Can “Pyramid” or “Press Your Luck” Work in 60 Minutes, Hypothetically?
So during the conversation of what could possibly replace CBS’s canceled soap As The World Turns, and I’m pretty sure it’ll end up being a game show, we were talking about shows that could replace it. I mentioned that I’m a bit shocked Fremantle hasn’t gone after CBS hard for Press Your Luck given merchandise comes out for it and they’ve been looking for an outlet since CBS’s Game Show Marathon. It’s also becoming pretty clear that CBS is going to want whatever daytime (game)show that comes into the lineup to be an hour long. After that we start to get concerns of shows stretching from the original 30 minute format to 60 minutes. A lot of us had fears of Let’s Make A Deal going to 60 minutes and that worked out fine.
There’s really only two options. Shows are either going to be double run or the more likely option is just stretching to an hour. I’m a bit amazed at the number of people who think Pyramid, an actual candidate for the slot, or Press Your Luck, a hypothetical not-real-whatsoever show, can’t do it. I mean given how much commercial time we’ve added to shows these days it won’t take that much to bring them to an hour. Just throw in another quick game to Pyramid and that’s not overkill. Throw in a quick bonus round on Press Your Luck and you’ve got an hour without overkill.
So really I want to do one of te fun hypothetical “you are the producer” situations we do every now and then that has no real effect on anything but someone may read it and you’re never really sure. Do you think something like Pyramid can easily be stretched to an hour? How would you do it? I’ve been reading some fake proposals for it and people really want to try to overcomplicate, and that just won’t work. The simplest thing in my mind would to just play two games (plus Winner’s Circle) and have one game between the two winners for the right to play for some larger prize. Throw in Press Your Luck also for shiggles anyway if you want, but again realize that there are no plans for this and I just found the comments that these shows can’t be stretched out to be a bit strange. I can’t figure out if people don’t want them to because they were 30 minute shows in the 80s, or if there’s something else.
And to reiterate we have no idea what will be taking the CBS Daytime slot. All we know is Let’s Make A Deal has gone up a small amount in overall ratings from last year’s occupant Guiding Light and it’s half the cost of a soap opera so the safest bet is we’ll be seeing a game show.
I'm digging the three-game idea for Pyramid. I'd have four civilian contestants (no celebs).
Game 1: A&B vs. C&D
Game 2: A&C vs. B&D
Game 3: A&D vs. B&C
Each game would have a different bonus card:
Game 1: 7-11. Get all 7 answers in :30, both players get $1,100.
Game 2: Mystery 7. Get all 7 in :30 without knowing the common thread, both players get a prize worth about $3-4K.
Game 3: Gamble for Ten Grand. The team that finds this card may choose to: A) gamble a lot and try to get all 7 answers in 20 seconds–if they go for it and win, they divide $10,000; B) gamble a little, and try to get all 7 in 25 seconds, the reward being $1,000 each; or C) play it safe for no bonus.
Perfect Game Bonus: In the event of a 21-21 tie, the team that breaks the tie will divide $10,000.
Each trip to the Winner's Circle pays up to $20,000 ($10,000 for each partner), with the value of each category being $100-$200-$300-$400-$500-$600, split between the players. After all three games, the player who wins the most money in the Winner's Circle wins the show and returns on the next episode. If there's a tie, all tied players return.
Dave,
The pilots that were shot at CBS were for a "$1,000,000 Pyramid." From what I could tell, the format would have been along the lines of Dick Clark's "$100,000 Pyramid" with daily trips to the Winner's Circle worth $25,000 and $50,000 and a tournament worth $1M.
I don't know if the "10-in-90 seconds" concept has been discussed at Embassy Row, but it seems to be a popular suggestion on this and other blogs. I'd have to see it in play before I buy into it.
I just hope they stick to the $100K format with elevated jackpots ($10K is pretty "meh" these days.).
lol why act like such a complete jerk? By g-r.netter I meant the people on golden-road.net due to you not liking change (and now) the way you are acting.
LMAD started out feeling slow but now (after they found out how to do things) the show is great and honestly the hour goes by really fast. It can work… you just have to find a good way of filling up the hour without tinkering too much with the format of the half hour version of the show.
Wasn't there some talk at one point about the "$1,000,000" pyramid, when you were playing for the million, that there would be an extra row at the bottom (so, 10 clues instead of 6), and it would be 10 in 90-80 seconds, instead of 6 in 60 (which makes it 8-9 seconds per clue, instead of 10, so, need to be slightly faster, and more clues overall, should be harder, even if the "concepts" are not particularly more difficult, except maybe for the top level one for the million).
If you went that route, you could really play for a million every day. I think if it was set to 10 in 80 seconds, you'd probably have as many million dollar winners as WWTBAM.
Maybe the format would be:
2 players play regular game.
Winner goes to $25,000 winners circle.
2 more players play another game.
Winner goes to $25,000 winners circle.
Those two winners play 3rd regular game.
That winner plays the $1,000,000 game.
No "mystery 7" or any other front game prizes, the cash at the winners circle game is the prize.
Pyramid board values for getting them right, if you don't get them all:
$25,000 round (so, usually around $4-5k for getting close):
$2,000
$1,000 $1,000
$500 $500 $500
$1,000,000 round (usually, around $9-12k for getting close)
$5,000
$2,000 $2,000
$1,000 $1,000 $1,000
$500 $500 $500 $500
This would make it fairly similar in prizes per contestant for like getting to the $25-100k level on Millionaire. With the occassional Million dollar winner:
IE:
A winners circle loser-loser (lost $25k and $1m) contestant would win around $7-15k in general.
A winners circle winner-loser (wins $25k loses $1m) contestant would win around $30-40k in general.
Obviously, winning the Million dollar winners circle, wins you $1m+.
Wasn't there some talk at one point about the "$1,000,000" pyramid, when you were playing for the million, that there would be an extra row at the bottom (so, 10 clues instead of 6), and it would be 10 in 90-80 seconds, instead of 6 in 60 (which makes it 8-9 seconds per clue, instead of 10, so, need to be slightly faster, and more clues overall, should be harder, even if the "concepts" are not particularly more difficult, except maybe for the top level one for the million).
If you went that route, you could really play for a million every day. I think if it was set to 10 in 80 seconds, you'd probably have as many million dollar winners as WWTBAM.
Maybe the format would be:
2 players play regular game.
Winner goes to $25,000 winners circle.
2 more players play another game.
Winner goes to $25,000 winners circle.
Those two winners play 3rd regular game.
That winner plays the $1,000,000 game.
No "mystery 7" or any other front game prizes, the cash at the winners circle game is the prize.
Pyramid board values for getting them right, if you don't get them all:
$25,000 round (so, usually around $4-5k for getting close):
$2,000
$1,000 $1,000
$500 $500 $500
$1,000,000 round (usually, around $9-12k for getting close)
$5,000
$2,000 $2,000
$1,000 $1,000 $1,000
$500 $500 $500 $500
This would make it fairly similar in prizes per contestant for like getting to the $25-100k level on Millionaire. With the occassional Million dollar winner:
IE:
A winners circle loser-loser (lost $25k and $1m) contestant would win around $7-15k in general.
A winners circle winner-loser (wins $25k loses $1m) contestant would win around $30-40k in general.
Obviously, winning the Million dollar winners circle, wins you $1m+.
I hear what everyone is saying. Yet, I feel that generally speaking, we're being too typical with game show content. I wish we could borrow a page from the Japanese…not that we ever could or would.
Here's what I'm talking about:
http://www.sebastienwilcox.com/2009/12/is-our-soc…
I hear what everyone is saying. Yet, I feel that generally speaking, we're being too typical with game show content. I wish we could borrow a page from the Japanese…not that we ever could or would.
Here's what I'm talking about:
http://www.sebastienwilcox.com/2009/12/is-our-soc…
@ Scott Meckley: Good schedule, but do you really think that CBS would take back the 10/9 from affiliates? That would upset many station managers (especially the non O&O affiliates). But, nontheless, I like how you think.
A lot of CBS stations are running LMAD at 10e/9c. They had their choice where to air it…in GL's old slot or in the morning with TPIR.
A lot of CBS stations are running LMAD at 10e/9c. They had their choice where to air it…in GL's old slot or in the morning with TPIR.
I was beginning to wonder if someone else was thinking that. It'd be the simplest solution (assuming of course PYL were an actual candidate).
I was beginning to wonder if someone else was thinking that. It'd be the simplest solution (assuming of course PYL were an actual candidate).
Dave,
The pilots that were shot at CBS were for a "$1,000,000 Pyramid." From what I could tell, the format would have been along the lines of Dick Clark's "$100,000 Pyramid" with daily trips to the Winner's Circle worth $25,000 and $50,000 and a tournament worth $1M.
I don't know if the "10-in-90 seconds" concept has been discussed at Embassy Row, but it seems to be a popular suggestion on this and other blogs. I'd have to see it in play before I buy into it.
I just hope they stick to the $100K format with elevated jackpots ($10K is pretty "meh" these days.).
Dave,
The pilots that were shot at CBS were for a "$1,000,000 Pyramid." From what I could tell, the format would have been along the lines of Dick Clark's "$100,000 Pyramid" with daily trips to the Winner's Circle worth $25,000 and $50,000 and a tournament worth $1M.
I don't know if the "10-in-90 seconds" concept has been discussed at Embassy Row, but it seems to be a popular suggestion on this and other blogs. I'd have to see it in play before I buy into it.
I just hope they stick to the $100K format with elevated jackpots ($10K is pretty "meh" these days.).
Exactly! I predict three players with short amount of time will play in the $1,000,000 Tournament of Champions. I know this might sound a little dumb, I think the game should start in regular competition finding players for the tournament in the daytime, and then move the daytime show to a special 5 night a week prime time $1,000,000 Pyramid tournament. (Keep playing until somebody wins $1,000,000).
That's the best idea so far, but I'd go the opposite direction with Super Pyramid. It only happens if the day's top winner has a win in the WC. He and the celeb have ten seconds to solve one category, and they're limited to two clues. Prize: That day's winnings double, and he qualifies for the ToC (if he hasn't already.)
That's the best idea so far, but I'd go the opposite direction with Super Pyramid. It only happens if the day's top winner has a win in the WC. He and the celeb have ten seconds to solve one category, and they're limited to two clues. Prize: That day's winnings double, and he qualifies for the ToC (if he hasn't already.)
That's the best idea so far, but I'd go the opposite direction with Super Pyramid. It only happens if the day's top winner has a win in the WC. He and the celeb have ten seconds to solve one category, and they're limited to two clues. Prize: That day's winnings double, and he qualifies for the ToC (if he hasn't already.)
Well, I can only see Pyramid as an hour-long format. PYL is too problematic (unless combining the two formats, as previously said).
My Pyramid format to have a $1,000,000 win is having the contestant up to 4 trips to the Winner's Circle, no more, no less. The payoffs are:
1/6:$100 2/6:$200 3/6:$400 4/6:$600 5/6:$800 6/6:$1,000
As for the top prize amounts:
1st: $25,000
2nd: $50,000
3rd: $75,000
4th: $100,000
TOTAL: $250,000
Well, I can only see Pyramid as an hour-long format. PYL is too problematic (unless combining the two formats, as previously said).
My Pyramid format to have a $1,000,000 win is having the contestant up to 4 trips to the Winner's Circle, no more, no less. The payoffs are:
1/6:$100 2/6:$200 3/6:$400 4/6:$600 5/6:$800 6/6:$1,000
As for the top prize amounts:
1st: $25,000
2nd: $50,000
3rd: $75,000
4th: $100,000
TOTAL: $250,000
If we are talking the basic $25,000 pyramid format (IE no $100K tournament) Just play 4 rounds. 1 time is 10K, twice is 20K,3 30K, 4 40k. Or you can go to a "Scrabble-Like" format where the Champion Plays 1 semi final against 1 challenger and 2 new players play game 2. each playing the 1st game for $10,000.
For press your luck I'd up the rounds to 3 or 4 and up the whammies accordingly(either the max of 6 or 8). As far as top amounts I don't know
If we are talking the basic $25,000 pyramid format (IE no $100K tournament) Just play 4 rounds. 1 time is 10K, twice is 20K,3 30K, 4 40k. Or you can go to a "Scrabble-Like" format where the Champion Plays 1 semi final against 1 challenger and 2 new players play game 2. each playing the 1st game for $10,000.
For press your luck I'd up the rounds to 3 or 4 and up the whammies accordingly(either the max of 6 or 8). As far as top amounts I don't know
If we are talking the basic $25,000 pyramid format (IE no $100K tournament) Just play 4 rounds. 1 time is 10K, twice is 20K,3 30K, 4 40k. Or you can go to a "Scrabble-Like" format where the Champion Plays 1 semi final against 1 challenger and 2 new players play game 2. each playing the 1st game for $10,000.
For press your luck I'd up the rounds to 3 or 4 and up the whammies accordingly(either the max of 6 or 8). As far as top amounts I don't know
I know most stations do that, Myke25. What I was saying was CBS taking it back in general.
Keep Pyramid as the piloted version earlier this year; as for PYL, use the classic board with Whammy's game play (except no double whammys), and a five-day limit on returning champs.
Keep Pyramid as the piloted version earlier this year; as for PYL, use the classic board with Whammy's game play (except no double whammys), and a five-day limit on returning champs.
With all everyone's ideas, You're foregetting about who could be host and announcer. For Pyramid, Dick Clark is not healthy to do host again and I didn't enjoy Donny Osmond that much. For PYL, it's will be vary hard to replace Peter Tomarken(died 2006) as host. Todd Newton might fit in, but I don't know whould host the remake? As for announcer with Jack Clark and Rod Roddy's deaths. There is still Charlie O' Donnell, Bob Hilton, Johnny Gilbert, Rich Fields, Burton Richardson, Randy West and the announcer on CBS LMAD.
With all everyone's ideas, You're foregetting about who could be host and announcer. For Pyramid, Dick Clark is not healthy to do host again and I didn't enjoy Donny Osmond that much. For PYL, it's will be vary hard to replace Peter Tomarken(died 2006) as host. Todd Newton might fit in, but I don't know whould host the remake? As for announcer with Jack Clark and Rod Roddy's deaths. There is still Charlie O' Donnell, Bob Hilton, Johnny Gilbert, Rich Fields, Burton Richardson, Randy West and the announcer on CBS LMAD.
You Mean Jonathan Mangum?
Well, Matt, for the host of Pyramid, I would consider either Mark Walberg or Patt Finn. As for an announcer? Since the show will be in New York, how about Alan Kalter, who’s the announcer of the Late Show with David Letterman. As for Press Your Luck, why not Todd Newton? He wasn’t too bad on Whammy, and Rich Fields as announcer.
They shot Pyramid pilots with Tim Vincent and Dean Cain (double yawn).
Since this exercise is hypothetical anyway, I could see Mike Greenberg, Pat Kiernan, Chuck Woolery or Alan Thicke. And coming off of his victory on Dancing With the Stars, I bet they give Donny Osmond another look. Donny didn't suck as host the last time. The format and set blew, but Donny was alright.
As for announcer, I honestly think Pyramid would work without an announcer, unless they start awarding merchandise.
But I always liked Shadoe Stevens' pipes…he's doing The Late Late Show now.
As for PYL, I think Todd Newton should get another shot at a network gig. Randy West and Burton Richardson are great announcers. And Gary Kroeger was good on Whammy.
They shot Pyramid pilots with Tim Vincent and Dean Cain (double yawn).
Since this exercise is hypothetical anyway, I could see Mike Greenberg, Pat Kiernan, Chuck Woolery or Alan Thicke. And coming off of his victory on Dancing With the Stars, I bet they give Donny Osmond another look. Donny didn't suck as host the last time. The format and set blew, but Donny was alright.
As for announcer, I honestly think Pyramid would work without an announcer, unless they start awarding merchandise.
But I always liked Shadoe Stevens' pipes…he's doing The Late Late Show now.
As for PYL, I think Todd Newton should get another shot at a network gig. Randy West and Burton Richardson are great announcers. And Gary Kroeger was good on Whammy.
I Have an idea__The Pyramid Main Game will have the same rules as the 1982-1991 versions (mystery 7, 7-11 and others plus a new one called super 7.__Winner Circle__First time $25,000 win or lose Go back a second time $75,000____Pyramid winner circle dollars____ $1,000__ $800 $900__$500 $600 $700____Whoever makes to the top of the pyramid in the shortest length of time will come back to win $1,000,000____The Winner's Circle tournament will be the same rules as in the 1985-88 version.______Winner Circle Tournament____ $2000__ $1600 $1800__$1000 $1200 $1400____The Set will be the donny osmond set, except bigger, Sony Notebooks, shiny black tables and sleek black floors__Flat screens and others.
I Have an idea__The Pyramid Main Game will have the same rules as the 1982-1991 versions (mystery 7, 7-11 and others plus a new one called super 7.__Winner Circle__First time $25,000 win or lose Go back a second time $75,000____Pyramid winner circle dollars____ $1,000__ $800 $900__$500 $600 $700____Whoever makes to the top of the pyramid in the shortest length of time will come back to win $1,000,000____The Winner's Circle tournament will be the same rules as in the 1985-88 version.______Winner Circle Tournament____ $2000__ $1600 $1800__$1000 $1200 $1400____The Set will be the donny osmond set, except bigger, Sony Notebooks, shiny black tables and sleek black floors__Flat screens and others.