The History of Game Shows

Adam Nedeff (Pronounced Knee-Deaf) has an almost encyclopedic knowledge of game shows. As am matter of fact, he has written a 4 volume set entitled “This Day in Game Show History” Volumes 1-4. He also wrote the book “Quizmaster” which is about Superstar Game Show Host Bill Cullen. He has appeared as a contestant on several game shows, Trivial Pursuit: America Plays, Catch-21, and Who’s Still Standing, as well as worked on The Price is Right and Wheel of Fortune. We talk about the guy who cracked the random code on Press Your Luck, the silliness of the phrase “Making Whoopie”, and the Mythological Hero A Chi Less.

Monty Hall: The Ultimate Dealmaker

Even if you have never watched a classic game show, my guess is that you have heard of Monty Hall.  He is best known for his multi-decades work on “Let’s Make a Deal”, but was also a game show creator, actor, author, and record setting philanthropist.  This week I induct Adam Nedeff into the “Two Timers” club as we discuss his latest book on Monty Hall.  We get into the clever way Monty captured the essence of FOMO, his strange relationship with the audience, the fundamentals of game show psychology, why everyone dressed in Halloween costumes, and the time he turned down two free yachts.  Oh and and we explain why Betty White has more game show Emmys than Monty.

*Bonus* The Future of Game Shows

In this bonus episode, Adam sticks around to discuss the overlap between pro wrestling and game show fans, my new love of Survivor, and he explains the enigma that is The Monty Hall Problem.

The Importance of Being Gonged

If you didn’t grow up in the 70’s,  you have no concept of just how popular “The Gong Show” was.   This was a daytime show that destroyed the ratings, and was unlike anything on television.  It was basically a reverse talent show where the draw was a parade of terrible acts.  They had some ringers sprinkled in, but the wild stunts are what is remembered to this day.  And it was hosted by Chuck Barris, the creator of the show.  This isn’t that unusual today, but this was not an ego play.  The ego came later.  He was basically forced to host the show because he couldn’t find anyone who saw his same vision.  He then became synonymous with the show.  This show was purposefully trying to avoid launching careers, but despite this, several famous people were featured, including Paul Reubens, Oingo Boingo, Phil Hartman, Michael Winslow, and Joey D’Auria AKA Bozo The Clown.  It also created it’s own celebrities, including Gene Gene the Dancing Machine, The Unknown Comic, and Count Banjola.  Adam and discuss the rise and fall of this unique show, How Markie Post figures into the equation, and the importance of “Have You Got A Nickel”.

*Bonus* The Gong Show in Cinema

Let’s be serious:  The Gong Show was a national phenomenon!  Unfortunately like a lot of things in the 70’s, once a movie was made, the fad was over.  This is true of The Gong Show Movie which was really a therapy session for creator and host Chuck Barris.  So was his book “Confessions of a Dangerous Mind” which became a movie as well.  It is safe to say that Chuck used Hollywood as a way to get free psychological help.  In this bonus episode, we discuss this as well as the movies that came out of the popularity of this game show.