Tuesday, February 9, 2021

Help Wanted For $200

 

A new list of "Jeopardy!" fill in hosts came out last week.

The common thread-- many are from the news business.

TV game show pioneer Mark Goodson used  to pick his hosts from radio.  He reasoned that radio people were quick thinkers and good adlibbers.  That's very true.  But then again, look at the radio industry these days.  There is some strong talent out there, but not as much as there used to be.

Game show producer Chuck Barris was also a radio fan.  Bob Eubanks and Jim Lange both came from radio.

Actors usually bomb because they're used to reading scripts and playing characters.  They don't know how to be themselves.  Drew Carey is one of the exceptions, but remember Drew started as a stand up comedian.

It was always a dream as a kid to do a game show.  A show that isn't too goofy and requires some intelligence would be perfect for me-- Pyramid or Password.  "To Tell the Truth" would be the ultimate.  "Card Sharks" would be great fun.  Original host Jim Perry would be proud of my performance.

I don't anticipate the "Jeopardy!" people calling, but I'm here if you need me.