NOOOO

Wow.

Michael, it’s actually Julie Chen Moonves (no hiding that now)

Tyrone, what J.D. Roth is missing is class. TPIR doesn’t need anyone with proiduction experience, they need hosting chops (and J.D. does NOT have them — he fell into classless mode with that crazy Fox show).

Glenn: If you are suggesting that Bill Cullen was somehow ineffective as the host of the Joker’s Wild, I heartily disagree. No one ever got “burned” with Bill at the helm. The game simply wore out its welcome in syndication and it was not promoted well at all — and it was getting killed by the likes of Wheel and Jeopardy. And it is unfair to suggest that Tom Kennedy “messed up” TPIR in syndication. He was better than Dennis James was, and he was the only thing that made the show even watchable in syndication. The show did not work well at all in a 30 minute format — not Tom’s fault.

A better comparison is when Hugh Downs had to leave Concentration and they promoted the announcer, Bob Clayton, to host. I remember watching that as a kid, and it never seemed that bad to me (though Jack Narz was far better in syndication), but those who remembered Hugh Downs said that Clayton just was a bad fit by comparison. Steines would be the same kind of bad fit here.

Remember, Alex Trebek had done some pretty sorry shows before he hit gold with Jeopardy (anyone remember the Wizard of Odds, Double Dare, and Battlestars?). Todd Newton is Alex Trebek before landing Jeopardy, except that all of Trebek’s prior shows were network (no cable back in those days, and today there are few network game shows to cut one’s teeth on), and one modest hit with High Rollers. But still, no one thought Alex could step into Art Fleming’s shoes, and he did eventually do that. Todd Newton could be the next Alex Trebek…if given the chance.

Newton is Jim Peck…he knows what he’s doing…has done the show and has done a good job on the show and is known by fans as being a good game show host who couldn’t catch a break… but, to the networks, his other game show efforts were short lived/underwhelming commercially.

Stynes is Bill Cullen…he has a big name from his ET hosting and is a known commodity in daytime/syndie programming however he hasnt done that kind of show and may need more assistance in being good on the show itself.

We all know that 25 years ago TJW went the known commodity route and got burned by none other than the best game show host of all time…Stynes has never even done a game show (unless you count Gold rush which people are saying he needed tons of help for, which given that one of TPIR’s charms is that it’s one taked and pretty much shown warts and all, is not a good sign). Folks that makes it a no brainer for me…TPIR is a show that if you aren’t prepared even legends can mess it up (See Tom Kennedy) it is very demanding with all the pricing games and scaling back the PG roster to help the host is DISASTER (See the 2004-2006 UK TPIR)…Bob Barker himself said knowledge of all the pricing games to keep the show fresh and moving was the key to a good replacement. I think Bob’s been in Newton’s corner since day one and I hope CBS makes the right choice.

As for the 39849083598 others…aside from O’Hurley (who would be my 2nd choice provided the surrendered Feud which fremantle didnt wanna do) Doug Davidson (A solid pick given that he has expierence with the show) and Rosie trying to force her way in (which made my heart skip a beat…maybe back when she was the queen of nice instead of a rupturing “dam” but NOT these days…but CBS WOULD be that stupid) I dont take those too seriously.

He wouldn’t suck…eventually. I contend that Drew blew chunks in the first season of “Whose Line…” but got better. But I still think Todd should get TPIR. He’s earned it.

Let’s hope it never comes to this…

They should get a team of two hosts to host the show like Kenny and Spenny or ant and dec or whoever.

The opening will Remain the same

The hosts will jogg out at the same time .

Host number 1 will will do the item up for bids. and contestant row Bid.

Then the contestant will come on stage and host number 1 will high five host number two.

Host number two will play the pricing game with the contestent.

Second Item up for bids host number 2 does it and high five host number 1 for the pricing game.

And for the 1 showcase showdown host number one does it. and Showcase showdown number 2 host 2 Does it.

And the showcase both hosts or one might participate in the showcase skit.

Maybe Tim Vicent and Lance Bass?

And to the person who said that Todd’s fake… would you rather him be indifferent and bland? Newton may not be the best choice, but due to lack of game shows, it’s hard for the big heads to make an informed decision. They may not be handling it the best way, but personally, Todd’s my choice. JD Roth’s okay, I guess, but there’s something… lacking about him, and I can’t put my finger on it.

At least they’re down to two now.

Go Todd!

But he DOES have connections somewhat, seeing as his ex-wife was a Barker Beauty…

As for #12, the rumor is just that – a rumor. I love Todd Newton, he’s a very nice guy who I’ve had the pleasure of speaking to a couple of times by email – in fact when I was doing my “Whammy” fan site, he was nice enough to do a short Q-and-A session with me about his experiences with the show. He’s paid his dues and is due to get the big one, he has been one of my top picks since last October. I believe with Todd at the helm and Rich Fields continuing behind the mic (two game show personalities that I love dearly and in my opinion the cream of the “new generation”), I can see the show going for a good long time, and would definitely consider going out to Los Angeles to attend a taping.

Verdict: Newton over Steines by unanimous decision