August 20th 2008
As Deal or No Deal enters its fourth season in prime time, a daily syndicated edition is also being unveiled in over 97% of markets across the U.S. To say the show is a hit may be a bit of an understatement.
A great deal of the popularity of Deal or No Deal can be attributed directly to the show's host, Howie Mandel. Mandel is an accomplished comedian, actor, and former talk show host who finds that he's called on to use all of these skills in his role as game show host.
"Those are three of my favorite jobs I’ve ever had in my life, you know, being a talk show host. I love being a comedian. I still am and I will continue to do so. And I love acting," Mandel says. "(And) all those passions that I have had in my career all come together in this one venue called Deal or No Deal. I’ll never get tired of it. I hope we get to talk about it, you know, 30 years from today. I’d like to be the next Bob Barker."
Deal or No Deal in Syndication
The syndicated version of Deal or No Deal is a half-hour format with several changes from the original game.
According to Mandel, "I think that the syndicated version offers every element that you loved in the primetime version - you know, same host, same - basically the same set, the banker and models. And I think that there is enough different elements between the two -- the syndicated and the primetime -- that’ll keep each of them very interesting and alive for, you know, the fans who want to watch both or the fans who are only available for one of them."
The Million Dollar Jackpot
The fact that there will be a million dollar winner in the prime time version of the show, and soon, has been no secret lately. How does having a million dollar winner affect the host and the crew of the show?
"You can hear our crew screaming in the background. We are rooting for everyone who gets on that show. And there’s nothing more thrilling than to see someone walk away with a life-changing amount of money, you know." Mandel adds, "And it’s great that we can tell you, as the press, that we’ve given that away."
The top prize in the syndicated version of the show is $500,000 so should we expect to see smaller amounts being won? Not necessarily, says the show's host.
"I have to say, in the syndicated version which we just started taping, people are taking away - people are playing very smart and they are taking away more per episode, I would imagine, than any other show on television."
The Emmy Awards
In recognition for his work with Deal or No Deal, Mandel has been nominated for an Emmy Award for Outstanding Host for a Reality or Reality Competition Program. He's also been tapped to co-host the awards show, along with fellow nominees Ryan Seacrest, Jeff Probst, Heidi Klum, and Tom Bergeron.
"You know, when I used to watch the Grammy’s and the Billboard’s, and they started providing, you know, categories for the rap artists they said we’re finally getting recognized. We’re finally getting recognized. So we are the rap artists of television in this category and that’s why I’d like to be referred to from this point on as MC Howie."
All joking aside, Mandel is honored to be among the nominees.
"Here I am in season four and the launching of syndication, which is unbelievable and I feel blessed. And that’s enough as it is. Then to get recognized for my work on it which is, you know, made so simple by Scott (St. John, executive producer) and his team, his blessing and then to be asked to co-host that night is - it’s so exciting. The last two weeks I’ve been taking Spanish and dance lessons. I don’t know that that has anything to do with what you’ll see that night, but I’m always one to prepare."
You can catch Deal or No Deal on Wednesday and Friday nights, in prime time, at 8pm on NBC. The syndicated Deal or No Deal airs each weekday beginning September 8th. Check your local listings for times and channels.
