player: Betty [CBN, CCohan0420-3.5, A-]
*1974 - first player: Jean - first game contains a party of sorts, with Chuck Barris making an appearance! But that's not the only surprise that happens here... [CBN, JLeeman0220-2.5, B+]
*1974 - first player: Susan - the episode where a contestant faints over winning a car! [GSN w/comm, FOF.6, A++]
*1/1975 - first player: Elizabeth - missing entire first segment; bright video [OC, B+]
*1976 - first player: Labora - first qualifying game has four contestants come up; nice try... - contains a Face the Music promo! - Inconsistent tracking can cause distracting jumps in some portions; shame, because the video is otherwise quite clear [CBN, CCohan4.2, B+ (on average)]
*1976 - first player: Audrey [CBN, CCohan0720-2.5, A-]
*1976 - first player: Gussie [10/1984 RPT w/comm, RRinkerman0120-1.1, B+]
syndication, 1981-1982
*10/5/1981 - returning champion: Betty - second game features Juan Ponce de Leon... who leaves a tampered prop, forcing Geoff to improvise! [GAME w/comm, CCohan4.3, A-]
*late 1981 - returning champion: Sandy - perhaps bringing in a baby for a skit wasn't the best idea (HILARIOUS segment!)... - both the audio and video quality are much better in the second half than the first [GAME, CCohan4.4, B+ at first then A]
*late 1981 - returning champion: Cathy [1984 RPT w/comm, RRinkerman817-2.5, B+]
*12/1981 - returning champion: Joya - the second prize is Christmas-themed! [1984 RPT w/comm, CCohan0420-6.3, A]
*1/4/1982 - returning champion: Rose (her fifth hunt; can she finally win the $50K?) [GAME, CCohan4.5, B]
TRIVIAL PURSUIT: AMERICA PLAYS
A decent concept, and the technicals are pretty cool, but it just felt lacking in many areas. It could've easily been tweaked into something better.
syndication, 2008-2009
Christopher Knight
*11/13/2008 - from Brady Week w/SUSAN OLSEN as team leader! - Brad vs. Kate vs. Michael - no opening [OC, A++]
*1/1/2009 - Alyssa vs. Matthew vs. Toni [OB, A++]
*4/8/2009 - Michele vs. Ryan vs. Deb - winner goes for the rare double-or-nothing gamble! [OB, A]
TRUMP CARD
syndication, 1990-1991
Jimmy Cefalo
*9/6/1991 finale, where the champ has the chance to win an extra $100K! - Tom vs. Rich vs. John - pretty pixelated video, which also has lots of "jerks" and is pretty shaky at times [OB w/some comm, TMcSwain6.3.1, B-]
TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES
A very historical show for more reasons than one, and that's the truth.
CBS, 1950-1954
Ralph Edwards
*1951 - first stunt involves a square dance - quite distorted audio [SC, filtered version is A- (fixed brightness); original is CDonegan417-3.2, B+]
NBC, 1956-1965
Bob Barker
*12/31/1956 premiere, along with the beginning of Bob's 50-year legacy, introduced by Ralph Edwards! - first stunt involves a mini Rose Bowl - inactive studio time code onscreen [SC, MPannoni1.1, B+]
*12/1961 - first stunt involves identifying demographic averages - reception is not the best [America One, CDonegan1219-4.4, B]
syndication, 1966-1975
*1970s - 32 minutes of clips [SM, RRinkerman0120-1.3, B]
syndication, 1977-1978
Bob Hilton
*1977 - first stunt involves a couple tracking down each other with the husband in a helicopter - inactive studio timecode onscreen [SM, CDonegan417-3.3, B+]
TWENTY-ONE
Very decent and pretty exciting in theory... though the rigging in the '50s version kinda ruined it. 2000 version is slightly flawed in gameplay, but is still very underappreciated.
NBC primetime, 1956-1958
Jack Barry
*3/1956 pilot, made for CBS! - Marian vs. Maurice [SM, RRinkerman817-5.1, A-]
*12/19/1956 - Charles (Van Doren) vs. Barbara - somewhat blurry and slightly unstable video with a studio timecode [SC, filtered version is B; original is TMcSwain717-2.4, B-]
*1/23/1957 - Charles (Van Doren) vs. Ruth - somewhat blurry video with a studio timecode [SC, filtered version is B+; original is TMcSwain717-2.3, B-]
*6/1957 - Hank Bloomgarten vs. James Snodgrass - the show starts with them restarting their match at game 7 due to a complicated error [KIN w/comm, RRinkerman817-5.8, A-]
NBC primetime, 2000
Maury Povich
*2/2/2000 - Rahim Obreholtzer vs. Victoria - two copies: [GSN, A++] or [GAME, RRinkerman’21’.1, A-]
*4/24/2000 - Tim vs. Kim [GSN, RRinkerman817-5.3, A]
*5/28/2000 unannounced finale - Mary at Perfect 21 [GSN, Rrinkerman’21’.2, A-]
20Q
One of GSN's better recent originals. It had a good concept and good gameplay. Mr. Q can be kind of annoying at times, but at least he has a good enough purpose.
GSN, 2009
Cat Deeley
*7/11/2009 - Shawn vs. Stephen vs. Melanie then Jessica vs. Michelle vs. Brooke [9/13/2009 RPT, A++]
WHAMMY! THE ALL-NEW PRESS YOUR LUCK
For a revival of such an awesome show, it doesn't disappoint much at all. I prefer the second season because of the better set, the Big Bank, and slightly higher stakes.
GSN, 2002-2003
Todd Newton
*5/6/2002 - Scott Hostetler vs. Michelle vs. Sharon [2008 RPT, A]
*6/28/2002 - second taped episode, with slightly different graphics, lower budget, and no initial $1000 - missing open and first two spins - Abner vs. Michele vs. Carie [2007 RPT, A]
*7/5/2002 - first taped episode, with same differences as above - Kamenna vs. Kenny vs. Leora [2007 RPT, A]
*3/17/2003 season premiere, with new set and Big Bank - Kelly vs. Shannon vs. Kevin - St. Patrick's day special, with set decorations and new Whammies debut here [OC, BEvans1.1.4, A-]
*3/17/2003 (again) - Larson rematch special, with Michael's brother James playing against Michael's original two opponents (Ed and Janie); plus, Peter Tomarken returns to host the question round! Highly recommended! [OC, BEvans1.1.3, A-]
*4/1/2003 - Larry vs. Katie vs. Cheryl - April Fools' episode, where Graham Elwood hosts and Todd Newton helps out with the Double Whammies! [OC, BEvans1.1.2, A+]
*5/16/2003 - Tournament Finals (and finale of series) – Shirley vs. Sandy vs. Jack [2009 RPT, A+]
WHAT'S MY LINE
I'm not much of a panel show person, but it's safe to say I know why this was so successful. :)
syndication, 1968-1976
Larry Blyden
*1973 w/Gene Rayburn, Sherrye Henry, Anne Alda, and Arlene Francis - wavy video [1970s RPT w/comm, DDownsBonus1.2, B-]
WHEEL OF FORTUNE - No space for this show on the wheel. See it in this page.
WHEW!
About as creative as a 70s show gets, though I can't say it's one of my favorites. I don't know, something about the front game feels a little too easy in my opinion.
CBS, 1979-1980
Tom Kennedy
*5/1979 - 8.5-minute clip, with the final round of a match and the Gauntlet round - Gene vs. Carrie [OB w/some comm, RRinkerman4.7.4, B+]
*6/1/1979 - Melissa vs. Tony - video wavy at some points [OB, DBarkow7.4, B-]
*6/4/1979 - Sharlene vs. Howard - video somewhat red-tinted [OB w/some comm, BSchwartz1.1, B]
*6/8/1979 - Howard vs. Alan - video somewhat red-tinted [OB w/some comm, BSchwartz1.2, B]
*6/11/1979 - Howard vs. Donna - HEARTBREAKING Gauntlet round! - video blurry, slightly wavy at some points, and some slight reception distortion [OB, DBarkow7.5, B-]
*6/12/1979 - 5-minute clip of Howard vs. the Villians [OB, BSchwartz1.3, B]
*8/27/1979 - Pat at Gauntlet - Randy Amesia's first appearance! [SM, RRinkerman6.9.4, A-]
*8/28/1979 - Randy Amesia vs. the Villians - Randy didn't have a copy of this episode, and the day he got one, he died [SM, JLeeman3.2.6, B+]
*late 10/1979 - 14 minutes of clips of two ep.s containing a full match - Tami vs. Steven - Tom plugs the celebrity version! [OB, BSchwartz1.4, A-]
Celebrities paired with contestants
*4/8/1980 w/Trish Stewart and Jamie Farr - Rose vs. Keith [OB, BSchwartz1.5a, B+]
*4/9/1980 w/same guests as above - Keith vs. Kelly - no credits; due to its length, this counts as half an episode [OB, BSchwartz1.5b, B+]
*5/23/1980 w/Marcia Wallace and Robert Vaughn - David vs. Laura - now has the bonus board for winners of 2-game matches - missing closing segment [OB, BSchwartz1.6, B]
*5/29/1980 w/John Saxon and Betty White - Mona vs. Chris - video VERY blurry, jumpy at most points, and slightly wavy at times [OB, RRinkerman4.4.4, C]
*5/30/1980 finale w/same guests as above - Stephen vs. Stephanie - bright video [OB, CDonnegan2.6, A-]
WHO WANTS TO BE A MILLIONAIRE?
Started off amazing, but sadly lost its luster in the mid-2000s and just never could recover.
ABC primetime, 1999-2002, 2009
Regis Philbin
1999 run, Half-hour
*11/19/1999 - JOHN CARPENTER at $300. It's the final answer heard all around the world, as Regis puts it! [OB, NJohnson3.5, A]
2000-2002 run, Hour-long
*3/23/2000 - contestant info TBA, but contains Joe Trela's $1M win! - missing opening and closing [GSN, A++]
*6/13/2000 - Bob House at $300 - missing part of opening [GSN, A++]
2009 10th anniversary return
*8/10/2009 (ep. 2) - Gary Cousins at $4,000 - celebrity question: Vanessa Williams [OB, A++]
*8/23/2009 - last episode of prime-time return - Jim Robinson at $16,000 – Ken Basin becomes the first US contestant to lose on the $1M question! - celebrity question: REGIS PHILBIN (with Meredith guest-hosting!) - combination of two copies: [OC, A++] and [OC, BMoore2.4.5, A+ (final segment)]
syndication, 2002-2019
Meredith Viera
Classic Format
*2/18//2003 - Kevin Smith at $2,000, who gets very gutsy later on! [OB, MTiller1.1, A-]
*4/14/2005 - Dan Avila at $8,000 (his various game show appearances are brought up at one point, too) [OB w/few comm, RRinkerman5.8.6, A-]
*5/19-20/2005 - a 10-minute clip from Walk In and Win Week at Walt Disney World! - Michelle Glover here really struggles right from the offset, ending in a particular unusual manner! [OB, TMcSwain0820-4.1, A-]
With the Clock
*11/13/2008 - Nicole Jurado at $4,000 - missing first minute or so; does not affect gameplay [OC, A++]
*9/7/2009 season premiere, and start of the tournament entries; also, the 9 contestants who didn’t play in the 10th anniversary finale play throughout the week! - Will at $100 [OB, A++]
*12/4/2009 - Trisha at $15,000 - *Regis Philbin* guest-hosts, in what would end up being his final ever time hosting the series! [OC, IWallis2.4, A+]
Shuffle Format
*9/13/2010 season premiere, and first episode with new format and music! - David at question 1 [OB, RRinkerman5.9.4, A+]
*12/14/2010 - Marla at $100,000 [OC, A++]
*9/22/2011 - from Celebrity Week! - Anthony Anderson at question 7 [OB, A+]
*9/23/2011 - Friday of Celebrity Week! - Anthony Anderson at $500,000 - This day alone has 3/4ths of the money given in the entire week! [OB, A+]
United Kingdom versions
ITV, 1998-present
Chris Terrant
Half-hour format
*9/4/1998 PREMIERE - Graham starts a game [OB, BSchwartz3.4, B+]
Hour-long format
*1/9/1999 - Martin at £4,000 - first hour-long show, and contains the first six-figure wins in the series! [CHALLENGE, A+]
*1/17 and 1/18/2000 - 30 minutes of footage containing Peter Lee's full run! [OB, A-]
*11/20/2000 - Judith at £36,000 (with a very historic moment later on!) [OB w/few comm, BSchwartz3.5, B+]
*9/15/2001 - Craig at £16,000 - this is actually two ep.s merged together to remove Charles Ingram's infamous run, with all traces of him at the Fastest Finger removed and a rather suspicious announcement at that point. In fact, his accomplice Tecwen Whittock is a later contestant! - slightly fuzzy video [OB, CDonegan417-2.3, B+]
THE WHO, WHAT, OR WHERE GAME
NBC, 1969-1973
Art James
*1970 - Greg vs. Claire vs. John - sadly what could very well be the only existing episode - Now in better quality, though video occasionally jerks and is also somewhat blurry [SM, GBrobeck3.3, B]
WIN BEN STEIN’S MONEY
A somewhat overlooked show with raunchy yet hilarious humor galore. The actual game is quite well executed, too.
Bolded names are the co-host with Ben Stein.
Comedy Central, 1997-2003
Jimmy Kimmel
*7/28/1997 premiere - Russell vs. Kate vs. David [OB, CDonegan4.1.1, A-]
*8/6/1997 - Geoffrey vs. Lara vs. Wampus (yes, really) [12/1997 RPT, CDonegan0420-1.1, A]
*9/16/1997 - David vs. Janet vs. Mike - Ben is accompanied by two cheerleaders throughout the show! [OB, CDonegan0420-1.2, A]
*9/19/1997 - Craig vs. Rose vs. Hank [12/1997 RPT, RRinkermanMay2010/1.1, B+]
*9/25/1997 - Fred vs. Deborah vs. David [12/1997 RPT, RRinkermanMay2010/1.2, B+]
*10/10/1997 - supposedly the aired pilot, because of a Best of 10 rule that was changed later - David vs. Vicky vs. Mitchell - pretty echo-ey audio [OB, CDonegan7.2.2, A-]
*4/15/1998 season premiere, with Tax Day mentions galore! - Norm vs. Carolyn vs. Alan [GSN w/comm, CCohan0420-5.1, A]
*4/22/1998 - Tom vs. Carol vs. CURTIS WARREN [GSN w/comm, DBarkow6.3, B+]
*4/30/1998 - Michael vs. Kelly vs. Peter - ends on one of Ben's funnier outbursts [OB, filtered version is B+ (corrected lighting and saturation); original is RRinkermanMay2010/4.5, B]
*6/22/1998 - Terry vs. Karen vs. Christian - video slightly fuzzy [OB, RRinkermanMay2010/5.5, B]
*7/1/1998 - Christopher vs. Lisa vs. Bob - rather bad commercial edits [GSN, JOswald1.1, A]
*10/7/1998 - Rosemary vs. Josh vs. Susie [GSN w/comm, DBarkow4.1, B+]
*10/22/1998 - Leslie vs. ROBERT WARGO vs. Eileen [OC, RRinkermanTTTT/WBSM.2, A]
*10/28/1998 - Ron vs. Pamela vs. Tom - no credits nor ending announcement [GSN w/comm, DBarkow4.2, B+]
*6/8/1999 - Alec vs. Adrienne vs. Luther - Ben does a funny but IMO almost insulting imitation of Mr. Rogers [2001(?) RPT, JCranmer3.5, A-]
*6/17/1999 - Mark vs. Lynn vs. Tim - Jimmy and Ben switch places for most of the show (until the Best of 10)! [GSN w/comm, RRinkermanTTTT/WBSM.3, A+]
*10/26/1999 - the All-Ben Stein episode (pretty self-explanatory) [GSN, RRinkermanMay2010/1.3, A+]
*11/9/1999 - Leszek (from Jeopardy! and History IQ) vs. Oscar vs. Greg [GSN, RRinkermanMay2010/1.4, A+]
*11/17/1999 - Bob vs. Ann vs. Bruce - Halloween-themed episode, with Ben as Dracula and Jimmy as his Igor! [6/2000 RPT w/comm, IWallis2.3, A-]
*12/16/1999 - Cathy vs. Dom vs. Laura - the contestants are apparently comedians, someone gets the Dunce Cap, and a VERY down-to-the-wire Best of 10 is seen here! [GSN w/comm, RRinkermanDec2011/6.3, A]
*3/28/2000 - "Who Wants to Win Ben Stein's Money?" (no prizes for guessing what this is parodying) - Joe vs. Heather vs. Greg [OB w/most comm, RRinkerman0120-4.5, A-]
*mid-2000 - Ben Stein's Cup, with former winners playing for $25,000! - Benjamin vs. Tom vs. Mike [OB, JCranmer1.1, A-]
*9/8/2000 - Jimmy's last episode, with he and Ben showing clips of past shows! [OB, JCranmer1.2, A-]
Nancy Pimentel
*9/11/2000 - Nancy’s first episode! - Steve vs. Kelli vs. Larry [OB, JCranmer1.3, A-]
*9/12/2000 - Kurt vs. Emily vs. Jude - $2300 is won in the main game! [OB, JCranmer1.4, A]
*9/13/2000 - Grant vs. Lauren vs. Jeff - tracking is not very good [OB, RRinkerman4.7.1, B-]
*9/14/2000 - Stephanie vs. Mark vs. Laine - tribute to Scotland, with Ben and Nancy dressed for the occasion! - most of opening missing; tracking is not very good [OB w/most comm, RRinkerman4.7.2, B-]
*2000 - salute to First Ladies, with Ben dressed as Barbara Bush and Nancy as Jackie O! - Johnathan vs. Cynthia vs. Joel [2001 RPT, JCranmer1.6, A-]
*11/21/2000 - Rock and Roll special w/CC DeVille vs. Matthew Sweet vs. *Weird Al Yankovic* [3/2001 RPT w/comm, TMcSwain0420-5.3, A]
*12/4/2000 - Special with authors as contestants! - Jon Scieszka vs. Malachy McCourt vs. Wally Lamb [OC, CDonegan0420-3.1, A+]
*late 12/2000 - Christmas special, with Ben dressed as Santa and Nancy as an elf! - Gregg vs. Debi vs. Jim - audio is extremely low, and virtually nonexistent sometimes. I salvaged it as best I could, but best you have the closed captions on for this one. [OC, CDonegan0420-3.2, A]
*late 12/2000 season finale - second Ben Stein's Cup episode, again with $25K on the line! - Peter vs. Liani vs. Ed [2001 RPT, CDonegan6.1, A]
*4/2/2001 - fifth season premiere, taped in Venice Beach (contains a humorous intro!) - Issac vs. Lisa vs. Derek [OC, CDonegan4.3, A]
*4/17/2001 - Playboy special, taped in Venice Beach! - Katie vs. Jessica vs. Carissa - a ZERO is gotten in the Best of 10! [OB, JCranmer1.5, A-]
*5/14/2001 - 500th episode, with balloons all over the stage and apperances by the entire cast (and Jimmy Kimmel) at the end! - Joe vs. Paula vs. James [2004 RPT w/comm, RSeidelman2.1, A-]
*6/26/2001 - Battlebots special! - Bill Dwyer vs. Heidi Mark vs. Bill Nye - one player ends with $0, round 2 ends in a tie, and Best of 10 player has pants down while in the booth! - Highly recommended! [OB, CDonegan6.2, A]
*6/28/2001 - The Man Show special! - Adam Carolla vs. three Juggies vs. *Jimmy Kimmel* (who gets the dunce cap!) - Extremely entertaining and highly recommended! [OB, CDonegan6.3, A]
*9/11/2001 (yeah...) - from College Week, filmed at UCLA and co-hosted by Jimmy Kimmel! - Shahnaz vs. Jermaine vs. Aileen - missing most of intro [OC, TMcSwain0420-5.1, A]
*10/31/2001 - Halloween Special w/Ben dressed as Frankenstein and Nancy as his wife! - Sandy vs. Deane vs. Jeri [OB w/some comm, RSeidelman2.3, A-]
*11/21/2001 - John vs. Melissa vs. Alistair - low audio [6/2002 RPT w/comm, TMcSwain0420-5.2, A-]
*11/26/2001 - David vs. Jennifer vs. Rick - contains a rare instance of round 2 ending with *two* four-figure scores [OB (Canadian), IWallis3.1, A]
Sal Iacono
*3/25/2002 season premiere, and beginning of a test week with Jimmy Kimmel co-hosting alongside relatives (this one being his mother Joan)! - Ron vs. Shinae vs. Grant - audio slowly decreases in volume, but is easy to hear even at its lowest [OC, CDonegan0620-1.1, A]
*3/26/2002 - from Jimmy's co-host test week, joined with his Uncle Frank - Stuart vs. Charlotte vs. Sam - low audio [OC, CDonegan4.1.3, A-]
*3/27/2002 - from Jimmy's co-host test week, joined with his daughter Katie - Gary vs. Marlo vs. Mike - VERY low audio [OC, CDonegan4.1.2, A-]
*3/28/2002 - from Jimmy's co-host test week, joined with his aunt Chippie - Michael vs. Estaire vs. Dan - low audio, which decreases over time [OC, CDonegan0620-1.2, A]
*3/29/2002 - from Jimmy's co-host test week, joined with his cousin Sal - Mark vs. Erin vs. Tahm - contains a SHOCKING best of 10 result! - missing most of round 1; counts as half an episode due to its length [OB, CDonegan7.2.3, A]
*4/1/2002 - Sal's first permanent ep. as co-host, which is announced in a humorous cold open - Dan vs. Megan vs. Bill - audio fluctuates in volume [OC, CDonegan4.4, A-]
*4/26/2002 - Dave Foley vs. Sarah Silverman vs. Joe Rogan [2004 RPT w/few comm, RSeidelman2.2, A-]
*6/12/2002 - "The Weakstein Link", where Ben (and later Sal) rather creepily channel Anne Robinson! - Kirk vs. Carolyn vs. Conor - missing opening; begins when Ben introduces Sal [OC, TMcSwain0420-5.4, A-]
*6/20/2002 - Vanessa vs. Ron vs. Barbara-Anne - GREAT game, where one contestant proves especially brutal to Ben! [OC, TMcSwain0420-6.1, A-]
*11/4/2002 - Andy vs. Robin vs. Zach - missing opening [OC, RSeidelman1.5, A]
*11/15/2002 - Sarah vs. Nelson vs. Debbie [OC, TMcSwain0420-6.2, A]
*12/26/2002 - Aaron vs. Melinda vs. Kevin [OC, TMcSwain0420-6.3, A-]
Australian versions (titled "Win Roy and H.G.'s Money")
Channel 7, 2000
H.G. Nelson and Roy Slaven
*8/25/2000 - Leigh vs. Steve vs. Rebecca - contains a perfect 10 in the final round! [OC, A]
*late 2000 (appears to be the finale) - Ron vs. Elizabeth vs. Tristan [OB, CDonegan7.2.4, A-]
United Kingdom versions (titled "Win Beadle's Money")
Channel 5, 1999
Jeremy Beadle, with Richard Morton
*1999 - Dave vs. Paul vs. Mark - contains a perfect 10 in the final round! - video is unfortunately bright, shaky, and sometimes B&W, alongside buzzy audio. What can you do... [OB, CDonegan0620-2.3, C]
WIN, LOSE, OR DRAW
NBC, 1987-1989
Vicki Lawrence-Shultz
*1988 w/Constance Towers, Jacklyn Zieman, Marc Summers, and Peter Marshall - Sandy vs. Keith - low audio [OC, TMcSwain5.11, B+]
*1/1989 w/Kim Fields, Jess Walton, Hollywood Hamilton, and Jed Allen - Schae vs. Chuck - pretty shaky video at times, but nice quality otherwise [OC, TMcSwain5.10, B]
syndication, 1987-1989
Bert Convy
*8/1987 pilot (aired as a Sneak Preview) w/Loni Anderson, Betty White, Tony Danza, and Burt Reynolds - Zee vs. Jerry - video pretty red-tinted [OB w/some comm, TMcSwain5.9, B]
Robb Weller
*1989 w/Dawn Lewis, Chanel Brown, Marc Summers, and Steve Whitting - Adam vs. Lois - audience game played! [OB, TMcSwain5.12, B+]
WINTUITION
Not the most entertaining show, but it does have its moments for sure and I like the idea of winning curriculum money.
GSN, 2002-2003
Marc Summers
*12/9/2002 (second episode; aired same day as premiere) - Antonio vs. Carol vs. Jose - contains a $50,000 win... that never got rewarded due to the champ being discovered ineligible. This also resulted in the ep never being rerun. [OC, RRinkerman117-8.1, A]
WIPEOUT
Fun elimination game with Tomarken's solid-as-always hosting, even if the bonus round can be a bit abused.
syndication, 1988-1989
Peter Tomarken
*9/2/1987 pilot - Nan vs. Chuck vs. La Dawn - lots of very notable but minor differences, what with the set and the trilons and all... [SM w/slate, PBurgos4.2, B]
*9/12/1988 premiere - Dennis vs. Cynthia vs. Caryn - bright video [USA, PBurgos2.4.2-6, B]
*1988 - Maggie Brown-Sphock(!) vs. Marshall vs. Matthew [OB, DDowns11.4, B-]
*1988 - Mickey vs. Kathy vs. Kevin - Peter accidentally refers to the first wipeout as a Whammy! [OB, PBurgos2.4, B]
*10/31/1988 - Pamela vs. Lisa vs. Mark - Peter comes out in a (rather strange) face mask, and he takes away a piece of candy from the contestants for each wipeout! [12/1988 RPT, PBurgos2.2.2, B+]
*11/1/1988 - Janet vs. Erica vs. Ken [12/1988 RPT, PBurgos2.2.3, B+]
*11/2/1988 - Janet vs. Scott vs. Joanna - video very bright and blurry, which is occasionally glitchy [OB w/some comm, PBurgos2.2.4, B-]
*1/1989 - Darnell vs. Scott vs. Dorian - the hot spot gets thrown too many times… - video breaks up throught intro [USA w/comm., PBurgos2.5, B+]
WORDPLAY
The game's a little flawed, slow, and simplistic, but it's still interesting and humorous enough.
NBC, 1986-1987
Tom Kennedy
*12/29/1986 premiere w/Dick Shawn, Dorothy Lyman, and Richard Moll - Claudia vs. Jaimi [OB, JDay6.1, B+]
*1/16/1987 w/Roseanne Barr, Stephen Furst, and Ned Beatty - Ayofemi (her final day!) vs. Mary - pretty bright video; muffled audio [OB, TMcSwain5.7, B]
*2/17/1987 w/Bert Convy, Abby Dalton, and Bill Rafferty - Diane vs. Don [OB, TMcSwain5.5, B]
*8/20/1987 w/Curtis Baldwin, Andrea Elson, and Corey Feldman - Jamie Farr guest-hosts! - Toni vs. Jennifer - low audio [OB, TMcSwain5.8, B]
*8/21/1987 w/same guests as above - Jamie Farr guest-hosts! - Jennifer vs. David [OB, A-]
*8/24/1987 w/same guests & Jamie again - Jennifer (her final day!) vs. David (different guy) [OB, A-]
*9/4/1987 finale (for both the show AND Tom) w/Jimmy Aleck, Marsha Winfield, and Jamie Farr - John vs. Elizabeth [OB w/few comm, JDay6.3, B]
YOU BET YOUR LIFE
The comedy is what really makes this game.
NBC, 1950-1961
Groucho Marx
*1954 - Bert & Edgar, Bill & Joan, Carrol & Indra - secret word: Chair [PBS, RRinkerman7.7.3, A-]
syndication, 1992-1993
Bill Cosby (yeah, this sure holds up today)
*1993 - Nancy & Fred, Joanne & Dave, Tordelle & Jerry - secret word Table [OB, RRinkerman7.7.4, A-]
YOU DON’T KNOW JACK
Very quirky and weird, and while the final product is pretty solid on its own merits, it doesn't hold a candle to the games.
ABC primetime, 2001
Paul Reubens as Troy Stevens
*6/20/2001 premiere - Alex vs. Kat vs. Veldemar - Regis Philbin gives Troy a call! [OC, RRinkerman4.2, A+]
*6/20/2001 (again) - Angie vs. Eric vs. Holly - Carl Lewis makes an appearance! [OB, RRinkermanWheel/YDKJ.3, A-]
*6/27/2001 - Danielle vs. Scott vs. Desalyn - opening missing; begins during contestant interviews [OB w/some comm, RSeiodelman2.1.3, A-]
*7/4/2001 - Errol vs. Carrie vs. Randy [OB, RSeidelman4.2.4, A]
*7/11/2001 - Tien vs. Marq vs. Hillary [OB, RSeidelman4.2.5, A]
*7/18/2001 finale (ironically the aired pilot) - Stewart vs. Vivicca vs. Terry - somewhat dark video [OC, RRinkermanWheel/YDKJ.4, B+]
YOU DON'T SAY
Very nice and rather interesting Password variant.
NBC, 1963-1969
Tom Kennedy
*4/5/1963 (ep 5) w/Betty White & Barry Sullivan - Hope at Bonus Board [KIN w/comm, MWise4.5, B+]
*4/23/1963 w/Mary Tyler Moore and Kennan Wynn - Kyle vs. Connie [KIN w/comm, A-]
*1/14/1964 w/Lorraine Day and Michael Landon - from the short-lived prime-time run, with a slightly different format - Gene vs. Boy [KIN, MPannoni1.3, A]
*1967 w/Pat Carroll and Mel Torme - Errol at Bonus Board [SC, JLeeman3.3, A-]
*4/25/1969 w/Jaye P. Morgan and Rod Sterling - Connie vs. Susan [Color KIN w/comm, MWise4.4, B+]
ABC, 1975
*7/7/1975 premiere w/Loretta Switt, Sherman Kensley, Bob Crane, & Abby Dalton - Ann Marie vs. Maddy - contains a much more gray-ish set than later episodes! - station V/O talks over Tom's closing remarks [OC, A]
*11/12/1975 w/Rex Reed, Connie Van Dyke, June Lockhart, and Larry Hovis - Pat vs. Marty - you can tell the finale was abrupt, as Tom announces an upcoming Christmas kids week that never happened [SM w/slate (probably the weirdest slate I've ever seen), MLight2.4.2, A]
*11/26/1975 w/Connie Van Dyke, Bob Ridgely, Larry Hovis (wears a gorilla mask in intro!), and Ann Elder - Maureen vs. Kathy - bright video; some skips in intro due to jerky video, but is quite fine after [SM, JLeeman5.4, B+]
syndication, 1978-1979
Jim Peck
9 or 10/1978 w/Charlie Brill, Nipsey Russell, Dick Goutier, and Valerie Bertinelli - Judy vs. Pheobe - video freezes during one of the fee plugs; sub-par frame rate [SM, A-]
*11/10/1978 w/Bob Ridgeley, Dick Goutier, Ann Elder, and Charlie Brill - Evelyn vs. Anngel [OC, JLeeman1.1a, A-]
*VTR 8/5/1978 w/Charlie Brill, Nipsey Russell, Dick Goutier, and Connie Van Dyke - Bob vs. Marilyn [SM w/slate, JLeeman4.4, B+]
YOUR NUMBER'S UP
And I thought we had a lot of audience participation today...
NBC, 1985
Nipsey Russell
*9/23/1985 premiere - Lea vs. Mary vs. Doug - missing opening and end credits [OB, JDay2.2.1, B]
*10/7/1985 - Casey vs. Sylvia vs. Ray [OC, JDay3.1, A]
*10/8/1985 - Roberta vs. Nancy vs. Casey [OC, JDay3.2, A]
*10/9/1985 - Lenny vs. Linda vs. Casey [OC, JDay3.3, A]
*10/25/1985 - Linda vs. Ralph vs. Debbie - blurry video [OC, JDay2.2.2, B+]
*12/20/1985 finale - Carol vs. Barry vs. Peggy - the car is lit up 7 times but never won! [OC, JDay3.4, B]
YOU'RE IN THE PICTURE
According to Gleason, this show laid "without a doubt, the biggest bomb in TV history". But in order to fully understand this show, better watch yourself... or don't just to save the pain.
CBS primetime, 1961
Jackie Gleason
*1/20/1961 only episode w/Jan Sterling, Arthur Treacher, Pat Carroll, Pat Harrington - studio counter at bottom of screen [SC, MWise6.1, A-]
*1/27/1961 apology episode w/nothing but Jackie being funny and bashing the show - studio counter at bottom of screen [SC, MWise6.1b, A-]