GSN's original game show Baggage is a dating game, but definitely not your grandmother's Dating Game. Contestants reveal personal (and usually shocking or odd) facts about themselves in hopes of being the least offensive potential date.
Baggage Quick Facts:
Host: Jerry Springer
Executive Producer: Tim Puntillo
Production Company: Comcast Entertainment Group
Series Premiere: April 19, 2010
Airs On: GSN
Catch Phrase: "You've got too much baggage."
Baggage Game Format:
Baggage is a game show with a very simple concept, played in three different rounds. In each game, one person is choosing between three members of the opposite sex, selecting which one he or she would like to date. The three candidates enter the studio carrying three suitcases each, ranging from small to large inside. Each case contains a secret about that candidate, with the secrets ranging from slightly unusual to truly shocking depending on the size of the suitcase. The contestant doing the choosing also has a suitcase containing a secret or odd fact about him or her.
First Round
In the opening round, all of the contestants are introduced. The three potential dates all open up their small suitcases to reveal something about themselves. They get to briefly explain these statements before the game moves on. No one is eliminated in this round.
Second Round
The second round of Baggage is called the "blind round." The mid-sized cases are opened to reveal more secrets, but the main contestant doesn't know which secret belongs to which contestant. He or she must choose who to eliminate at this point based solely on which revealed fact he or she finds most unappealing. The two remaining candidates get the chance to discuss their "medium" secrets with Springer, explaining the context and stories behind them.
Third and Final Round
Finally, it's time for everyone to open their large suitcases, which contain the most shocking facts or secrets about the contestants. First the two potential dates open theirs and then get the chance to plead their cases and explain their secrets. The main contestant makes his or her choice, and the one who is not selected leaves the stage.
At this point, the main contestant must open his or her suitcase, and the person he or she chose gets to decide whether he or she still wants to go on the date, based on the secret being revealed.
The title and catch phrase for the show are based on the entire premise, in that whoever doesn't get chosen for a date at any time during the game is carrying "too much baggage."
Baggage First Dates
Following the success of the show, GSN announced a special based on Baggage titled Baggage: First Dates. The special aired on August 21, 2011, after a marathon of shows called "The Best of Baggage." First Dates followed one couple, Andre and Maggie, who met each other on the game show, as they went on their first date. After their date the pair returned to the set of Baggage to reveal yet one more secret to each other.
Overall Atmosphere
Much like the actual Jerry Springer Show, Baggage thrives on racy and sensational secrets being revealed in a public forum. This show is definitely not for children, but the grown-ups might get a chuckle or two out of it. Springer is a capable game show host, knowing when to throw in a joke and when to keep things moving along.
Baggage isn't exactly must-see TV, but it's entertaining enough to catch an episode here and there. The shock value of the secrets being revealed makes for excellent water cooler fodder.
