<<>> Now That's Entertainment . . . Issue # 12 [[ WARNING: The following piece contains material and/or language that may offend or not be suitable for some readers. Reader discretion is advised.]] "Michael Kwan...come on down!" Game shows have been a staple in the American, and therefore, the Canadian diet for years, decades even. We've seen classics like "Let's Make A Deal." We've seen relatively recent additions to the game show fray which have managed to stick around...."Jeopardy!", "Wheel of Fortune" and so on. We've even seen the revival of shows that we thought were long since dead. "Family Feud" has had new life breathed into it with Louie Anderson. "Twenty-One" has a 21st century spin added to it with the aging Maury Povich. And we can't possibly forget the infamous show that has been on CBS for a quarter century, as always hosted by the immortal Bob Barker. "Price is Right" was the first true primetime game show that clicked. It has since been bumped to late morning television, but if you bump into anyone somewhere in New York or such, you can be sure they know what "Price is Right" is. The primetime game show fray has died off some, but recently a few game shows have managed to work their way into the jam-packed schedules of the big stations. It all started with the show which now has a cult-like following. "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire" has become the topic of discussion for that ol' water cooler each day. I'm sure you all heard the day after when that guy won the cool million. I'm sure you've all heard about the guy that got the first question wrong. I'm sure you've all heard Regis' new catchphrase, "Is that your final answer?" Well, the Millionaire show has planted the seed for a few newer shows, just entering the fray. Walking down the road that "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire" paved, "Greed" was the first to follow. Now, we've seen the re-debut of the revamped "Twenty-One." As well, the debut of the game show hosted by Dick Clark (I forget the name) has since past. However, none come even close to the huh-bub that "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire" has created. With all of these new game shows, and all of these comtemporaries, in my mind, there is still a game show that is ageless. I have mentioned it already, and I'll mention it again. "Price Is Right." After sticking around on CBS for a good 26 or so years, you know there has to be something about this show that allows generations of viewers to stay glued to the boob-tube, watching Bob Barker put that ball, or watching some fat fuck spin the wheel and not make it all the way around. And of course, there is always that college showoff who makes the wheel damn near fall off the axle. Either way, regardless, we all know and love "Price Is Right," and I hope it all the best for a long and successful future. So, what can I say about the recent influx of shows? I don't think they really hold all that much of a chance. "Price is Right" revolutionized the game show market. They made a game show that the average schmuck can win some kitchen appliance, a good 25 thousand dollars cash, a trip around the world, and......A NEW CAR!! *cue the cheesy music*....all in under an hour. Some redneck from Piggott can wander out of his trailer after eating some cold pork and beans, and head down to Television City, California and live the dream. "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire" has set a new standard for the game show industry, presenting the largest cash prize ever given out in a game show. The questions range from being brutally obvious to downright white-hair inducing. I'm not even all that sure what is the appeal of this show, it really isn't all that great a show at heart. But for some reason or another, it has captured the attention of a national (or I guess international...USA and Canada?) audience, myself included. "Greed"? A pathetic rip-off of Millionaire in my eyes. "Twenty-One"...the audience votes for who gets to be the next contestant? Eh, no. The show seems kind of lame in my eyes. As far as "Jeopardy!" goes, I'm sure it has its future. Anybody knows about Alex Trebek and all, and for that reason, it will always be fun to watch for the slightly more intellectual. No Alabama redneck will ever understand "Jeopardy!" "Wheel of Fortune"? A nice twist to Hangman that has stuck around. "Family Feud"? I like Louie Anderson personally, but the premise for the show is getting a little old. So, what is the best game show on television today? The one that has stuck around for 26 years. "Price Is Right"....and that is my final answer. ============================ © 1999 Michael Kwan. Reproduction, exhibition or distribution of the preceeding piece without the expressed written consent of the author(s) can result in severe criminal and civil penalties under international agreements. Subscribe: nowthatsentertainment-subscribe@eGroups.com Unsubscribe: nowthatsentertainment-unsubscribe@eGroups.com Comments/Questions: mkwan@canada.com