Most Curious Cancellation
It was too hard to choose only one show for the Most Curious Cancellation Award, so this year, it's a tie.
First, NBC gets the nod for their axing of 1 vs. 100. They lost some steam during the writer's strike early in 2008, since the show utilizes unionized writers for their questions and only had a handful of filmed episodes to offer. But for some reason that I'll never understand, NBC decided to shelf the show completely rather than dust it off and bring it back. The first season did so well with viewers that it could easily have translated into a ratings success as a summer show.
Next, GSN shares the award for their cancellation of Lingo. The show was doing well ratings-wise, Chuck Woolery usually provides a great draw for any audience (with the exception of the cat thing), and the format is proven to be solid. So why was the show canceled? We have no idea, but we're hoping it'll be brought back yet again soon.
Worst New Game Show
Here's the final award that was decided by viewer votes, and I'm really pleased to discover that you all voted the same way as I would have!
The runners-up for this award are Opportunity Knocks, and the GSN clunker How Much is Enough? In the case of Opportunity, the show was just too over the top and not different enough from week to week to hold anyone's interest. That combined with a severe lack of play-at-home enjoyment spelled out a ratings decline for ABC. In the case of How Much, however, we can chalk it up to simple poor formatting for a game show. Well, Corbin Bernsen doesn't get any props here for his hosting ability either, but he might have shone brighter had the game been more solid.
The winner for Worst New Game Show though, is Amne$ia. There were all kinds of problems with this one. First, we had the lack of play along at home thing going, since each show was based on the life of the contestant. It was kind of amusing to watch people struggle with facts from their own pasts, but that quickly wore off. Then, we had the deadpan hosting of Dennis Miller. I love the guy, and he's hosted before with success, but this was not a good vehicle for his style. The game play was confusing, the lights and effects were overdone, and the prizes were inconsistent throughout. No surprise that you voted this the worst new show of the year.
Best New Game Show
I'll be the first to admit that the voting for this award is heavily biased, since I'm the only one casting a vote. But by all accounts, many of you agree with me.
Without further ado, I present to you Million Dollar Password as the best new game show of 2008. We've got a seasoned host in Regis Philbin, who brings not only experience but also credibility with him. Throw in celebrities young and old, a solid and proven format that wasn't completely destroyed in the overhaul, and a range of contestants in various skill levels, and you've got yourself an excellent game show.
This one appeals to audiences of all ages, as the game is easy to play along with and airs on the weekend. The celebrities range from well-known to up-and-coming, and the passwords have been carefully chosen. My only complaint is that six episodes are far too few to be called a "season."
Gone But not Forgotten
Before we wrap this up, let's take a moment to remember a game show legend whom we lost this year. Jack Narz, host of quite a few game shows from the late 50s to the late 70s, passed away on October 15th, 2008.
Narz will be remembered for his easy style, professionalism, and overall good nature. He started and ended his game show career as an announcer, but between those gigs he proved that a smile, positive energy, and a good sense of humor would easily win over audiences. He hosted shows such as Beat the Clock, Now You See It, Dotto, and Video Village, and he even took on the role of host of The Price is Right for a month.
Jack Narz embodied the spirit of the classic age of game shows, and he will be missed.
That's a Wrap
Thanks to all of you who voted in the end-of-year polls that were included in this round up! It was really interesting to see how the votes progressed.
Now that we're moving on to a new year with new games, contestants, and memorable moments, we'll all be on the lookout for the 2009 Game Show Awards nominees. Let's hope we'll get some great ones!
