Season 1-3 Discussion

[Meredith Quill]

Discuss Match Game Here!

[Kromm]

Subtitle should be "Just Add Alcohol!"

[Kromm]

Gilbert Gottfried - regular panelist

Margaret Cho, or perhaps Lisa Lampanelli. Not both. Also no Sarah Silverman - regular panelist

Kristen Schaal - occasional panelist

More later maybe.

[starym]

Betty White

[mtlchick]

I need Alec Baldwin to do his Charles Nelson Reiley impression at least once.

[vb68]

Fannie Flagg.  I think she even has a book out.

[vb68]

Also hoping for a return of  " Dumb Donald".  Just thinking that could be really fun.

 

I really worry that the Brett-Charles chemistry especially will be too hard to duplicate.  They were huge selling point of all the versions I remember.

[ChiCricket]

My wish is NO Whoopi Goldberg.

[Kromm]

10 minutes ago, ChiCricket said:

My wish is NO Whoopi Goldberg.

Sadly the possibility is actually slightly higher than average, because it's filming in New York and Whoopi is New York based. 

I suppose we may know soon. Filming starts tomorrow, June 13 and runs till July 1. Celeb panelist casting will probably leak from the studio audiences watching.

[ChiCricket]

I used to be a huge fan of hers. Now after how nasty she is on The View, no thank you to anything she's in now.

[Mumbles]

Rosie O'Donnell confirmed on her Twitter that she had the Brett seat in a recent taping.

[Kromm]

4 hours ago, Mumbles said:

Rosie O'Donnell confirmed on her Twitter that she had the Brett seat in a recent taping.

Slightly better than Whoopie, I guess, but only slightly.

When you really think about the fact that they're far more likely to use New York based people (rather than fly people in), Rosie also makes a lot of sense.

Edited June 16, 2016 by Kromm

[Mumbles]

Rosie at least brings a genuine love of these kinds of shows - and she seems to like to help people win money. 

I don't hate Whoopi but I don't think she would bring the requisite energy or goofiness.

Rosie also tweeted a photo of the first row - Horatio Sanz in the first seat and Isaac Mizrahi in the Charles seat. I like Isaac and have found him to be clever on Project Runway Allstars and chat shows.

[Kromm]

Super Skinny Microphone Alert:

This overall "Sunday Fun & Games" promotion started all over the Internet TV (and presumably on broadcast TV too). 

 

re: Super-Skinny Mike... just found this even MORE on the nose ad:

[Kromm]

Also: 

[Ouisch]

11 Fun Facts (How Fun Are They?!) about classic Match Game.

[Kromm]

More Skinny Mike tribute bits:

Edited June 25, 2016 by Kromm

[Skyfall]

3 revivals and likely three failures this year for ABC. They need to revive Hollywood Squares with Whoopi in the center square!

[nonnybaby]

I thought that this was good silly fun - just like the old Match Game. Alec did a great hosting job.

Couldn't believe that JB Smoove did a blank card as one of his answers. Otherwise, he was quite entertaining.

I guess Rosie IS the new Bret Sommers. I would pick her as my final person, too, if I knew she would go ahead and get me the grand prize even if I lost (the wacky lady and her New Kids concert).  

[mtlchick]

Quote

I knew she would go ahead and get me the grand prize even if I lost (the wacky lady and her New Kids concert).  

It was for the cruise, which I've been on.  It's fun for the most part but passing on it this year.

I had a feeling they would 1) sneak in a Trump question and 2) made sure Rosie was on the panel for it. Her answer strangely disappointed me.  But props for the shag carpeting!

[rcc]

Big fan of the old Match Game and liked this version.

[snarkylady]

Alec was quite good, better than I'd expected.

All in all though I was disappointed.  Perhaps as they get into it they will make it better.  I thought the contestants, especially the first two, were ridiculous, didn't want either one to win. 

Rosie was trying to entertain, but when there was money on the line for the contestant she was serious and trying to win money for them. 

[rcc]

7 minutes ago, mtlchick said:

It was for the cruise, which I've been on.  It's fun for the most part but passing on it this year.

I had a feeling they would 1) sneak in a Trump question and 2) made sure Rosie was on the panel for it. Her answer strangely disappointed me.  But props for the shag carpeting!

What did Rosie say? I can't remember.

[Dave in Chicago]

I liked the new "Match Game"! Baldwin was so high energy it's like he decided to host it as a character.

[KerleyQ]

Alec being good at this was not surprising to me.  If there's one thing he's good at, it's the whole improv thing, which really lends itself to hosting any game show, but, especially, this one.  And I think his "apparently the judges will accept anything in this region" comment on the lotion/lube thing.  

If I was the girl who lost the first round, I would have been so pissed about the question that won it for her opponent.  Hickey was clearly the only real possible answer for that one.  As soon as the contestant answered "hickey," I knew she had it won.  I would have been shocked if she didn't, at minimum, tie, but the win seemed given unless one of the panel overthought their answer.  Of course, she was in the lead after the first round due to some generous judging on her first round (again I bring up the lotion/lube thing).  So, I guess she can't really complain too much about getting a lucky break there.  

And guy who won the second round, come on, how did you not know that Springsteen would be the number one answer?  

Thought the panel was great.  And, seeing Rosie on this back to back with her on Pyramid, she's definitely up there in best celeb game show contestants.  I'd be willing to bet that, like me, she grew up on game shows. (I play a mean game of Wheel of Fortune.)  I loved how she told the first woman she's getting a free cruise after they failed to match.  And it didn't surprise me at all coming from her.  It just seems like such a Rosie thing to do. 

Other than the hickey answer, I would not have done well matching this particular panel, though.  

[Kromm]

Could this be converted into an All Episodes discussion thread?

[Gregg247]

I always loved Match Game back in the day.  They always asked risque questions, but the answers were generally tame, which made it fun for afternoon TV.  Last night's episode was okay, but some of the answers were just crude ("genital warts").  Hopefully, they'll try to be more "suggestive" rather than blatant in future episodes.

Rosie O'Donnall was really good , wasn't she?  I was impressed.  She has the Brett Somers seat, but she was last night's Richard Dawson (i.e.-consistently great answers).  I wish all  the contestants had taken a valium before coming on-stage, though.  They all seemed WAY too excited to be there.

[Dave in Chicago]

Alec being good at this was not surprising to me.  If there's one thing he's good at, it's the whole improv thing, which really lends itself to hosting any game show, but, especially, this one.  And I think his "apparently the judges will accept anything in this region" comment on the lotion/lube thing.  

If I was the girl who lost the first round, I would have been so pissed about the question that won it for her opponent.  Hickey was clearly the only real possible answer for that one.  As soon as the contestant answered "hickey," I knew she had it won.  I would have been shocked if she didn't, at minimum, tie, but the win seemed given unless one of the panel overthought their answer.  Of course, she was in the lead after the first round due to some generous judging on her first round (again I bring up the lotion/lube thing).  So, I guess she can't really complain too much about getting a lucky break there.  

And guy who won the second round, come on, how did you not know that Springsteen would be the number one answer?  

Thought the panel was great.  And, seeing Rosie on this back to back with her on Pyramid, she's definitely up there in best celeb game show contestants.  I'd be willing to bet that, like me, she grew up on game shows. (I play a mean game of Wheel of Fortune.)  I loved how she told the first woman she's getting a free cruise after they failed to match.  And it didn't surprise me at all coming from her.  It just seems like such a Rosie thing to do. 

Other than the hickey answer, I would not have done well matching this particular panel, though.  

I actually thought there was at least one alternate answer to the "hickey" question, but it was in such poor taste that it would never make it to air.

I liked the writing overall; the question about the Baldwin brothers was funny but kind of impossible to match.

[snarkylady]

1 hour ago, Gregg247 said:

I wish all  the contestants had taken a valium before coming on-stage, though.  They all seemed WAY too excited to be there.

Exactly....I strongly suspect that the show asked them to act that way. 

[starri]

They really needed to let Tituss Burgess and Rosie play up the Charles and Brett thing.  Rosie loves Broadway, Tituss is a Broadway star, on paper it's a good match.

JB Smoove and Sutton Foster were fine, and considering Debra Messing was in the seat that was traditionally reserved for airheads on the classic show, I didn't find her too objectionable.  However, I didn't feel a lot of satisfication from Michael Ian Black, which surprised me because I usually like him.

[Kromm]

JB Smoove confirmed my existing opinion that he's one of the most annoying people on the planet.

Debra Messing was just kind of inane. I suppose there was always one of those on every panel, but how embarrassing to have it displayed to the world when nobody really talked up that aspect of you before.

Rosie was pretty good., but her energy level could have been a little higher. Tituss Burgess was okay.

Michael Ian Black, at his best, is a rock solid genius. He didn't quite find his groove here though. There's usually a strong undercurrent of sarcasm in most of what he does best, but if it was here it was too subtle for me.

Sutton Foster is really very attractive with that hair color.  She used to have it darker, but this really suits her.

Alec did okay, but I really am unsure how much of that was really off the cuff vs. how many jokes were pre-arranged.

The pair of name rhyming initial contestants ("Alyssa" and "Marissa") really annoyed the shit out of me. Hated both of them.  Also noticed later with 'Cheryl and Charles" that some clever casting person is entirely TOO clever for his own good, because he or her is in love with sound-alike contestant names as a theme.

Very glad these game shows are being shot in New York. It dictates the kind of celeb they get, but I think that's helping, not hurting.  I mean none of these celebs did brilliantly here, but it didn't bomb either.

Edited June 27, 2016 by Kromm

[mtlchick]

Quote

Rosie O'Donnall was really good , wasn't she?  I was impressed.

I missed her on Pyramid, but I expected Rosie to be fantastic, much like on Hollywood Game Night.  She's a child of 70s game shows and pop culture. 

Quote

What did Rosie say? I can't remember.

"Lie" like most others  (and it was my guess) but I was slightly hoping she would go on a tear.  I guess she figured it wasn't the place to go on a rant.

 

Edit: Alissa is on board, much to the happy surprise of a NKOTB member. 

Edited June 27, 2016 by mtlchick
added tweet.

[starri]

The minute she mentioned that cruise, I knew that no matter what, Rosie was going to get her on it.  Whatever Rosie's faults, she lives to do stuff like that, and I bet it's one of the few things she misses about doing a daily show.

It was a nice moment, and I find myself hoping that however many episodes they're doing, they keep her.

[Aethera]

A place to talk about all the episodes of the Match Game 2016!

[Aethera]

4 hours ago, Kromm said:

Could this be converted into an All Episodes discussion thread?

I split off the posts about the episode into a new thread called All Episode Talk :)  Discussion there!

[Aethera]

Totally forgot this was premiering last night.

Man, this hit all of my nostalgia buttons in the first 30 seconds.  The music, the opening announcement, the set, the little question panels that went down into the podium.  The contestants with inane stories and stupid answers. If I didn't already have West Wing's theme as my ringtone, I'd go looking for the Match Game theme instead. 

I didn't love the celebrity panel, but hopefully they'll figure that out over time. JB was really annoying.  Michael Ian Black and Rosie were my favorites (never thought I'd say that). It really felt like Debra and Sutton were playing their seats a bit...there were often cutesy or sarcastic women in the lower outside seats on the original show. Alec did fine I think. I think probably some of the jokes were prearranged, but his reactions to their answers were probably more off the cuff, and some of them were funny.

I'd agree that the limerick question was way too easy, and others were way too hard. Often on the old game though, one question would have an obvious answer, and the other not, but usually they didn't help with rhyming.

I'll keep watching this.

[Kromm]

36 minutes ago, aethera said:

the little question panels that went down into the podium

Good eye! I didn't even notice that. Or rather I saw it but didn't process how retro that was.

I guess I was distracted by the retro-tasticness of The Skinny Mike.

[Irlandesa]

6 hours ago, Gregg247 said:

 I wish all  the contestants had taken a valium before coming on-stage, though.  They all seemed WAY too excited to be there.

That was a problem throughout the night.  Pyramid too had some contestants who were just way too chipper. I get the need to have energy but I hope they eventually find a better balance between asleep and OMGEEEEEEEYAYEEE! *full body shake*

I enjoyed the heck out of this.  I thought Alec was terrific. I'm sure some stuff was scripted but other things appeared off the cuff.  I've seen him interviewed enough for me to believe him capable.

Rosie was born to do this kind of show so I'm sure she's thrilled.  She was great in this and on Pyramid.  I know it being filmed in NY like precludes Betty White from making an appearance but after seeing her on To Tell The Truth and how sharp she still is, I really would love to see it happen.

[Mumbles]

Quote

They always asked risque questions, but the answers were generally tame, which made it fun for afternoon TV.  Last night's episode was okay, but some of the answers were just crude ("genital warts").  Hopefully, they'll try to be more "suggestive" rather than blatant in future episodes.

Man I couldn't agree more. I'm not a prude but this was more crude than risqué. What made the original fun was how close they skirted the line, and the creative way the panelists said something dirty and getting away with it. My favorite example was when the question was, "My husband the dentist must talk in his sleep. Last night he turned to me in bed and said, (blank)." Charles' answer, at which the audience and fellow panelists roared, was "Open wide." These questions were, er, more in-your-face.

I'm with all of you who commented how great Baldwin was. 

What made the original great was that it had a vibe of a bunch of friends having a party and letting you sit in on the fun. This show had that same feeling.

[jhlipton]

I passed on The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt and Tituss' character was a big part of that, but I liked him here.  Definitely fun and the answers didn't bother me too much.  The 3 hour block is a must-watch at our house.

[Aethera]

Nice Rosie is definitely made for this show. There are some former panelists that I'd like to see too, like Fannie Flagg, Vicki Lawrence, Betty White and Jamie Farr. I can't imagine we won't see Jesse Tyler Ferguson on this show, and I'm sure he'd be good at it. Other Modern Family folk, I'd happily avoid, but this is ABC, so we're sure to get them.

[CJBinATX]

It was a great Match Game moment and she was living up to the expectations of her being positioned in what was traditionally the "dummy seat" back in the 70s. 

[questionfear]

On behalf of the alumni of "Brandies", I would like to point out there's a long-running rumor that Ms Messing did not actually want to attend our fine university. So if she doesn't want to claim us, can we disclaim her?

(Hey, we did produce Gates McFadden [DR CRUSHER} AND the creators of "Friends", so we have way better alums than her.)

[TexasTiffany]

21 hours ago, Gregg247 said:

I always loved Match Game back in the day.  They always asked risque questions, but the answers were generally tame, which made it fun for afternoon TV.  Last night's episode was okay, but some of the answers were just crude ("genital warts").  Hopefully, they'll try to be more "suggestive" rather than blatant in future episodes.

I'm a fan of the original Match Game. I agree, back in the day they hinted at something risque but lots of questions weren't. This revival show was totally filthy. Way too filthy for me. It wasn't entertaining. Also, I don't like them having so many panelists that are politically outspoken. That aspect takes away from the light-hearted game show feel I'm wanting. I want to relax and be entertained. If every answer is going to be centered around a body orifice, I'm not going to watch.

I'm glad Rosie's going to pay for that lady's prize eventhough she didn't match.

I agree. That woman was probably told to scream and be overly excited and play it up as much as she can. Watching her do that didn't add to the excitement though. Looked more like she might hyperventilate and require an ambulance.

I was excited this show was coming back. But, I'm not happy with the results. Probably a deal breaker for me.

[Actionmage]

Quote

It really felt like Debra and Sutton were playing their seats a bit...

Mr. Actionmage and I felt that there were bits at times and that's not cool as they are trying to help civilians earn cash and/ or prizes.

I wasn't a big fan of Mr. Baldwin's as is, but I can appreciate his acting and comedy chops. I felt he wasn't awful, but he also wasn't good. I watch Buzzr and the MG '78 episodes; as much as I have problems with Gene Rayburn, he was still a bit better as a host.

I generally enjoyed the panel, more when they were really trying to answer honestly.  I liked that Rosie was moved to gift the cruise to that one lady; that was a very generous act. I am glad to hear she seems to be having a good time!

The contestants?  I wasn't impressed with the first ladies, though they did have energy to spare.  The second set of contestants was better, but again, neither really impressed me with their gameplay.  That the Rolling Stone/Viagra question did not have the contestant give "Satisfaction" as an answer was surprising. ( The person could have overthought the answer and decided against it, but this is Match Game, not Jeopardy!) It was like the  "hickey " answer in the first half hour.

I'll probably watch if I like the panel, which looks like it will be new every two episodes(?).

[Violet Penner]

I tried watching a recent episode of Celebrity Family Feud and turned it off because of all the risque/stupidly worded answers.  I hope this isn't all smut all the time, because it seems like pandering to the lowest common denominator and takes away from the (theoretical) cleverness.  

Some of the rounds seemed to be really lopsided in terms of difficulty - I do remember that being the case a little on the original show, but maybe not quite as bad as the hickey round.  And the "bunch of Baldwins" question seemed very difficult.

Alec seemed like he was doing an SNL character voice.  Strange, but I didn't hate it.

Loved JB Smoove on Curb Your Enthusiasm, but he might get old quickly with the schtick here?

[Kromm]

12 hours ago, aethera said:

Nice Rosie is definitely made for this show. There are some former panelists that I'd like to see too, like Fannie Flagg, Vicki Lawrence, Betty White and Jamie Farr. I can't imagine we won't see Jesse Tyler Ferguson on this show, and I'm sure he'd be good at it. Other Modern Family folk, I'd happily avoid, but this is ABC, so we're sure to get them.

Ed O'Neill could pull it off. He'd do that sarcastic/dry approach.

The ones I don't want are Sofia Vergara, because the whole "we're making fun of her accent and her tits" humor is played out, and that Manny kid, who is annoying as shit.

[Scott]

4 hours ago, Violet Penner said:

Loved JB Smoove on Curb Your Enthusiasm, but he might get old quickly with the schtick here?

Already there.

[Snarkette]

Wrong thread. Move along. Sorry.

Edited June 29, 2016 by Snarkette

[Snarkette]

Viagra was used on both this and the pyramid. I smell product placement. 

I really thought he slipped her a "mickey" -- because rodent... and rhyming?