by Chad Mosher

If you've been reading my weekly blog posts, you might know that it had always been my ultimate life goal to be hired to host a game show. Though I wasn't hired to be a host, I had been working for PlayCafe.com, the internet's first game show network, since October 2007 as a trivia writer, a chat moderator and a manger of operations. We continued to slowly expand week by week when, in February of 2008 we really decided to extend the meaning of the phrase "internet game show network."

We had been running live games on weeknights produced by our regular staff but we wanted to enlarge what PlayCafe was all about. Soon, players at home with a webcam could satiate their aspiring game show junkie appetite by being able to create their own game using our site's interface. My boss Mark wanted us to demonstrate how this could be done during our regular live broadcasts so, knowing my interest in wanting to eventually host a game show, he gave me my first break. Even though I wasn't yet eighteen, he had enough faith in knowing I would be professional enough to represent the company. He asked if I wanted to host an hour of the show from my home to demonstrate how the new feature worked. I don't think it took me more than a half of a second to respond with a resounding yes.

I found my best outfit, tidied my workspace and prepared the questions for that night. Daniella, our in-studio host, read all of her questions from the teleprompter but with me being schooled on the old games, I decided to transpose all of the material onto cards to add a classic touch to my game. Clearly, it was very important to make sure all of this was taken care of beforehand; any mix-up or miscue with my cards would cause a live mishap and much embarrassment. I checked to make sure everything was in its proper order and before I knew it, 10 o'clock on February 28, 2008 had arrived and it was time for me to host my first game show.

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Looks like there's another remake in the works, though I have no idea what format this will end up taking. There's a casting call posted at Craigslist in search of couples to participate in He Said She Said. Normally I just put these calls in the game show casting calls list, but this one doesn't give much of a lead time.

If you're in the Burbank, California area and want to participate (remember, you must play as a couple), you must be available one day this week, as well as on December 21st. While you won't win any actual prizes, you'll get a "small fee" as compensation, and the ad says that you'll also "have the opportunity to compete on the actual show in April."

Again, I don't know if this is even for television, since there are no such details in the ad. But if you decide to apply, let us know! Thanks to Chad Mosher for the link.

GSN has confirmed the premiere slots for two of their new original programs. The first one, which had the working title Honey, Please, is now called Hidden Agenda. It's a hidden camera show in which one half of a couple tries to get his or her other half to do their bidding for cash prizes. The host is comic Debi Gutierrez, who does stand-up routines in L.A. while also hosting a parenting show on PBS.

The other new program is Carnie Wilson: Unstapled. We've already discussed this one a little, but if you've not read about it, it's a reality program following the life of Wilson, who hosts GSN's revival of The Newlywed Game.

Both shows will premiere on January 14th, 2010. Hidden Agenda kicks off at 8:30pm, while Carnie Wilson's premiere is at 6pm Eastern, with an encore at 9pm.

So, based on what we know of both shows, will you be tuning in?

Photo of Debi Gutierrez, courtesy GSN

We've covered some of the most memorable moments of the 2000s, as well as a few of the biggest blunders. Now it's time for something just a little different!

Several familiar faces in game shows have offered up their personal favorite moments from the past decade, including Pat Kiernan, Randy West, and Rich Fields. We also included our favorite frequent game show contestants and game show writers, including yours truly. From a special Price is Right episode to the first female million dollar winner to a showdown of game show champions, there are some great stories here! Check out the Favorite Game Show Moments of the Decade list, which is full of personal moments and reflections. I sincerely hope you enjoy it.

Big thanks to everyone who contributed to the list. Sharing your memories with all of you is one of the best parts of this job!

Photo of Ken Jennings, courtesy Sony Pictures Entertainment