Online Pick of the Week (10/2): As Seen On

The pick this week is an older GSN original. As Seen On was a little weekly show that aired on GSN in 1998. Its hosts were Greg and Matt, better known as The Vault Guys, who would spend time showcasing clips and scenes from the many game show episodes contained in the network’s vault, making observations as they went along.

The episode chosen is one that focuses on certain sitcom cast members’ appearances on the various shows throughout the years. Shows like The Dick Van Dyke Show, M*A*S*H*, and The Brady Bunch. I’ll say it right now: I am not a fan of M*A*S*H* and I never have been. But in spite of that I have always enjoyed seeing cast members such as Loretta Swit, Jamie Farr, and McLean Stevenson appear on these shows.

This is a good show for the more average game show fan who is into classics. Many of the clips featured are from the Goodson-Todman library, a library of which GSN right now does not have a whole lot of access to. Shows like Tattletales, Beat the Clock, What’s My Line?, I’ve Got A Secret, and To Tell The Truth are featured. Another episode I watched featured clips from The Price is Right. Some Sony shows appear also, mostly The Dating Game, Pyramid, and The Gong Show.

I notice there are issues that some people have with the latest game show clip show specials these days that have come about (like Game Show Moments Gone Bananas) because many of the clips are the same ones from previous specials. This show doesn’t seem to have that problem much. I stress the word much because chances are if you haven’t had the chance to watch that many classic shows in full, in seeing an episode or so of this there’s a good chance you’ll see things you haven’t seen before. Or if you have watched a lot of shows, at least a lot of what you see with As Seen On is not in a clip show of any kind. There are many moments that don't seem to be showcased in the more major specials. Like for instance, here, with the wins and contestants singing on Family Feud.

So if you’re in the mood to watch some highlights of the classics, this is a pretty decent way to do it. Some of the dialogue with the hosts is a bit cheesy but it was still a charming little show. I certainly wouldn’t complain if this show were to somehow come back some day in repeats, if it were at all possible.

As Seen On, my online pick of the week!