20Jun2008
“Match Game” Panel Announced
The new edition of TBS’s Match Game is generating a lot of press already, isn’t it? We already announced the first two panelists are the incredibly funny Norm Macdonald and Sarah Silverman. Joining them are Super Dave Osborne (Fake stunt man), Rashida Jones (The Office), Niecy Nash (Reno 911!/Fall 2008 FOX sitcom), and Scott Thompson (Kids in the Hall). Shockingly they managed to get a funny, relatively well known cast that will probably make game show fans complain but the comedy community pretty happy. Let’s see if they can keep it up if and when the series starts.
Forgive my ignorance, but why should game show fans be upset that Match Game, of all shows, has a funny, relatively well known cast (especially ones largely known to be funny)?
Because many game show fans still think it’s 1978 and refuse to accept ANY changes.
Keep in mind, I hate being very blunt, but that attitude is pretty commonplace in the GSFan community now. :-(
I have a saying that goes like this: “ANYTHING looks good on paper!” My point being, pending the selection of an emcee, the question begs, “…yes; but will they GEL?”
Great panel overall — I am really looking forward to this — Scott Thompson clearly is going to be the new Charles Nelson Reilly, and Sarah his “Brett Somers” foil. I just hope no one plays the sullen, egomaniacal Richard Dawson role (though I do see Norm in the bottom center post, serving a unique role).
For those who have stated that Match Game never has been much of a game, I heartily disagree. Contestants will appear and win money, basd on how well they connect with the celebrities and understand the “comedy” aspect of the game. It still requires some judgment and skill set on the part of the contestants. There is no reason a game show cannot be fun and entertaining and a game at the same time.
The real question is, who will be the host, and will he or she have the essential ability to play off the celebs and keep the game moving? Ideas, anyone? We know it won’t be Tom Bergeron, but could it be Bill Dwyer (Fremantle, are you listening?) He was great in the reincarnation of IGAS, even though the game itself was an embarrassment. he is a stand-up but has hosting chops.
That panel actually looks pretty good! I’m looking forward to this version now.
BTW, it was announced that Andy Daly, formerly of Mad TV, will host. I had never heard of him, so I have no idea how he will be.
Not a bad panel. Kinda reminds you of MG 73-78, all they need is a Richard Dawson. Adam Corolla would fit that bill. And I’ve never even heard of the host, Andy Daly, he must’ve lasted one season on Mad TV (although, TBH, I’ve haven’t watch Mad TV since the originals all left). Anywho, I’m looking forward to the show seeing as MG ’98 kinda killed my MG buzz
Well, not a bad cast of characters. Scott Thompson is a great selection, IMO. We all need to remember that this is only the pilot. Remember that the Hollywood Squares ’86 pilot had loads of stars, including Burt Reynolds, Tony Danza, Jackie Collins, Marla Gibbs, etc. The talent level dropped considerably for the actual show, having to rely on Jim J. Bullock and a relatively unknown Jerry Seinfeld as the level of stars on the show. So, what’s on the pilot does not necessarily transfer over to the regular show. I hope it does this time for Freemantle’s sake.
What I find a little scary is Robert Smigel as the producer. Was there nobody else they could find? While his cartoons are mildly funny, his TV Funhouse was not really funny. So, getting a full half hour out of him will be interesting.
Who had heard of Brett Somers before Match Game? She had done some TV with her husband, Jack Klugman, but for the most part she was an unknown before Jack got her the MG gig. This panel should do fine, though I wonder if any of them will be regulars if the show gets picked up. I’m stoked about Robert Smigel producing. Triumph the Insult Comic Dog is one of the funniest characters on TV. And Smigel’s going to have lots of comic contacts. I just hope someone posts the pilot on YouTube or something.
My only worry would be the questions. The last version of Match Game was really bad. Almost all the answers the celebs gave were sex related (not that I had a problem with that but almost every question was sex related). I guess what I am trying to say is I hope there is lots of variety which is IMHO what made the orginal match game so great.
As for the host I hope they get someone who has fun with the game which IMO is very important. Schaffer was OK but Burger looked bored and he was completly forgetable. What made Gene great was he never took the show or himself all that seriously as a matter of fact there was moments when he was having more fun than the celebrities and contestants combined.
As for the celebs I think this could have potiential although I don’t think the producers should stress when trying to find the next “Brett & Charles” pair. That should happen on it’s own after time.
All and all I’m keeping my fingers crossed and I hope this turns out well. The only way they can really screw this up is if they add a money ladder and if they use a stereotypical dark set.
If I wasn’t already a game show fan, I would watch this version of the Match Game every single day of my life for Super Dave Osborne.
I share Shon’s concern about the questions. MG ’98 was structured in such a way that skill was far less a factor than whoever got lucky and got the blatantly sexually-innuendoed question, since it all but guaranteed a perfect round. Sucking the intrigue out of the proceedings is the fastest way to make sure no game show fan stays tuned.
Keep the questions like the original 70′s MG or the Ross Shaffer version in 90-91 and you’ll have funny stuff. Maybe with Smigel producing, there’d be a cameo of Triumph, the Insult Comic Dog on the panel? Good panel, IMO, but is it permanent, or will it be some regulars, some guests? And how will the game score? Andrew Daly looks like he could be the 2nd best host MG has had (just above Ross and – natch – kneeling in homage before King Gene (may he rest well), far better than Mike Berger); should I be glad I was spared MG2K?
Robert Smigel being involved with this worries me a bit. He’s the guy who does those cartoons on “Saturday Night Live”, so I’m not sure about that. By the way, where has Super Dave Osbourne been since the early 90s? Considering Fremantlemedia is involved, they are bound to screw this one up, as they have with the rest of the shows they have revived, with the exception of “Whammy!” and “Family Feud”.
Fremantle didnt screw up Password, and it looks like Celebrity Family Feud wont be a bust either.
Some of the things i have seen so far from the primetime show should be brought into the daytime show, but for god sakes will somebody re-record the theme and make it more modern and not retro.
Anyways, i like this group. Some interesting names. I hope somebody will get the pilot online as soon as its available. id like to see what Match Game 08 looks like.
While I would have preferred the hosting job be given to comedian Jimmy Pardo, there’s no need to worry. Andy Daly is often very funny. He’ll do a very solid job.
Any word on announcer?
I just finished watching a video on hollywoodjunket.com regarding match game and I learned a lot (I think this person saw the pilot episode.)
1. They will use a replica set from the ‘70s.
I guess it’s suppose to be pretty close to the original even right down to Gene’s microphone.
2. There are three rounds.
The regular match game round which we all come to love. A speed round which I’m guessing is a throwback to the Scahffer version and the bonus round.
3. I worry about the questions a little bit…….OK alot
Considering the source (who by the way is a really annoying woman. She also said that there were seven or eight celebrities which is not true.) She said that one question was Tom Cruise is a ______. The most popular answer was weirdo. she also said that one of the questions (I think it’s from the super match) was Hiliary is a _______. One of the celebrities was trying to get her to say bitch and she wouldn’t and ended up losing. She specifically said that there are a lot of celebrity questions, if they are like that this show will get stale quick. “Hiliary is a _______” shows no creativity in the writing department.
4. She also said in not so many words that the host is dull.
Once again considering the source who knows if that is true or not.