Wink Martindale Hosts GSN’s “Instant Recall” Starting March 4th
Veteran game show legend Wink Martindale has been tapped to host GSN’s newest hidden camera game show Instant Recall. According to Wink (who publicly said he is hosting and posted this image) the show will debut March 4th, and we’re reaching out to GSN for official confirmation as well. But when the host of the show tells you when it’s debuting, you tend to listen. This is Wink’s first game show hosting gig since Debt on the Lifetime Network from 1996 to 1998.
As a tagline given says, Instant Recall tests your patience, and then tests your memory. Contestants are put through strange and out-of-the-ordinary situations under the surveillance of a hidden camera. After this, the actual game begins when the contestant is asked to remember certain events from what they just went through. The more they remember, the more cash they win. If the contestant plays well he or she can win a few thousand dollars and and possibly a prize.
Instant Recall is GSN’s third new original show this year. The first two were Carnie Wilson: Unstapled and a very similar hidden camera game show Hidden Agenda which got trampled in the ratings. The show debuted to 202,000 viewers, so you have to think they are a bit nervous about premiering a very similar show so soon. It’s much cheaper to do these types of shows without renting studio space and a large crew, so we may be seeing more of these down the line.
Sounds like Oblivious (which I liked) without the trivia element. With Wink on board, it should be good, though!!! Count me in.
The only good hidden camera game show I've seen was Oblivious. That was well done. These shows on GSN…well, they just suck. But, Wink Martindale? Wow…big game show name for this show. I'd have expected some no name to host it. Wouldn't Wink be more suited for an in-studio game?
The only good hidden camera game show I've seen was Oblivious. That was well done. These shows on GSN…well, they just suck. But, Wink Martindale? Wow…big game show name for this show. I'd have expected some no name to host it. Wouldn't Wink be more suited for an in-studio game?
I really like Oblivious, too. Great show. Hopefully they'll get this right. And it's got Wink! I'm game.
I really like Oblivious, too. Great show. Hopefully they'll get this right. And it's got Wink! I'm game.
At least Wink Martindale makes it a possibility for me to watch this. It seems to have the Oblivious element, but it also incorporates the Amne$ia style of play where you have to remember what happened while being watched. Having Martindale aboard raises my expectations just a little bit. It all boils down to execution.
To @jhshifris: After Debt was cancelled, he semi-retired, making several small appearances, not to mention his Orbitz.com commercials.
But it’s nice to see him make a comeback to game shows after all these years. To me, he’s a living legend in the game. I’ll be watching Instant Recall when it premieres.
I thought that Wink retired.
Hopefully with Wink Martindale as host of this new show, that'll shut the forums up some. I personally would never have seen this coming but great for GSN bringing some familiarity back to the network.
Hopefully with Wink Martindale as host of this new show, that'll shut the forums up some. I personally would never have seen this coming but great for GSN bringing some familiarity back to the network.
Nice to see Wink back in the game at age 75. He's one of those hosts that can make an unappealing format watchable (even on his worst shows, you want to check them out to see Martindale in action).
As others have mentioned, Instant Recall sounds a lot like Amnesia and Oblivion, with a little Game Show In My Head thrown in as well (for the "out-of-the-ordinary situations). A show like this can work if it's presented as what it's intended to be — a comedy game show. Martindale already brings name recognition to the show, and GSN critics will likely check out at least the premiere to see if Wink still has it. I see good ratings for the show's premiere, but future episodes will depend on the presentation.
Nice to see Wink back in the game at age 75. He's one of those hosts that can make an unappealing format watchable (even on his worst shows, you want to check them out to see Martindale in action).
As others have mentioned, Instant Recall sounds a lot like Amnesia and Oblivion, with a little Game Show In My Head thrown in as well (for the "out-of-the-ordinary situations). A show like this can work if it's presented as what it's intended to be — a comedy game show. Martindale already brings name recognition to the show, and GSN critics will likely check out at least the premiere to see if Wink still has it. I see good ratings for the show's premiere, but future episodes will depend on the presentation.
If GSN hasn't learned by now that hidden camera shows are a mistake, they never will. Wink deserves better.
OK…the fact that Wink Martindale is hosting is (IMO) a great idea! But, I fear that (no matter who hosts it) a show like this may need help…which is all the more reason having Wink host it is a great idea.
If GSN hasn't learned by now that hidden camera shows are a mistake, they never will. Wink deserves better.
If GSN hasn't learned by now that hidden camera shows are a mistake, they never will. Wink deserves better.
I think he's still doing a syndicated radio show…
I think he's still doing a syndicated radio show…
Fianlly-GSN is utilizing the talents of classic game show hosts.I've been a fan of Wink's since the 70's.I will be tuning in
Fianlly-GSN is utilizing the talents of classic game show hosts.I've been a fan of Wink's since the 70's.I will be tuning in
Fianlly-GSN is utilizing the talents of classic game show hosts.I've been a fan of Wink's since the 70's.I will be tuning in
Debt should still be on TV. I saw nothing wrong with that show. Hell, it'd be a HIT now! :)
Debt should still be on TV. I saw nothing wrong with that show. Hell, it'd be a HIT now! :)
Debt should still be on TV. I saw nothing wrong with that show. Hell, it'd be a HIT now! :)
"Instant Recall"? "Hidden Agenda"? What is it with these new hidden camera game shows? Next thing you know, GSN will be videotaping two people playing Go Fish.
Is GSN so bereft of ideas that this is all they can come up with for a game show? Here's a quick review (my biased opinion, of course) on what makes a good game show:
1. A live studio audience to add to the atmosphere and excitement
2. A lively, colorful set on a nicely equipped soundstage
3. A host who communicates well and can do a bit of comedy as well
4. A great musical theme
5. Toteboards rather than on-screen graphics (I'm really die-hard old-school this way)
6. Celebrities, if it fits the theme of the show
I guess GSN didn't learn anything from "Oblivious", which was the same basic premise as these two shows? It was a flop.
There are plenty of great show ideas out there that are aching for revivals and GSN has decided to go the cheap route by sending out a remote camera crew and a host.
I hope these two new efforts are flops, also.
"Instant Recall"? "Hidden Agenda"? What is it with these new hidden camera game shows? Next thing you know, GSN will be videotaping two people playing Go Fish.
Is GSN so bereft of ideas that this is all they can come up with for a game show? Here's a quick review (my biased opinion, of course) on what makes a good game show:
1. A live studio audience to add to the atmosphere and excitement
2. A lively, colorful set on a nicely equipped soundstage
3. A host who communicates well and can do a bit of comedy as well
4. A great musical theme
5. Toteboards rather than on-screen graphics (I'm really die-hard old-school this way)
6. Celebrities, if it fits the theme of the show
I guess GSN didn't learn anything from "Oblivious", which was the same basic premise as these two shows? It was a flop.
There are plenty of great show ideas out there that are aching for revivals and GSN has decided to go the cheap route by sending out a remote camera crew and a host.
I hope these two new efforts are flops, also.
I heard from a friend who's involved that in addition to Wink's talents as s host, they have some terrific writers & actors and that the hidden camera/comedy bits are hilarious.
I heard from a friend who's involved that in addition to Wink's talents as s host, they have some terrific writers & actors and that the hidden camera/comedy bits are hilarious.
I heard from a friend who's involved that in addition to Wink's talents as s host, they have some terrific writers & actors and that the hidden camera/comedy bits are hilarious.
This Will Be A Comeback For Wink Martindale He's Got A Hit On His Hands Instant Recall Will Be A Big Hit on GSN That's Great To See Him Come Back To TV
[...] Wink Martindale returns to game show-hosting, on GSN "Instant Recall" will be Martindale's first game show since hosting "Debt" on Lifetime from 1996 to 1998. [...]
[...] First, to all of you younger people out there, yes there is someone with the awesome name “Wink Martindale” in the world (he also has a site with the equally awesome name Wink’s World). He’s hosted a bunch of game shows over the years and now he’s going to host another one. The new GSN show ‘Instant Recall’ starts on March 4. [...]