So I had been doing my typical catching up on GSN's airings of The $25,000 Pyramid on Friday and I just happened to notice a little familiar face.
Showing posts with label pyramid. Show all posts
Showing posts with label pyramid. Show all posts
Monday, June 18, 2012
Saturday, May 5, 2012
Remembering Game Show Pioneer Bob Stewart
On Friday, the television world lost a true legend. Bob Stewart, the creator and producer of game shows such as The Price is Right, Password, To Tell The Truth, and Pyramid, has passed away at the age of 91.Wednesday, April 18, 2012
"So Long", Dick Clark
A very sad and heartbreaking day for the entertainment industry, as television producer, creator, mogul, and host, Dick Clark has passed away today at the age of 82.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Online Pick of the Week (1/29): All-Star Junior Pyramid
Another classic Pyramid is this week's pick.
This comes from one of my favorite eras of the show, the 1970's, September 2, 1979 to be exact. A special all-celebrity version of the show, with a temporarily different name: The All-Star Junior Pyramid. Celebrities are from ABC prime time shows of the time; including Susan Richardson and Tony Danza, from Eight is Enough and Taxi respectively, and some more from what I'm assuming was a short-lived show at the time. One of them would include a 16-year-old Rob Lowe.
This comes from one of my favorite eras of the show, the 1970's, September 2, 1979 to be exact. A special all-celebrity version of the show, with a temporarily different name: The All-Star Junior Pyramid. Celebrities are from ABC prime time shows of the time; including Susan Richardson and Tony Danza, from Eight is Enough and Taxi respectively, and some more from what I'm assuming was a short-lived show at the time. One of them would include a 16-year-old Rob Lowe.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Online Pick of the Week (1/22): $25,000 Pyramid
What's been found here in my honest opinion is a very good episode of the show. And even though more than 1,000 episodes were done, this can still be narrowed down as a favorite of mine. Markie Post and Richard Kline were terrific and sharp-witted players and proved for some fun and exciting times. Here is no exception.
There's also the fact that this is a studio master, so we see things like the slate and so forth. And well, if you're tired of GSN airing the same season of $25,000, then seeing an episode from this version's early years (original airdate: September 27, 1983) should be a real treat for you.
There's also the fact that this is a studio master, so we see things like the slate and so forth. And well, if you're tired of GSN airing the same season of $25,000, then seeing an episode from this version's early years (original airdate: September 27, 1983) should be a real treat for you.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Online Pick of the Week (1/8): The $10,000 Pyramid
Not to sound like a squealing fanb0i, but OH MY GOD. As a long-time Pyramid fan, I have awaited the possibility of finding a rare episode from the long lost original era of the series. This is what started it all. Before $100,000. Before $50,000. Before $25,000. Hell, before even $20,000; there was The $10,000 Pyramid.
Beforehand, not much was known to exist from the original version of the show, and there still isn't too much, which aired on CBS daytime from 1973, and then moved to ABC a year later. With the exception of about 13 episodes that were found several years ago from special Hollywood taped weeks (the show's original roots were in New York City) and a black-and-white copy of the third episode.
Now we can add another one to the "exists" pile. This episode, which is also a black-and-white copy, is the fifth episode of the premiere week. The guests were June Lockhart and Rob Reiner. The episode was uploaded by the daughter of one of the contestants. A rare find indeed, and a good treat for fans who want to see a show's humble beginnings. Even before the illegal cuckoo sound effect was used.
Beforehand, not much was known to exist from the original version of the show, and there still isn't too much, which aired on CBS daytime from 1973, and then moved to ABC a year later. With the exception of about 13 episodes that were found several years ago from special Hollywood taped weeks (the show's original roots were in New York City) and a black-and-white copy of the third episode.
Now we can add another one to the "exists" pile. This episode, which is also a black-and-white copy, is the fifth episode of the premiere week. The guests were June Lockhart and Rob Reiner. The episode was uploaded by the daughter of one of the contestants. A rare find indeed, and a good treat for fans who want to see a show's humble beginnings. Even before the illegal cuckoo sound effect was used.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Online Pick of the Week (11/13): The $25,000 Pyramid
Pyramid is my absolute favorite game show, partly because of how unexpected and intense it can be.From my own personal collection, this $25,000 episode from 1982 is a perfect example. Florence Henderson is one of the celebrity guests on this episode, and while she's usually regarded as one of the show's better players, and she is, on this particular episode? Not so great. The first winners' circle round in particular. But later on in the show there's a pretty good change that has to be seen to be believed. It just goes to show that really anything can happen.
My online pick of the week!
Friday, August 6, 2010
Online Pick of the Week (8/6): Donny’s Pyramid Game
The online pick of the week is a British version of an American classic. In 2007, Pyramid, or what it’s better known as in the UK-- The Pyramid Game, came to be for a few months on the network Challenge, their equivalent of GSN. This was a pretty good adaptation of the show. And what really helps it are the simple things that helped older versions too; in the main round the categories were played 7 phrases in 30 seconds. The names of the categories were simple too and to the point. The judging was a bit off but not too overtly anal retentive like it was 8 years ago. I'll never forget how our judges wouldn't take "bike" for "bicycle," but they did take "picketing" for "picket." Oh, and not taking "disco music" or "disco songs." Ugh. Why, judges, why?Yeah, I’ll take this any day over what we got in 2002. If you’re going to have futuristic Pyramid, this is the way to go.
Donny is a good host here. I never had any real problems with him on our version, with the exception of the “oh, oh, oh!” in the winner’s circle rounds.
Donny's Pyramid Game, my online pick of the week!
Monday, November 23, 2009
GSN: Upcoming Marathons
We'll be seeing some more marathons come Christmastime from GSN. Here’s the rundown (all times 9am-3pm except for the Combs and Dawson marathons, which run through 6pm):
December 24th: Combs Family Feud Marathon
December 25th: Dawson Family Feud Marathon
December 28th: Rayburn Match Game Marathon
December 29th: Deal or No Deal Marathon
December 30th: Karn Family Feud Marathon
December 31st: 1 vs. 100 Marathon
January 1st: O’Hurley Family Feud Marathon
In all honesty, this all week marathon situation is more like the Sci-Fi (or "SyFy", ugh) Channel. Deal or No Deal? Feh. Almost two whole days of the Thankgiving 4-day weekend was filled with that show. Something else should air in its place that day. I’ll be looking forward most to the Match Game, and Dawson & Combs Feud marathons, though there could have been a little less Feud too. A couple of the Match Game episodes featured are the “boobs” answer panel walkout episode from ‘74 and School Riot from ‘77. So if you do not have the DVD set and don’t have those episodes then this would be a good time to get them. As much as I find 1 vs. 100 to be an underrated show and think that it deserves a marathon, I’d rather not see it on New Year’s Eve. Dick Clark’s Pyramid should be the show for that; I mean, come on, the man is synonymous with the ringing in the new year. A Pyramid marathon would be nice even if there wasn’t as much variety with the episodes like last year.
December 24th: Combs Family Feud Marathon
December 25th: Dawson Family Feud Marathon
December 28th: Rayburn Match Game Marathon
December 29th: Deal or No Deal Marathon
December 30th: Karn Family Feud Marathon
December 31st: 1 vs. 100 Marathon
January 1st: O’Hurley Family Feud Marathon
In all honesty, this all week marathon situation is more like the Sci-Fi (or "SyFy", ugh) Channel. Deal or No Deal? Feh. Almost two whole days of the Thankgiving 4-day weekend was filled with that show. Something else should air in its place that day. I’ll be looking forward most to the Match Game, and Dawson & Combs Feud marathons, though there could have been a little less Feud too. A couple of the Match Game episodes featured are the “boobs” answer panel walkout episode from ‘74 and School Riot from ‘77. So if you do not have the DVD set and don’t have those episodes then this would be a good time to get them. As much as I find 1 vs. 100 to be an underrated show and think that it deserves a marathon, I’d rather not see it on New Year’s Eve. Dick Clark’s Pyramid should be the show for that; I mean, come on, the man is synonymous with the ringing in the new year. A Pyramid marathon would be nice even if there wasn’t as much variety with the episodes like last year.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Let’s Make a Deal to replace Guiding Light
It came down between this show and Pyramid and CBS has chosen the former.
I’m actually pretty disappointed in this decision. I was really hoping that Pyramid would be picked up. I’ll admit it right now, it’s mostly bias since I largely prefer Pyramid over Deal. And the cards finally seemed in place for it. It was a show that had all the rules together, no lame rules it seems or judgment calls like what we saw a few years ago on Donnymid according to the pilot reviews. It was nice to not be too worried about a Michael Davies revival for once. There was a lot of buzz, and everything just seemed ready for a new version of this show. Hell, there was discussion about this show coming back THE DAY Guiding Light was cancelled.
With Deal, it’s nice to know that Monty Hall is behind this show and judging from a press interview is behind the decision of the new host, Wayne Brady, and Wayne seems really excited about it as well. I also had really been getting into the show when GSN was rerunning it. But hopefully this show will learn their lessons after the 2003 failure. I’m skeptical about an hour-long format. I remember it on Game$how Marathon all too well also and I was really turned off by it. The more I think about it, it might not be bad at all had CBS decided to green light both Pyramid AND Let’s Make A Deal. I want to be positive about this, but I really just don’t know.
And as for CBS and Pyramid, we’ve seen the mistakes made with this show: in 1974, CBS canceled it; ABC grabbed it a few months later and it wound up being a success and ran for 6 years. They made up for their gaffe in 1982 by bringing it back, but canned it in 1987. We’d see the show again in spring 1988 after the show that replaced it, Blackout, had failed after 13 weeks. Dick Clark on the first episode back says the show was brought back after viewer complaints: “They weren’t mad, they were angry” … but the show is canceled again 13 weeks later, apparently not thinking so much about the complaints anymore that were apparently sent in droves. All I have to say is that especially after all the buzz for a new version this time around, that they better hope this isn’t another mistake.
Also if anything, this needs to be a testament to folks like Christopher Goutman of As The World Turns since Procter & Gamble/Telenext doesn’t want to get off its behind and let him go, and any other executive producer of any other soap right now that’s producing a more shoddy product than not: networks are not playing around anymore, and if you don’t shape up you WILL be shipped out.
I’m actually pretty disappointed in this decision. I was really hoping that Pyramid would be picked up. I’ll admit it right now, it’s mostly bias since I largely prefer Pyramid over Deal. And the cards finally seemed in place for it. It was a show that had all the rules together, no lame rules it seems or judgment calls like what we saw a few years ago on Donnymid according to the pilot reviews. It was nice to not be too worried about a Michael Davies revival for once. There was a lot of buzz, and everything just seemed ready for a new version of this show. Hell, there was discussion about this show coming back THE DAY Guiding Light was cancelled.
With Deal, it’s nice to know that Monty Hall is behind this show and judging from a press interview is behind the decision of the new host, Wayne Brady, and Wayne seems really excited about it as well. I also had really been getting into the show when GSN was rerunning it. But hopefully this show will learn their lessons after the 2003 failure. I’m skeptical about an hour-long format. I remember it on Game$how Marathon all too well also and I was really turned off by it. The more I think about it, it might not be bad at all had CBS decided to green light both Pyramid AND Let’s Make A Deal. I want to be positive about this, but I really just don’t know.
And as for CBS and Pyramid, we’ve seen the mistakes made with this show: in 1974, CBS canceled it; ABC grabbed it a few months later and it wound up being a success and ran for 6 years. They made up for their gaffe in 1982 by bringing it back, but canned it in 1987. We’d see the show again in spring 1988 after the show that replaced it, Blackout, had failed after 13 weeks. Dick Clark on the first episode back says the show was brought back after viewer complaints: “They weren’t mad, they were angry” … but the show is canceled again 13 weeks later, apparently not thinking so much about the complaints anymore that were apparently sent in droves. All I have to say is that especially after all the buzz for a new version this time around, that they better hope this isn’t another mistake.
Also if anything, this needs to be a testament to folks like Christopher Goutman of As The World Turns since Procter & Gamble/Telenext doesn’t want to get off its behind and let him go, and any other executive producer of any other soap right now that’s producing a more shoddy product than not: networks are not playing around anymore, and if you don’t shape up you WILL be shipped out.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
$1M Pyramid Pilot: Pictures!
The pictures have just come out this week thanks to someone at Invision for the set of the new potential $1,000,000 Pyramid!
I really like the set. Retro is not really a requirement for a good set for a revival for me, however, I really do like what was put out. And I’m certainly not going to complain that they apparently have the legacy of the show in mind with the design, even right down to the $1,000,000 lighted sign above the big winner’s circle board. I’m glad to see what looks like trilons and not LCD screens.
And I’m relieved to hear that the revival is going back to the 7 clue-30 second format and not retaining the rushed 6 clue-20 second format that was seen on Donnymid. It was one of the serious problems I had with that version.
For me, this is the one saving grace for the 3 PM hour for CBS now that they have axed Guiding Light. PLEASE pick this up. I’d much rather see this over a talk show.
It’s nice that for once Michael Davies is behind a game show revival and I am really not nervous.
I really like the set. Retro is not really a requirement for a good set for a revival for me, however, I really do like what was put out. And I’m certainly not going to complain that they apparently have the legacy of the show in mind with the design, even right down to the $1,000,000 lighted sign above the big winner’s circle board. I’m glad to see what looks like trilons and not LCD screens.
And I’m relieved to hear that the revival is going back to the 7 clue-30 second format and not retaining the rushed 6 clue-20 second format that was seen on Donnymid. It was one of the serious problems I had with that version.
For me, this is the one saving grace for the 3 PM hour for CBS now that they have axed Guiding Light. PLEASE pick this up. I’d much rather see this over a talk show.
It’s nice that for once Michael Davies is behind a game show revival and I am really not nervous.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
GSN: More Schedule Changes
There are apparently more schedule changes coming starting May 18th:
CHANGES LISTED ONLY:
10:30 am $25,000 Pyramid (CBS 1982-88, replaces Family Feud (Combs syndie, 1998-94))
11:00 am Bingo America (replaces Let’s Make A Deal (syndie 1971-77))
11:30 am Whammy! (GSN, 2002-03, replaces $25,000 Pyramid (CBS 1982-88))
These seem to contradict with some of the ones that are taking place in June.
I love The $25,000 Pyramid… it’s one of the things acquired lately on GSN along with $100,000 Pyramid, original Password, and Hollywood Squares that I enjoy. The show following Super Password at 10 doesn’t sound bad. But it is so typical that they pull the version of Feud that’s airing the least out of all of them. I mean we can’t sacrifice ONE lousy Karn airing? Not one? Why can’t they show this version from start to finish? And boo to Let’s Make a Deal leaving earlier than intended; at least on weekdays. Bingo America taking its place? Blah. Whammy! is now scheduled to move to 11:30 am. Oh joy. Now I REALLY can’t wait to find the remote and turn it to Price.
This is looking more and more like Dark Period 3.0...
CHANGES LISTED ONLY:
10:30 am $25,000 Pyramid (CBS 1982-88, replaces Family Feud (Combs syndie, 1998-94))
11:00 am Bingo America (replaces Let’s Make A Deal (syndie 1971-77))
11:30 am Whammy! (GSN, 2002-03, replaces $25,000 Pyramid (CBS 1982-88))
These seem to contradict with some of the ones that are taking place in June.
I love The $25,000 Pyramid… it’s one of the things acquired lately on GSN along with $100,000 Pyramid, original Password, and Hollywood Squares that I enjoy. The show following Super Password at 10 doesn’t sound bad. But it is so typical that they pull the version of Feud that’s airing the least out of all of them. I mean we can’t sacrifice ONE lousy Karn airing? Not one? Why can’t they show this version from start to finish? And boo to Let’s Make a Deal leaving earlier than intended; at least on weekdays. Bingo America taking its place? Blah. Whammy! is now scheduled to move to 11:30 am. Oh joy. Now I REALLY can’t wait to find the remote and turn it to Price.
This is looking more and more like Dark Period 3.0...
Friday, May 1, 2009
GSN's June Schedule
New GSN schedule change, starting June 1st:
Changes listed only:
WEEKDAYS:
11:00 AM Whammy! (GSN 2002-03, replaces Let's Make a Deal, (1971-77 syndie))
4:00 PM Pyramid (2002-04 syndie, replaces Weakest Link (2002-03, syndie))
7:00 pm Deal or No Deal (NBC, replaces Lingo (GSN 2002-07) and Pyramid (2002-04 syndie))
WEEKENDS:
2:00 AM 1 vs. 100 (replaces Dog Eat Dog)
Saturdays:
8:00 PM 20 Questions
9:30 PM The Money List
Sundays:
3:00 PM 20 Questions (replaces Family Feud (Karn))
5:00 PM The Money List (replaces Who Wants to be a Millionaire? (ABC 1999-2002))
I’m really not surprised that Deal or No Deal is coming to GSN. If you’ve read a couple previous entries about the nighttime show… you'll see that I’m not too excited about this news. However, t might be interesting to see repeats of the very early episodes… I loved it so much before it became a circus. I love that 1 vs. 100 is coming though. It was one of my favorite recent prime time game shows and I wish that NBC never canceled it.
Whammy replacing Let’s Make A Deal… sorry, but that just blows. How many more times are they going to run that into the ground? Couldn’t they have picked another Sony show from the vault? And I was really hoping they’d air the 1984 version at least one more time. And I love Pyramid to death, but there is no need for me to watch the show in the morning if it’ll just be on again in the overnight. Congratulations, GSN, you’ve really made it easy for this viewer to choose between you and The Price is Right on CBS at 11 am.
I’m looking forward to The Money List. I hope it’s not as over dramatic as its original format, The Rich List was. But then again, GSN is not Fox, so I think we’ll be alright. Curious about 20 Questions too… hopefully there’ll be positive news about that sometime.
Changes listed only:
WEEKDAYS:
11:00 AM Whammy! (GSN 2002-03, replaces Let's Make a Deal, (1971-77 syndie))
4:00 PM Pyramid (2002-04 syndie, replaces Weakest Link (2002-03, syndie))
7:00 pm Deal or No Deal (NBC, replaces Lingo (GSN 2002-07) and Pyramid (2002-04 syndie))
WEEKENDS:
2:00 AM 1 vs. 100 (replaces Dog Eat Dog)
Saturdays:
8:00 PM 20 Questions
9:30 PM The Money List
Sundays:
3:00 PM 20 Questions (replaces Family Feud (Karn))
5:00 PM The Money List (replaces Who Wants to be a Millionaire? (ABC 1999-2002))
I’m really not surprised that Deal or No Deal is coming to GSN. If you’ve read a couple previous entries about the nighttime show… you'll see that I’m not too excited about this news. However, t might be interesting to see repeats of the very early episodes… I loved it so much before it became a circus. I love that 1 vs. 100 is coming though. It was one of my favorite recent prime time game shows and I wish that NBC never canceled it.
Whammy replacing Let’s Make A Deal… sorry, but that just blows. How many more times are they going to run that into the ground? Couldn’t they have picked another Sony show from the vault? And I was really hoping they’d air the 1984 version at least one more time. And I love Pyramid to death, but there is no need for me to watch the show in the morning if it’ll just be on again in the overnight. Congratulations, GSN, you’ve really made it easy for this viewer to choose between you and The Price is Right on CBS at 11 am.
I’m looking forward to The Money List. I hope it’s not as over dramatic as its original format, The Rich List was. But then again, GSN is not Fox, so I think we’ll be alright. Curious about 20 Questions too… hopefully there’ll be positive news about that sometime.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
GSN: More About The March Schedule Change
More details have come about March 30th’s schedule change thanks to the PDF files at Buzzer, and wow, I could not be more excited!
The $25,000 Pyramid episodes will be 1985-86, new to GSN and haven’t been run in well over a decade since USA had game shows as apart of its schedule. I looked at the episode guide and there are some really interesting and fun celebs. Markie Post, Nipsey Russell, Melody Thomas-Scott, Bill Cullen, Florence Henderson, and even Bronson Pinchot. And there are some pretty memorable moments; the 1968 Chevrolet Chevette blooper, and Tom Poston and his contestant partner getting $0 in the winner’s circle (apparently contrary to popular belief is not the first time that occurred, but still, can’t wait to see it in even better quality). Can’t wait! I’ve always preferred daytime Pyramid, and while I was hoping for the earlier episodes, this is still a great surprise and I’m ever so excited about it! Good job, GSN!
The $100,000 Pyramid episodes are from season 3. I’m actually a tad disappointed because I was hoping for season 1, but still, this season in particular hasn’t been seen on GSN in quite a while, and I know many people at this point would rather see this than season 2, which first resurfaced back in ‘05.
Hollywood Squares episodes are all Bergeron, from season 1, which apparently haven’t been seen on GSN in years. I am really eager about this too, as I love this version of the show and I haven’t seen much of the early years of the show since they originally aired. This will always be my favorite version of the show. Tom and the gang had me rolling from start to finish.
Password in the overnight are daytime color episodes from 1966-67, which haven‘t been seen since 2002. I’ve always wanted to see more of this era of the show! However, Super Password on the weekends starts from the beginning. Eh, not too thrilled about this. I guess another opportunity to catch any episodes that may have been missed.
Chain Reaction on the weekends will still be Lane's. Blah.
I’ve never had GSN when they showed any of color Password, first season Bergeron Squares, or $25,000 Pyramid on a regular basis. I’m still disappointed that Press Your Luck, Card Sharks, and the black and white hour are leaving, but these latest acquisitions from Sony make for some GREAT consolation. Only less than 3 weeks away!
The $25,000 Pyramid episodes will be 1985-86, new to GSN and haven’t been run in well over a decade since USA had game shows as apart of its schedule. I looked at the episode guide and there are some really interesting and fun celebs. Markie Post, Nipsey Russell, Melody Thomas-Scott, Bill Cullen, Florence Henderson, and even Bronson Pinchot. And there are some pretty memorable moments; the 1968 Chevrolet Chevette blooper, and Tom Poston and his contestant partner getting $0 in the winner’s circle (apparently contrary to popular belief is not the first time that occurred, but still, can’t wait to see it in even better quality). Can’t wait! I’ve always preferred daytime Pyramid, and while I was hoping for the earlier episodes, this is still a great surprise and I’m ever so excited about it! Good job, GSN!
The $100,000 Pyramid episodes are from season 3. I’m actually a tad disappointed because I was hoping for season 1, but still, this season in particular hasn’t been seen on GSN in quite a while, and I know many people at this point would rather see this than season 2, which first resurfaced back in ‘05.
Hollywood Squares episodes are all Bergeron, from season 1, which apparently haven’t been seen on GSN in years. I am really eager about this too, as I love this version of the show and I haven’t seen much of the early years of the show since they originally aired. This will always be my favorite version of the show. Tom and the gang had me rolling from start to finish.
Password in the overnight are daytime color episodes from 1966-67, which haven‘t been seen since 2002. I’ve always wanted to see more of this era of the show! However, Super Password on the weekends starts from the beginning. Eh, not too thrilled about this. I guess another opportunity to catch any episodes that may have been missed.
Chain Reaction on the weekends will still be Lane's. Blah.
I’ve never had GSN when they showed any of color Password, first season Bergeron Squares, or $25,000 Pyramid on a regular basis. I’m still disappointed that Press Your Luck, Card Sharks, and the black and white hour are leaving, but these latest acquisitions from Sony make for some GREAT consolation. Only less than 3 weeks away!
Saturday, January 24, 2009
GSN: Upcoming Things From The Vault
Card Sharks this weekend on GSN will have a couple of episodes that are definitely VCR/DVR/TiVo worthy. One being Mark Goodson’s cameo appearance on Bob Eubanks’ version, at 9:00 am on Saturday. Sunday at 9:30 will be the last episode of the Bill Rafferty version. As much as I love it to death, it has had a really nice healthy run on GSN throughout the past nearly 4 years and could use a bit of a rest. And the following weekend on the 31st it will be replaced with the Jim Perry version. So if you’re in need to see the early episodes from 1978, here’s your opportunity.
As a disco lover, I’m personally really excited about next week on Pyramid at 6 PM. We’ll be seeing a couple of episodes of the Disco Week of the show, featuring Marilyn McCoo, Billy Davis Jr., Freda Payne, and Joni Sledge!
On February 2, we’ll be seeing the ‘70’s version of Let’s Make A Deal again on weekdays after season 1 of the ‘80’s All-New Let’s Make A Deal has finished. I’m disappointed in this because I’ve really gotten into this version and it’s become a favorite in the Deal franchise and I‘d really like to see the second season, especially the finale with appearances by Joanna Gleason and Jay Stewart; but I do like watching the early 1970’s episodes and it’ll be nice to see some of those again.
February 5 marks the showing of the Password Plus episodes with Jack Narz and from The Young and the Restless, Steven Ford. This last aired around Jack Narz's passing, but if you want to see this week again, there is your chance. It’s a really good one!
As a disco lover, I’m personally really excited about next week on Pyramid at 6 PM. We’ll be seeing a couple of episodes of the Disco Week of the show, featuring Marilyn McCoo, Billy Davis Jr., Freda Payne, and Joni Sledge!
On February 2, we’ll be seeing the ‘70’s version of Let’s Make A Deal again on weekdays after season 1 of the ‘80’s All-New Let’s Make A Deal has finished. I’m disappointed in this because I’ve really gotten into this version and it’s become a favorite in the Deal franchise and I‘d really like to see the second season, especially the finale with appearances by Joanna Gleason and Jay Stewart; but I do like watching the early 1970’s episodes and it’ll be nice to see some of those again.
February 5 marks the showing of the Password Plus episodes with Jack Narz and from The Young and the Restless, Steven Ford. This last aired around Jack Narz's passing, but if you want to see this week again, there is your chance. It’s a really good one!
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Christmas Episodes: Game Show Style
I’ve really had a good time this past week watching Christmas shows of game shows either on GSN’s 12 Days of Christmas this year, or watching some favorite Christmas episodes that I’ve recorded over the past few years.
As much as I agree with anyone that earlier episodes of Wheel of Fortune featured more charm and that it’s a better show without multiple gimmicks and fluff, I do admit that it’s nice looking forward to the Christmas shows ever year. I saw one from December 25, 2006 again and I did find it pretty enjoyable. It seems as though on this episode in particular, the show is more focused on the holiday theme than the extra things, which made it more fun to watch.
I think the Passwords did a really good job at getting into the holiday spirit. I love decorated game show sets, and Password Plus in 1979 did a really good job with theirs, and the Christmas puzzles in the game really help the mood as well. Super Password I enjoy just as much, and knowing that Bert was a singer, it really makes me wish that there was another instance where he sings a Christmas carol or two, like he did (albeit briefly) with “Mele Kalikimaka” in 1984.
Super Password’s 1984 holiday episode brings me to another show, the Pyramid Christmas show from 2003. I have my issues with Donnymid, but I always thought this was a high point in this version of the series. I find it really easy to get cozy and comfortable with the Christmas categories, with EVERY category both in the main games and the winner’s circle being holiday related. It’s one instance I think where the style of writing kind of came in handy. It also makes me wish we could see more of the possible Christmas shows from the Clark eras, including one from $25,000 Pyramid in 1986 -- hint, hint, GSN.
Seeing the holiday episodes of To Tell The Truth from 1990 were a real treat, and seeing them as well as a couple from the Collyer era also make me wish that television syndication was run differently back then, so we could have seen the same style of holiday charm on the 1969-78 version, which I thought were the truly the show’s best years. And as for another panel show, I’ve Got A Secret could really produce some great Christmas cheer.
As much as I agree with anyone that earlier episodes of Wheel of Fortune featured more charm and that it’s a better show without multiple gimmicks and fluff, I do admit that it’s nice looking forward to the Christmas shows ever year. I saw one from December 25, 2006 again and I did find it pretty enjoyable. It seems as though on this episode in particular, the show is more focused on the holiday theme than the extra things, which made it more fun to watch.
I think the Passwords did a really good job at getting into the holiday spirit. I love decorated game show sets, and Password Plus in 1979 did a really good job with theirs, and the Christmas puzzles in the game really help the mood as well. Super Password I enjoy just as much, and knowing that Bert was a singer, it really makes me wish that there was another instance where he sings a Christmas carol or two, like he did (albeit briefly) with “Mele Kalikimaka” in 1984.
Super Password’s 1984 holiday episode brings me to another show, the Pyramid Christmas show from 2003. I have my issues with Donnymid, but I always thought this was a high point in this version of the series. I find it really easy to get cozy and comfortable with the Christmas categories, with EVERY category both in the main games and the winner’s circle being holiday related. It’s one instance I think where the style of writing kind of came in handy. It also makes me wish we could see more of the possible Christmas shows from the Clark eras, including one from $25,000 Pyramid in 1986 -- hint, hint, GSN.
Seeing the holiday episodes of To Tell The Truth from 1990 were a real treat, and seeing them as well as a couple from the Collyer era also make me wish that television syndication was run differently back then, so we could have seen the same style of holiday charm on the 1969-78 version, which I thought were the truly the show’s best years. And as for another panel show, I’ve Got A Secret could really produce some great Christmas cheer.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
GSN: New Year’s Marathons
I’m pretty excited about this! On December 31st, GSN will be bringing in the New Year with their regular tradition, a marathon of The $100,000 Pyramid.
9:00 am - #26: Florence Henderson and Ed Begley, Jr.
9:30 am - #171: Ken Kercheval and Rita Moreno
10:00 am - #145: David Graf and Mary Cadorette
10:30 am - #65: Nipsey Russell and Teresa Ganzel
11:00 am - #432: Soupy Sales and Shelley Smith
11:30 am - #68: Howard Morton and Didi Conn
12:00 pm - #457: Audrey Landers and Nathan Cook
12:30 pm - #87: Vicki Lawrence and Dick Cavett
1:00 pm - #378: Betty White and David Graf
1:30 pm - #414: Brian Mitchell and Markie Post
2:00 pm - #121: Annie Bloom and Jamie Farr
2:30 pm - #186: Terry Lester and Florence Henderson
3:00 pm - #56: LeVar Burton and Markie Post
3:30 pm - #469: David Graf and Patty Duke
4:00 pm - #5: Brian Mitchell and Vicki Lawrence
4:30 pm - #389: Smokey Robinson and Gladys Knight
5:00 pm - #11: Betty White and Nathan Cook
5:30 pm - #99: Brian Mitchell and Markie Post
I think the truly best part of this marathon is that we will be seeing episodes that have not been shown in a good while! I have waited so long to see more of seasons 1 and 3. The first season of $100,000 Pyramid has not been seen on GSN in years, and what’s more, we’ll be seeing an episode from the premiere week! Pyramid is my favorite game show of all time, and the fact that practically all the episodes in this marathon are going to be relatively fresh (well at least for me), makes it all the more special. I'm really glad someone seemed to care enough to shake things up with this marathon!
January 1st will feature another marathon of Let’s Make A Deal (syndie 1971-77) from 9 am - 3 pm like in 2008. However, this marathon will not be strictly Las Vegas Hilton episodes. We should see at least a couple real goodies in it. The episode that airs first is the first episode! And the noon show features an appearance by Milton Berle!
Looks like a great way to start the new year and I personally can‘t wait.
9:00 am - #26: Florence Henderson and Ed Begley, Jr.
9:30 am - #171: Ken Kercheval and Rita Moreno
10:00 am - #145: David Graf and Mary Cadorette
10:30 am - #65: Nipsey Russell and Teresa Ganzel
11:00 am - #432: Soupy Sales and Shelley Smith
11:30 am - #68: Howard Morton and Didi Conn
12:00 pm - #457: Audrey Landers and Nathan Cook
12:30 pm - #87: Vicki Lawrence and Dick Cavett
1:00 pm - #378: Betty White and David Graf
1:30 pm - #414: Brian Mitchell and Markie Post
2:00 pm - #121: Annie Bloom and Jamie Farr
2:30 pm - #186: Terry Lester and Florence Henderson
3:00 pm - #56: LeVar Burton and Markie Post
3:30 pm - #469: David Graf and Patty Duke
4:00 pm - #5: Brian Mitchell and Vicki Lawrence
4:30 pm - #389: Smokey Robinson and Gladys Knight
5:00 pm - #11: Betty White and Nathan Cook
5:30 pm - #99: Brian Mitchell and Markie Post
I think the truly best part of this marathon is that we will be seeing episodes that have not been shown in a good while! I have waited so long to see more of seasons 1 and 3. The first season of $100,000 Pyramid has not been seen on GSN in years, and what’s more, we’ll be seeing an episode from the premiere week! Pyramid is my favorite game show of all time, and the fact that practically all the episodes in this marathon are going to be relatively fresh (well at least for me), makes it all the more special. I'm really glad someone seemed to care enough to shake things up with this marathon!
January 1st will feature another marathon of Let’s Make A Deal (syndie 1971-77) from 9 am - 3 pm like in 2008. However, this marathon will not be strictly Las Vegas Hilton episodes. We should see at least a couple real goodies in it. The episode that airs first is the first episode! And the noon show features an appearance by Milton Berle!
Looks like a great way to start the new year and I personally can‘t wait.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Osmond Pyramid coming to GSN
Word is out now that, Pyramid, the Donny Osmond hosted revival that ran from 2002-04, is coming to GSN. Mixed thoughts from me on this. Part of me is pretty disappointed that it's not a Clark era version, and it's been too long since $20,000 or $25,000 Pyramid has aired on GSN, or seasons one and three of $100,000 Pyramid, and I'd much rather see one of those eras. And since they seem to be cutting costs these days, I'm actually surprised that they just didn't pick up a Clark season since they have many episodes of $20,000, $25,000 and $100,000 to air on a regular basis already in their library; this is assuming if GSN had to first acquire the rights to the Osmond version, and then second, convert all of the episodes to the tape format that they use. Airing shows they already possess seems cheaper to me. I also don't like that it's replacing Russian Roulette.
However, there is the part of me that is happy since it's Pyramid, my favorite game show ever, and some form of it is coming back to GSN. And it could be worse, they could have gotten the John Davidson version. That version had a lousy host, and for the most part felt it just pretty awkward to me in general -- save some of the celebs, and there weren't that many episodes. The rerun abuse I think would be even more painful with that version if it ever came to that point.
There are things I liked about this version and things that I hated. I loved seeing a lot of the celebrities that appeared... Hal Sparks, Vicki Lawrence, Melissa Peterman, Marc Summers, Betty White, and Dick Clark, the master of the game himself... (if you see this show listed in my video collection, that's pretty much why I have so many episodes). I also thought Donny Osmond was a great host. Talk about down to earth, friendly, and he certainly knew the rules of the game. But then there are the pet peeves that at some points made this revival hard to watch. The 6 phrase-20 second format in the main game in my eyes really made the show seem rather rushed, and then there are the anal judgment calls in the winner's circle, where a player has to pretty much say the whole category word for word in order to get it right.
Another good thing: the moron I am finally just figured out what the hell Donnymid means (Donny + Pyramid = Donnymid).
However, there is the part of me that is happy since it's Pyramid, my favorite game show ever, and some form of it is coming back to GSN. And it could be worse, they could have gotten the John Davidson version. That version had a lousy host, and for the most part felt it just pretty awkward to me in general -- save some of the celebs, and there weren't that many episodes. The rerun abuse I think would be even more painful with that version if it ever came to that point.
There are things I liked about this version and things that I hated. I loved seeing a lot of the celebrities that appeared... Hal Sparks, Vicki Lawrence, Melissa Peterman, Marc Summers, Betty White, and Dick Clark, the master of the game himself... (if you see this show listed in my video collection, that's pretty much why I have so many episodes). I also thought Donny Osmond was a great host. Talk about down to earth, friendly, and he certainly knew the rules of the game. But then there are the pet peeves that at some points made this revival hard to watch. The 6 phrase-20 second format in the main game in my eyes really made the show seem rather rushed, and then there are the anal judgment calls in the winner's circle, where a player has to pretty much say the whole category word for word in order to get it right.
Another good thing: the moron I am finally just figured out what the hell Donnymid means (Donny + Pyramid = Donnymid).
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Happy 35th Anniversary, Pyramid!
Happy 35th Anniversary, Pyramid!
On March 26, 1973, The $10,000 Pyramid, the game show where a contestant could win $10,000 in 60 seconds, first debuted on CBS at 10:30 am ET. Its first celebrities were June Lockhart and Rob Reiner, with the first ever ten grand won on episode 1 by Rob. This week, my favorite game show of all time, Pyramid, is celebrating it’s 35th anniversary!
The show’s gone through many changes over the years, from orange shag carpeting and a winner’s circle made of plywood and trilons, to blue and purple colors with a winner’s circle made of rafters and flat screen TV’s. And of course, we mustn’t dare forget the ever growing money amounts. $10,000; $20,000; $25,000; $50,000... even all the way up to $100,000! This show gave away a lot of cash over the years!
My favorite part of the show is the winner’s circle. It can get rather nerve-wracking, but it’s still a lot of fun to play along. I think for me personally, it’s a lot of fun to try to think of clues for the categories. I’m terrible at receiving them.
Now onto the hosts… Dick Clark is hands down, my favorite Pyramid host. What I loved best about him was that Dick was being himself and wasn’t trying to be a perfectionist on the air. He was truly grand on the show but at the same time made mistakes just like any other person would. And he really made me feel good about myself, we both seem to have the same trouble with math. In the winner’s circle, it was always classic whenever he tried (and usually succeeded) in giving the perfect clues, usually making the celebrity involved feeling like garbage, as in “why didn‘t I think of that?”.
I've seen several episodes of Bill Cullen's 1970's $25,000 version. I thought it was really good. Of course, it didn’t have the same feel as the Dick Clark era, but it was very decent and Bill seemed to do a good job like he would do on just about any show. I love his uncle/grandfatherly personality. I'd recommend any Pyramid fan to get a hold of an episode if you can.
John Davidson to me was a different story for the most part... I remember watching this show whenever school was out when I was 6 and loving it. And the thing that did help this version out somewhat is that it was a Bob Stewart production. However, seeing a couple episodes, years later.. I just got this really weird vibe from him when it came to hosting. The same vibe I got when I saw him hosting Hollywood Squares. It’s a very uncomfortable one… I can’t stand to see him host anything. I see myself watching episodes pretty much for the celebrities and the game play only.
I really enjoyed Donny Osmond on Pyramid. No, this was not my favorite version at all. It had too many nitpicks. Like the strict judging for one. If it wasn’t for the celebrities, I wouldn’t have as many episodes on tape. This is a revival were even the minor nitpicks could get to you. But Donny to me was a very warm, outgoing person who knew the rules and really did a good job helping everyone feel at home.
I’d say my favorite version of Pyramid is $10,000/$20,000, with 1980‘s $25,000 as a close second. Both of those versions to me had some of the best celebrities on the show’s history. And I love the charm of the ‘70’s eras. David Letterman, Billy Crystal (who is hands down, one of the BEST players of the show), Nipsey Russell, Loretta Swit, Bill Cullen, Betty White, Dick Cavett, Vicki Lawrence… I could go on and on. My least favorite version is the 2002-04 Osmond revival. As I mentioned in my paragraph about Donny Osmond, the rules were way too strict. In many cases, it seemed like you had to say the entire category word for word to get it correct, and the 6-phrase-20-second system in the main game felt a bit rushed to me. The rules were so much better on the previous eras. Donny’s hosting and the celebrities are definitely the positives for me as far as that goes. I loved seeing Hal Sparks, Mo’Nique, and Melissa Peterman. There was also Betty White and Dick Clark for the special Dick Clark Challenge. This version had a very wide range of stars, they even got Jared Fogle! I admit all of them weren’t the best players, but many of them were certainly fun to watch.
Now it’s time to dig out some of my tapes and DVDs and squeeze in a bit of a marathon in honor of this occasion. Happy anniversary to my all-time favorite game show!
On March 26, 1973, The $10,000 Pyramid, the game show where a contestant could win $10,000 in 60 seconds, first debuted on CBS at 10:30 am ET. Its first celebrities were June Lockhart and Rob Reiner, with the first ever ten grand won on episode 1 by Rob. This week, my favorite game show of all time, Pyramid, is celebrating it’s 35th anniversary!
The show’s gone through many changes over the years, from orange shag carpeting and a winner’s circle made of plywood and trilons, to blue and purple colors with a winner’s circle made of rafters and flat screen TV’s. And of course, we mustn’t dare forget the ever growing money amounts. $10,000; $20,000; $25,000; $50,000... even all the way up to $100,000! This show gave away a lot of cash over the years!
My favorite part of the show is the winner’s circle. It can get rather nerve-wracking, but it’s still a lot of fun to play along. I think for me personally, it’s a lot of fun to try to think of clues for the categories. I’m terrible at receiving them.
Now onto the hosts… Dick Clark is hands down, my favorite Pyramid host. What I loved best about him was that Dick was being himself and wasn’t trying to be a perfectionist on the air. He was truly grand on the show but at the same time made mistakes just like any other person would. And he really made me feel good about myself, we both seem to have the same trouble with math. In the winner’s circle, it was always classic whenever he tried (and usually succeeded) in giving the perfect clues, usually making the celebrity involved feeling like garbage, as in “why didn‘t I think of that?”.
I've seen several episodes of Bill Cullen's 1970's $25,000 version. I thought it was really good. Of course, it didn’t have the same feel as the Dick Clark era, but it was very decent and Bill seemed to do a good job like he would do on just about any show. I love his uncle/grandfatherly personality. I'd recommend any Pyramid fan to get a hold of an episode if you can.
John Davidson to me was a different story for the most part... I remember watching this show whenever school was out when I was 6 and loving it. And the thing that did help this version out somewhat is that it was a Bob Stewart production. However, seeing a couple episodes, years later.. I just got this really weird vibe from him when it came to hosting. The same vibe I got when I saw him hosting Hollywood Squares. It’s a very uncomfortable one… I can’t stand to see him host anything. I see myself watching episodes pretty much for the celebrities and the game play only.
I really enjoyed Donny Osmond on Pyramid. No, this was not my favorite version at all. It had too many nitpicks. Like the strict judging for one. If it wasn’t for the celebrities, I wouldn’t have as many episodes on tape. This is a revival were even the minor nitpicks could get to you. But Donny to me was a very warm, outgoing person who knew the rules and really did a good job helping everyone feel at home.
I’d say my favorite version of Pyramid is $10,000/$20,000, with 1980‘s $25,000 as a close second. Both of those versions to me had some of the best celebrities on the show’s history. And I love the charm of the ‘70’s eras. David Letterman, Billy Crystal (who is hands down, one of the BEST players of the show), Nipsey Russell, Loretta Swit, Bill Cullen, Betty White, Dick Cavett, Vicki Lawrence… I could go on and on. My least favorite version is the 2002-04 Osmond revival. As I mentioned in my paragraph about Donny Osmond, the rules were way too strict. In many cases, it seemed like you had to say the entire category word for word to get it correct, and the 6-phrase-20-second system in the main game felt a bit rushed to me. The rules were so much better on the previous eras. Donny’s hosting and the celebrities are definitely the positives for me as far as that goes. I loved seeing Hal Sparks, Mo’Nique, and Melissa Peterman. There was also Betty White and Dick Clark for the special Dick Clark Challenge. This version had a very wide range of stars, they even got Jared Fogle! I admit all of them weren’t the best players, but many of them were certainly fun to watch.
Now it’s time to dig out some of my tapes and DVDs and squeeze in a bit of a marathon in honor of this occasion. Happy anniversary to my all-time favorite game show!
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