26May2010
News Flashes: Ratings, “The Cube” UK, and “Password” on GSN
Ratings for the week ending May 16th are in. The show that had the best week was Family Feud. Even this late in the season the show moved up 7% to a 1.6 rating. This is the season high. Great job by them. It's actually beating Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader? by a decent amount.
Read MoreView Comments (6)19Mar2010
GSN Picks Up “Million Dollar Password”, Adds Classic “Card Sharks”
So GSN may suck at originals these days, but they do really well with the acquisitions. We've got schedules updated for the week of March 22nd and March 29th. Not much happens the week of the 22nd, but the 29th has some interesting changes. Lots of daytime changes starting, of all days, April 1st. It's like some sort of joke, but it's the same on April 2nd. April Fools? We were just kidding to be crappy for a few months? 9:00AM ET: Dawson Family Feud (replaces Match Game) 9:30AM ET: Eubanks Card Sharks (replaces Match Game PM) 10:00AM ET: Perry Card Sharks (replaces Family Feud) 10:30AM ET: The $25,000 Pyramid (same) 11:00AM ET: The $100,000 Pyramid (replaces Hollywood Squares) 11:30AM ET: Match Game (replaces Jeopardy!) It
Read MoreView Comments (58)15Feb2010
Rumor: “Pyramid” and Hasbro’s “Catch Phrase” Favorites for CBS Daytime
Starting off the day with a pretty interesting and great rumor today. Our sources are telling us that the search for a new show to replace the canceled CBS soap opera As The World Turns is on, and many game shows are being looked at. In fact, looking at the number of games that are up for it it's looking pretty good that we'll get a third daytime game show, coming off of last year's debut of Let's Make A Deal. Before I list the shows, I just want everyone to clearly know that this obviously isn't confirmed by anyone and is from our incredibly trustworthy sources. The situation, I'm told, is very fluid and things can change easy. This is just what it's looking like in the game show department as of right now and what CBS has been presented.
Read MoreView Comments (172)29May2009
Ratings Report: Everyone Down But “Jeopardy!” and “Trivial Pursuit”
Time for another ratings report. Nothing great to talk about for the week of May 17th, sadly. Every syndicated show was pretty down, some hitting season lows. All except Jeopardy! and, shockingly, Trivial Pursuit. First off, Jeopardy! was up 2% from the last week to hit a 5.4. It's not a lot higher than last week, but it's better than a loss obviously. Again, the real shocker was that Trivial Pursuit's ratings went much higher. The good news: the canceled syndicated quizzer hosted by 2009 Game Show Award nominee (best celebrity team) Christopher Knight went up a big 20%. The bad news: it's still at its usual .6. It's just not destined to move from that mark, is it? The worse news is that it's still canceled and basically was in Se
Read MoreLeave a Comment07Jan2009
“Million Dollar Password” Off of CBS’s Lineup
I'm not sure if anyone saw this coming at all. In what is an amazing move showing the networks honestly only care about the younger demographic, Million Dollar Password has been pulled from the CBS lineup with two new episodes remaining. For the next three weekends it's being replaced by 60 Minutes, an NFL game, and an episode of Cold Case. After that it doesn't look like it'll be on that time slot for a while if ever again. While the show has been doing very well in total households, the key adults 18 to 49 demo is doing poorly, in last place every week. You'd figure having well over 10 million viewers would mean something, but nope. Although at the same time 60 Minutes hardly gets a better key demo rating than Password, but overal
Read MoreView Comments (27)07Jan2009
Game Shows For Your iPhone
We touched upon the home games before, but I got a few more I think we should get into. I'm a giant Apple snob; I really won't use Microsoft unless I absolutely have to. I leaped on the opportunity to get an iPhone, and I can't recommend it enough if you have the income to pay the remotely pricey monthly bill. Music and the phone is nice, but really, the best part is the whole application feature. Some companies are coming out with game show applications, where you can play your favorite game shows for a small price. And luckily one of the perks of being in the press is getting free stuff to review, so with that, here's a rundown of the the ones I've had access to, which is basically all of them. Right now the best game show app is Who Wants to be a Millionaire?. We went over it a bit in our Christmas gift post. It follows the rules of the current version perfectly. Fifteen questions, categories given, the four lifelines (including Double Dip and Ask the Expert which features ten experts. Look for Ogi Ogas as a Russian pimp), time limits, everything. I don't believe there's been a version of Millionaire which has followed the rules so exactly since the original computer games from Jellyvision. All of the show's music is included in fantastic quality which adds a lot, graphics are accurate to the current version down to small starbursts swirling behind the dollar amount you have, and it includes a video introduction from host Meredith Vieira. You can get it for $4.99 right now which isn't too bad, but honestly it'll go on sale eventually and probably knock half of that off, so be on the lookout. (more...)
Read MoreView Comments (2)18Dec2008
“Million Dollar Password” New Series Tonight at 8:00PM ET on CBS
I have a feeling a lot of our readers are looking forward to the series two debut of Million Dollar Password tonight at 8:00PM ET. It's a special preview episode tonight featuring Aisha Tyler of CSI and William Shatner of the recently canceled ABC show Boston Legal. Sunday has a new episode, but let's focus on tonight. Again, the only change this season is that the quarter million dollar level is a milestone, so you get a free shot at a million. You also get to see all six Passwords before going for the quarter million prior to deciding to walk with your money or gamble. CBS provided us with a video preview of the new series. Enjoy, and be sure to tell us what you think of the new season tonight as it goes on. [stream flv=x:/flashgameshows.com/wordpress/videos/mdps2preview.flv width=630 height=343 bandwidth=med /]
Read MoreView Comments (10)17Dec2008
Best Holiday Gifts for Game Show Fans
It's amazing that Christmas is almost here, isn't it? It doesn't seem that long ago that we were welcoming in 2008, and 2009 is right around the corner. Christmas is only in 8 days and it may be time to get those last minute gifts for your family. If you have game show fans in your family, or just know people who like games, we have a list of our favorites items of the past year which will make anyone on your list happy. Recently released for the iPhone, iPod, and other mobile devices is the new version of Who Wants to be a Millionaire? which will make a fantastic gift along with the DVD version. The DVD game is a pretty fun party game, including the multiplayer mode, but it's always a bit disappointing to see they can never include Switch the Question on any game using the old format. But beyond that, it follows the original version of the show very well. Click here to get it from GSNShop. In regards to the iPhone game, the format is exactly as it is on television currently. You have ten Experts available to use for Ask the Expert. Modern graphics and actual show music are used well, as well as a video introduction from host Meredith Vieira. For $4.99, it's definitely worth the purchase. Honestly, the only negative mark is that the categories repeat in one game more than they should, but the questions are different. Check the iPhone app store to get that. (more...)
Read MoreView Comments (6)08Dec2008
Celebrity Lineup for “Million Dollar Password”
While I went away this weekend, CBS announced the celebrity lineup for the second "season" of Million Dollar Password. Anyone else think six episodes is hardly a season, though? More like second series. Regardless, we have some good players coming on it hopefully. At least a few I really enjoy. There's also a small schedule change note; the show will have a special "season" premiere episode of December 18th, a Thursday, at 8:00PM ET. Here's the celebrity roster and dates. Thursday, December 18th: William Shatner (Boston Legal) VS Aisha Tyler (Talk Soup/CSI) Sunday, December 21st: Julie Chen (The Early Show) VS Phil Keoghan (The Amazing Race) Sunday, December 28th: Betty White VS Adam Carolla (The Man Show and TV/Radio personality) Sunday, January 4th: Craig Ferguson (The Late Late Show) VS Serena Williams (Tennis player/Gold medal winner) Sunday, January 11th: Jamie Kennedy (Ghost Whisperer) VS Norm Macdonald Sunday, January 18th: *RERUN* Neil Patrick Harris (How I Met Your Mother) VS Rachael Ray Sunday, January 25th: Jeff Garlin (Curb Your Enthusiasm) VS Chelsea Handler (Chelsea, Lately) Sunday, February 1st: *RERUN* William Shatner (Boston Legal) VS Aisha Tyler (Talk Soup/CSI) What are we thinking of the lineup? Everyone looks pretty good. The only one that worries me a tiny remote bit is Craig Ferguson because of the whole language barrier thing, but I'm a huge fan of his so whatever. Edit: Fixed the story, it's not Adam Sandler, it's Adam Carolla. I don't know why I even did that; I don't like Adam Sandler.
Read MoreView Comments (40)24Nov2008
Judging Specifics for “Million Dollar Password”
Whenever we get a new show out with really picky judging like Million Dollar Password, I get a lot of emails about how the judging is done. thankfully, unlike so many other shows, we were provided with a rules bible. It's unbelievably long as far as judging goes, but it's good to be prepared for a word game. It's an interesting read too. We know the rules by now, and if not you can read the rules page which we really need to get restarted. Again, the only changes this season are that a quarter million dollars is now a milestone giving you a free shot at the million and you are able to see all six Passwords used for that level (you only need to get five to move on). Last season you were only able to see five of the six. You see the words for three seconds each. But on to the judging. Here are a few of the interesting rules I found. All of the rules are listed under the page break. *Commonly known words that do not appear in either of the dictionaries of record are acceptable if they are not illegal for any other reason. For example, a commonly known word such as “bootylicious” is acceptable. *All Passwords are single, non-hyphenated words. Clues must also be single, non-hyphenated clues. Examples of illegal clues include “twenty-five" and "New Zealand". However, we will accept the word “e-mail” as a legal clue. *Brand names are allowed if they are well-known. "Hershey" would be an acceptable clue for the Password "chocolate". *Using a clue that rhymes with the Password is legal, as long as the rhyme is an otherwise legal word (for example, "table" is a legal clue for "cable"). However, it is illegal to use any form of the clue "Rhyme" to indicate that a rhyming clue has been or will be used. (more...)
Read MoreView Comments (17)14Nov2008
“Million Dollar Password” Returns December 21st
CBS finally announced the return of Million Dollar Pyramid, er Million Dollar Password after taping a long time ago. It'll come back on Sunday, December 21st, at 8PM ET. At least they aren't doing the same mistake they did with Power of 10 by putting it in a suicide slot against shows like American Idol. I'm not a big fan of this new version of Password, but it deserves better. On the first episode, the celebrities will be Aisha Tyler from CSI and Talk Soup, and William Shatner from everything. We were given the official rules a bit ago. It included their rules for judging clues; we'll have to post that up here this weekend possibly. But the only change this season is that the $250,000 level is now a milestone. If you win a quarter of a million dollars, you can't leave with less than that and you get a free shot at the million. You also get a preview of the six words you will play at the quarter million dollar level; you only need five. I'm not really a big fan of the free shot at a million. It really takes away the drama of the big gamble for the money. I'm not saying all or nothing, but just something. I mean I'm not going to feel bad if someone loses because they have a quarter of a million no matter what. It won't be that thrilling to see a millionaire really. the only people who will be jumping for joy are those who get amused by big numbers. And looking at how popular Deal or No Deal was for a while, I don't see any big issues. Am I the only one who doesn't like the guaranteed free shot at $1,000,000?
Read MoreView Comments (33)09Aug2008
A Few “Million Dollar Password” Changes and Clarifications
CBS's Million Dollar Password has been taping its new season, and the crew over there decided to make a few changes. However, I think I should clarify this rule since I'm pretty sure it was here last season, but edited out. If you bomb out on the first two levels, they let you one redo for that level. Obviously, they just edit out the failed attempt. Which, again, obviously means if you lose both times, you are just gone. Nothing really wrong with the rule; they just want it to move on. And, plus, it's not like they just ditched an entire opening round and said, "Hey you got ten grand!" like Set for Life would. However, the next rule is what alerts me a bit. $250,000 is now a safety level. If you hit the quarter million, you can't leave with less. You get a free shot at the million. No risk at all. Previously you had to risk falling back down to $25,000. All this really does to me is scream, "We want a millionaire now." Not as badly as, oh, having 13 $1,000,000 cases out of a potential 26 on Deal or No Deal, but still. As someone brought up to me, no one's gotten that far yet and it's hard enough where it probably won't happen. But still, I always have an issue with basically just giving someone a free shot at mega money. You only have one gamble now: will you risk $75,000 of your $100,000 to potentially get a guaranteed quarter million and a free shot at a million. I have a feeling we'll be seeing a lot of people going further into the show this season. the critic in me says, "Boo." The viewer in me says, "This may be pretty exciting." One tiny other change. Before you go for the quarter million, they will now be showing you all six words on that level before you decide to go or stop.
Read MoreView Comments (16)11Jul2008
“Password” and “Trivial Pursuit” Casting
We just received two casting calls. The first is for the new series of Million Dollar Password which will be taping in early August. Casting producers will be going across the country this time looking for contestants. LA AUDITIONS: Tuesday July 8th at 3:30 PM or 6:30PM Thursday July 10th at 3:30PM or 6:30PM Tuesday July 15th 3:30PM or 6:30PM Thursday July 17th 3:30PM or 6:30PM Tuesday July 22nd 3:30Pm or 6:30PM The Beverly Garland Holiday Inn 4222 Vineland Ave North Hollywood, 91602 SAN DIEGO AUDITION (Open Call) *Bring your friends and family and be ready to play and have fun! July 12th at 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 P.M. We will be at : Embassy Suites San Diego Bay - Downtown 601 Pacific Highway, San Diego, California, United States 92101 Chicago auditions are also being planned and we'll have that date soon. Not only that, Trivial Pursuit is casting for actual contestants now, not just America's team. If you want to be a contestant, click here for the Craigslist post.
Read MoreView Comments (12)01Jun2008
Million Dollar Password
I'm on vacation so hopefully these automatic posts work. It's always a gamble. Here's a quick little place you can throw your opinions about Million Dollar Password which debuts tonight at 8:00PM ET on CBS. Network: CBS Airings: Sundays at 8:00PM ET Host(s): Regis Philbin Vote for how many stars you think the show deserves to the right, and then leave a comment! Million Dollar Password is a revamp of the classic word game format. In the new version's elimination round, two contestants play four rounds of 30 second guessing games, with five passwords to get per round. The players switch celebrities at round three. Most points at the end of round four plays for $1,000,000 in the money round. Here, the contestant and celebrity with who he or she played the best in the main game must get five words out of a certain amount in order to move up the money chain. After winning $25,000; the player can't leave with less than that. After six successful rounds, the player wins $1,000,000. Not completing a goal in any round loses money won up to that point and the player leaves with the last milestone. (more...)
Read MoreView Comments (61)30May2008
“Million Dollar Password” Videos
CBS has been posting a few preview videos of Million Dollar Password on YouTube, so here's a small preview. I saw some of the debut episode and while it's not bad, it could definitely use some work. I still don't think the show works in a million dollar format and I just didn't feel the drama they tried to squeeze out of you.
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