Quote:
Originally posted by jitterbug13
I haven't heard anything about GSN trying to pull the games. I wonder why since most (if not all) of these game shows are/were on CBS.
I also agree about TPIR not being the TPIR without Bob. And with Bob Eubanks and Monty Hall still alive, they could have brought on the orginal hosts of some of these shows (the Press Your Luck host just past away a few weeks ago). But at least Ricki's back on TV (I was a big fan of the talk show in HS).
I'm willing to give this show a shot. If it's not close to the orginals as possible, I'm going to be highly upset.
*paging Rainman for this thread, Rainman*
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To say that TPIR isn't TPIR without Bob is IMHO one-dimensional and shortsighted to say the least. Remember, that there was an original version of TPIR that aired back in the 50s and 60s that was hosted by Bill Cullen that IMHO was a really cool game show on its own merits. For all you know, there could be some folk out there who don't like the current Price is Right because they though Bill Cullen WAS The Price is Right. But I digress somewhat.
During the Barker run of TPIR ('72-present) there have been three nighttime versions of TPIR that was NOT hosted by Barker and with the exception of one of the three incarnations, was still an entertaining show to watch. Let's review:
70s nighttime version--Hosted by Dennis James ('72-'79). James was just as good of a host as Barker and it was still an awesome show to watch. Now while Barker took over the nighttime version for its final season before it got cancelled in '80, it was NOT because James' hosting skills were subpar; weekly nighttime game shows were beginning to decline by that time anyhow.
80s nighttime version--Hosted by Tom Kennedy ('85-'86). Like James, Kennedy did a superb job at hosting, although he doesn't give himself enough credit in this venue. But again, good show, and just as fun to watch as the Barker version
(side note: while this was going on in the syndication circuit, during the summer of 1986, CBS aired special hour-long nighttime versions hosted by Bob Barker on Thursday nights at 8 p.m.--perhaps it was done as a test run for a nighttime show that upcoming season; at any rate it couldn't surpass Cosby's runaway ratings and the run ended once the '86-'87 season began)
90s nighttime version--Hosted by Doug Davidson ('94-'95). While like James and Kennedy, he did a decent hosting job, the shows format and familiar set was changed TOO radically (a new feature called "The Price WAS Right" and a showcase where a single player participated in a "Range Game"-like format alienated it faithful viewers and it was quickly cancelled.
Long story short: watch an episode of each incarnation of TPIR, THEN cast judgment. It is for that reason I am reserving comment on host Ricki Lake until I see her in action.
Now for the Game Show marathon: From what I have seen they are true to from in format, gameplay, and set design. The GS community is excited and highly anticipating its first show to air tonight (TPIR). Also from what I have heard, these shows are supposed to function as pilots for possible upcoming show series on CBS, so depending on the ratings and reviews of these shows, it is possible that you will be seeing them again soon.
I am in DC again on business, so I have to tape these shows, but I am quietly anticipating their arrival.
For more commentary on the Game Show Marathon, log on to:
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