When Things Sucked Less: “Lingo”
Recently we’ve seen a giant string of originals by the former Game Show Network which, well, haven’t been that good. Basically everything but Catch 21 and Newlywed Game, both brought to the network and nurtured by people who were soon let go shortly after, has crashed and burned miserably. So really if we want to get to it this recent crew hasn’t really done much of anything new that has stuck around. They do a great job picking up popular shows and maintaining costs. There’s no denying that. It’s just, for some reason, they cannot develop a good show if their life depended on it. One of the suggestions you can read in a lot of places, and I’ve been harping on it for a very long time, is to just bring back Lingo, which can be seen daily at 3:00 and 3:30PM ET on GSN.
If you’re not familiar with Lingo, though I’m sure you are if you read this, it was a very popular word game where you had to find a mystery five letter word by placing letters correctly, set up like the board game Mastermind. Every word you got let you draw Lingo balls, hoping to create five-in-a-row on your card. The winner at the end of the show got to play for well over $10,000. It took me a bit, but I really enjoyed this show. It’s by far the network’s most popular, and you can see why. You can’t help but play along. It was masterfully hosted by Chuck Woolery and Shandi Finnessey. It looked like an incredibly nice production by small cable network standards. The prize was a bit cheap at first but it soon expanded into a rolling jackpot that eventually gave away $41,000. It was just all-around good. The show got a bit lazy by the end and just rested, but it was still really good. It’s due for an update and a revival.
Now why is it gone? I wish I could tell you. It’s not the ratings because even in reruns the show still does well. It’s practically the only GSN show which is recognizable by regular people. It was cheap to do. I got the original model search to post here when Shandi was first hired, and frankly by TV standards she wasn’t being paid a bank-breaking amount. I got to talk to Chuck Woolery a few months ago and he voiced his shock at Lingo’s cancelation. It was the number one original and suddenly it just went away when the new group took over. It was canceled once before when Game Show Network rebranded to GSN, but they were smart enough to bring it. You’d think after the fifth or sixth huge failure in a row they’d just give people what they have been asking for for a long time. But what do we know? All of us have only called everything that has been happening for the past year or so.
But hey, maybe the new dating game show “Baggage”, which has been casting, will be the one?
Yeah…whadda we know? We're only the core audience they're trying to piss off…Instant Recall was the final straw for me. If that's what they a) call retro, and b) think is a good vehicle for Wink, then I'm done! Hell…it was like To Catch a Predator, except it was To Catch a Game Show Contestant…Sigh…Who's producing it? Chris Hansen?
Yeah…whadda we know? We're only the core audience they're trying to piss off…Instant Recall was the final straw for me. If that's what they a) call retro, and b) think is a good vehicle for Wink, then I'm done! Hell…it was like To Catch a Predator, except it was To Catch a Game Show Contestant…Sigh…Who's producing it? Chris Hansen?
"Jericho" fans sent CBS bags of peanuts to show that they did not want the show canceled. So everyone here sends…bingo balls? Just paint them blue so GSN doesn't "misinterpret" this as a cry for more Bingo America. =P
"Jericho" fans sent CBS bags of peanuts to show that they did not want the show canceled. So everyone here sends…bingo balls? Just paint them blue so GSN doesn't "misinterpret" this as a cry for more Bingo America. =P
"Baggage"? That's the name of GSN's next show?
Unless it's part of a headline that reads: "GSN CEO David Goldhill Packs Baggage; Hands Reigns Over To Someone More Competent", I'll pass.
I have to agree with juliaz12345: "Instant Recall" was the last call for me. It's been nearly a year and a half since the Goldhill administration took over, and all I've gotten so far are a bunch of poor scheduling choices filled in with even-worse replacements (rerun, original or otherwise). Game show fans deserve better, and until BSN undergoes a complete staff overhaul, make mine YouTube.
"Baggage"? That's the name of GSN's next show?
Unless it's part of a headline that reads: "GSN CEO David Goldhill Packs Baggage; Hands Reigns Over To Someone More Competent", I'll pass.
I have to agree with juliaz12345: "Instant Recall" was the last call for me. It's been nearly a year and a half since the Goldhill administration took over, and all I've gotten so far are a bunch of poor scheduling choices filled in with even-worse replacements (rerun, original or otherwise). Game show fans deserve better, and until BSN undergoes a complete staff overhaul, make mine YouTube.
I got rid of GSN on my cable box several months ago and have to agree with all of you. This network has sunk into mediocrity. I just want to know why nobody has mentioned 2007 or 2008? 2007 being the ONLY time that the best game show champs were thrown into a great (well maybe expect Denis Miller's bad commentary) tournament called "Grand Slam". And did they bring it back in 2008? Hell no! I feel that more fans were turned off in the start of 2008 when Game Show Network did away with the interactive gameplay. As for Lingo, I do agree with it being brought back. I have some reasons why the game eventually "met its maker":
1. The interactive gameplay gone (See opening comment)
2. Was it just me or did Shandi lose her perkiness from her previous seasons? She became as dull as dishwater. Those clips saw the Shandi and Chuck that I enjoyed.
3. No last names for contestants or even returning champions. Only the Money List (which is another game that should be brought back with a new host) got this concept right.
4. The gameplay and scoring just did not make sense in the long run. I think going to 2 stoppers was a bad idea and they could have just stuck with 3. If anybody remembers the Canadian version from the 1980's, please refresh my memory on some things that I remember but would love to have seen:
a. only 5 number were covered in a "V" pattern.
b. games were played best 2 out of 3 with new cards each round.
c. the bonus round was totally different from the GSN version but the champs got to come back but I believe for only 5 games.
Yes, Lingo would be a small step in the right direction but the correct answer is that this network needs a total makeover. And I can think of two words but good luck on this man ever returning: Bob Boden
I got rid of GSN on my cable box several months ago and have to agree with all of you. This network has sunk into mediocrity. I just want to know why nobody has mentioned 2007 or 2008? 2007 being the ONLY time that the best game show champs were thrown into a great (well maybe expect Denis Miller's bad commentary) tournament called "Grand Slam". And did they bring it back in 2008? Hell no! I feel that more fans were turned off in the start of 2008 when Game Show Network did away with the interactive gameplay. As for Lingo, I do agree with it being brought back. I have some reasons why the game eventually "met its maker":
1. The interactive gameplay gone (See opening comment)
2. Was it just me or did Shandi lose her perkiness from her previous seasons? She became as dull as dishwater. Those clips saw the Shandi and Chuck that I enjoyed.
3. No last names for contestants or even returning champions. Only the Money List (which is another game that should be brought back with a new host) got this concept right.
4. The gameplay and scoring just did not make sense in the long run. I think going to 2 stoppers was a bad idea and they could have just stuck with 3. If anybody remembers the Canadian version from the 1980's, please refresh my memory on some things that I remember but would love to have seen:
a. only 5 number were covered in a "V" pattern.
b. games were played best 2 out of 3 with new cards each round.
c. the bonus round was totally different from the GSN version but the champs got to come back but I believe for only 5 games.
Yes, Lingo would be a small step in the right direction but the correct answer is that this network needs a total makeover. And I can think of two words but good luck on this man ever returning: Bob Boden
Re. point 4a: Seven numbers were covered in the 80s version, not five…
I remember watching the first two seasons, and immediately saw that the show was much better in its second year. "Lingo" was GSN's most popular show, PERIOD, and they decided to can it because they wanted to go in a "new direction".
And like "Whammy!", "Catch-21", and "The Newlywed Game", "Lingo" was a revival of a 1980s game (now owned by ION Television). Granted, not all of their revivals worked — "Chain Reaction" and "Camouflage" come to mind — but some of them did.
And part of me really thinks that GSN is actively trying to kill itself.
I remember watching the first two seasons, and immediately saw that the show was much better in its second year. "Lingo" was GSN's most popular show, PERIOD, and they decided to can it because they wanted to go in a "new direction".
And like "Whammy!", "Catch-21", and "The Newlywed Game", "Lingo" was a revival of a 1980s game (now owned by ION Television). Granted, not all of their revivals worked — "Chain Reaction" and "Camouflage" come to mind — but some of them did.
And part of me really thinks that GSN is actively trying to kill itself.
i STILL don't see the draw to Lingo.
ONLY 5 letter words, Shandi being subjective to what is and what is not a word (particularly when she said BUSTY is not a word).
Chuck announcing the score EVERY word and EVERY Lingo.
Just did not move fast enough.
I wish they'd done the Netherlands thing and have 5, 6 AND 7 letter words, and a Super Word of 9 – 13 letters.
i STILL don't see the draw to Lingo.
ONLY 5 letter words, Shandi being subjective to what is and what is not a word (particularly when she said BUSTY is not a word).
Chuck announcing the score EVERY word and EVERY Lingo.
Just did not move fast enough.
I wish they'd done the Netherlands thing and have 5, 6 AND 7 letter words, and a Super Word of 9 – 13 letters.
Michael: To point 4c, contestants had to avoid getting Lingos. Starting with $2000 I think, for every No Lingo they get, the pot doubles to a maximum of $64,000. They had the option to quit after each draw. Once a Lingo is found, the game is over.
As for the GSN version, it was pretty fun I thought. I even played it with my niece & nephew on long car trips.
They once used a 7-letter word for a tiebreaker. Don't see the harm in that I mean, we just assume they would "run out" of acceptable 5-letter words during its run. Maybe if you start with a 5-letter word to start the bonus round & do this: 5 letters for the first 2 words, 6 letters for the next 2, 7letters for the next 4 & an 8- & 9-letter word. Also, to accomodate this, raise the time to 3:00 since as the words get longer, they get more difficult.
Michael: To point 4c, contestants had to avoid getting Lingos. Starting with $2000 I think, for every No Lingo they get, the pot doubles to a maximum of $64,000. They had the option to quit after each draw. Once a Lingo is found, the game is over.
As for the GSN version, it was pretty fun I thought. I even played it with my niece & nephew on long car trips.
They once used a 7-letter word for a tiebreaker. Don't see the harm in that I mean, we just assume they would "run out" of acceptable 5-letter words during its run. Maybe if you start with a 5-letter word to start the bonus round & do this: 5 letters for the first 2 words, 6 letters for the next 2, 7letters for the next 4 & an 8- & 9-letter word. Also, to accomodate this, raise the time to 3:00 since as the words get longer, they get more difficult.
Michael: To point 4c, contestants had to avoid getting Lingos. Starting with $2000 I think, for every No Lingo they get, the pot doubles to a maximum of $64,000. They had the option to quit after each draw. Once a Lingo is found, the game is over.
As for the GSN version, it was pretty fun I thought. I even played it with my niece & nephew on long car trips.
They once used a 7-letter word for a tiebreaker. Don't see the harm in that I mean, we just assume they would "run out" of acceptable 5-letter words during its run. Maybe if you start with a 5-letter word to start the bonus round & do this: 5 letters for the first 2 words, 6 letters for the next 2, 7letters for the next 4 & an 8- & 9-letter word. Also, to accomodate this, raise the time to 3:00 since as the words get longer, they get more difficult.
GSN has hit almost rock bottom……all they have to do is see how successful they were 10 years ago…..this is what the people want!!!!
And maybe push it a little to bring back some other classic 80's show from the Reg Grundy era (Scrabble and SOTC come to mind)…….and they will bring the viewers back….
GSN has hit almost rock bottom……all they have to do is see how successful they were 10 years ago…..this is what the people want!!!!
And maybe push it a little to bring back some other classic 80's show from the Reg Grundy era (Scrabble and SOTC come to mind)…….and they will bring the viewers back….
GSN has hit almost rock bottom……all they have to do is see how successful they were 10 years ago…..this is what the people want!!!!
And maybe push it a little to bring back some other classic 80's show from the Reg Grundy era (Scrabble and SOTC come to mind)…….and they will bring the viewers back….
You know what I've noticed recently? When game shows spike in popularity on broadcast networks and syndication, GSN goes down. When there is a void of them on the broadcast networks and syndication, the network does well.
I think it's this…GSN is at its best when it stands out in the crowd, not when it tries to follow. When game shows are not popular enough with the general masses to show up on network TV, they go to a lower level cable network like GSN and fans of the genre flock to them. When they are more popular, the more prolific game show producers go where the bigger money is and so the the viewers. Sad, but true. GSN is a network that fills a void when there is one and just flops around when there is not.
You know what I've noticed recently? When game shows spike in popularity on broadcast networks and syndication, GSN goes down. When there is a void of them on the broadcast networks and syndication, the network does well.
I think it's this…GSN is at its best when it stands out in the crowd, not when it tries to follow. When game shows are not popular enough with the general masses to show up on network TV, they go to a lower level cable network like GSN and fans of the genre flock to them. When they are more popular, the more prolific game show producers go where the bigger money is and so the the viewers. Sad, but true. GSN is a network that fills a void when there is one and just flops around when there is not.
I found that out too, juliaz12345. Case in point, 2002, when (the daytime version of) Millionaire premiered and became a hit, GSN suddenly (and slowly) cancelled their popular shows (Whammy!, Friend or Foe?, Russian Roulette, Cram, and Lingo although GSN had a heart and brought the latter back). Then when Deal or No Deal premiered, it went all the way down by greenlighting shows that had nothing to do with game shows (The Amazing Race, Anything to Win, Arsenio’s version of Star Search, etc.). Case in point, GSN is dropping the ball and dropping it hard.
That's a good point. Whatever the brodcast networks do, the cable netlets lose viewers & the opposite holds true. Sort of like what the stock market does on a day-to-day basis, you never know what kind of day you'll expect on Wall Street. Here, as networks are airing game shows again, GSN drops its "viewer base" so to speak. It's just a natural cycle, I guess. However, I think we've reached rock bottom as far as GSN's concerned & tt'll be a VERY long time before we see some GOOD shows comming from GSN. Maybe the upcomming Hub has something to offer us.
That's a good point. Whatever the brodcast networks do, the cable netlets lose viewers & the opposite holds true. Sort of like what the stock market does on a day-to-day basis, you never know what kind of day you'll expect on Wall Street. Here, as networks are airing game shows again, GSN drops its "viewer base" so to speak. It's just a natural cycle, I guess. However, I think we've reached rock bottom as far as GSN's concerned & tt'll be a VERY long time before we see some GOOD shows comming from GSN. Maybe the upcomming Hub has something to offer us.
Also, there were changes during the run. For the first several weeks, a three win rule was in effect with one loss. First win – jackpot $16000, 2nd- $32000, and 3rd – $64000. And you know $64000 was done only once.
Then it was changed to a two loss rule, with the jackpot determined by how you lingoed. Up or down – 16000, diagonal -32000, 2 directional – 64000.
Regarding season 6, the reason Shandi seemed kind of tired and out of it was because she was exhausted. At the time that season was being filmed, she was also appearing on Dancing with the Stars. That means she was training for hours on end for several weeks, in addition to her usual work schedule. That said, she managed to pull it off without missing an episode AND it really only shows in a handful of the episodes anyway.