The Best and Worst Game Shows of 2008

Time to look back at some of the best and the worst, game show style in 2008.

Million Dollar Password I’ve really wound up liking overtime. I realize that it takes me some time to get used to the changes from previous versions that we know and love; and even if I still think the set’s a bit too busy and I think that there are unnecessary sound effects, I’ve found it to be really enjoyable. It’s been too long since this show has made first-run episodes. As much as I’ve grown to hate the nighttime version, I really love daytime syndie Deal Or No Deal. Howie does a great job as usual as a host. The show still has its themed and sponsored weeks every once in a while, but the show doesn’t veer off course and become a melodramatic zoo. The show during the day is about the contestant and the game; the way it should be. I think Trivial Pursuit: America Plays is definitely one of the better shows to debut this year. I really like the America Plays aspect and the questions are a lot of fun. If only the show would get better ratings. I certainly think it could have a better host, but I do like Catch 21.

The Moment of Truth had to be the absolute worst. It’s like a more nasty, vilified game show version of Maury. The questions do nothing but embarrass the contestants and their families. There’s no enjoyment factor in that. Amnesia was no big treat either but at least that was a show that tried to have fun with the contestants and their lives. Moment of Truth just makes me wish Mark L. Walberg was hosting something better. How Much Is Enough was a big disappointment. It was the same thing all show. I also think one of the least desirable shows to debut this year was Celebrity Family Feud. I don’t think it’s as terrible as some people do (but then again, I missed episode one) but it could have been much better. I was really not impressed by Al Roker’s hosting, and again I ask, what’s the point of bringing back retro music if it’s just going to be used terribly? In the end I wanted to see it only for Margaret Cho and Ed McMahon. And Hole In The Wall... that's just better left as a segment on Ellen.

Trivial Pursuit: America Plays: Review

September 22nd marked the debut of a new TV version of the classic Hasbro board game, Trivial Pursuit, called Trivial Pursuit: America Plays.

The host of the new version is Christopher Knight, probably most known for playing Peter Brady on The Brady Bunch, and we can’t forget his reality stint My Fair Brady on VH-1. I think Christopher here does a really decent job. He doesn’t have to do that much since he doesn’t have to ask the questions. But his volume is very good, and he’s really good at interacting with the contestants.

With this show, I really like the concept of the in-studio players versus America. I like how the questions asked come from people of all types. There’s also a good, wide range of categories. I know some of the history questions and some of the material from the other categories, but quite honestly, pop culture is pretty much my forte and I see myself doing best at that subject. For instance, as a fan of the show Friends, I totally knew the character Joey’s last name is Tribbiani.

As far as the minor things go, I really like the set. It looks modern enough without looking too much like a busy primetime dramatic game show. The music and other cues used from what I heard sound pretty good. Simple enough and not overdramatic.

I haven’t seen the 90’s version before so I really don’t have anything to compare the current version with. But overall, I say this is a very good effort. It’s a pretty enjoyable show.