ALL-STAR BLITZ
Very interesting mix of Wheel of Fortune and Hollywood Squares, though nothing really stands out except for the bonus round.
ABC, 1985
Peter Marshall
2 Free Stars
*4/8/1985 premiere - guests: Leslie Uggums, John Byner, Abby Dalton, Robert Manden - Tim vs. Colleen [OC, BMoore1.1, A]
*6/14/1985 - Jerry vs. Debbie - guests: Christopher Hewitt, Abby Dalton, Peter Scolari, Madge Sinclair - VERY wavy but still watchable video [OC, RRinkermanGrabbag3.2, C+]
4 Free Stars
*7/1985 - John vs. Mary - guests: Isabel Sanford, Gordon Jump, Andrea Evans, Scott Holmes - credits cut - EXTREMELY dark video [USA, JOswald1.6, B-]
*7/1985 - Larry vs. Cheryl - guests: Marilyn Wolter, Betty White, Bob Woods, Ted Smacklefoot(?) - slightly pixelated video [USA, JOswald1.6b, B]
*1985 - second half of an episode (17 minutes total) w/Cap vs. Kelly - guests: Rose Marie, Tom Poston, Abby Dalton, Stuart Damon [OC, JDay7.5, A]
*10/24/1985 - Robin at Blitz Bonanza - guests: Anne Bloom, Tom Poston, Rose Marie, Sam Brerlins [OC, RRinkermanGrabbag2.6, B]
*12/20/1985 unannounced finale (watch for everyone’s reactions!) - Don vs. Esther - the final game is played for a given up prize! - guests: Rose Marie, Charles Nelson Reilly, Abby Dalton, Stewart Pankin [SM, RRinkermanGrabbag1.3, A+]
ALL-STAR SECRETS
NBC, 1979
Bob Eubanks
*3/2/1979 w/Bill Cullen, Della Reese, John Schuck, Nanette Fabray, Arte Johnson - Laura vs. Chris vs. Dee-Dee - low audio [OC, RRinkerman5.9.2, A-]
*7/1979 w/David Landsberg, Eva Gabor, Arnold Schwartzenegger, Barbara Feldon, David Huddleton - Joyce vs. Jon vs. Bev - missing first few minutes; begins during round 1 - video is pretty jumpy much of the time [OC, filtered version is B- (highly improved color & audio); original is RRinkerman5.9.3, C+]
BAGGAGE
GSN's comeback after a big fall earlier the same year. Even though I'm not into relationship shows, this is actually quite creative.
GSN, 2010-2011
Jerry Springer
*8/16/2010 season premiere - Helen with Eric vs. John vs. Shane [OB, A++]
*11/4/2010 - Tracy with Luke vs. David vs. Jude - Tracy helps Jerry on his golf form! [OB, A++]
BALDERDASH
Almost exactly a more modern version of Liar's Club. I'm not too keen on the hostess, but that's really the only problem I see here.
PAX, 2004-2005
Elaine Busler
*8/2/2004 premiere w/Jimmy Pardo, Tammy Pescatelli, and Eric Roberts - Greg vs. Varina [OB, RRinkerman817-2.1, A]
*9/29/2004 w/Stephanie Miller, Bruce Vilanch, and Sally Struthers - Scott Hostetler vs. Sharon [OC, RRinkerman6.4.5, A+]
*2/1/2005 w/Andy Kindler, Teri Garr, and John Moschitta - Jaymes vs. Marissa - perfect bonus win! [OB, RRinkerman817-2.3, A]
*2/2/2005 w/same guests as above - Dave vs. Jessica [OB, RRinkerman817-2.2, A]
BARGAIN HUNTERS
ABC, 1987
Peter Tomarken
*7/28/1987 - Elizabeth vs. Jeannie, Charlie vs. Winni, JoAnn vs. Lisa - low audio [OC, RRinkerman7.5.4, B+]
BATTLESTARS
While the basic game screams Hollywood Squares, I think it still has a lot of fun moments. Plus, Alex Trebek does a darn good job.
NBC, 1981-1982, 1983
Alex Trebek
‘Famous Face’ bonus round
*12/1/1981 w/Fred Willard, Randi Oakes, Joan Rivers, Skip Stephenson, Tim Reid, and Carol Wayne - Barbara vs. Bud - bright video, but very good otherwise [OB, JDay1.4, A-]
*12/25/1981 w/Todd Bridges, Nancy McKean, Richard Simmons, Skip Stephenson, Nell Carter, and Richard Kiel - Russ at the puzzle round - dark and somewhat muddy video; audio slightly warpy [OB, TMcSwain3.3, B-]
*3/23/1982 w/Charles Haid, Jenilee Harrison, Jerry Seinfeld (then-unknown!), Debbie Reynolds, Rip Taylor, and Nell Carter. - John vs. Jan - missing opening segment [OC, CDonnegan2.3, A]
*4/5/1982 w/Philip McKeon, Debbie Reynolds (her birthday is celebrated!), Jenilee Harrison, Rip Taylor, Bowzer, & Betty White - Jackie vs. Calvin - missing opening (begins at contestant introductions) and the credits [OC, A-]
*4/6/1982 w/same guests as above - Jackie vs. Valerie [OC, A-]
1983 run; ‘Main Event’ bonus round
*4/4/1983 revival premiere w/Erik Estrada, Debbie Reynolds (who gets in a real pickle here!), Tom Wopat, JM J. Bullock, Glenn Scarpelli, and Vicki Lawrence - Scott vs. Deborah - video somewhat dark [OC, DDowns16.5, B+]
*5/27/1983 w/Charles Nelson Reilly, Mary Frann, Andy Gibb, Fred Grandy, James B. Sikking, and Emma Samms - Christina vs. Sally - missing closing and most of opening - video is slightly wavy at times, with random colors fluctuating throughout [OB w/some comm, TMcSwain4.3, B-]
*7/1/1983 finale w/Charles Nelson Reilly, Betty White, Candy Clark, Jimmy Bullock, Stuart Damon, and Mary Crosby - Wesley vs. Leslie - bright video with occasional tracking issues [OC, TMcSwain3.4, B]
BEAT THE CLOCK
syndication, 1969-1974
Jack Narz
*1970 w/Gene Rayburn - Ernie and Lorraine vs. David and Janice - video does small jerks, which progressively becomes less frequent [GAME, TMcSwain7.1, B at first then B+]
*1971 w/Tom Kennedy - George and Audrey vs. Howard and Ruth [GAME, TMcSwain7.2, B]
Gene Wood
*1973 w/William Shatner - Alan and Nancy vs. Matt and Joan - no credits, but it doesn't really matter because of credit crunch - VERY low audio [GSN, TMcSwain7.3, A]
CBS, 1979-1980
Monty Hall
Civilian format
*9/18/1979 (second episode) - Gary and Sue vs. Bill and Linda [GSN, A++]
*9/1979 - Jim and Barbara vs. Brad and Suanne [GSN, A++]
All-star format
*1/28/1980 - Laurette Spang and John McCook vs. Ralna and Guy Hovis - Monday of finale week... and last episode that GSN aired. [GSN, RRinkermanDec2011/9.1, A+]
THE BETTER SEX
Don't let the title deceive you. This is actually a pretty creative show about strategy and faking your opponents.
ABC, 1977-1978
Bill Anderson and Sarah Purcell
*VTR 4/28/1977 pilot 3, with 7 players per team and 60 people in the bonus game - Janet's team vs. Jeoffrey's team [SM, B+]
*1977 - Beverly's team vs. Harold's team [GAME, JLeeman0620-4.3, A]
*1/13/1978 finale (however, it announced it was to be put on hold) - Neal's team at bonus [SM w/slate, JLeeman6.1, A-]
THE BIG SPIN
A lot of excitement, a lot of cool minigames... easily a fun watch!
California syndication, 1985-2009
Chuck Woolery
*11/4/1985 (ep. 2) - first spinner: Rosemary - contains FOUR $2 million winners! - some distortion throughout, and video occasionally briefly blacks out [OB, A-]
Geoff Edwards
*8/22/1987 - first spinner: Dave - contains a $3M+ grand prize win! [SM, PBurgos2.1.2, A]
*4/9/1988 - first spinner: Robert - includes two promos for the show! - low and buzzy audio [SM w/slate, CDonnegan2.1, A]
*8/24/1991 - first spinner: Mary - no opening; begins at first contestant interview [OB w/few comm, MPannoni4.2, B+]
Larry Anderson
*7/27/1996 - $2M spin, Dream Machine, Winner’s Circle, Wizard of Odds, $2M spin - Jackie Taylor sub-announces (before she become the permanent announcer)! - contains a Scratchers’ Monopoly clip and a Weekly Grand drawing! - blurry video [OC, PBurgos5.1, B]
*8/3/1996 - $2M spin, Dream Machine (x2), Winner’s Circle (x2) - contains a Scratchers’ Monopoly clip! - blurry video [OC, PBurgos5.2, B]
*8/10/1996 - Winner’s Circle, Dream Machine, Winner’s Circle, Wizard of Odds, $2M spin. - blurry video [OC, PBurgos5.3, B]
*8/24/1996 - $2M spin, Dream Machine (x2), Winner’s Circle (x2) [OC, PBurgos5.5, A-]
Jack Gallagher
*8/9/1997 - Dream Machine, Winner’s Circle, Dream Machine, Fun in the Sun (its debut!), $2M spin [OB, PBurgos7.2, B+]
*12/6/1997 - Winner’s Circle, Dream Machine (x4) - contains a clip of the final Wizard of Odds playing! [OB, PBurgos7.1, B+]
*1/3/1998 - Winner’s Circle, Dream Machine (x4) [OB, PBurgos7.3, B+]
*1998 - Dream Machine, Winner’s Circle, Fun in the Sun, Dream Machine, $2M spin [OC, PBurgos7.4, B+]
Pat Finn
*4/24/1999 - Fame and Fortune, Dream Machine, California Gold (gold dust) [OB w/some comm, PBurgos6.3, B+]
*5/1/1999 - California Gold (gold dust), Dream Machine, hero in education award, $3M spin - slightly jerky video throughout [OB, PBurgos2.2.5, B]
*5/29/1999 - California Gold (gold nuggets), Fame and Fortune, Dream Machine, $3M spin. [OC, PBurgos6.2, B+]
*12/9/2000 - Maiquel returns from maternity! - California Gold, Dream Machine (x2), hero in education award, $3M spin [OC, PBurgos2.1.3, B+]
*12/30/2000 - Year in Review episode, with various clips from the past year's shows - somewhat bright video [OC, PBurgos2.7.2, B]
*12/15/2001 - announcer Jackie Taylor fills in for Maiquel due to her pregnancy! – California Gold, Dream Machine, hero in education award, $3M spin. [OB w/few comm., PBurgos6.4, A]
*8/31/2002 - California Gold, Dream Machine (x3), $3M spin - a TIE occurs in California Gold! - part of open missing [OC, CDonnegan1.2, A-]
*11/2/2002 - California Gold, Dream Machine (x2), Weekly Grand Payday Raceway ($2M finals!) [OC, PBurgos2.7.3, A]
*11/30/2002 - special All-Spin episode, with a clip of a $15M+ win from 1986! - first spinner: Veries - dark video [OC, PBurgos2.7.4, B-]
*3/8/2003 - 13-minute clip of an episode w/a Hero in education award and a $3M spin [OC, PBurgos2.7.5, A+]
*3/13/2004 - now with the new set and Aces High game - Aces High, Dream Machine, hero in education award, $3M spin [OC, filtered version is A (fixed brightness); original is PBurgos2.5.3, A-]
*5/15/2004 - Aces High, Dream Machine, Aces High again [OC, PBurgos2.1.4, A]
*7/31/2004 – Aces High, Dream Machine, hero in education award, $3M spin. [OC, PBurgos7.5, A-]
*10/23/2004 - Aces High, Dream Machine, hero in education award, $3M spin [OC, PBurgos2.8.2, A]
*2/2/2008 – Aces High, Dream Machine, $3M spin [OC, PBurgos6.6, A]
*2/9/2008 - one Aces High player is having his FOURTH appearance on this show! – Aces High, teacher of the year award, $3M spin. [OC, A]
*7/26/2008 – Aces High, Dream Machine, $3M spin [OC, A+]
*8/9/2008 - $3M spin, Dream Machine (x3), $3M spin [OC, A]
*12/20/2008 - Aces High, Dream Machine (x2), $3M spin - video somewhat echoey and slightly off-sync [OC, PBurgos2.5.1a, A+]
*12/27/2008 - Dream Machine (x3), Aces High - audio somewhat echoey and slightly off-sync [OC, PBurgos2.5.1b, A+]
*1/3/2009 - last episode with regular gameplay! - Aces High, Dream Machine (x2), $3M spin - audio somewhat echoey and slightly off-sync, with occasional cable glitches [OC, PBurgos2.5.1c, A+]
*1/10/2009 finale - no gameplay, but Pat and Maiquel look back at some nice clips throught the series and interviews with some big winners! [OC, PBurgos2.14.2, A+]
BINGO AMERICA
Very neat bingo show that, like most good GSN originals, didn't get the chance it deserved. Karn's season is far superior.
GSN, 2008-2009
Richard Karn
*10/2008 - Alexandra vs. John - contains the only $100K win of the season! [OB, BSchwartz3.3.5, A-]
*1/2/2009 unannounced finale - Holly vs. Thomas [OB, RRinkerman817-1.3, A]
BLACKOUT
Shame this was only given 13 weeks; this was the kind of concept that could have easily spanned multiple years.
CBS, 1988
Bob Goen
*1/4/1988 premiere w/Markie Post and Charlie Seibert - Jan vs. Nancy [OC, JLeeman3.2, A-]
*2/8/1988 w/Phyllis Diller and Charles Nelson Reilley - John vs. Caroline - video pretty wavy in some shots, audio is TERRIBLY low at the start, but gets progressively higher [OB, BSchwartz3.2.3, B-]
*2/11/1988 w/same guests as above - Tony vs. Sharon - video pretty wavy in some shots, audio dropouts throught [OB, BSchwartz3.2.3b, B]
*4/1/1988 finale w/Pat Harrington and Crystal Bernard - Ande vs. Ken - Jay Stewart's last announcing stint - contains a promo for the return of $25K Pyramid [OC, NJohnson3.4, B]
BLANK CHECK
About as fun as actually writing a check.
NBC, 1975
Art James
*1/8/1975 w/Maggie Brown as checkwriter [SM w/slate, JLeeman5.1, B+]
BLANKETY BLANKS
ABC, 1975
Bill Cullen
*1975 pilot w/Anita Gillette, Soupy Sales, and not many differences - Sue vs. Candy [SM, JLeeman2.2.3, A-]
*4/21/1975 premiere w/Anne Merea & William Shatner - Bill vs. Kathy [SM w/slate, JLeeman2.1.3, A]
BLOCKBUSTERS
What B has the majority of hosts start with the same letter as the name of the show? Cullen's version has a better premise, but Rafferty's has a cooler set and graphics package. Oddly, I think the UK version is the best.
NBC, 1980-1982
Bill Cullen
*10/27/1980 premiere - Joanne vs. Tom and Joe - contains an early Gold Run scoring system that was pretty short-lived [SM w/slate, JLeeman4.3.3, A-]
*4/21/1981 - Shay and Betty at Gold Run [OC, DDownsBonus1.1, A]
*3/16/1982 - Leland vs. Foster and Sondra [GSN w/comm, NJohnson4.4, A+]
*4/23/1982 finale - Marge vs. Nina and Kim - some sections of video are a little off-color [OC, JLeeman4.1.3, B]
NBC, 1987
Bill Rafferty
*2/13/1987 - Tim vs. Val - contains a "Car-azy February" sweepstakes question! - most of credits cut [OC, RRinkermanNov2012/1.1, A-]
*5/1/1987 finale - Patti vs. Pete - rather grainy and somewhat snowy video [OB, JLeeman4.3.2, B-]
United Kingdom versions
ITV, 1983-1993
Bob Holness
*8/23/1983 premiere - Alistar vs. Verity and Ruth - blurry video [SM w/slate, RRinkermanMay2010/4.1, B]
*1983 - Johnathan vs. Christopher and Hayley [OB, A-]
*1/1985 - Sylvia vs. Christopher and Christopher [OB, A-]
*1/1986 - Rebecca vs. Keith and Gary [OB, A-]
*2/1986 - Sufras vs. Trevor and Greg [OB, A-]
*11/21/1987 - Naomi vs. Caroline and Paul [OC, A-]
*late 1988 - Lee vs. Chris and Colin [OC, A]
*Next ep. - Urane (sp?) vs. Chris and Colin [OC, A]
*Summer 1992 - Vicky and Alex at Gold Run [mid-1993 RPT w/comm, A]
*late 1992 - Tim vs. Yvette and Catherine [CHA w/comm, Rrinkerman’21’.3, A]
SkyOne, 1994-1995
*4/18/1994 premiere - Chetow vs. Harriet and Mary Anne - Bob gives an update on the last contestants of the ITV version! [CHALLENGE, A+]
*1995 - Nora vs. Fay and Alex - bottom of screen is somewhat cut off - bright and blurry video [OB, RRinkermanMay2010/4.2, B-]
BOARDWALK AND BASEBALL: SUPER BOWL OF SPORTS TRIVIA
ESPN, 1988-1989
Chris Berman
*1988 - Akron vs. Berkeley [ESPN Classic, RRinkerman6.7.1, A]
*1988 season finale (who will win the $50K?) - Temple vs. Washington State - low audio; video glitchy at times [ESPN Classic, RRinkermanMay2010/5.4, B]
*1989 - Penn State vs. Indiana [ESPN Classic, RRinkerman6.7.2, A]
*1989 - 11.5-minute clip, containing the end of round 2 and all of rounds 3 and 4 - Oklahoma vs. Miami (one member of this team is Dan LeBatard, though he doesn't speak a word in the clip) [OB w/few comm., Simpsons1992.2, A-]
BRAINSURGE
Kids have their memory tested through various puzzles and challenges. The execution may seem a little cheesy at first, but it all very much grew on me over time.
Nickelodeon, 2009-2012
Jeff Stuphen
*11/30/2009 celebrity special - Ashley Argota/Lil JJ/Victoria Justice/Jerry Trainor/Miranda Cosgrove/Nat Wolff [NICKTOONS, A+]
*11/30/2009 celebrity special (another one) - Nathan Kress/Jeanette McCurdy/Alex Wolff/Matt Shively/Keke Palmer/Lily Collins [NICKTOONS, A+]
*6/21/2010 season premiere, now with an awesome new set! Also Boys vs. Girls week, where whichever gender wins gets a t-shirt in the audience! - Brittany/Reese/Katrina/Sam/Mazey/Benjamin [OC, RRinkerman6.1.1, A++]
*10/4/2010 - Issac/Da'Jah/Kathy/Aaron/Emma/P.J. [OB, A++]
FAMILY BRAINSURGE
*11/14/2011 - Abboud vs. Kulp vs. Pena vs. Lebeda vs. Nickles [OB w/some comm, A++]
BREAK THE BANK (1976)
Of all the Hollywood Squares-esque games that came during the time period, this was easily one of the most creative and fun. Too bad this never got the chance it deserved.
ABC, 1976
Tom Kennedy
*4/12/1976 premiere w/Abe Vigoda, Alice Ghostley, Jo Ann Pflug, Dick Gautier, Jan Murray, Lynda Carter, Liz Torres, Michael Hedges, Marjoe Gortner - Marlene vs. Ralph - starts with a promo for itself! - bright video [OC, BBolton1.1, B]
*4/16/1976 w/same guests as above - Anne vs. Ralph [GAME, CCohan0420-1.1, A]
*4/19/1976 w/Anson Williams, Lee Meriwether, Liz Torres, Alex Karras, Jan Murray, Ja'Net Dubois, Sandy Duncan, Tom Bosley, & Pat McCormick - Ralph vs. Glenda [GAME, CCohan0720-1.1, A+]
*4/20/1976 w/same guests as above - Glenda vs. Fred [GAME, CCohan0720-1.2, A+]
*4/28/1976 w/Arte Johnson, Fannie Flagg, Mary Anne Mobley, Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs, Joey Bishop, Beverly Garland, Liz Torres, Bill Dana, & Rosey Grier [GAME, CCohan0420-1.2, A]
*5/5/1976 w/Lonnie Shorr, Elayne Boosler, Jaye P. Morgan, Craig Stevens, Joey Bishop, Meredith MacRae, Liz Torres, Buzz Aldrin, and Jimmie Walker - Leila vs. Dan Avila (same guy from 'Greed'!) - now in better quality! [GAME, CCohan0720-5.1, A-]
*5/19/1976 w/Avery Schreiber (who gets censored at one point!), Alice Ghostley, Liz Torres, Bob Crane, Jan Murray, Ja'Net DuBois, Rue McLanahan, Mickey Dolenz, and Jimmie Walker - Connie vs. Duan [GAME, RRinkerman817-3.3, B+]
*VTR 5/20/1976 w/Foster Brooks, Gunilla Hutton, Jaye P. Morgan, Buzz Aldrin, Jan Murray, Gail Fisher, Liz Torres, Greg Mullavey, and Abe Vigoda - Karen vs. Ron - unaired show to test revised format - slightly fuzzy video, which also tends to jerk [SM w/slate, JLeeman2.2.2, B]
*6/2/1976 w/same guests as above (same tape session) - Bill vs. Jan [OC, A]
*6/4/1976 w/same guests as above (again) - Jim vs. Myrna [OC, A]
*7/9/1976 w/Lonnie Shorr (will he get a question in?), Dody Goodman, Jaye P. Morgan, Robert Hegyes, Rip Taylor, Fannie Flagg, Marilyn Michaels, Vince McCoy, and Dick Gautier - Roxy vs. Jim - missing first 15 seconds and entire closing segment [OC, JLeeman2.2.1, A-]
syndication, 1976-1977
Jack Barry
*VTR 7/17/1976 premiere w/Clifton Davis, Elena Verdugo, Jaye P. Morgan, William Conrad, Joey Bishop, Anson Williams, Barbara Eden, Hermione Baddeley, and Pat Morita - Debbie vs. Jeffrey [SM w/slate, JLeeman2.1.1, A-]
*11/1976 w/Nipsey Russell, Shelly Winters, Pearl Bailey, Orson Bean, Jan Murray, Vicki Lawrence, Ann Meara, Bob Barker, and Jimmie Walker - Kay vs. Duane - now in better quality! [GAME, CCohan0720-5.2, A+]
BREAK THE BANK (1985)
I think this show had potential to be one of the most fun games out there, but sadly the director somehow thought he could make stunts and Gene Rayburn serious.
syndication, 1985-1986
Gene Rayburn
*9/16/1985 premiere - Michael and Lori vs. Tim and Becky - missing a little of final segment - guests: Joe Farago, Bubba Smith, and Louise DuArt - uneven color in the upper half at times; a few seconds of final segment missing [OC, PBurgos3.5, A-]
*9/17/1985 - Tim and Becky vs. Gale and Ron - guests: Jerry Robinson, Gene Kelly, and Tony Heller (Humphrey Bogart look-a-like) - The Gambit '21' cue plays during the card reveal (huh?) - now have a full copy from KTVU [OC, CCohan0720-5.3, A-]
*9/18/1985 - Gale and Ron vs. Ward and Dawn - same guests as premiere [OC, RRinkerman5.3, B+]
*9/19/1985 - Ron and Gale vs. Merv and Cynthia - guests: Charles Nelson Reilly, Burt Simons (Michael Jackson look-a-like), and Kate McClure - Features a Catchphrase promo! [OC, RRinkerman5.4, A]
*9/23/1985 - Ron and Gale vs. David and Donna - guests: Kate McClure, Charles Nelson Reilly (aka Swami), and Karen Lane (Joan Rivers look-a-like) [OC, RRinkermanGrabbag3.3, A-]
*9/24/1985 - David and Donna vs. Lonnie and Julia - guests: Deni Hardwick, Charles Nelson Reilly, and Joe Farago - fluctuating colors "flash" onscreen throughout [OC, RRinkermanFF.4, B+]
*9/25/1985 - 12-minute bonus round clip w/Lonnie and Julia – guest: Charles Nelson Reilly (aka ‘Swami’) [OB, RRinkerman3.4, A-]
*9/30/1985 - 8.5-minute opening and ‘bank card reveal’ clip, plus a downright laughable amount of padding [OB, RRinkerman4.5, A]
*10/16/1985 - Bruce and Debra vs. Michael and Muffet - 17-minute ‘tiebreaker and bonus’ clip - guests: Brenda Dixen, a guy in a Sport Goofy suit, Lou Ferigno, and Jake Pete (Ronald Reagan look-a-like) [OC, RRinkermanWheel/YDKJ.5, A]
*10/17/1985 - Bruce and Debra vs. Brad and Donna - guests: Mark Cahloren, "Sport Goofy", Brenda Dixen, and Jay Kotch (Ronald Reagan look-a-like) - quite bright video [OB, CDonegan417-3.5, A-]
*10/18/1985 - 16.5-minute bonus round clip w/Bruce and Debra - guests: Bob Leeman (W.C. Fields look-a-like), Mark Cahloren, Brenda Dixen, and Lou Ferigno [OC, RRinkermanScrCP.5, A]
*10/30/1985 - Tom and Tess vs. Scott and Allison - the bonus rules are slightly tweaked starting with this ep. - guests: Bozo the Clown, Raven Michael (Elvis look-a-like), and Richard Mull [OB, CDonegan417-4.3, A-]
*11/20/1985 - John and Sharon vs. Peter and Linda - guest: JM J. Bullock - video is slightly jumpy and slightly wavy in some shots; low audio [OB, RRinkermanMay2010/5.1, B]
*11/21/1985 – John and Sharon vs. Nancy and Robert - guests: Fred ‘Rerun’ Berry, a guy in a gorilla suit (presumably Richard Kline) and a Charlie Chaplin look-a-like (real name isn’t revealed) - slight antenna issues [OC, RRinkerman3.5, A-]
*12/5/1985 - Jeff and Tina vs. Cheryl and Frank - guests: Rip Taylor, Alan Chaplin, and a Princess Di look-a-like (real name isn’t revealed) [12/20/1985 RPT w/comm, DDowns7.4, B+]
*12/9/1985 - Vicky and Richard vs. Terry and Grady - guests: Willie Tyler, Lester, and Katherine Newman (Madonna look-a-like) - it's pretty obvious how bored Gene is by now. [OB, BMoore1.2, A-]
Joe Farago
Stunt Format
*12/27/1985 - Timothy and Lynn vs. Lisa and Glenn - guests: Vic Dunlop and Vincent Del Jr. (Rocky Balbora look-a-like) - combination of 2 copies; VCR time code during open [OC, RRinkerman3.1, A-]
*1/2/1986 - 5-minute ‘bank card reveal’ clip w/Robyn and Todd [OB, RRinkermanFF.5, A]
*1/22/1986 – 3-minute ‘bank card reveal’ clip w/Alicia and Ian – Richard is in a gorilla suit again! [OB, RRinkerman2.5, A]
Master Puzzle bonus format
*2/11(?)/1986 - Chris and Chuck vs. Kathie and Chris - early ep. with this format, with slightly different graphics [OB, DBarkow1.4, B]
*3/1986 - 13-minute bonus round clip w/Denise and Mark [OC, RRinkerman2.6, A-]
*4/1986 - 4-minute ‘bank card reveal’ clip w/Tamara and Scott - cuts during Michael’s prize plugs. [OB, RRinkermanFF.6, A]
*4/1986 - Renee and Lonnie vs. Dawn and Don [CBN w/comm, RRinkerman5.2, A-]
*5/5/1986 - Gerry and Michelle vs. Gene and Sandy - the bank is at over $53K! - combination of two copies: [CBN, RRinkerman4.8.1, B (first half)] and [OC, RRinkermanGrabbag3.4, A (second half)]
*5/8/1986 - 10-minute bonus round clip w/Mike and Pat - last one or two minutes of first segment missing [OB w/one comm, RRinkermanGrabbag2.2, A]
*6/17/1986 – Erich and Dani vs. Andrea and Jonathan - blurry video [CBN w/some comm., RRinkerman3.3, B-]
*6/18/1986 - 18-minute round 3 and bonus clips - Erich and Dani vs. David and Deborah [OC, RRinkermanGrabbag2.1, A]
BRUCE FORSYTH’S HOT STREAK
Of all the shows that got screwed over far too early, this is probably one of the worst examples. Bruce truly shines, as does the gameplay.
ABC, 1986
Bruce Forsyth
*VTR 10/19/1984 - second pilot, titled "Hot Streak", with higher stakes and a totally different yet still cool set - Jenny's team vs. Jack's team - some minor tape distortion at bottom half throughout [SM, DDownsBonus6.1, B+]
*VTR 10/19/1984 - third pilot, with same differences as above - Wanda's team (same as above) vs. Lance's team [SM w/slate, SWylie3.1, A+]
*1/6/1986 premiere - Cinder's team vs. Steve's team - some tracking problems throughout, with occasional brief blackouts at some points [OB, RSeidelman2.4, B-]
*1/16/1986 - Mary's team vs. Don's team - a round is blown in a record 3 seconds! [OC, CDonegan0420-3.3, A-]
*1/27/1986 - Loni’s team vs. Rick’s team - some occasional minor tracking issues, but nothing too distracting [OC, BSchwartz3.6, A-]
*2/3/1986 - Barbara's team vs. Jerry's team - one team gets a perfect score in the main game! [OC, CDonegan0420-3.4, B+]
*2/10/1986 - Marc's team vs. Tracy's team - fee plugs cut, some minor tracking problems throughout [OB, DBarkow4.2.3, B+]
*2/14/1986 - Roger's team vs. Sharon's team - GREAT game, which includes the (admittedly pretty unfair) tiebreaker! - fee plugs cut [OB, DBarkow4.2.4, A-]
*2/21/1986 - Sarah's team (same as above) vs. Robert's team - video has occasional glitches, low audio [OC, Filtered copy is B; original is GBrobeck3.7, B-]
*3/6/1986 - Kathleen's team (aka the "Streakers") vs. Raul's team [OC, CDonegan4.2.5, A-]
*3/17/1986 - Danelle's team vs. Seth's team [SC w/slate, CDonegan4.3.1, A-]
*4/3/1986 - Laurie's team (same as below) vs. Loring's team - muffled audio [OC, BSchwartz4.5, B+]
*4/4/1986 finale – Paula’s team vs. Bruce’s team - blurry video [OB, RRinkerman5.1, B]
BULLSEYE
The game feels a little too simplistic for what it's trying to go for, but it is probably one of the more creative Barry-and-Enright games.
syndication, 1980-1982
Jim Lange
Civilian format
*9/29/1980 premiere - Royanne vs. Scott - now in better quality (save for a few plugs)! [SM, A-]
*9/30/1980 - Captain Scott vs. Scott - slightly snowy video [USA, TMcSwainD1.2, B]
*10/1/1980 - Captain Scott at Bonus Island - very bright video, which briefly distorts at many points [USA, RRinkerman6.2.5, B-]
*10/6/1980 - Helen vs. Donald [GAME, TMcSwain5.13, B+]
*12/8/1980 - Donna at Bonus Island (she goes for her TENTH win!) [USA, JOswaldtape1.5, B+]
*early 1981 - Leon (he was also on Hitman) vs. Stephe - contains a promo for CBN's gameshow lineup! - video can sometimes glitch out. [CBN; Filtered copy is B; original is BSchwartz2.2.9, B-]
*1981 - Chuck vs. Jill - Chuck gets very gutsy at bonus island! [GSN w/comm, JLaPratt1.1, A]
*1981 - Pam at Bonus Island - video gets squiggly in some shots and tends to be somewhat shaky as well, which gets tracking problems the second half; rather low audio [USA w/some comm, JOswaldtape1.7, C]
*late 1981 - Rufus at Bonus Island - video blurry, dark, and is pretty glitchy at some points [CBN, JOswaldtape1.6, C+]
Celebrity Format
*1982 - Rita Moreno vs. Diane Ladd, with Roxie Roker playing later - video slightly glitchy at times; muffled audio [OB, JOswaldtape1.9, B]
*1982 - Loranne Bishop vs. Ken Kercheval, with Lynda Goodfriend playing later [USA, JOswaldtape3.3, B+]
*1982 - Ernest Borgnine vs. Suzy Chaffee, with Marla Gibbs playing later [GAME w/most comm, JOswaldtape1.8, B+]
*1982 - Jerry Mathers vs. Tina Louise, with Arte Johnson playing later [OC, BSchwartz2.3.1, B]
BULLSEYE U.K.
Not our game, but it’s a very cool one involving trivia and darts!
ITV, 1981-1995
Jim Bowen
*1986 - Ian and Steve vs. Tony and Sheila vs. Charlie and Don - charity thrower: Terry O’Dea [CHA, RRinkermanMay2010/3.1, A+]
*12/1988 - hour-long celebrity special! - Bob Anderson and Roy Walker vs. Bob Holness and Eric Bistow vs. Jocky Wilson and Les Dennis - charity thrower: TONY GREEN [OB, RRinkermanMay2010/3.2, A]
*1/5/1991 - Dave and Mark vs. John and Peter vs. Gordon and Steve - charity thrower: Denis Hickling [CHA, RRinkermanMay2010/3.3, A+]
CAESAR'S CHALLENGE
A very fun word unscrambling show, with lots to be won and surprisingly great hosting by Ahmad. First bonus format is superior.
NBC, 1993-1994
Ahmad Rashad
'Ball Cage/9-Letter Word' Bonus format
*1992 pilot w/a strange wagering format in the main game - Laurel vs. Scott vs. Leanna [SM, BMoore1.3, A-]
*6/14/1993 premiere - Scott vs. Trudy vs. JP - features ‘Chad the Centurion’ rather than Dan - two copies: [OC, IMcLinn1.1, B (missing opening; video slightly wavy at times)] and [OB, PBurgos2.3.3, B at first then B+ (video bright and slightly shaky during the first half)]
*6/17/1993 - Joe vs. Jacqueline vs. Judy [OC, CDonegan1219-1.1, A-]
*6/30?/1993 - Tom vs. Lanee vs. John - slightly wavy at most points and slightly pixelated video [SM, PBurgos2.6.5, B-]
*7/2?/1993 - Mike vs. Janice vs. Doug - first category is gameshows - video glitches out at a few points [OB, NJohnson1.4, B]
*7/7/1993 - this and the next two ep.s are co-hosted by Zack Ruby - Glenn vs. Terry vs. Carl - over $13,000 is won in the main game! [OC, TMcSwain0420-1.2, A-]
*7/8/1993 - Terry vs. Joaquin vs. Kathy [OC, TMcSwain0420-1.3, A-]
*7/9/1993 - Terry vs. Robert vs. Beverly - great come from behind win! [OC, TMcSwain0420-1.4, A-]
*7/12/1993 - appears to be Dan Doherty's first ep as permanent co-host - Terry vs. Scott vs. Catherine [OC, TMcSwain0420-2.1, A-]
*7/13/1993 - Terry (her fifth day!) vs. Mark vs. Tina [OC, TMcSwain0420-2.2, A-]
*7/14/1993 - Teddie vs. Layne vs. Marcia [OC, TMcSwain0420-2.3, A-]
*7/21/1993 - Babette vs. Michael vs. Heather - a rather personal first topic - tracking problems and somewhat uneven color on upper half in beginning, but both should be gone after Round 1 [OB, DDowns2.4, B at first then A-]
*7/22/1993 - Babette vs. Gordon vs. Ashley [OB, MTiller5.1, A-]
*7/23/1993- David vs. Betsy vs. JD - balloons from the previous show are still on the stage floor! - slightly pixelated video [OB, PBurgos2.3.3, B+]
*8/6/1993 - Heather vs. Jay vs. Judy - first word is solved thanks to the slot machine spelling it correctly! [OC, PBurgos2.14.1, B]
*8/17/1993 - Wade vs. Denise vs. Jayson - Dan celebrates his mom's birthday! [OC, TMcSwain0420-1.1, A-]
*8/20/1993 - David vs. Karyn vs. Scott - Dan is joined by a "centurion in training" named Jimmy Sharp! [OB, TMcSwain0820-1.1, A-]
*8/23/1993 - Scott vs. Armineta vs. Matthew [OB, TMcSwain0820-1.2, A-]
*early 9/1993 - Daniel vs. Kimberly vs. Fred [OC, CDonegan1219-1.3, A-]
*early 9/1993 - Rick vs. Peggy vs. Michael [OB, CDonegan417-1.1, A-]
*9/1993 - Gail vs. Paul vs. Kate - Phylicia Rashad asks a question via VideoPhone! - inconsistent antenna signal quality, along with occasional audio dropouts [OB, IWallis1.5, A- (on average)]
'5 Words' bonus format
*1993 - Robert vs. Jodi vs. Frank [USA, RSeidelman3.2, A-]
*11/5/1993 - William vs. Barbara vs. Paul - Johnny Mathis appears as a surprise guest! - blurry video; low audio [USA, TMcSwain4.4, B]
*11/12/1993 - Tony vs. Jayn vs. Juan - Harry Friedman's birthday is celebrated throughout the show! - blurry video [USA, TMcSwain4.5, B+]
*11/22/1993 - Jim vs. Denise vs. Tim - Dan recites a poem from Harry Friedman! [OC (prepare to get sick of hearing about home mortgage), CDonegan1219-1.2, A-]
*1993 - Shirley vs. Larry vs. Julie - missing opening; begins during Ahmad and Dan's conversation [USA w/comm, RSeidelman3.1, A-]
*1/3/1994(?) - Rich vs. Kelly vs. Scott - no closing segment, but FANTASTIC audio quality [USA w/comm, RRinkerman0120-2.4, A-]
*1/5/1994 - Jan vs. Ann vs. Darrell - one player earns $13K in the front game! [USA, PBurgos4.4, B+]
*1/11/1994 - Stephen vs. Barbara vs. Terryl - Dan knits a scarf for Ahmad! [OB, IWallis1.6, A]
CAMOUFLAGE
ABC, 1960-1962
Don Morrow
*1962 - Margaret vs. Patricia [SM, TMcSwain7.4, B+]
CAN YOU TOP THIS?
syndication, 1970
Wink Martindale
*1970 w/Richard Dawson, Morey Amsterdam, Paul Winchell, and Jack Carter [SM (B&W), RRinkerman6.2.3, B]
CARD SHARKS
A rather simplistic game, but in a good way.
NBC, 1978-1981
Jim Perry
*VTR 3/17/1978 first pilot - Jack Campion vs. Pam [SM w/slate, TMcSwain7.5, B]
*VTR 3/17/1978 second pilot - Judith vs. Johnny - A perfect win on the Money Cards; you can tell they really wanted to set a good example for NBC [SM w/slate, TMcSwain7.6, B]
*4/24/1978 premiere - Susan vs. Mark [SM w/slate, JMadigan1.3, A-]
*4/25/1978 - Susan vs. Ray [GSN, A++]
*11/1/1978 - Boston vs. Diana - contains Norma Brown's HUGE Money Cards haul! - two copies: [GAME, SWylie4.4, A-] or [GSN, A++ (missing last 15 seconds)]
*3/27/1979 - Sydell vs. Tom - low audio [OC, DDownsBonus1.3, A-]
*4/13/1979 - Carol at Money Cards [GSN w/comm, SWylie5b, A++]
*10/17/1979 - Lisa at Money Cards - one contestant has been smoking marijuana... [OC, DDownsBonus1.4, B+]
*12/31/1979 - Rayetta vs. Tom [OC, BSchwartz2.1.1, B+]
*3/19/1980 - Lynn vs. Garo - video somewhat blurry [OC, DDownsBonus4.2, B+]
*4/11/1980 - Irene vs. Cynthia - the shuffling method is shown, plus Bob Hilton announces! [GAME, BSchwartz2.1.2, B+]
*5/7/1980 - Freba at Money Cards [OC, BSchwartz2.1.4, A-]
*7/22/1980 - Toby vs. Julie - infamous episode where all four 3s come up consecutively in the Money Cards! [GAME w/comm, BSchwartz2.1.3, B+]
*8/25/1980 - Monday of Young People’s Week - Mike vs. Dawn [OC, JLaPratt2.2, B+]
*8/26/1980 - Mike vs. Dawn (in their second match) [GSN, A++]
*9/9/1980 - second ep. of 3-week Emcees tournament! - Gene Rayburn vs. Allen Ludden, with Bill Cullen playing later [GSN, BSchwartz2.1.5, A-]
*9/15/1980 - Emcees tournament, day 6! - Tom Kennedy vs. Jim Lange, with Alex Trebek playing later [GAME, BSchwartz2.1.6, B+]
*9/22/1980 - day 11 of said tournament - Gene Rayburn vs. Alex Trebek [GAME w/comm, DDowns10.4, A]
*9/24/1980 - day 13 of said tournament - Alex Trebek vs. Bill Cullen, with Jack Clark vs. Gene Rayburn later - $12K Money Cards win! [GSN, BSchwartz2.1.7, A-]
*12/24/1980 - from Christmas week, with kids playing - Kurt vs. Bella - video somewhat jerky throughout, with random colors fluctuating; low audio [OC, TMcSwain5.2, B-]
*4/21/1981 - final episode of Young People's Week! - Rosalyn vs. Richard [OC, JLeeman4.1.4, A-]
*7/1981 - Patti vs. Ray - 800th show! [GAME w/comm, CCohan0720-1.3, A-]
*10/23/1981 finale - Michele vs. Denise - blurry video with antenna distortion [OB, JOswaldtape2.6, B-]
CBS, 1986-1989
Bob Eubanks
*1/6/1986 premiere - Darryl vs. Mitch - two copies: [OC, JLeeman4.2.2, A-] or [GSN, A++]
*5/14/1986 - Susie vs. Donna - very gutsy Money Cards player! [GSN, A+]
*5/15/1986 - Donna vs. Reggie [GSN, A+]
*5/16/1986 - Donna vs. Jayne [GSN, A+]
First car game format
*11/4/1987 - Rob vs. Kelli [GSN, A++]
*2/22/1988 - David at Money Cards [GSN, A++]
*2/23/1988 - Christina vs. Theo - no credits [GSN, A++]
*2/24/1988 - Christina vs. Marv - opening missing [GSN, A++]
*2/25/1988 - Marv vs. Karen - no credits [GSN, A++]
*6/1988 - Geri (retiring undefeated!) at Car Game - Ray Combs stops by during a ticket plug to promote Family Feud! - missing opening; begins as Car game starts [OC, TMcSwain5.4, B+]
*7/1/1988 - Monica vs. Michael - Lacey's pregnancy is discussed; plus, final day with first car game format [OB, BSchwartz2.1.8, B]
second Car Game format
*7/4/1988 - Monica vs. Kristen - first day with second car game, and audience members are Celebrity Mothers! - bright and pretty blurry video [OB, BSchwartz2.1.9, B-]
*12/16/1988 - Buffy vs. Molly - muffled and VERY low audio [OC, DDownsBonus4.3, A-]
*12/19/1988 - Anita vs. Andy - closing segment missing - VERY low audio [OC, MLight2.3.2, A-]
*12/21/1988 - Andy at Money Cards - opening missing; begins as Andy is introduced - low audio [OC, MLight2.3.3, A]
*3/31/1989 finale - Ray vs. Pam (with the Peckerhead boyfriend blooper!) - Bob gets all teary-eyed during the ending! [OB, JLaPratt1.3, B]
syndication, 1986-1987
Bill Rafferty
*9/8/1986 premiere - Mel vs. Tina - Money Cards player almost screwed themselves over, if it wasn't for Bill being so generous... [GSN, GGarsten5.4, A+]
With Car game and prize cards
*9/29/1986 - first episode with the car game and prize cards! - Menett vs. Sarah [GSN, RRinkermanDec2011/6.4, A-]
*11/12/1986 - Jack (retiring undefeated!) at Money Cards - contains a VERY huge win in the next game! [GSN, RRinkermanDec2011/8.2, A-]
*2/11/1987 - Al vs. Ruth - contains a ticket plug that Bill keeps getting involved in - video pretty wavy in some shots; garbled audio during closing segment [OB, GGarsten1.1, B]
*late 2/1987 - Lee vs. Helen [GSN, A]
*early 3/1987 - Joe vs. Laurie - no credits [OC, MLight2.4.3, A-]
United Kingdom versions (titled "Play Your Cards Right)
ITV, 1980-1987, 1994-1999, 2002-2003
Bruce Forsyth
*1980 - Anne vs. Ian - timecode on top of screen - blurry video [SM, BSchwartz3.1, B]
*9/17/1982 series premiere; now uses couples - Dave and Tracy vs. Christy and Gary - bright video [OB, BSchwartz2.5, B+]
*7/8/1994 - Dorothy and Brian vs. Graham and Carol [OC, CDonegan4.3.5, A]
*9/7/2002 series premiere - Chris and Catherine, Peter and Sana, Mark and Colette, Matthias and Clarissa - about 30 seconds of second segment missing - bright and pretty blurry video; muffled audio [OB, BSchwartz2.6, B]
*1/19/2003 - Danielle and Chris, Mark and Sharon, Colin and Tammy, Paul and Natalie [OC, CDonegan7.1.3, A-]
CATCH 21
Revised version of Gambit, with surprisingly solid results!
GSN, 2008-2011
Alfonso Rebiero
*7/21/2008 premiere – Patricia vs. Bob vs. Gordon [OC, A+]
*4/5/2009 - second season premiere, now with the new set and graphics! - Elyse (who is kind of annoying) vs. Andrew vs. Christina - last 30 seconds or so missing [OC, A+]
*8/18/2010 - Toney vs. Chad vs. Jessica - Toney shows off his Michael Jackson-like moves! Plus, one player finishes with 0 points, and another dominates with 2100 points! [OB, A++]
*8/31/2010 - Chris vs. Xica vs. A.J. - rather amazing comeback in the bonus round! [OB, A++]
*11/4/2010 - Toni vs. Gil vs. Andrea [OB, A++]
CATCHPHRASE
Naming phrases you hear every day could win you lots of money. Very fun-to-watch indeed!
syndication, 1985-1986
Art James
*9/16/1985 premiere - Michael vs. Ashley [OC, DBarkow2.1, B+]
*9/17/1985 - Michael vs. Bri [OC, DBarkow2.2, B+]
*9/18/1985 - Bri vs. Bill [OC, DBarkow2.3, B+]
*9/23/1985 - Bri (her 5th day!) vs. Chris - video sometimes briefly breaks [OB, NJohnson2.5, B+]
*1985 - Cindy vs. Chip - Art goofs up with a player at one point! - video somewhat yellow-tinted [OB w/few comm., RRinkermanMay2010/5.3, B]
*1985 - Mary vs. Clayton - credits cut; last 30 seconds of recording has no video available [OB, DBarkow2.4, A-]
*11/1985 - Charley vs. Susan - bonus round comes down to the last second! [OC, TMcSwain2.4, B-]
*12/23/1985 - Robin vs. Susan - first taped episode, with very different sound effects and bonus format [OC, RRinkerman0120-2.5, A-]
*1/1/1986 - Pat vs. Todd - video pixelated at bottom of screen for the majority of the show [OB, JDay5.3, B]
*1/2/1986 - Todd vs. Brian - video pixelated at bottom half of screen, and slightly fuzzy otherwise [OB, JDay5.4, B-]
United Kingdom versions
ITV, 1986-2004
Roy Walker
*1/12/1986 PREMIERE - Christine vs. Nick - contains a much more subdued tone and no Ready Money Round.- some flame blurring in places [Family, A-]
*3/1/1986 - Sarah vs. Brian - contains the first Super Catchphrase win, in a manner that's quite rare for this version [Family, A]
*1/4/1987 series premiere, and first ep with the Ready Money Round! - Dot vs. Andrew [Family, A]
*3/12/1988 - Steve vs. Paulette - the first two puzzles take forever to solve! [CHA, RRinkerman1.4, A-]
*1989 - Louise vs. Peter [OB, Gameshows.3, A]
*1/5/1991 Celebrity special, where two games are played! - tracking issues thought [OB, RRinkerman4.1, B]
*mid-1992 - Gay vs. John [OB, A]
*12/1993 (taped in '92) - Andrew vs. Tina [OC, Gameshows.1, A-]
*1/1/1994 Family special - Grants vs. Peppers - missing open and final few minutes; cuts after maingame result [OB, Gameshows.2, A-]
*9/30/1994 series premiere - Mabel vs. Len [CHA, CP10.1, A++]
*10/7/1994 - Barbara vs. Tony [CHA, CP10.2, A++]
*10/14/1994 - Adrian vs. Julia [CHA, CP10.3, A++]
*10/21/1994 - Denny vs. Carole [CHA, CP10.4, A++]
*10/28/1994 - Trevor vs. Catherine [CHA, CP10.5, A++]
*11/4/1994 - Sally vs. Darren [CHA, CP10.6, A++]
*11/11/1994 - Jat vs. Claire - neither of the first two puzzles are solved! [CHA, CP10.7, A]
*11/18/1994 - Marita vs. Sean - the episode with the rather suggestive SNAKE CHARMER puzzle! - two copies: [CHALLENGE w/comm., TMcSwain6.2, B] and [CHA, CP10.9, A]
*11/11/1994 - Brian vs. Cindy [CHA, CP10.8, A++]
*5/25/1996 - Lee vs. Michelle - both contestants have identical twins! [CHA, A+]
*11/21/1998 series premiere - Daniel vs. Cathryn - Daniel gives ridiculous answers for a ‘Frost Bite‘ puzzle, and Roy plugs the Home Viewer contest! - video blurry, somewhat shaky, and occasionally B&W... in short, it's pretty bad. [OB, RRinkerman4.4, C]
*12/5/1998 - Darryl vs. Pam - Roy makes a counting error no one seems to notice! (luckily, it didn't affect gameplay) - because this is a rerun, all contest plugs are cut [CHA, CDonegan6.5, A-]
*11/20/1999 - Ian vs. Dee - Roy's last episode, though not announced - because this is a rerun, all contest plugs are cut [CHA, A+]
Nick Weir
*1/7/2000 - Nick's first episode! - Steve vs. Kay [CHA w/comm, CP14.1, A++]
*1/14/2000 - Steve vs. Jenny - the first audience game, with a rather funny player! [CHA w/comm, CP14.2, A++]
*1/21/2000 - Lisa vs. Paul [CHA w/comm, CP14.3, A++]
*1/28/2000 - Mark vs. Suzanne - Mark gives some funny answers during the countdown round! [CHA w/comm, CP14.4, A++]
*2/4/2000 - Matt vs. Louise [CHA w/comm, CP14.5, A++]
*2/11/2000 - Maria vs. Tim - audience game played [CHA w/comm, CP14.6, A++]
*2/18/2000 - Glynis vs. Chris - audience game played [CHA w/comm, CP14.7, A++]
*2/25/2000 - Linda vs. Julian [CHA w/comm, CP14.8, A++]
*4/7/2000 - Nick breaks his foot, and does the entire show on crutches! Originally thought to be his first episode - Elleni vs. Dave - low audio [OC, RRinkermanScrCP.3, B]
*2000 - Kerry vs. Jamie - audience game played - low audio [OC, RRinkerman4.6.3, B]
*1/23/2001 series premiere - Alex vs. Liz - VERY exciting Countdown Round! - widescreen-formated video - two copies: [12/20/2004 RPT w/comm, RRinkermanScrCP.4, B+] or [CHA w/comm, CDonnegan4.5, A++ (missing open and closing)]
*2001 - Michelle vs. Scott - widescreen-formated video [OC, RRinkermanMay2010/4.4, A-]
*early 2003 - Michelle vs. Peter [OC, CDonegan4.2.1, A]
Mark Curry (daytime run)
*2002 - Val vs. Zarah - video pretty jumpy at times in the first five minutes; rather buzzy audio [OB, CDonnegan2.4, B+ at first then A-]
The Family Channel, 1994 ("Family Catchphrase")
Andrew O'Conner
*12/1994 - Holness (including Bob from Blockbusters!) vs. Ball - no opening nor closing [OB, RRinkerman5.6.1, A-]
Australian versions
Channel 9, 1997-2001, 2002-2004
John Burgess
2 player format
*1997 - Sharon vs. Isla - credits cut [OB, CDonegan7.1.4, B+]
*3/13/2000 - Anne vs. Chris [OC, BMoore1.4, A]
3 player format
*10/15/2002 - Tim vs. Gina vs. Leslie [OC, BMoore2.1.1, A]
*10/25/2002 - Dawn (going for a car) vs. Liz vs. Rita - Adriana Xenides shows the Viewer‘s Contest! [OC, BMoore2.1, A+]
*5/2/2003 - Lorraine (going for a car) vs. Shawn vs. Kelly [OC, BMoore2.1.2, A]
*6/23/2003 - Sean vs. Wendy vs. Denise - missing opening; begins during contestant interviews [OC, BMoore2.1.3, A]
*10/22/2003 - Rick vs. Jan vs. Sharon - some of first round cut due to technical difficulties [OC, BMoore2.2, A-]
THE CELEBRITY GAME
This show is basically a prototype Hollywood Squares. It's decent for what it is, but it definitely still needed some tweaking, especially in the pacing.
CBS, 1964-1965
Carl Reiner
*6/7/1964 - Shirley vs. Edwards vs. Celynn [OC, MPannoni1.7, A-]
CELEBRITY SAYS!
This one is amazingly obscure given how recent it is. The game itself is pretty standard, and it may not be that engaging, but it does have a bit of an intimate charm going for it.
TV Guide Network, 2008
Dave Holmes
*2/25/2008 premiere - John vs. Dana vs. Noah - video can occasionally stutter; news scroll throughout [OC, RRinkerman117-7.3, A+]
*2/25/2008 (aired same day as premiere) - Brigitte vs. Sam vs. Laura - same notes as above ep [OC, RRinkerman117-7.4, A+]
*2/27/2008 Celebrity ep. - Paul Goebel vs. Diana Magpapian vs. R.J. Williams [OC, RRinkerman117-8.2, A+]
CELEBRITY SWEEPSTAKES
A very interesting and fun celeb-predicting game.
NBC, 1974-1976
Jim McKrell
*1973 pilot, w/John Astin, Jane Withers, Lucie Arnaz, Dean Jones, Ted Knight, & Patty Duke Astin - features a slightly different format - Sandi vs. Cy vs. Jackie [SM, JLeeman2.1.2, B]
*1975 - 3 minutes of an ep w/Christopher Stone, Virginia Graham, Arte Johnson, Carol Wayne, Darren McGavin, & Lynn Anderson - Debi vs. Angela [OC, A]
*10/4/1976 finale w/Carol Wayne, Nipsey Russell, Greg Mullavey, Debralee Scott, Pat Cooper, & Alan Sues - Dave vs. Hilary [SM w/slate, JLeeman6.3.3, A+]
CHAIN REACTION
A cool game that went through a lot of changes during its history. Cullen's is probably the most fun, but there's a mellow charm to Edwards' as well.
NBC, 1980
Bill Cullen
*1/14/1980 premiere w/Joyce Bulifant, Fred Grandy, Patty Duke Astin, and Nipsey Russell - Candace vs. Pat - contains an early bonus format that wasn't quite rewarding enough [GAME, BBolton1.2, B+]
*1/30/1980 - 10 minutes of an ep (opening and last 8 min) w/Elaine Joyce, Nipsey Russell, Vicki Lawrence, and Richard Paul - Audrey vs. Mary Jo [OB, JLeeman0620-1.1, A-]
*1/31/1980 w/same guests as above - Audrey vs. Mary Jo (still) [OB, JLeeman0620-1.2, A-]
*2/1/1980 w/same guests as above (again) - Mary Jo vs. Trudy [OB, JLeeman0220-1.2, A-]
*2/4/1980 w/Joanne Worley, Joanna Gleason, Michael McKean, and Richard Paul - Mary Jo vs. Sharon [OB, JLeeman0220-1.3, A-]
*2/5/1980 - 12 minutes of an ep w/same guests as above - Mary Jo vs. Roberta - no open [OB, JLeeman0220-1.4, A-]
*3/10/1980 w/Betty White, Allen Ludden, Anita Gillette, and Brian Patrick Clark - Ken vs. Angelique - now in MUCH better quality! [GAME, CCohan0720-7.1, A-]
*1980 w/Vicki Lawrence, Jack Carter, Gine Hecht, and Wesley Eure - Geoff Edwards guest-hosts! - Judy vs. Mark [GAME, BSchwartz3.1.5, B]
*5/7/1980 w/Joanne Worley, Steve Kanaly, Sharon Spelman, and Sal Viscuso - Erin vs. Linda [OC, Rrinkerman6.7.4, A]
*6/20/1980 finale w/Betty White, Jay Jackson, Joyce Bulifant, and Ron Silver - Arnie vs. Sarah [OC, JLeeman1.1, A-]
Canadian syndication, 1986
Blake Emmonds
*1986 premiere - Allan and Joanne vs. Karen vs. Lorraine [GAME w/few comm, BSchwartz3.1.6, A-]
USA, 1986-1991
Geoff Edwards
*1986 - Carol and Gail vs. Darnley and Laura [OB, RRinkerman6.7.5, B+]
*1990 - Linda vs. Adele - closing segment missing [USA w/most comm, BSchwarz3.1.7, A-]
*1991 finale, for $40,000! - Brett vs. Linda - video is sightly shaky and quite blurry, which can occasionally turn B&W [OB, RRinkerman517-5.1, B-]
THE CHAIR
You better keep your cool, because this neat game involves just that.
ABC, 2002
John MacEnroe
*1/22/2002 - first player: Laura [OB, A-]
*3/5/2002 unannounced finale - first contestant: Penny - contains the first and only perfect win! [OB, RRinkerman7.6.3, A-]
THE CHALLENGERS
syndication, 1990-1991
Dick Clark
*8/31/1990 Sneak Preview ep. - Doak vs. Betsy vs. John - the winner plays the Ultimate Challenge for $50,000 at the end! [OB w/few comm, TMcSwain6.1.1, A-]
*9/3/1990 premiere - Charley vs. Doak vs. Toni - only one player goes to the Final Challenge! - missing closing; no gameplay cut - slightly snowy video [OB, TMcSwain6.1.2, B]
*9/24/1990 - Larry at Ultimate Challenge - grainy video, which is also slightly glitchy at times [OB, TMcSwain6.3.5, B+]
*11/8/1990 - Holly vs. Gary vs. Stan [OC, RRinkermanDec2011/10.3, B+]
*5/24/1991 - Barry vs. Steve vs. Cecil - pretty grainy video; VERY low audio, which is pretty buzzy too [OB, TMcSwain6.1.3, B]
THE CHEAP SHOW
syndication, 1978-1979
Dick Martin
*10/1978 (ep. 4) w/Rita Moreno, David Doyle, and an empty seat meant for Henry Ford - Marta vs. Jeff [SM, CDonegan417-1.4, B+]
CHILD’S PLAY
Strange concept; adults try to translate children’s definitions of things.
CBS, 1982-1983
Bill Cullen
*9/16/1983 finale - Pam vs. Patricia - toward the end, the producers try to get children to define Bill Cullen… with limited success! - features a promo for Press Your Luck (which would replace this show the following Monday!) [OC, JLaPratt1.4, A-]
CONCENTRATION
An instant classic no matter which version you look at.
NBC, 1958-1973
Hugh Downs
*10/15/1958 - Walter vs. Robert - studio timecode onscreen [SC, RRinkerman817-6.1, A-]
*2/9/1959 - Art James guest-hosts! - Millie vs. Ingrid - no opening; begins right after contestant interviews [OC, A-]
*9/11/1963 - from the Challenge of Champions - Art vs. Nettie - video jerks at times, but nothing too distracting [KIN w/comm, MLight2.5.3, B+]
*9/12/1963 - Part 1 of Challenge of Champions finals - Ralph vs. Art - video jerks at times, but nothing too distracting [KIN w/comm, DDowns14.3, B+]
*9/13/1963 - Part 2 of the Challenge of Champions finals - slightly wavy video at most points [KIN w/comm, DDowns14.4, B+]
*9/16/1963 - Part 3 of the Challenge of Champions finals - a win in the previous episode is overturned... will this affect the final results? - audio has strangely quiet moments [SC (B&W), MPannoni0320-1.2, A]
*1966 - 14-minute clip w/Patricia vs. Walter - cuts after first match of second game - video is blurry and VERY bright; low audio which has really distracting glitches throughout, but still worth it [KIN, CDonegan4.1.6, C+]
*10/3/1967 - Challenge of Champions finals - Dorothy vs. Clara - who will win the trip around the world? [SC, A-]
*12/24/1968 - Secret Santas special w/Bob Clayton and Victor Borge (both dressed in Santa suits and anonymous for most of the show)! [SC (B&W), MLight5.2, A-]
Bob Clayton
*12/24/1969 - Secret Santas special w/Hugh Downs and Joe Garagiola! - features a great promo for NBC daytime game shows [SC (B&W), MLight5.3, A-]
*3/23/1973 finale - Lolleen vs. Joan - contains a goodbye puzzle from the cast! - end of first game missing [Color KIN, JLeeman3.4.4, A-]
syndication, 1973-1978
Jack Narz
*VTR 6/27/1974 - Sheryl vs. Jane [SM w/slate, A]
*1974 - the last 5 minutes of an episode w/Barbara vs. David - begins partway through second puzzle - some screen areas are a little off-color [OB, CDonegan4.3.4, B]
*VTR 12/5/1974 - Katie vs. Myrna - contains Wink Martindale's watermark in the corner throughout; I usually don't like to rip uploads with watermarks, but you'll see why I made an exception here [SM w/slate, A]
*1976 - 2 closing segments, 4 minutes total; first one has a ticket plug! [OB, JLeeman2.2.6, A-]
*9/1976 season premiere - Nancy vs. Millie - from the *first-ever rerun* of this version! Also listen for the quick jab at Tom Kennedy [BUZZR, A+]
*10/1976 - Lorraine vs. Marilyn - one of few episodes that was rerun in the original frame rate [BUZZR, A+]
*10 or 11/1976 - Tom vs. Donna - one of few episodes that was rerun in the original frame rate [BUZZR, A++]
*VTR 12/2/1977 - Tom vs. Myrtle - the Money Game is played! [SM w/slate, A+]
*VTR 12/2/1977 - John vs. Lee [SM w/slate, A]
*1978 - Linda vs. Randy [SM, JLeeman6.4.1, B+]
NBC, 1987-1991 ("Classic Concentration")
Alex Trebek
*5/4/1987 premiere - Diana vs. David [OC, JMadigan1.4, A-]
*5/13/1987 - Jason vs. Renee - the extremely rare audience game is played! [OB, DDowns16.2, A-]
*5/15/1987 - Jason vs. Susan [OB, DDowns16.3, A-]
*7/22/1987 - Marjorie Goodson's first episode! - Tom vs. Hilary [OC, RRinkermanDec2011/7.2, A]
*8/14/1987 - Dennis vs. Thea - the first puzzle is solved with 2 PIECES! [OC, BSchwartz3.2.5, A]
*12/8/1987 - AJ vs. Monica - a new record is set! [OB, JFisher1.1, B+]
*12/30/1987 - Jackson vs. Dorothy [OC, JFisher1.2, A-]
Two Strikes
*3/15/1988 - first episode with the 'Two Strikes' format! - Robert vs. Diane [BUZZR, GGarsten0820-1.1, A++]
*5/12/1988 - Susan vs. Michael - video pretty pixelated in areas during the first several minutes, and all home contest mentions are (very obviously) cut [1993 RPT w/comm, RRinkerman5.6.3, B at first then B+]
*8/4/1988 - Julie vs. Richard - missing part of second bonus segment (no gameplay missing) [BUZZR, A+]
*8/5/1988 - last ep with this format for now, and this episode gives a pretty good indication why they changed it - Sheila vs. Richard [BUZZR, A+]
Best 2 out of 3
*8/8/1988 - first permanent ep with this format (which Alex briefly forgets after game 1) - Julie vs. Troy (better known for his appearance on PYL) [BUZZR, A+]
*10/26/1988 - from Halloween week, with everyone in costume and a decorated set! - Vincent vs. Al [OC, A-]
*10/27/1988 - from Halloween week! - Lara vs. Ed - taken from a British broadcast(!) which chops up the ep in rather weird places [SKYONE, JFisher1.3, A-]
*1/9/1989 - Randy vs. Blanche [OB, JFisher1.4, A]
*1/10/1989 - Randy vs. Darlene [OB, JFisher1.5, A]
*2/6/1990 - Walter vs. Mona [OC, JFisher2.1, A]
*4/10/1990 - Lance vs. Wendy - contains a clean sweep in game 1! [OC, B+]
*4/11/1990 - Wendy vs. Sean - game 1 is a lot of fun, with Wendy and Alex constantly passing wisecracks as she tries to maximize her prize pile [OC, A-]
*5/3/1990 - Cinco de Mayo episode! - Larry vs. Gabe [OC, DDowns16.4, A-]
Two-Strikes (again)
*mid-1990 - Andrew vs. Anne - warpy audio [OC, MPannoni0320-2.2, B]
*11/15/1990 - day 4 of Tournament of Champions! - Ken Lee vs. Karen - somewhat blurry video [OC, MPannoni3.3a, B+]
*11/16/1990 - day 5 of tournament! - Mark vs. Stuart - somewhat blurry video [OC, MPannoni3.3b, B+]
*6/14/1991 - Terri vs. Antoinette [SM, A+]
*6/21/1991 - 1000th show! - Joy vs. Dave [OB, DDowns15.7, A-]
*6/24/1991 - Brad vs. Steven [SM, A+}
*6/25/1991 - Brad vs. Steven (again!) [SM, A+]
*6/26/1991 - Brad vs. Nina [SM, A+]
*late 8/1991 - Ben vs. Susan - one player purposefully loses the bonus round! - slightly shaky video [OB, RRinkerman517-5.4, B]
*9/26/1991 finale (not announced, but Alex's tone at the end implies it) – Bob vs. Amy [OB, DDowns11.3, B]
CRAM
GSN, 2002-2003
Graham Elwood
*1/8/2003 - Scott and Dru vs. C.J. and Fesa [SM w/slate, RRinkermanNov2012/1.2, A-]
CROSSWITS
Not the most original game, but the 70s version still proves very worthwhile and engaging. The 80s one is just messily done, unfortunately.
syndication, 1975-1980
Jack Clark
*12/17/1975 (third episode) - first 9 minutes of an ep.; cuts at the tail end of puzzle 2 - Conny Van Dyke, Jean, Greg Morris vs. Meredith McRae, Frank, Ron Masak - the first puzzle is solved on the first word! - inactive studio timecode onscreen [SM w/slate, CDonegan7.1.5, A-]
*early 1978 w/Peter Isacksen, Dorothy Lamour, and Fred vs. Elaine Joyce, Pat McCormick, Pam - Jay Stewart announces! - somewhat blurry video with online watermark onscreen [OB, CDonegan1219-4.5, B+]
*early 1979 w/Bill Cullen, Elinor Donahue, and Art vs. JoAnne Worley, Johnny Brown, and Rita - the brightness can sometimes vary, and audio is slightly distorted [OB, B+]
*6/1979 w/Misty Rowe, Jack Riley, and Jim vs. Nipsey Russell, Rita Moreno, and Villa - includes a neat Tic Tac Dough promo! [OC, A-]
*Next ep. w/Jack Riley, Nipsey Russell, and Paula vs. Rita Moreno, Misty Rowe, and Al [OC, A-]
*late 1979 w/Patricia McCormick, Daryl Anderson, and John vs. Anita Gilette, Robert Reed, and Rochelle [OB, A-]
*1980 w/Nipsey Russell, Rosemary Forsyth, and Mark vs. James Hampton, Elaine Joyce, and Peggy [SM, A]
syndication, 1986-1987
David Sparks
*1986 - from Emcees week! - Tom Kennedy, Bob Goen, and Rob vs. Peter Tomarken, Jim Peck, and Dabney - missing part of opening; grainy video [OB, RRinkerman7.5.3, B-]
DEAL OR NO DEAL
The format is great, but all the stalling and gimmicks in the NBC version makes it not one of my favorites. If you agree with me, better go with the syndicated version.
NBC primetime, 2005-2009
Howie Mandel
*12/19/2005 premiere - Karen plays [GSN w/comm, CCohan0420-2.1, A+]
*4/5/2006 - Hans plays - a live pony becomes part of an offer! [GSN w/comm, CCohan0420-2.2, A+]
*9/1/2008 - Jessica plays, becoming the first Millionaire (and man, did NBC's marketing want you to know that...)! [OC, A+]
syndication, 2008-2010
*10/24/2008 - Carolyn plays - from the first-taped week; here, 3 cases are picked in round 4 instead of 2 [OC, CCohan0420-1.3, A]
*1/1/2009 - Reggie plays - Over $200K is won! Highly recommended! [OB, A++]
*1/2/2009 - Claire plays [OB, A++]
*4/8/2009 - Angela plays - from Small Business week, where HP sponsors a case [OB, A]
*9/7/2009 - 2nd season premiere! - Kirsten plays [OB, A++]
*12/4/2009 - Susanna plays - the Banker's Bonus is featured for the first (and only) time [GSN, CCohan0420-1.4, A+]
*2/26/2010 - Raymond plays - last episode reran (at least, until GSN) - missing first minute and a half; begins at contestant introduction [9/3/2010 RPT, A+]
Australian versions
Channel 7 nighttime, 2003
Andrew O'Keefe
*7/20/2003 (ep. 2, 60 minutes) - Jessica plays with 11 cases remaining - this version has more qualifying games and a $2M top prize - slightly grainy video [OB, CDonegan417-2.4, B+]
*7/27/2003 (ep. 3, 90 minutes) - Nathan plays with 5 cases remaining and HUGE stakes! - last 12 minutes missing, but it cuts during the qualifiers anyway [OC, CCohan1.1, A]
Channel 7 daytime, 2004-2013
*6/17/2004 - Dean plays, and becomes the series' first top winner! [OC, RRinkermanGrabbag1.4, B+]
*2005 - Marie-Eve plays - Very exciting game on all fronts! [OC, CCohan1.2, A+]
*2005 - Matthew plays - the stakes end up becoming about as extreme as you could get here! [OC, RRinkermanFF.3, A+]
*1/30/2006 series premiere - Thereis plays [OC, BMoore2.1.4, A+]
*2008 - from Double Shot Week, where 2 cases contain the $200K! - Paula plays - now has a more generic contestant-picking format [OB, CDonnegan3.5, A+]
United Kingdom versions
Channel 4, 2005-2016
Noel Edmonds
*4/1/2009 - 1000th show, with former contestants filling the audiences, Noel wearing a gold suit, and the banker offering an additional £250,000 box! [OB w/some comm, CDonegan0420-4.3/4, A]
*10/10/2011 - first of a two-week series of hour-long specials aired live, where former contestants return in the pool! - Louise plays [OC, CDonegan0420-4.1/2, A]
DEALER'S CHOICE
This one is probably as overlooked as they get; very fun Casino-themed show with a bunch of fun games and suspense.
syndication, 1974-1975
Bob Hastings
*early 1974 - Liz vs. Dick vs. Linda - 15 minutes of an episode; starts at the tail end of round 2 [SM, RRinkerman4.8.8, B+]
Jack Clark
*1974 - Janet vs. Mel vs. Terry - blurry video [SM, filtered version is A- (improved brightness and color); original is JDay2.4, B+]
*early 1975 - Marilyn vs. Kate vs. Carolyn [SM w/slate, CDonegan6.1.2, B+]
DEBT
Very fun and inventive show, if a little reminiscent of Jeopardy.
Lifetime, 1996-1998
Wink Martindale
First format
*1/1997 - David vs. Rochelle vs. Frank (who would eventually host Street Smarts!) - video somewhat pink-tinted [OB w/some comm, TMcSwain5.6, B]
*5/29/1997 - Scott vs. Judy vs. Ryan - the (in)famous Toupee episode! - video has "jumps" in picture throught (resulting in slightly blurry video), as well as constant slight flickering on the upper half [OB w/some comm, TMcSwain5.5, B-]
Second format
*6/9/1997 - Paul vs. Dena vs. Geoff - contains slightly different graphics [OC, TMcSwain5.7, A-]
*1998, from Wedding Week! - Jason vs. Loren vs. David [OB, RRinkermanNov2012/5.5, B]
DIVIDED
A lot of people hate this show, but honestly, I think it's a very cool concept and format. I like how it encourages teamwork and to not let selfishness get the better of you.
GSN, 2017-2018
Mike Richards
*3/2/2017 (ep 1036) - Louisa, Ryan, Jennifer, and Kim [OC, CCohan0420-1.5, A+]
*4/19/2018 - "Return of the Eliminated" episode, with former contestants that were voted off... and final taped episode of the series - Sydney, Joyce, Lou Lou, & Asya [OB, CCohan0720-2.1, A+]
DON'T FORGET THE LYRICS
syndication, 2010-2011
Mark McGrath
*11/22/2010 - Lesley plays - from Rock the Cradle Week, with pregnant women playing and special categories [OB, A+]
DOTTO
One of Jack Narz's earliest games were one of his most infamous as well.
CBS, 1958
Jack Narz
*5/20/1958 - Marie Winn vs. Yaffe - this triggered the Quiz Show scandals - inconsistent brightness, which can get VERY bright in some parts; studio time-code onscreen [SC, RRinkerman6.5.1, A-]
NBC primetime, 1958
*7/29/1958 - Connie vs. John - grainy video [KIN w/comm, Rrinkerman6.5.2, B]
DOUBLE DARE (1976)
No relation to the later show from Nickelodeon. Cool isolation booth game that should've lasted longer than it did.
CBS, 1976-1977
Alex Trebek
*1/4/1977 - Alan Lusher vs. Judy - Alan retires undefeated [GSN w/comm, A+]
*1/5/1977 - Michael vs. the Spoilers [GSN w/comm, A+]
*1/6/1977 - Nancy vs. the Spoilers [GSN w/comm, A+]
*1/13/1977 - Gary Gardina (future Jeopardy! champ) vs. Linda [GSN w/comm, A-]
*1/14/1977 - Gary Gardina vs. Bartholomew [GSN w/comm, A-]
*1/27/1977 - Catherine vs. Ray - watch as a very promising Spoilers round goes right down the tubes... [GSN w/comm, CCohan0720-1.4, A]
*1/31/1977 - Bob vs. Ray (he comes out in the intro instead of Alex!) - jumpy video at times during the first few minutes, particularly during the intro [GAME, BSchwartz3.2.1, B- at first then B]
*2/2/1977 - Marie vs. Ray (who is finally unseated after 10 shows and having never beaten the Spoilers once) [GSN w/comm, CCohan0720-1.5, A]
*3/1/1977 - Marvin Shinkman vs. the Spoilers (right down to the wire!) [GSN, BSchwartz3.2.2, A]
*3/2/1977 - Greg vs. Marvin Shinkman [GSN, BSchwartz3.2.2b, A]
*4/28/1977 - Illene vs. Ron - blurry and occasionally pretty wavy video [OB, JLeeman4.3.4, B-]
*4/29/1977 finale - Illene vs. Andy [GAME, JLeeman4.4.5, B+]
DOUBLE TALK
As Pyramid-ish as this game is, it still retains a lot of the same charm while still feeling enough like its own thing. Shame the executives didn't seem to feel the same way.
ABC, 1986
Henry Polic II
*8/18/1986 premiere w/Betty White and Stuart Damon - Babs vs. Alice [GAME, JDay7.3, B+]
*8/19/1986 w/same celebs as above - Tracey vs. Babs [OB, BBolton1.3, B]
*11/20/1986 w/Teresa Ganzel and Joel Brooks - Mary vs. Rani [OC, RRinkermanDec2011/10.2, A-]
*12/1986 w/Susan Ruttan and Howard Morton - Katie vs. Cathy - ends during fee plugs [OB, RRinkerman517-5.5, A-]
*12/19/1986 finale w/Marcia Wallace and Jamie Farr - Pat vs. Amy - rather wavy video at some points, but still watchable; VCR counter onscreen [OC, JDay7.4, B-]
DREAM HOUSE
There's not much to say about the main game, but the end game is easily one of the best in the genre.
NBC, 1983-1984
Bob Eubanks
First format
*4/4/1983 premiere – Gary and Vicki vs. Joanne and Don [OC, TMcSwain6.3, B+]
*4/5/1983 - Joanne and Don vs. Linda and George - video pretty red-tinted [OB w/some comm, BSchwartz1.7, B]
*11/9/1983 - Donna and Ben vs. Patricia and Merryl - slight reception distortion throught [OB, BSchwartz1.8, B+]
Money Machine format
*4/1984 - first ep. with this format - Dave and Tracy vs. Dan and Mary - muffled audio [OB, RRinkermanDec2011/9.3, B]
*5/3/1984 - Becky and Lynn vs. Rose and Larry [OC, BSchwartz2.1, B+]
*5/4/1984 - Rose and Larry vs. Barbara and Duke [OC, BSchwartz2.2, B+]
*6/29/1984 finale - Mary and Kurt vs. Louisa and Steve - contains a pretty amazing way to end off the show! - slightly fuzzy video [OC, DDowns13.5, B]
EVERY SECOND COUNTS
syndication, 1984-1985
Bill Rafferty
*1985 - Heather & Daniel vs. Cynthia & Rick vs. Sharon & Bill - missing closing segment [OB w/some comm, RRinkerman6.2.1, B]
EYE GUESS
There's something inherently funny about blind picks.
NBC, 1966-1969
Bill Cullen
*11/8/1967 - Mildred at Bonus - sadly, this seems to be the only existing full ep. [SM, filtered version is A- (fixed syncing & color); original is MLight1.2, B+]
*1969 - 12-minute clip, starting with Jan at Bonus - B&W video [OB, JLeeman2.5, B-]
Very interesting mix of Wheel of Fortune and Hollywood Squares, though nothing really stands out except for the bonus round.
ABC, 1985
Peter Marshall
2 Free Stars
*4/8/1985 premiere - guests: Leslie Uggums, John Byner, Abby Dalton, Robert Manden - Tim vs. Colleen [OC, BMoore1.1, A]
*6/14/1985 - Jerry vs. Debbie - guests: Christopher Hewitt, Abby Dalton, Peter Scolari, Madge Sinclair - VERY wavy but still watchable video [OC, RRinkermanGrabbag3.2, C+]
4 Free Stars
*7/1985 - John vs. Mary - guests: Isabel Sanford, Gordon Jump, Andrea Evans, Scott Holmes - credits cut - EXTREMELY dark video [USA, JOswald1.6, B-]
*7/1985 - Larry vs. Cheryl - guests: Marilyn Wolter, Betty White, Bob Woods, Ted Smacklefoot(?) - slightly pixelated video [USA, JOswald1.6b, B]
*1985 - second half of an episode (17 minutes total) w/Cap vs. Kelly - guests: Rose Marie, Tom Poston, Abby Dalton, Stuart Damon [OC, JDay7.5, A]
*10/24/1985 - Robin at Blitz Bonanza - guests: Anne Bloom, Tom Poston, Rose Marie, Sam Brerlins [OC, RRinkermanGrabbag2.6, B]
*12/20/1985 unannounced finale (watch for everyone’s reactions!) - Don vs. Esther - the final game is played for a given up prize! - guests: Rose Marie, Charles Nelson Reilly, Abby Dalton, Stewart Pankin [SM, RRinkermanGrabbag1.3, A+]
ALL-STAR SECRETS
NBC, 1979
Bob Eubanks
*3/2/1979 w/Bill Cullen, Della Reese, John Schuck, Nanette Fabray, Arte Johnson - Laura vs. Chris vs. Dee-Dee - low audio [OC, RRinkerman5.9.2, A-]
*7/1979 w/David Landsberg, Eva Gabor, Arnold Schwartzenegger, Barbara Feldon, David Huddleton - Joyce vs. Jon vs. Bev - missing first few minutes; begins during round 1 - video is pretty jumpy much of the time [OC, filtered version is B- (highly improved color & audio); original is RRinkerman5.9.3, C+]
BAGGAGE
GSN's comeback after a big fall earlier the same year. Even though I'm not into relationship shows, this is actually quite creative.
GSN, 2010-2011
Jerry Springer
*8/16/2010 season premiere - Helen with Eric vs. John vs. Shane [OB, A++]
*11/4/2010 - Tracy with Luke vs. David vs. Jude - Tracy helps Jerry on his golf form! [OB, A++]
BALDERDASH
Almost exactly a more modern version of Liar's Club. I'm not too keen on the hostess, but that's really the only problem I see here.
PAX, 2004-2005
Elaine Busler
*8/2/2004 premiere w/Jimmy Pardo, Tammy Pescatelli, and Eric Roberts - Greg vs. Varina [OB, RRinkerman817-2.1, A]
*9/29/2004 w/Stephanie Miller, Bruce Vilanch, and Sally Struthers - Scott Hostetler vs. Sharon [OC, RRinkerman6.4.5, A+]
*2/1/2005 w/Andy Kindler, Teri Garr, and John Moschitta - Jaymes vs. Marissa - perfect bonus win! [OB, RRinkerman817-2.3, A]
*2/2/2005 w/same guests as above - Dave vs. Jessica [OB, RRinkerman817-2.2, A]
BARGAIN HUNTERS
ABC, 1987
Peter Tomarken
*7/28/1987 - Elizabeth vs. Jeannie, Charlie vs. Winni, JoAnn vs. Lisa - low audio [OC, RRinkerman7.5.4, B+]
BATTLESTARS
While the basic game screams Hollywood Squares, I think it still has a lot of fun moments. Plus, Alex Trebek does a darn good job.
NBC, 1981-1982, 1983
Alex Trebek
‘Famous Face’ bonus round
*12/1/1981 w/Fred Willard, Randi Oakes, Joan Rivers, Skip Stephenson, Tim Reid, and Carol Wayne - Barbara vs. Bud - bright video, but very good otherwise [OB, JDay1.4, A-]
*12/25/1981 w/Todd Bridges, Nancy McKean, Richard Simmons, Skip Stephenson, Nell Carter, and Richard Kiel - Russ at the puzzle round - dark and somewhat muddy video; audio slightly warpy [OB, TMcSwain3.3, B-]
*3/23/1982 w/Charles Haid, Jenilee Harrison, Jerry Seinfeld (then-unknown!), Debbie Reynolds, Rip Taylor, and Nell Carter. - John vs. Jan - missing opening segment [OC, CDonnegan2.3, A]
*4/5/1982 w/Philip McKeon, Debbie Reynolds (her birthday is celebrated!), Jenilee Harrison, Rip Taylor, Bowzer, & Betty White - Jackie vs. Calvin - missing opening (begins at contestant introductions) and the credits [OC, A-]
*4/6/1982 w/same guests as above - Jackie vs. Valerie [OC, A-]
1983 run; ‘Main Event’ bonus round
*4/4/1983 revival premiere w/Erik Estrada, Debbie Reynolds (who gets in a real pickle here!), Tom Wopat, JM J. Bullock, Glenn Scarpelli, and Vicki Lawrence - Scott vs. Deborah - video somewhat dark [OC, DDowns16.5, B+]
*5/27/1983 w/Charles Nelson Reilly, Mary Frann, Andy Gibb, Fred Grandy, James B. Sikking, and Emma Samms - Christina vs. Sally - missing closing and most of opening - video is slightly wavy at times, with random colors fluctuating throughout [OB w/some comm, TMcSwain4.3, B-]
*7/1/1983 finale w/Charles Nelson Reilly, Betty White, Candy Clark, Jimmy Bullock, Stuart Damon, and Mary Crosby - Wesley vs. Leslie - bright video with occasional tracking issues [OC, TMcSwain3.4, B]
BEAT THE CLOCK
syndication, 1969-1974
Jack Narz
*1970 w/Gene Rayburn - Ernie and Lorraine vs. David and Janice - video does small jerks, which progressively becomes less frequent [GAME, TMcSwain7.1, B at first then B+]
*1971 w/Tom Kennedy - George and Audrey vs. Howard and Ruth [GAME, TMcSwain7.2, B]
Gene Wood
*1973 w/William Shatner - Alan and Nancy vs. Matt and Joan - no credits, but it doesn't really matter because of credit crunch - VERY low audio [GSN, TMcSwain7.3, A]
CBS, 1979-1980
Monty Hall
Civilian format
*9/18/1979 (second episode) - Gary and Sue vs. Bill and Linda [GSN, A++]
*9/1979 - Jim and Barbara vs. Brad and Suanne [GSN, A++]
All-star format
*1/28/1980 - Laurette Spang and John McCook vs. Ralna and Guy Hovis - Monday of finale week... and last episode that GSN aired. [GSN, RRinkermanDec2011/9.1, A+]
THE BETTER SEX
Don't let the title deceive you. This is actually a pretty creative show about strategy and faking your opponents.
ABC, 1977-1978
Bill Anderson and Sarah Purcell
*VTR 4/28/1977 pilot 3, with 7 players per team and 60 people in the bonus game - Janet's team vs. Jeoffrey's team [SM, B+]
*1977 - Beverly's team vs. Harold's team [GAME, JLeeman0620-4.3, A]
*1/13/1978 finale (however, it announced it was to be put on hold) - Neal's team at bonus [SM w/slate, JLeeman6.1, A-]
THE BIG SPIN
A lot of excitement, a lot of cool minigames... easily a fun watch!
California syndication, 1985-2009
Chuck Woolery
*11/4/1985 (ep. 2) - first spinner: Rosemary - contains FOUR $2 million winners! - some distortion throughout, and video occasionally briefly blacks out [OB, A-]
Geoff Edwards
*8/22/1987 - first spinner: Dave - contains a $3M+ grand prize win! [SM, PBurgos2.1.2, A]
*4/9/1988 - first spinner: Robert - includes two promos for the show! - low and buzzy audio [SM w/slate, CDonnegan2.1, A]
*8/24/1991 - first spinner: Mary - no opening; begins at first contestant interview [OB w/few comm, MPannoni4.2, B+]
Larry Anderson
*7/27/1996 - $2M spin, Dream Machine, Winner’s Circle, Wizard of Odds, $2M spin - Jackie Taylor sub-announces (before she become the permanent announcer)! - contains a Scratchers’ Monopoly clip and a Weekly Grand drawing! - blurry video [OC, PBurgos5.1, B]
*8/3/1996 - $2M spin, Dream Machine (x2), Winner’s Circle (x2) - contains a Scratchers’ Monopoly clip! - blurry video [OC, PBurgos5.2, B]
*8/10/1996 - Winner’s Circle, Dream Machine, Winner’s Circle, Wizard of Odds, $2M spin. - blurry video [OC, PBurgos5.3, B]
*8/24/1996 - $2M spin, Dream Machine (x2), Winner’s Circle (x2) [OC, PBurgos5.5, A-]
Jack Gallagher
*8/9/1997 - Dream Machine, Winner’s Circle, Dream Machine, Fun in the Sun (its debut!), $2M spin [OB, PBurgos7.2, B+]
*12/6/1997 - Winner’s Circle, Dream Machine (x4) - contains a clip of the final Wizard of Odds playing! [OB, PBurgos7.1, B+]
*1/3/1998 - Winner’s Circle, Dream Machine (x4) [OB, PBurgos7.3, B+]
*1998 - Dream Machine, Winner’s Circle, Fun in the Sun, Dream Machine, $2M spin [OC, PBurgos7.4, B+]
Pat Finn
*4/24/1999 - Fame and Fortune, Dream Machine, California Gold (gold dust) [OB w/some comm, PBurgos6.3, B+]
*5/1/1999 - California Gold (gold dust), Dream Machine, hero in education award, $3M spin - slightly jerky video throughout [OB, PBurgos2.2.5, B]
*5/29/1999 - California Gold (gold nuggets), Fame and Fortune, Dream Machine, $3M spin. [OC, PBurgos6.2, B+]
*12/9/2000 - Maiquel returns from maternity! - California Gold, Dream Machine (x2), hero in education award, $3M spin [OC, PBurgos2.1.3, B+]
*12/30/2000 - Year in Review episode, with various clips from the past year's shows - somewhat bright video [OC, PBurgos2.7.2, B]
*12/15/2001 - announcer Jackie Taylor fills in for Maiquel due to her pregnancy! – California Gold, Dream Machine, hero in education award, $3M spin. [OB w/few comm., PBurgos6.4, A]
*8/31/2002 - California Gold, Dream Machine (x3), $3M spin - a TIE occurs in California Gold! - part of open missing [OC, CDonnegan1.2, A-]
*11/2/2002 - California Gold, Dream Machine (x2), Weekly Grand Payday Raceway ($2M finals!) [OC, PBurgos2.7.3, A]
*11/30/2002 - special All-Spin episode, with a clip of a $15M+ win from 1986! - first spinner: Veries - dark video [OC, PBurgos2.7.4, B-]
*3/8/2003 - 13-minute clip of an episode w/a Hero in education award and a $3M spin [OC, PBurgos2.7.5, A+]
*3/13/2004 - now with the new set and Aces High game - Aces High, Dream Machine, hero in education award, $3M spin [OC, filtered version is A (fixed brightness); original is PBurgos2.5.3, A-]
*5/15/2004 - Aces High, Dream Machine, Aces High again [OC, PBurgos2.1.4, A]
*7/31/2004 – Aces High, Dream Machine, hero in education award, $3M spin. [OC, PBurgos7.5, A-]
*10/23/2004 - Aces High, Dream Machine, hero in education award, $3M spin [OC, PBurgos2.8.2, A]
*2/2/2008 – Aces High, Dream Machine, $3M spin [OC, PBurgos6.6, A]
*2/9/2008 - one Aces High player is having his FOURTH appearance on this show! – Aces High, teacher of the year award, $3M spin. [OC, A]
*7/26/2008 – Aces High, Dream Machine, $3M spin [OC, A+]
*8/9/2008 - $3M spin, Dream Machine (x3), $3M spin [OC, A]
*12/20/2008 - Aces High, Dream Machine (x2), $3M spin - video somewhat echoey and slightly off-sync [OC, PBurgos2.5.1a, A+]
*12/27/2008 - Dream Machine (x3), Aces High - audio somewhat echoey and slightly off-sync [OC, PBurgos2.5.1b, A+]
*1/3/2009 - last episode with regular gameplay! - Aces High, Dream Machine (x2), $3M spin - audio somewhat echoey and slightly off-sync, with occasional cable glitches [OC, PBurgos2.5.1c, A+]
*1/10/2009 finale - no gameplay, but Pat and Maiquel look back at some nice clips throught the series and interviews with some big winners! [OC, PBurgos2.14.2, A+]
BINGO AMERICA
Very neat bingo show that, like most good GSN originals, didn't get the chance it deserved. Karn's season is far superior.
GSN, 2008-2009
Richard Karn
*10/2008 - Alexandra vs. John - contains the only $100K win of the season! [OB, BSchwartz3.3.5, A-]
*1/2/2009 unannounced finale - Holly vs. Thomas [OB, RRinkerman817-1.3, A]
BLACKOUT
Shame this was only given 13 weeks; this was the kind of concept that could have easily spanned multiple years.
CBS, 1988
Bob Goen
*1/4/1988 premiere w/Markie Post and Charlie Seibert - Jan vs. Nancy [OC, JLeeman3.2, A-]
*2/8/1988 w/Phyllis Diller and Charles Nelson Reilley - John vs. Caroline - video pretty wavy in some shots, audio is TERRIBLY low at the start, but gets progressively higher [OB, BSchwartz3.2.3, B-]
*2/11/1988 w/same guests as above - Tony vs. Sharon - video pretty wavy in some shots, audio dropouts throught [OB, BSchwartz3.2.3b, B]
*4/1/1988 finale w/Pat Harrington and Crystal Bernard - Ande vs. Ken - Jay Stewart's last announcing stint - contains a promo for the return of $25K Pyramid [OC, NJohnson3.4, B]
BLANK CHECK
About as fun as actually writing a check.
NBC, 1975
Art James
*1/8/1975 w/Maggie Brown as checkwriter [SM w/slate, JLeeman5.1, B+]
BLANKETY BLANKS
ABC, 1975
Bill Cullen
*1975 pilot w/Anita Gillette, Soupy Sales, and not many differences - Sue vs. Candy [SM, JLeeman2.2.3, A-]
*4/21/1975 premiere w/Anne Merea & William Shatner - Bill vs. Kathy [SM w/slate, JLeeman2.1.3, A]
BLOCKBUSTERS
What B has the majority of hosts start with the same letter as the name of the show? Cullen's version has a better premise, but Rafferty's has a cooler set and graphics package. Oddly, I think the UK version is the best.
NBC, 1980-1982
Bill Cullen
*10/27/1980 premiere - Joanne vs. Tom and Joe - contains an early Gold Run scoring system that was pretty short-lived [SM w/slate, JLeeman4.3.3, A-]
*4/21/1981 - Shay and Betty at Gold Run [OC, DDownsBonus1.1, A]
*3/16/1982 - Leland vs. Foster and Sondra [GSN w/comm, NJohnson4.4, A+]
*4/23/1982 finale - Marge vs. Nina and Kim - some sections of video are a little off-color [OC, JLeeman4.1.3, B]
NBC, 1987
Bill Rafferty
*2/13/1987 - Tim vs. Val - contains a "Car-azy February" sweepstakes question! - most of credits cut [OC, RRinkermanNov2012/1.1, A-]
*5/1/1987 finale - Patti vs. Pete - rather grainy and somewhat snowy video [OB, JLeeman4.3.2, B-]
United Kingdom versions
ITV, 1983-1993
Bob Holness
*8/23/1983 premiere - Alistar vs. Verity and Ruth - blurry video [SM w/slate, RRinkermanMay2010/4.1, B]
*1983 - Johnathan vs. Christopher and Hayley [OB, A-]
*1/1985 - Sylvia vs. Christopher and Christopher [OB, A-]
*1/1986 - Rebecca vs. Keith and Gary [OB, A-]
*2/1986 - Sufras vs. Trevor and Greg [OB, A-]
*11/21/1987 - Naomi vs. Caroline and Paul [OC, A-]
*late 1988 - Lee vs. Chris and Colin [OC, A]
*Next ep. - Urane (sp?) vs. Chris and Colin [OC, A]
*Summer 1992 - Vicky and Alex at Gold Run [mid-1993 RPT w/comm, A]
*late 1992 - Tim vs. Yvette and Catherine [CHA w/comm, Rrinkerman’21’.3, A]
SkyOne, 1994-1995
*4/18/1994 premiere - Chetow vs. Harriet and Mary Anne - Bob gives an update on the last contestants of the ITV version! [CHALLENGE, A+]
*1995 - Nora vs. Fay and Alex - bottom of screen is somewhat cut off - bright and blurry video [OB, RRinkermanMay2010/4.2, B-]
BOARDWALK AND BASEBALL: SUPER BOWL OF SPORTS TRIVIA
ESPN, 1988-1989
Chris Berman
*1988 - Akron vs. Berkeley [ESPN Classic, RRinkerman6.7.1, A]
*1988 season finale (who will win the $50K?) - Temple vs. Washington State - low audio; video glitchy at times [ESPN Classic, RRinkermanMay2010/5.4, B]
*1989 - Penn State vs. Indiana [ESPN Classic, RRinkerman6.7.2, A]
*1989 - 11.5-minute clip, containing the end of round 2 and all of rounds 3 and 4 - Oklahoma vs. Miami (one member of this team is Dan LeBatard, though he doesn't speak a word in the clip) [OB w/few comm., Simpsons1992.2, A-]
BRAINSURGE
Kids have their memory tested through various puzzles and challenges. The execution may seem a little cheesy at first, but it all very much grew on me over time.
Nickelodeon, 2009-2012
Jeff Stuphen
*11/30/2009 celebrity special - Ashley Argota/Lil JJ/Victoria Justice/Jerry Trainor/Miranda Cosgrove/Nat Wolff [NICKTOONS, A+]
*11/30/2009 celebrity special (another one) - Nathan Kress/Jeanette McCurdy/Alex Wolff/Matt Shively/Keke Palmer/Lily Collins [NICKTOONS, A+]
*6/21/2010 season premiere, now with an awesome new set! Also Boys vs. Girls week, where whichever gender wins gets a t-shirt in the audience! - Brittany/Reese/Katrina/Sam/Mazey/Benjamin [OC, RRinkerman6.1.1, A++]
*10/4/2010 - Issac/Da'Jah/Kathy/Aaron/Emma/P.J. [OB, A++]
FAMILY BRAINSURGE
*11/14/2011 - Abboud vs. Kulp vs. Pena vs. Lebeda vs. Nickles [OB w/some comm, A++]
BREAK THE BANK (1976)
Of all the Hollywood Squares-esque games that came during the time period, this was easily one of the most creative and fun. Too bad this never got the chance it deserved.
ABC, 1976
Tom Kennedy
*4/12/1976 premiere w/Abe Vigoda, Alice Ghostley, Jo Ann Pflug, Dick Gautier, Jan Murray, Lynda Carter, Liz Torres, Michael Hedges, Marjoe Gortner - Marlene vs. Ralph - starts with a promo for itself! - bright video [OC, BBolton1.1, B]
*4/16/1976 w/same guests as above - Anne vs. Ralph [GAME, CCohan0420-1.1, A]
*4/19/1976 w/Anson Williams, Lee Meriwether, Liz Torres, Alex Karras, Jan Murray, Ja'Net Dubois, Sandy Duncan, Tom Bosley, & Pat McCormick - Ralph vs. Glenda [GAME, CCohan0720-1.1, A+]
*4/20/1976 w/same guests as above - Glenda vs. Fred [GAME, CCohan0720-1.2, A+]
*4/28/1976 w/Arte Johnson, Fannie Flagg, Mary Anne Mobley, Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs, Joey Bishop, Beverly Garland, Liz Torres, Bill Dana, & Rosey Grier [GAME, CCohan0420-1.2, A]
*5/5/1976 w/Lonnie Shorr, Elayne Boosler, Jaye P. Morgan, Craig Stevens, Joey Bishop, Meredith MacRae, Liz Torres, Buzz Aldrin, and Jimmie Walker - Leila vs. Dan Avila (same guy from 'Greed'!) - now in better quality! [GAME, CCohan0720-5.1, A-]
*5/19/1976 w/Avery Schreiber (who gets censored at one point!), Alice Ghostley, Liz Torres, Bob Crane, Jan Murray, Ja'Net DuBois, Rue McLanahan, Mickey Dolenz, and Jimmie Walker - Connie vs. Duan [GAME, RRinkerman817-3.3, B+]
*VTR 5/20/1976 w/Foster Brooks, Gunilla Hutton, Jaye P. Morgan, Buzz Aldrin, Jan Murray, Gail Fisher, Liz Torres, Greg Mullavey, and Abe Vigoda - Karen vs. Ron - unaired show to test revised format - slightly fuzzy video, which also tends to jerk [SM w/slate, JLeeman2.2.2, B]
*6/2/1976 w/same guests as above (same tape session) - Bill vs. Jan [OC, A]
*6/4/1976 w/same guests as above (again) - Jim vs. Myrna [OC, A]
*7/9/1976 w/Lonnie Shorr (will he get a question in?), Dody Goodman, Jaye P. Morgan, Robert Hegyes, Rip Taylor, Fannie Flagg, Marilyn Michaels, Vince McCoy, and Dick Gautier - Roxy vs. Jim - missing first 15 seconds and entire closing segment [OC, JLeeman2.2.1, A-]
syndication, 1976-1977
Jack Barry
*VTR 7/17/1976 premiere w/Clifton Davis, Elena Verdugo, Jaye P. Morgan, William Conrad, Joey Bishop, Anson Williams, Barbara Eden, Hermione Baddeley, and Pat Morita - Debbie vs. Jeffrey [SM w/slate, JLeeman2.1.1, A-]
*11/1976 w/Nipsey Russell, Shelly Winters, Pearl Bailey, Orson Bean, Jan Murray, Vicki Lawrence, Ann Meara, Bob Barker, and Jimmie Walker - Kay vs. Duane - now in better quality! [GAME, CCohan0720-5.2, A+]
BREAK THE BANK (1985)
I think this show had potential to be one of the most fun games out there, but sadly the director somehow thought he could make stunts and Gene Rayburn serious.
syndication, 1985-1986
Gene Rayburn
*9/16/1985 premiere - Michael and Lori vs. Tim and Becky - missing a little of final segment - guests: Joe Farago, Bubba Smith, and Louise DuArt - uneven color in the upper half at times; a few seconds of final segment missing [OC, PBurgos3.5, A-]
*9/17/1985 - Tim and Becky vs. Gale and Ron - guests: Jerry Robinson, Gene Kelly, and Tony Heller (Humphrey Bogart look-a-like) - The Gambit '21' cue plays during the card reveal (huh?) - now have a full copy from KTVU [OC, CCohan0720-5.3, A-]
*9/18/1985 - Gale and Ron vs. Ward and Dawn - same guests as premiere [OC, RRinkerman5.3, B+]
*9/19/1985 - Ron and Gale vs. Merv and Cynthia - guests: Charles Nelson Reilly, Burt Simons (Michael Jackson look-a-like), and Kate McClure - Features a Catchphrase promo! [OC, RRinkerman5.4, A]
*9/23/1985 - Ron and Gale vs. David and Donna - guests: Kate McClure, Charles Nelson Reilly (aka Swami), and Karen Lane (Joan Rivers look-a-like) [OC, RRinkermanGrabbag3.3, A-]
*9/24/1985 - David and Donna vs. Lonnie and Julia - guests: Deni Hardwick, Charles Nelson Reilly, and Joe Farago - fluctuating colors "flash" onscreen throughout [OC, RRinkermanFF.4, B+]
*9/25/1985 - 12-minute bonus round clip w/Lonnie and Julia – guest: Charles Nelson Reilly (aka ‘Swami’) [OB, RRinkerman3.4, A-]
*9/30/1985 - 8.5-minute opening and ‘bank card reveal’ clip, plus a downright laughable amount of padding [OB, RRinkerman4.5, A]
*10/16/1985 - Bruce and Debra vs. Michael and Muffet - 17-minute ‘tiebreaker and bonus’ clip - guests: Brenda Dixen, a guy in a Sport Goofy suit, Lou Ferigno, and Jake Pete (Ronald Reagan look-a-like) [OC, RRinkermanWheel/YDKJ.5, A]
*10/17/1985 - Bruce and Debra vs. Brad and Donna - guests: Mark Cahloren, "Sport Goofy", Brenda Dixen, and Jay Kotch (Ronald Reagan look-a-like) - quite bright video [OB, CDonegan417-3.5, A-]
*10/18/1985 - 16.5-minute bonus round clip w/Bruce and Debra - guests: Bob Leeman (W.C. Fields look-a-like), Mark Cahloren, Brenda Dixen, and Lou Ferigno [OC, RRinkermanScrCP.5, A]
*10/30/1985 - Tom and Tess vs. Scott and Allison - the bonus rules are slightly tweaked starting with this ep. - guests: Bozo the Clown, Raven Michael (Elvis look-a-like), and Richard Mull [OB, CDonegan417-4.3, A-]
*11/20/1985 - John and Sharon vs. Peter and Linda - guest: JM J. Bullock - video is slightly jumpy and slightly wavy in some shots; low audio [OB, RRinkermanMay2010/5.1, B]
*11/21/1985 – John and Sharon vs. Nancy and Robert - guests: Fred ‘Rerun’ Berry, a guy in a gorilla suit (presumably Richard Kline) and a Charlie Chaplin look-a-like (real name isn’t revealed) - slight antenna issues [OC, RRinkerman3.5, A-]
*12/5/1985 - Jeff and Tina vs. Cheryl and Frank - guests: Rip Taylor, Alan Chaplin, and a Princess Di look-a-like (real name isn’t revealed) [12/20/1985 RPT w/comm, DDowns7.4, B+]
*12/9/1985 - Vicky and Richard vs. Terry and Grady - guests: Willie Tyler, Lester, and Katherine Newman (Madonna look-a-like) - it's pretty obvious how bored Gene is by now. [OB, BMoore1.2, A-]
Joe Farago
Stunt Format
*12/27/1985 - Timothy and Lynn vs. Lisa and Glenn - guests: Vic Dunlop and Vincent Del Jr. (Rocky Balbora look-a-like) - combination of 2 copies; VCR time code during open [OC, RRinkerman3.1, A-]
*1/2/1986 - 5-minute ‘bank card reveal’ clip w/Robyn and Todd [OB, RRinkermanFF.5, A]
*1/22/1986 – 3-minute ‘bank card reveal’ clip w/Alicia and Ian – Richard is in a gorilla suit again! [OB, RRinkerman2.5, A]
Master Puzzle bonus format
*2/11(?)/1986 - Chris and Chuck vs. Kathie and Chris - early ep. with this format, with slightly different graphics [OB, DBarkow1.4, B]
*3/1986 - 13-minute bonus round clip w/Denise and Mark [OC, RRinkerman2.6, A-]
*4/1986 - 4-minute ‘bank card reveal’ clip w/Tamara and Scott - cuts during Michael’s prize plugs. [OB, RRinkermanFF.6, A]
*4/1986 - Renee and Lonnie vs. Dawn and Don [CBN w/comm, RRinkerman5.2, A-]
*5/5/1986 - Gerry and Michelle vs. Gene and Sandy - the bank is at over $53K! - combination of two copies: [CBN, RRinkerman4.8.1, B (first half)] and [OC, RRinkermanGrabbag3.4, A (second half)]
*5/8/1986 - 10-minute bonus round clip w/Mike and Pat - last one or two minutes of first segment missing [OB w/one comm, RRinkermanGrabbag2.2, A]
*6/17/1986 – Erich and Dani vs. Andrea and Jonathan - blurry video [CBN w/some comm., RRinkerman3.3, B-]
*6/18/1986 - 18-minute round 3 and bonus clips - Erich and Dani vs. David and Deborah [OC, RRinkermanGrabbag2.1, A]
BRUCE FORSYTH’S HOT STREAK
Of all the shows that got screwed over far too early, this is probably one of the worst examples. Bruce truly shines, as does the gameplay.
ABC, 1986
Bruce Forsyth
*VTR 10/19/1984 - second pilot, titled "Hot Streak", with higher stakes and a totally different yet still cool set - Jenny's team vs. Jack's team - some minor tape distortion at bottom half throughout [SM, DDownsBonus6.1, B+]
*VTR 10/19/1984 - third pilot, with same differences as above - Wanda's team (same as above) vs. Lance's team [SM w/slate, SWylie3.1, A+]
*1/6/1986 premiere - Cinder's team vs. Steve's team - some tracking problems throughout, with occasional brief blackouts at some points [OB, RSeidelman2.4, B-]
*1/16/1986 - Mary's team vs. Don's team - a round is blown in a record 3 seconds! [OC, CDonegan0420-3.3, A-]
*1/27/1986 - Loni’s team vs. Rick’s team - some occasional minor tracking issues, but nothing too distracting [OC, BSchwartz3.6, A-]
*2/3/1986 - Barbara's team vs. Jerry's team - one team gets a perfect score in the main game! [OC, CDonegan0420-3.4, B+]
*2/10/1986 - Marc's team vs. Tracy's team - fee plugs cut, some minor tracking problems throughout [OB, DBarkow4.2.3, B+]
*2/14/1986 - Roger's team vs. Sharon's team - GREAT game, which includes the (admittedly pretty unfair) tiebreaker! - fee plugs cut [OB, DBarkow4.2.4, A-]
*2/21/1986 - Sarah's team (same as above) vs. Robert's team - video has occasional glitches, low audio [OC, Filtered copy is B; original is GBrobeck3.7, B-]
*3/6/1986 - Kathleen's team (aka the "Streakers") vs. Raul's team [OC, CDonegan4.2.5, A-]
*3/17/1986 - Danelle's team vs. Seth's team [SC w/slate, CDonegan4.3.1, A-]
*4/3/1986 - Laurie's team (same as below) vs. Loring's team - muffled audio [OC, BSchwartz4.5, B+]
*4/4/1986 finale – Paula’s team vs. Bruce’s team - blurry video [OB, RRinkerman5.1, B]
BULLSEYE
The game feels a little too simplistic for what it's trying to go for, but it is probably one of the more creative Barry-and-Enright games.
syndication, 1980-1982
Jim Lange
Civilian format
*9/29/1980 premiere - Royanne vs. Scott - now in better quality (save for a few plugs)! [SM, A-]
*9/30/1980 - Captain Scott vs. Scott - slightly snowy video [USA, TMcSwainD1.2, B]
*10/1/1980 - Captain Scott at Bonus Island - very bright video, which briefly distorts at many points [USA, RRinkerman6.2.5, B-]
*10/6/1980 - Helen vs. Donald [GAME, TMcSwain5.13, B+]
*12/8/1980 - Donna at Bonus Island (she goes for her TENTH win!) [USA, JOswaldtape1.5, B+]
*early 1981 - Leon (he was also on Hitman) vs. Stephe - contains a promo for CBN's gameshow lineup! - video can sometimes glitch out. [CBN; Filtered copy is B; original is BSchwartz2.2.9, B-]
*1981 - Chuck vs. Jill - Chuck gets very gutsy at bonus island! [GSN w/comm, JLaPratt1.1, A]
*1981 - Pam at Bonus Island - video gets squiggly in some shots and tends to be somewhat shaky as well, which gets tracking problems the second half; rather low audio [USA w/some comm, JOswaldtape1.7, C]
*late 1981 - Rufus at Bonus Island - video blurry, dark, and is pretty glitchy at some points [CBN, JOswaldtape1.6, C+]
Celebrity Format
*1982 - Rita Moreno vs. Diane Ladd, with Roxie Roker playing later - video slightly glitchy at times; muffled audio [OB, JOswaldtape1.9, B]
*1982 - Loranne Bishop vs. Ken Kercheval, with Lynda Goodfriend playing later [USA, JOswaldtape3.3, B+]
*1982 - Ernest Borgnine vs. Suzy Chaffee, with Marla Gibbs playing later [GAME w/most comm, JOswaldtape1.8, B+]
*1982 - Jerry Mathers vs. Tina Louise, with Arte Johnson playing later [OC, BSchwartz2.3.1, B]
BULLSEYE U.K.
Not our game, but it’s a very cool one involving trivia and darts!
ITV, 1981-1995
Jim Bowen
*1986 - Ian and Steve vs. Tony and Sheila vs. Charlie and Don - charity thrower: Terry O’Dea [CHA, RRinkermanMay2010/3.1, A+]
*12/1988 - hour-long celebrity special! - Bob Anderson and Roy Walker vs. Bob Holness and Eric Bistow vs. Jocky Wilson and Les Dennis - charity thrower: TONY GREEN [OB, RRinkermanMay2010/3.2, A]
*1/5/1991 - Dave and Mark vs. John and Peter vs. Gordon and Steve - charity thrower: Denis Hickling [CHA, RRinkermanMay2010/3.3, A+]
CAESAR'S CHALLENGE
A very fun word unscrambling show, with lots to be won and surprisingly great hosting by Ahmad. First bonus format is superior.
NBC, 1993-1994
Ahmad Rashad
'Ball Cage/9-Letter Word' Bonus format
*1992 pilot w/a strange wagering format in the main game - Laurel vs. Scott vs. Leanna [SM, BMoore1.3, A-]
*6/14/1993 premiere - Scott vs. Trudy vs. JP - features ‘Chad the Centurion’ rather than Dan - two copies: [OC, IMcLinn1.1, B (missing opening; video slightly wavy at times)] and [OB, PBurgos2.3.3, B at first then B+ (video bright and slightly shaky during the first half)]
*6/17/1993 - Joe vs. Jacqueline vs. Judy [OC, CDonegan1219-1.1, A-]
*6/30?/1993 - Tom vs. Lanee vs. John - slightly wavy at most points and slightly pixelated video [SM, PBurgos2.6.5, B-]
*7/2?/1993 - Mike vs. Janice vs. Doug - first category is gameshows - video glitches out at a few points [OB, NJohnson1.4, B]
*7/7/1993 - this and the next two ep.s are co-hosted by Zack Ruby - Glenn vs. Terry vs. Carl - over $13,000 is won in the main game! [OC, TMcSwain0420-1.2, A-]
*7/8/1993 - Terry vs. Joaquin vs. Kathy [OC, TMcSwain0420-1.3, A-]
*7/9/1993 - Terry vs. Robert vs. Beverly - great come from behind win! [OC, TMcSwain0420-1.4, A-]
*7/12/1993 - appears to be Dan Doherty's first ep as permanent co-host - Terry vs. Scott vs. Catherine [OC, TMcSwain0420-2.1, A-]
*7/13/1993 - Terry (her fifth day!) vs. Mark vs. Tina [OC, TMcSwain0420-2.2, A-]
*7/14/1993 - Teddie vs. Layne vs. Marcia [OC, TMcSwain0420-2.3, A-]
*7/21/1993 - Babette vs. Michael vs. Heather - a rather personal first topic - tracking problems and somewhat uneven color on upper half in beginning, but both should be gone after Round 1 [OB, DDowns2.4, B at first then A-]
*7/22/1993 - Babette vs. Gordon vs. Ashley [OB, MTiller5.1, A-]
*7/23/1993- David vs. Betsy vs. JD - balloons from the previous show are still on the stage floor! - slightly pixelated video [OB, PBurgos2.3.3, B+]
*8/6/1993 - Heather vs. Jay vs. Judy - first word is solved thanks to the slot machine spelling it correctly! [OC, PBurgos2.14.1, B]
*8/17/1993 - Wade vs. Denise vs. Jayson - Dan celebrates his mom's birthday! [OC, TMcSwain0420-1.1, A-]
*8/20/1993 - David vs. Karyn vs. Scott - Dan is joined by a "centurion in training" named Jimmy Sharp! [OB, TMcSwain0820-1.1, A-]
*8/23/1993 - Scott vs. Armineta vs. Matthew [OB, TMcSwain0820-1.2, A-]
*early 9/1993 - Daniel vs. Kimberly vs. Fred [OC, CDonegan1219-1.3, A-]
*early 9/1993 - Rick vs. Peggy vs. Michael [OB, CDonegan417-1.1, A-]
*9/1993 - Gail vs. Paul vs. Kate - Phylicia Rashad asks a question via VideoPhone! - inconsistent antenna signal quality, along with occasional audio dropouts [OB, IWallis1.5, A- (on average)]
'5 Words' bonus format
*1993 - Robert vs. Jodi vs. Frank [USA, RSeidelman3.2, A-]
*11/5/1993 - William vs. Barbara vs. Paul - Johnny Mathis appears as a surprise guest! - blurry video; low audio [USA, TMcSwain4.4, B]
*11/12/1993 - Tony vs. Jayn vs. Juan - Harry Friedman's birthday is celebrated throughout the show! - blurry video [USA, TMcSwain4.5, B+]
*11/22/1993 - Jim vs. Denise vs. Tim - Dan recites a poem from Harry Friedman! [OC (prepare to get sick of hearing about home mortgage), CDonegan1219-1.2, A-]
*1993 - Shirley vs. Larry vs. Julie - missing opening; begins during Ahmad and Dan's conversation [USA w/comm, RSeidelman3.1, A-]
*1/3/1994(?) - Rich vs. Kelly vs. Scott - no closing segment, but FANTASTIC audio quality [USA w/comm, RRinkerman0120-2.4, A-]
*1/5/1994 - Jan vs. Ann vs. Darrell - one player earns $13K in the front game! [USA, PBurgos4.4, B+]
*1/11/1994 - Stephen vs. Barbara vs. Terryl - Dan knits a scarf for Ahmad! [OB, IWallis1.6, A]
CAMOUFLAGE
ABC, 1960-1962
Don Morrow
*1962 - Margaret vs. Patricia [SM, TMcSwain7.4, B+]
CAN YOU TOP THIS?
syndication, 1970
Wink Martindale
*1970 w/Richard Dawson, Morey Amsterdam, Paul Winchell, and Jack Carter [SM (B&W), RRinkerman6.2.3, B]
CARD SHARKS
A rather simplistic game, but in a good way.
NBC, 1978-1981
Jim Perry
*VTR 3/17/1978 first pilot - Jack Campion vs. Pam [SM w/slate, TMcSwain7.5, B]
*VTR 3/17/1978 second pilot - Judith vs. Johnny - A perfect win on the Money Cards; you can tell they really wanted to set a good example for NBC [SM w/slate, TMcSwain7.6, B]
*4/24/1978 premiere - Susan vs. Mark [SM w/slate, JMadigan1.3, A-]
*4/25/1978 - Susan vs. Ray [GSN, A++]
*11/1/1978 - Boston vs. Diana - contains Norma Brown's HUGE Money Cards haul! - two copies: [GAME, SWylie4.4, A-] or [GSN, A++ (missing last 15 seconds)]
*3/27/1979 - Sydell vs. Tom - low audio [OC, DDownsBonus1.3, A-]
*4/13/1979 - Carol at Money Cards [GSN w/comm, SWylie5b, A++]
*10/17/1979 - Lisa at Money Cards - one contestant has been smoking marijuana... [OC, DDownsBonus1.4, B+]
*12/31/1979 - Rayetta vs. Tom [OC, BSchwartz2.1.1, B+]
*3/19/1980 - Lynn vs. Garo - video somewhat blurry [OC, DDownsBonus4.2, B+]
*4/11/1980 - Irene vs. Cynthia - the shuffling method is shown, plus Bob Hilton announces! [GAME, BSchwartz2.1.2, B+]
*5/7/1980 - Freba at Money Cards [OC, BSchwartz2.1.4, A-]
*7/22/1980 - Toby vs. Julie - infamous episode where all four 3s come up consecutively in the Money Cards! [GAME w/comm, BSchwartz2.1.3, B+]
*8/25/1980 - Monday of Young People’s Week - Mike vs. Dawn [OC, JLaPratt2.2, B+]
*8/26/1980 - Mike vs. Dawn (in their second match) [GSN, A++]
*9/9/1980 - second ep. of 3-week Emcees tournament! - Gene Rayburn vs. Allen Ludden, with Bill Cullen playing later [GSN, BSchwartz2.1.5, A-]
*9/15/1980 - Emcees tournament, day 6! - Tom Kennedy vs. Jim Lange, with Alex Trebek playing later [GAME, BSchwartz2.1.6, B+]
*9/22/1980 - day 11 of said tournament - Gene Rayburn vs. Alex Trebek [GAME w/comm, DDowns10.4, A]
*9/24/1980 - day 13 of said tournament - Alex Trebek vs. Bill Cullen, with Jack Clark vs. Gene Rayburn later - $12K Money Cards win! [GSN, BSchwartz2.1.7, A-]
*12/24/1980 - from Christmas week, with kids playing - Kurt vs. Bella - video somewhat jerky throughout, with random colors fluctuating; low audio [OC, TMcSwain5.2, B-]
*4/21/1981 - final episode of Young People's Week! - Rosalyn vs. Richard [OC, JLeeman4.1.4, A-]
*7/1981 - Patti vs. Ray - 800th show! [GAME w/comm, CCohan0720-1.3, A-]
*10/23/1981 finale - Michele vs. Denise - blurry video with antenna distortion [OB, JOswaldtape2.6, B-]
CBS, 1986-1989
Bob Eubanks
*1/6/1986 premiere - Darryl vs. Mitch - two copies: [OC, JLeeman4.2.2, A-] or [GSN, A++]
*5/14/1986 - Susie vs. Donna - very gutsy Money Cards player! [GSN, A+]
*5/15/1986 - Donna vs. Reggie [GSN, A+]
*5/16/1986 - Donna vs. Jayne [GSN, A+]
First car game format
*11/4/1987 - Rob vs. Kelli [GSN, A++]
*2/22/1988 - David at Money Cards [GSN, A++]
*2/23/1988 - Christina vs. Theo - no credits [GSN, A++]
*2/24/1988 - Christina vs. Marv - opening missing [GSN, A++]
*2/25/1988 - Marv vs. Karen - no credits [GSN, A++]
*6/1988 - Geri (retiring undefeated!) at Car Game - Ray Combs stops by during a ticket plug to promote Family Feud! - missing opening; begins as Car game starts [OC, TMcSwain5.4, B+]
*7/1/1988 - Monica vs. Michael - Lacey's pregnancy is discussed; plus, final day with first car game format [OB, BSchwartz2.1.8, B]
second Car Game format
*7/4/1988 - Monica vs. Kristen - first day with second car game, and audience members are Celebrity Mothers! - bright and pretty blurry video [OB, BSchwartz2.1.9, B-]
*12/16/1988 - Buffy vs. Molly - muffled and VERY low audio [OC, DDownsBonus4.3, A-]
*12/19/1988 - Anita vs. Andy - closing segment missing - VERY low audio [OC, MLight2.3.2, A-]
*12/21/1988 - Andy at Money Cards - opening missing; begins as Andy is introduced - low audio [OC, MLight2.3.3, A]
*3/31/1989 finale - Ray vs. Pam (with the Peckerhead boyfriend blooper!) - Bob gets all teary-eyed during the ending! [OB, JLaPratt1.3, B]
syndication, 1986-1987
Bill Rafferty
*9/8/1986 premiere - Mel vs. Tina - Money Cards player almost screwed themselves over, if it wasn't for Bill being so generous... [GSN, GGarsten5.4, A+]
With Car game and prize cards
*9/29/1986 - first episode with the car game and prize cards! - Menett vs. Sarah [GSN, RRinkermanDec2011/6.4, A-]
*11/12/1986 - Jack (retiring undefeated!) at Money Cards - contains a VERY huge win in the next game! [GSN, RRinkermanDec2011/8.2, A-]
*2/11/1987 - Al vs. Ruth - contains a ticket plug that Bill keeps getting involved in - video pretty wavy in some shots; garbled audio during closing segment [OB, GGarsten1.1, B]
*late 2/1987 - Lee vs. Helen [GSN, A]
*early 3/1987 - Joe vs. Laurie - no credits [OC, MLight2.4.3, A-]
United Kingdom versions (titled "Play Your Cards Right)
ITV, 1980-1987, 1994-1999, 2002-2003
Bruce Forsyth
*1980 - Anne vs. Ian - timecode on top of screen - blurry video [SM, BSchwartz3.1, B]
*9/17/1982 series premiere; now uses couples - Dave and Tracy vs. Christy and Gary - bright video [OB, BSchwartz2.5, B+]
*7/8/1994 - Dorothy and Brian vs. Graham and Carol [OC, CDonegan4.3.5, A]
*9/7/2002 series premiere - Chris and Catherine, Peter and Sana, Mark and Colette, Matthias and Clarissa - about 30 seconds of second segment missing - bright and pretty blurry video; muffled audio [OB, BSchwartz2.6, B]
*1/19/2003 - Danielle and Chris, Mark and Sharon, Colin and Tammy, Paul and Natalie [OC, CDonegan7.1.3, A-]
CATCH 21
Revised version of Gambit, with surprisingly solid results!
GSN, 2008-2011
Alfonso Rebiero
*7/21/2008 premiere – Patricia vs. Bob vs. Gordon [OC, A+]
*4/5/2009 - second season premiere, now with the new set and graphics! - Elyse (who is kind of annoying) vs. Andrew vs. Christina - last 30 seconds or so missing [OC, A+]
*8/18/2010 - Toney vs. Chad vs. Jessica - Toney shows off his Michael Jackson-like moves! Plus, one player finishes with 0 points, and another dominates with 2100 points! [OB, A++]
*8/31/2010 - Chris vs. Xica vs. A.J. - rather amazing comeback in the bonus round! [OB, A++]
*11/4/2010 - Toni vs. Gil vs. Andrea [OB, A++]
CATCHPHRASE
Naming phrases you hear every day could win you lots of money. Very fun-to-watch indeed!
syndication, 1985-1986
Art James
*9/16/1985 premiere - Michael vs. Ashley [OC, DBarkow2.1, B+]
*9/17/1985 - Michael vs. Bri [OC, DBarkow2.2, B+]
*9/18/1985 - Bri vs. Bill [OC, DBarkow2.3, B+]
*9/23/1985 - Bri (her 5th day!) vs. Chris - video sometimes briefly breaks [OB, NJohnson2.5, B+]
*1985 - Cindy vs. Chip - Art goofs up with a player at one point! - video somewhat yellow-tinted [OB w/few comm., RRinkermanMay2010/5.3, B]
*1985 - Mary vs. Clayton - credits cut; last 30 seconds of recording has no video available [OB, DBarkow2.4, A-]
*11/1985 - Charley vs. Susan - bonus round comes down to the last second! [OC, TMcSwain2.4, B-]
*12/23/1985 - Robin vs. Susan - first taped episode, with very different sound effects and bonus format [OC, RRinkerman0120-2.5, A-]
*1/1/1986 - Pat vs. Todd - video pixelated at bottom of screen for the majority of the show [OB, JDay5.3, B]
*1/2/1986 - Todd vs. Brian - video pixelated at bottom half of screen, and slightly fuzzy otherwise [OB, JDay5.4, B-]
United Kingdom versions
ITV, 1986-2004
Roy Walker
*1/12/1986 PREMIERE - Christine vs. Nick - contains a much more subdued tone and no Ready Money Round.- some flame blurring in places [Family, A-]
*3/1/1986 - Sarah vs. Brian - contains the first Super Catchphrase win, in a manner that's quite rare for this version [Family, A]
*1/4/1987 series premiere, and first ep with the Ready Money Round! - Dot vs. Andrew [Family, A]
*3/12/1988 - Steve vs. Paulette - the first two puzzles take forever to solve! [CHA, RRinkerman1.4, A-]
*1989 - Louise vs. Peter [OB, Gameshows.3, A]
*1/5/1991 Celebrity special, where two games are played! - tracking issues thought [OB, RRinkerman4.1, B]
*mid-1992 - Gay vs. John [OB, A]
*12/1993 (taped in '92) - Andrew vs. Tina [OC, Gameshows.1, A-]
*1/1/1994 Family special - Grants vs. Peppers - missing open and final few minutes; cuts after maingame result [OB, Gameshows.2, A-]
*9/30/1994 series premiere - Mabel vs. Len [CHA, CP10.1, A++]
*10/7/1994 - Barbara vs. Tony [CHA, CP10.2, A++]
*10/14/1994 - Adrian vs. Julia [CHA, CP10.3, A++]
*10/21/1994 - Denny vs. Carole [CHA, CP10.4, A++]
*10/28/1994 - Trevor vs. Catherine [CHA, CP10.5, A++]
*11/4/1994 - Sally vs. Darren [CHA, CP10.6, A++]
*11/11/1994 - Jat vs. Claire - neither of the first two puzzles are solved! [CHA, CP10.7, A]
*11/18/1994 - Marita vs. Sean - the episode with the rather suggestive SNAKE CHARMER puzzle! - two copies: [CHALLENGE w/comm., TMcSwain6.2, B] and [CHA, CP10.9, A]
*11/11/1994 - Brian vs. Cindy [CHA, CP10.8, A++]
*5/25/1996 - Lee vs. Michelle - both contestants have identical twins! [CHA, A+]
*11/21/1998 series premiere - Daniel vs. Cathryn - Daniel gives ridiculous answers for a ‘Frost Bite‘ puzzle, and Roy plugs the Home Viewer contest! - video blurry, somewhat shaky, and occasionally B&W... in short, it's pretty bad. [OB, RRinkerman4.4, C]
*12/5/1998 - Darryl vs. Pam - Roy makes a counting error no one seems to notice! (luckily, it didn't affect gameplay) - because this is a rerun, all contest plugs are cut [CHA, CDonegan6.5, A-]
*11/20/1999 - Ian vs. Dee - Roy's last episode, though not announced - because this is a rerun, all contest plugs are cut [CHA, A+]
Nick Weir
*1/7/2000 - Nick's first episode! - Steve vs. Kay [CHA w/comm, CP14.1, A++]
*1/14/2000 - Steve vs. Jenny - the first audience game, with a rather funny player! [CHA w/comm, CP14.2, A++]
*1/21/2000 - Lisa vs. Paul [CHA w/comm, CP14.3, A++]
*1/28/2000 - Mark vs. Suzanne - Mark gives some funny answers during the countdown round! [CHA w/comm, CP14.4, A++]
*2/4/2000 - Matt vs. Louise [CHA w/comm, CP14.5, A++]
*2/11/2000 - Maria vs. Tim - audience game played [CHA w/comm, CP14.6, A++]
*2/18/2000 - Glynis vs. Chris - audience game played [CHA w/comm, CP14.7, A++]
*2/25/2000 - Linda vs. Julian [CHA w/comm, CP14.8, A++]
*4/7/2000 - Nick breaks his foot, and does the entire show on crutches! Originally thought to be his first episode - Elleni vs. Dave - low audio [OC, RRinkermanScrCP.3, B]
*2000 - Kerry vs. Jamie - audience game played - low audio [OC, RRinkerman4.6.3, B]
*1/23/2001 series premiere - Alex vs. Liz - VERY exciting Countdown Round! - widescreen-formated video - two copies: [12/20/2004 RPT w/comm, RRinkermanScrCP.4, B+] or [CHA w/comm, CDonnegan4.5, A++ (missing open and closing)]
*2001 - Michelle vs. Scott - widescreen-formated video [OC, RRinkermanMay2010/4.4, A-]
*early 2003 - Michelle vs. Peter [OC, CDonegan4.2.1, A]
Mark Curry (daytime run)
*2002 - Val vs. Zarah - video pretty jumpy at times in the first five minutes; rather buzzy audio [OB, CDonnegan2.4, B+ at first then A-]
The Family Channel, 1994 ("Family Catchphrase")
Andrew O'Conner
*12/1994 - Holness (including Bob from Blockbusters!) vs. Ball - no opening nor closing [OB, RRinkerman5.6.1, A-]
Australian versions
Channel 9, 1997-2001, 2002-2004
John Burgess
2 player format
*1997 - Sharon vs. Isla - credits cut [OB, CDonegan7.1.4, B+]
*3/13/2000 - Anne vs. Chris [OC, BMoore1.4, A]
3 player format
*10/15/2002 - Tim vs. Gina vs. Leslie [OC, BMoore2.1.1, A]
*10/25/2002 - Dawn (going for a car) vs. Liz vs. Rita - Adriana Xenides shows the Viewer‘s Contest! [OC, BMoore2.1, A+]
*5/2/2003 - Lorraine (going for a car) vs. Shawn vs. Kelly [OC, BMoore2.1.2, A]
*6/23/2003 - Sean vs. Wendy vs. Denise - missing opening; begins during contestant interviews [OC, BMoore2.1.3, A]
*10/22/2003 - Rick vs. Jan vs. Sharon - some of first round cut due to technical difficulties [OC, BMoore2.2, A-]
THE CELEBRITY GAME
This show is basically a prototype Hollywood Squares. It's decent for what it is, but it definitely still needed some tweaking, especially in the pacing.
CBS, 1964-1965
Carl Reiner
*6/7/1964 - Shirley vs. Edwards vs. Celynn [OC, MPannoni1.7, A-]
CELEBRITY SAYS!
This one is amazingly obscure given how recent it is. The game itself is pretty standard, and it may not be that engaging, but it does have a bit of an intimate charm going for it.
TV Guide Network, 2008
Dave Holmes
*2/25/2008 premiere - John vs. Dana vs. Noah - video can occasionally stutter; news scroll throughout [OC, RRinkerman117-7.3, A+]
*2/25/2008 (aired same day as premiere) - Brigitte vs. Sam vs. Laura - same notes as above ep [OC, RRinkerman117-7.4, A+]
*2/27/2008 Celebrity ep. - Paul Goebel vs. Diana Magpapian vs. R.J. Williams [OC, RRinkerman117-8.2, A+]
CELEBRITY SWEEPSTAKES
A very interesting and fun celeb-predicting game.
NBC, 1974-1976
Jim McKrell
*1973 pilot, w/John Astin, Jane Withers, Lucie Arnaz, Dean Jones, Ted Knight, & Patty Duke Astin - features a slightly different format - Sandi vs. Cy vs. Jackie [SM, JLeeman2.1.2, B]
*1975 - 3 minutes of an ep w/Christopher Stone, Virginia Graham, Arte Johnson, Carol Wayne, Darren McGavin, & Lynn Anderson - Debi vs. Angela [OC, A]
*10/4/1976 finale w/Carol Wayne, Nipsey Russell, Greg Mullavey, Debralee Scott, Pat Cooper, & Alan Sues - Dave vs. Hilary [SM w/slate, JLeeman6.3.3, A+]
CHAIN REACTION
A cool game that went through a lot of changes during its history. Cullen's is probably the most fun, but there's a mellow charm to Edwards' as well.
NBC, 1980
Bill Cullen
*1/14/1980 premiere w/Joyce Bulifant, Fred Grandy, Patty Duke Astin, and Nipsey Russell - Candace vs. Pat - contains an early bonus format that wasn't quite rewarding enough [GAME, BBolton1.2, B+]
*1/30/1980 - 10 minutes of an ep (opening and last 8 min) w/Elaine Joyce, Nipsey Russell, Vicki Lawrence, and Richard Paul - Audrey vs. Mary Jo [OB, JLeeman0620-1.1, A-]
*1/31/1980 w/same guests as above - Audrey vs. Mary Jo (still) [OB, JLeeman0620-1.2, A-]
*2/1/1980 w/same guests as above (again) - Mary Jo vs. Trudy [OB, JLeeman0220-1.2, A-]
*2/4/1980 w/Joanne Worley, Joanna Gleason, Michael McKean, and Richard Paul - Mary Jo vs. Sharon [OB, JLeeman0220-1.3, A-]
*2/5/1980 - 12 minutes of an ep w/same guests as above - Mary Jo vs. Roberta - no open [OB, JLeeman0220-1.4, A-]
*3/10/1980 w/Betty White, Allen Ludden, Anita Gillette, and Brian Patrick Clark - Ken vs. Angelique - now in MUCH better quality! [GAME, CCohan0720-7.1, A-]
*1980 w/Vicki Lawrence, Jack Carter, Gine Hecht, and Wesley Eure - Geoff Edwards guest-hosts! - Judy vs. Mark [GAME, BSchwartz3.1.5, B]
*5/7/1980 w/Joanne Worley, Steve Kanaly, Sharon Spelman, and Sal Viscuso - Erin vs. Linda [OC, Rrinkerman6.7.4, A]
*6/20/1980 finale w/Betty White, Jay Jackson, Joyce Bulifant, and Ron Silver - Arnie vs. Sarah [OC, JLeeman1.1, A-]
Canadian syndication, 1986
Blake Emmonds
*1986 premiere - Allan and Joanne vs. Karen vs. Lorraine [GAME w/few comm, BSchwartz3.1.6, A-]
USA, 1986-1991
Geoff Edwards
*1986 - Carol and Gail vs. Darnley and Laura [OB, RRinkerman6.7.5, B+]
*1990 - Linda vs. Adele - closing segment missing [USA w/most comm, BSchwarz3.1.7, A-]
*1991 finale, for $40,000! - Brett vs. Linda - video is sightly shaky and quite blurry, which can occasionally turn B&W [OB, RRinkerman517-5.1, B-]
THE CHAIR
You better keep your cool, because this neat game involves just that.
ABC, 2002
John MacEnroe
*1/22/2002 - first player: Laura [OB, A-]
*3/5/2002 unannounced finale - first contestant: Penny - contains the first and only perfect win! [OB, RRinkerman7.6.3, A-]
THE CHALLENGERS
syndication, 1990-1991
Dick Clark
*8/31/1990 Sneak Preview ep. - Doak vs. Betsy vs. John - the winner plays the Ultimate Challenge for $50,000 at the end! [OB w/few comm, TMcSwain6.1.1, A-]
*9/3/1990 premiere - Charley vs. Doak vs. Toni - only one player goes to the Final Challenge! - missing closing; no gameplay cut - slightly snowy video [OB, TMcSwain6.1.2, B]
*9/24/1990 - Larry at Ultimate Challenge - grainy video, which is also slightly glitchy at times [OB, TMcSwain6.3.5, B+]
*11/8/1990 - Holly vs. Gary vs. Stan [OC, RRinkermanDec2011/10.3, B+]
*5/24/1991 - Barry vs. Steve vs. Cecil - pretty grainy video; VERY low audio, which is pretty buzzy too [OB, TMcSwain6.1.3, B]
THE CHEAP SHOW
syndication, 1978-1979
Dick Martin
*10/1978 (ep. 4) w/Rita Moreno, David Doyle, and an empty seat meant for Henry Ford - Marta vs. Jeff [SM, CDonegan417-1.4, B+]
CHILD’S PLAY
Strange concept; adults try to translate children’s definitions of things.
CBS, 1982-1983
Bill Cullen
*9/16/1983 finale - Pam vs. Patricia - toward the end, the producers try to get children to define Bill Cullen… with limited success! - features a promo for Press Your Luck (which would replace this show the following Monday!) [OC, JLaPratt1.4, A-]
CONCENTRATION
An instant classic no matter which version you look at.
NBC, 1958-1973
Hugh Downs
*10/15/1958 - Walter vs. Robert - studio timecode onscreen [SC, RRinkerman817-6.1, A-]
*2/9/1959 - Art James guest-hosts! - Millie vs. Ingrid - no opening; begins right after contestant interviews [OC, A-]
*9/11/1963 - from the Challenge of Champions - Art vs. Nettie - video jerks at times, but nothing too distracting [KIN w/comm, MLight2.5.3, B+]
*9/12/1963 - Part 1 of Challenge of Champions finals - Ralph vs. Art - video jerks at times, but nothing too distracting [KIN w/comm, DDowns14.3, B+]
*9/13/1963 - Part 2 of the Challenge of Champions finals - slightly wavy video at most points [KIN w/comm, DDowns14.4, B+]
*9/16/1963 - Part 3 of the Challenge of Champions finals - a win in the previous episode is overturned... will this affect the final results? - audio has strangely quiet moments [SC (B&W), MPannoni0320-1.2, A]
*1966 - 14-minute clip w/Patricia vs. Walter - cuts after first match of second game - video is blurry and VERY bright; low audio which has really distracting glitches throughout, but still worth it [KIN, CDonegan4.1.6, C+]
*10/3/1967 - Challenge of Champions finals - Dorothy vs. Clara - who will win the trip around the world? [SC, A-]
*12/24/1968 - Secret Santas special w/Bob Clayton and Victor Borge (both dressed in Santa suits and anonymous for most of the show)! [SC (B&W), MLight5.2, A-]
Bob Clayton
*12/24/1969 - Secret Santas special w/Hugh Downs and Joe Garagiola! - features a great promo for NBC daytime game shows [SC (B&W), MLight5.3, A-]
*3/23/1973 finale - Lolleen vs. Joan - contains a goodbye puzzle from the cast! - end of first game missing [Color KIN, JLeeman3.4.4, A-]
syndication, 1973-1978
Jack Narz
*VTR 6/27/1974 - Sheryl vs. Jane [SM w/slate, A]
*1974 - the last 5 minutes of an episode w/Barbara vs. David - begins partway through second puzzle - some screen areas are a little off-color [OB, CDonegan4.3.4, B]
*VTR 12/5/1974 - Katie vs. Myrna - contains Wink Martindale's watermark in the corner throughout; I usually don't like to rip uploads with watermarks, but you'll see why I made an exception here [SM w/slate, A]
*1976 - 2 closing segments, 4 minutes total; first one has a ticket plug! [OB, JLeeman2.2.6, A-]
*9/1976 season premiere - Nancy vs. Millie - from the *first-ever rerun* of this version! Also listen for the quick jab at Tom Kennedy [BUZZR, A+]
*10/1976 - Lorraine vs. Marilyn - one of few episodes that was rerun in the original frame rate [BUZZR, A+]
*10 or 11/1976 - Tom vs. Donna - one of few episodes that was rerun in the original frame rate [BUZZR, A++]
*VTR 12/2/1977 - Tom vs. Myrtle - the Money Game is played! [SM w/slate, A+]
*VTR 12/2/1977 - John vs. Lee [SM w/slate, A]
*1978 - Linda vs. Randy [SM, JLeeman6.4.1, B+]
NBC, 1987-1991 ("Classic Concentration")
Alex Trebek
*5/4/1987 premiere - Diana vs. David [OC, JMadigan1.4, A-]
*5/13/1987 - Jason vs. Renee - the extremely rare audience game is played! [OB, DDowns16.2, A-]
*5/15/1987 - Jason vs. Susan [OB, DDowns16.3, A-]
*7/22/1987 - Marjorie Goodson's first episode! - Tom vs. Hilary [OC, RRinkermanDec2011/7.2, A]
*8/14/1987 - Dennis vs. Thea - the first puzzle is solved with 2 PIECES! [OC, BSchwartz3.2.5, A]
*12/8/1987 - AJ vs. Monica - a new record is set! [OB, JFisher1.1, B+]
*12/30/1987 - Jackson vs. Dorothy [OC, JFisher1.2, A-]
Two Strikes
*3/15/1988 - first episode with the 'Two Strikes' format! - Robert vs. Diane [BUZZR, GGarsten0820-1.1, A++]
*5/12/1988 - Susan vs. Michael - video pretty pixelated in areas during the first several minutes, and all home contest mentions are (very obviously) cut [1993 RPT w/comm, RRinkerman5.6.3, B at first then B+]
*8/4/1988 - Julie vs. Richard - missing part of second bonus segment (no gameplay missing) [BUZZR, A+]
*8/5/1988 - last ep with this format for now, and this episode gives a pretty good indication why they changed it - Sheila vs. Richard [BUZZR, A+]
Best 2 out of 3
*8/8/1988 - first permanent ep with this format (which Alex briefly forgets after game 1) - Julie vs. Troy (better known for his appearance on PYL) [BUZZR, A+]
*10/26/1988 - from Halloween week, with everyone in costume and a decorated set! - Vincent vs. Al [OC, A-]
*10/27/1988 - from Halloween week! - Lara vs. Ed - taken from a British broadcast(!) which chops up the ep in rather weird places [SKYONE, JFisher1.3, A-]
*1/9/1989 - Randy vs. Blanche [OB, JFisher1.4, A]
*1/10/1989 - Randy vs. Darlene [OB, JFisher1.5, A]
*2/6/1990 - Walter vs. Mona [OC, JFisher2.1, A]
*4/10/1990 - Lance vs. Wendy - contains a clean sweep in game 1! [OC, B+]
*4/11/1990 - Wendy vs. Sean - game 1 is a lot of fun, with Wendy and Alex constantly passing wisecracks as she tries to maximize her prize pile [OC, A-]
*5/3/1990 - Cinco de Mayo episode! - Larry vs. Gabe [OC, DDowns16.4, A-]
Two-Strikes (again)
*mid-1990 - Andrew vs. Anne - warpy audio [OC, MPannoni0320-2.2, B]
*11/15/1990 - day 4 of Tournament of Champions! - Ken Lee vs. Karen - somewhat blurry video [OC, MPannoni3.3a, B+]
*11/16/1990 - day 5 of tournament! - Mark vs. Stuart - somewhat blurry video [OC, MPannoni3.3b, B+]
*6/14/1991 - Terri vs. Antoinette [SM, A+]
*6/21/1991 - 1000th show! - Joy vs. Dave [OB, DDowns15.7, A-]
*6/24/1991 - Brad vs. Steven [SM, A+}
*6/25/1991 - Brad vs. Steven (again!) [SM, A+]
*6/26/1991 - Brad vs. Nina [SM, A+]
*late 8/1991 - Ben vs. Susan - one player purposefully loses the bonus round! - slightly shaky video [OB, RRinkerman517-5.4, B]
*9/26/1991 finale (not announced, but Alex's tone at the end implies it) – Bob vs. Amy [OB, DDowns11.3, B]
CRAM
GSN, 2002-2003
Graham Elwood
*1/8/2003 - Scott and Dru vs. C.J. and Fesa [SM w/slate, RRinkermanNov2012/1.2, A-]
CROSSWITS
Not the most original game, but the 70s version still proves very worthwhile and engaging. The 80s one is just messily done, unfortunately.
syndication, 1975-1980
Jack Clark
*12/17/1975 (third episode) - first 9 minutes of an ep.; cuts at the tail end of puzzle 2 - Conny Van Dyke, Jean, Greg Morris vs. Meredith McRae, Frank, Ron Masak - the first puzzle is solved on the first word! - inactive studio timecode onscreen [SM w/slate, CDonegan7.1.5, A-]
*early 1978 w/Peter Isacksen, Dorothy Lamour, and Fred vs. Elaine Joyce, Pat McCormick, Pam - Jay Stewart announces! - somewhat blurry video with online watermark onscreen [OB, CDonegan1219-4.5, B+]
*early 1979 w/Bill Cullen, Elinor Donahue, and Art vs. JoAnne Worley, Johnny Brown, and Rita - the brightness can sometimes vary, and audio is slightly distorted [OB, B+]
*6/1979 w/Misty Rowe, Jack Riley, and Jim vs. Nipsey Russell, Rita Moreno, and Villa - includes a neat Tic Tac Dough promo! [OC, A-]
*Next ep. w/Jack Riley, Nipsey Russell, and Paula vs. Rita Moreno, Misty Rowe, and Al [OC, A-]
*late 1979 w/Patricia McCormick, Daryl Anderson, and John vs. Anita Gilette, Robert Reed, and Rochelle [OB, A-]
*1980 w/Nipsey Russell, Rosemary Forsyth, and Mark vs. James Hampton, Elaine Joyce, and Peggy [SM, A]
syndication, 1986-1987
David Sparks
*1986 - from Emcees week! - Tom Kennedy, Bob Goen, and Rob vs. Peter Tomarken, Jim Peck, and Dabney - missing part of opening; grainy video [OB, RRinkerman7.5.3, B-]
DEAL OR NO DEAL
The format is great, but all the stalling and gimmicks in the NBC version makes it not one of my favorites. If you agree with me, better go with the syndicated version.
NBC primetime, 2005-2009
Howie Mandel
*12/19/2005 premiere - Karen plays [GSN w/comm, CCohan0420-2.1, A+]
*4/5/2006 - Hans plays - a live pony becomes part of an offer! [GSN w/comm, CCohan0420-2.2, A+]
*9/1/2008 - Jessica plays, becoming the first Millionaire (and man, did NBC's marketing want you to know that...)! [OC, A+]
syndication, 2008-2010
*10/24/2008 - Carolyn plays - from the first-taped week; here, 3 cases are picked in round 4 instead of 2 [OC, CCohan0420-1.3, A]
*1/1/2009 - Reggie plays - Over $200K is won! Highly recommended! [OB, A++]
*1/2/2009 - Claire plays [OB, A++]
*4/8/2009 - Angela plays - from Small Business week, where HP sponsors a case [OB, A]
*9/7/2009 - 2nd season premiere! - Kirsten plays [OB, A++]
*12/4/2009 - Susanna plays - the Banker's Bonus is featured for the first (and only) time [GSN, CCohan0420-1.4, A+]
*2/26/2010 - Raymond plays - last episode reran (at least, until GSN) - missing first minute and a half; begins at contestant introduction [9/3/2010 RPT, A+]
Australian versions
Channel 7 nighttime, 2003
Andrew O'Keefe
*7/20/2003 (ep. 2, 60 minutes) - Jessica plays with 11 cases remaining - this version has more qualifying games and a $2M top prize - slightly grainy video [OB, CDonegan417-2.4, B+]
*7/27/2003 (ep. 3, 90 minutes) - Nathan plays with 5 cases remaining and HUGE stakes! - last 12 minutes missing, but it cuts during the qualifiers anyway [OC, CCohan1.1, A]
Channel 7 daytime, 2004-2013
*6/17/2004 - Dean plays, and becomes the series' first top winner! [OC, RRinkermanGrabbag1.4, B+]
*2005 - Marie-Eve plays - Very exciting game on all fronts! [OC, CCohan1.2, A+]
*2005 - Matthew plays - the stakes end up becoming about as extreme as you could get here! [OC, RRinkermanFF.3, A+]
*1/30/2006 series premiere - Thereis plays [OC, BMoore2.1.4, A+]
*2008 - from Double Shot Week, where 2 cases contain the $200K! - Paula plays - now has a more generic contestant-picking format [OB, CDonnegan3.5, A+]
United Kingdom versions
Channel 4, 2005-2016
Noel Edmonds
*4/1/2009 - 1000th show, with former contestants filling the audiences, Noel wearing a gold suit, and the banker offering an additional £250,000 box! [OB w/some comm, CDonegan0420-4.3/4, A]
*10/10/2011 - first of a two-week series of hour-long specials aired live, where former contestants return in the pool! - Louise plays [OC, CDonegan0420-4.1/2, A]
DEALER'S CHOICE
This one is probably as overlooked as they get; very fun Casino-themed show with a bunch of fun games and suspense.
syndication, 1974-1975
Bob Hastings
*early 1974 - Liz vs. Dick vs. Linda - 15 minutes of an episode; starts at the tail end of round 2 [SM, RRinkerman4.8.8, B+]
Jack Clark
*1974 - Janet vs. Mel vs. Terry - blurry video [SM, filtered version is A- (improved brightness and color); original is JDay2.4, B+]
*early 1975 - Marilyn vs. Kate vs. Carolyn [SM w/slate, CDonegan6.1.2, B+]
DEBT
Very fun and inventive show, if a little reminiscent of Jeopardy.
Lifetime, 1996-1998
Wink Martindale
First format
*1/1997 - David vs. Rochelle vs. Frank (who would eventually host Street Smarts!) - video somewhat pink-tinted [OB w/some comm, TMcSwain5.6, B]
*5/29/1997 - Scott vs. Judy vs. Ryan - the (in)famous Toupee episode! - video has "jumps" in picture throught (resulting in slightly blurry video), as well as constant slight flickering on the upper half [OB w/some comm, TMcSwain5.5, B-]
Second format
*6/9/1997 - Paul vs. Dena vs. Geoff - contains slightly different graphics [OC, TMcSwain5.7, A-]
*1998, from Wedding Week! - Jason vs. Loren vs. David [OB, RRinkermanNov2012/5.5, B]
DIVIDED
A lot of people hate this show, but honestly, I think it's a very cool concept and format. I like how it encourages teamwork and to not let selfishness get the better of you.
GSN, 2017-2018
Mike Richards
*3/2/2017 (ep 1036) - Louisa, Ryan, Jennifer, and Kim [OC, CCohan0420-1.5, A+]
*4/19/2018 - "Return of the Eliminated" episode, with former contestants that were voted off... and final taped episode of the series - Sydney, Joyce, Lou Lou, & Asya [OB, CCohan0720-2.1, A+]
DON'T FORGET THE LYRICS
syndication, 2010-2011
Mark McGrath
*11/22/2010 - Lesley plays - from Rock the Cradle Week, with pregnant women playing and special categories [OB, A+]
DOTTO
One of Jack Narz's earliest games were one of his most infamous as well.
CBS, 1958
Jack Narz
*5/20/1958 - Marie Winn vs. Yaffe - this triggered the Quiz Show scandals - inconsistent brightness, which can get VERY bright in some parts; studio time-code onscreen [SC, RRinkerman6.5.1, A-]
NBC primetime, 1958
*7/29/1958 - Connie vs. John - grainy video [KIN w/comm, Rrinkerman6.5.2, B]
DOUBLE DARE (1976)
No relation to the later show from Nickelodeon. Cool isolation booth game that should've lasted longer than it did.
CBS, 1976-1977
Alex Trebek
*1/4/1977 - Alan Lusher vs. Judy - Alan retires undefeated [GSN w/comm, A+]
*1/5/1977 - Michael vs. the Spoilers [GSN w/comm, A+]
*1/6/1977 - Nancy vs. the Spoilers [GSN w/comm, A+]
*1/13/1977 - Gary Gardina (future Jeopardy! champ) vs. Linda [GSN w/comm, A-]
*1/14/1977 - Gary Gardina vs. Bartholomew [GSN w/comm, A-]
*1/27/1977 - Catherine vs. Ray - watch as a very promising Spoilers round goes right down the tubes... [GSN w/comm, CCohan0720-1.4, A]
*1/31/1977 - Bob vs. Ray (he comes out in the intro instead of Alex!) - jumpy video at times during the first few minutes, particularly during the intro [GAME, BSchwartz3.2.1, B- at first then B]
*2/2/1977 - Marie vs. Ray (who is finally unseated after 10 shows and having never beaten the Spoilers once) [GSN w/comm, CCohan0720-1.5, A]
*3/1/1977 - Marvin Shinkman vs. the Spoilers (right down to the wire!) [GSN, BSchwartz3.2.2, A]
*3/2/1977 - Greg vs. Marvin Shinkman [GSN, BSchwartz3.2.2b, A]
*4/28/1977 - Illene vs. Ron - blurry and occasionally pretty wavy video [OB, JLeeman4.3.4, B-]
*4/29/1977 finale - Illene vs. Andy [GAME, JLeeman4.4.5, B+]
DOUBLE TALK
As Pyramid-ish as this game is, it still retains a lot of the same charm while still feeling enough like its own thing. Shame the executives didn't seem to feel the same way.
ABC, 1986
Henry Polic II
*8/18/1986 premiere w/Betty White and Stuart Damon - Babs vs. Alice [GAME, JDay7.3, B+]
*8/19/1986 w/same celebs as above - Tracey vs. Babs [OB, BBolton1.3, B]
*11/20/1986 w/Teresa Ganzel and Joel Brooks - Mary vs. Rani [OC, RRinkermanDec2011/10.2, A-]
*12/1986 w/Susan Ruttan and Howard Morton - Katie vs. Cathy - ends during fee plugs [OB, RRinkerman517-5.5, A-]
*12/19/1986 finale w/Marcia Wallace and Jamie Farr - Pat vs. Amy - rather wavy video at some points, but still watchable; VCR counter onscreen [OC, JDay7.4, B-]
DREAM HOUSE
There's not much to say about the main game, but the end game is easily one of the best in the genre.
NBC, 1983-1984
Bob Eubanks
First format
*4/4/1983 premiere – Gary and Vicki vs. Joanne and Don [OC, TMcSwain6.3, B+]
*4/5/1983 - Joanne and Don vs. Linda and George - video pretty red-tinted [OB w/some comm, BSchwartz1.7, B]
*11/9/1983 - Donna and Ben vs. Patricia and Merryl - slight reception distortion throught [OB, BSchwartz1.8, B+]
Money Machine format
*4/1984 - first ep. with this format - Dave and Tracy vs. Dan and Mary - muffled audio [OB, RRinkermanDec2011/9.3, B]
*5/3/1984 - Becky and Lynn vs. Rose and Larry [OC, BSchwartz2.1, B+]
*5/4/1984 - Rose and Larry vs. Barbara and Duke [OC, BSchwartz2.2, B+]
*6/29/1984 finale - Mary and Kurt vs. Louisa and Steve - contains a pretty amazing way to end off the show! - slightly fuzzy video [OC, DDowns13.5, B]
EVERY SECOND COUNTS
syndication, 1984-1985
Bill Rafferty
*1985 - Heather & Daniel vs. Cynthia & Rick vs. Sharon & Bill - missing closing segment [OB w/some comm, RRinkerman6.2.1, B]
EYE GUESS
There's something inherently funny about blind picks.
NBC, 1966-1969
Bill Cullen
*11/8/1967 - Mildred at Bonus - sadly, this seems to be the only existing full ep. [SM, filtered version is A- (fixed syncing & color); original is MLight1.2, B+]
*1969 - 12-minute clip, starting with Jan at Bonus - B&W video [OB, JLeeman2.5, B-]