| THE DATING GAME packagers: Chuck Barris Productions ('65-'89), Columbia-TriStar Television ('97-'00) air dates: 12/20/65-7/6/73 on ABC, syndicated 9/73-9/74 as The New Dating Game, 9/78-9/80, 9/86-9/88 as The All-New Dating Game, & 9/96-9/2000 Hosts: Jim Lange ('65-'80), Elaine Joyce ('86-'87), Jeff McGregor ('87-'89), Brad Sherwood, ('96-'97), Chuck Woolery ('97-''00) announcers: Johnny Jacobs ('65-'80), Bob Hilton ('86-'87), Charlie O'Donnell ('87-'89), John Cramer ('96-'00) HOW TO PLAY: A bachelor(ette) was introduced and brought on stage. Three single members of the opposite sex, introduced at the start of each game, would be seated on the other side of a wall obstructed from his or her view. The bachelor(ette) would ask the three contestants a series of questions. (S)he may ask one, two, or all three bachelor(ette)s the same question. It was the objective of each of the three bachelor(ette)s to impress the questioning bachelor(ette) with their answers. After the questioning period ended, (s)he was allowed to ponder his or her decision during the break. After the break, the bachelor(ette) chose a contestant, with whom (s)he would like to go out with for a night on the town or on a vacation. A chaperone would accompany the couple and pay all expenses. During the first season of the '90s revival, the selector chose which of 3 possible suitors sported the best looks during the first part. For the second part, the chooser would be presented facts about each suitor and chose which of the three featured the best personality. If the suitor with the best looks was not not the same as the one with the best personality, (s)he selected one of those two potential suitors. The series reverted back to the classic format during the rest of the run. OTHER TIDBITS: Baskin-Robbins even features an ice cream flavor called Dating Game, pink with dates and pecans. Oftentimes, celebrities would appear as contestants or as questioners/choosers. Elaine Joyce was married to Bobby Van until his death in 1980. They had a daughter together named Taylor. Today, Elaine is married to playwright Neil Simon. Brad Sherwood can be seen on Whose Line Is It Anyway? Back to my game show joint or my homepage. |