A&E Home VideoGame shows have been a perennial American favorite since the beginning of radio, becoming even more popular on TV. As this A&E documentary points out, game shows are "the ultimate in wish fulfillment," a seemingly alternate universe in which lucky participants line up to "bare their soul for a toaster." The program briefly recognizes early TV game shows—sedate by today's standards—in which well-dressed men and women would try to name that tune or guess a mystery guest's profession, followed by 1970s game shows that took advantage of relaxed censorship standards, pushing the envelope on kitsch and raunch in shows such as The Dating Game (which Steve Martin and Tom Selleck both appeared on), The Newlywed Game, and The Gong Show. Game show producers and hosts such as the late Merv Griffin, Bob Barker, and Monty Hall agree that the keys to a show's success are simplicity and a high energy level (ironically, while beautiful women are in demand as card turners and set decoration, few women have made the transition to show host). TV Game Shows takes an in-depth look at the current "titans" of game shows: Family Feud (following a family as they compete), The Price is Right, Wheel of Fortune, and Jeopardy, analyzing the success of each, while also touching on the 1950s quiz show scandals that almost completely derailed the genre. Bright and breezy, if a bit overlong, TV Game Shows should be a popular addition. Aud: P. (S. Rees)
TV Game Shows
(2006) 100 min. DVD: $29.95. A&E Home Video </span>(tel: 800-423-1212, web: <a href="http://www.aande.com/">www.aande.com</a>). PPR. ISBN: 0-7670-9803-X. September 17, 2007
TV Game Shows
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