Who could ever forget the game shows we watched growing up. The one I remember most was “PASSWORD” which kept us glued to the TV screen on weekday afternoons, especially during school vacation or when we were home sick. The password would be funny and my sister and I would say it over and over again making each other laugh. Whenever the announcer would say, “the password is…” we always wondered if the contestants could hear him.
In fact, who was that guy anyway?
It can be safely said Mark Goodson and Bill Todman pioneered some of the most successful American game shows. Goodson hooked up with Todman long about 1941 in New York City forming a business partnership that would last for decades and find its way to Hollywood. Todman was a radio writer, director, and advertising copywriter, which made their relationship a natural fit. Goodson and Todman shared a love for games and decided to form a successful franchise they could weave into radio and television.
These guys did not get off to an easy start. They first had to first sell their ideas to the networks, which would prove challenging. ”Winner Take All” was their first successful effort using a lockout buzzer system and was the first game show to place two contestants against one other. It also true it was game show of endurance because winners would return each week until they were defeated.
“Winner Take All” became the first Goodson-Todman television show debuting on July 8, 1948 on CBS. Next was “What’s My Line?” debuting later February 1, 1950. These gentlemen would tell you taking a game show live on the networks was risky business because you never knew what contestants would say or do that could not be edited out. It became quite interesting at times.
Goodson and Todman would go on to achieve great success for decades with “Beat the Clock” from 1950-61, “By Popular Demand” in 1950, “It’s News to Me” from 1951-54, “The Name’s the Same” from 1951-55, “I’ve Got a Secret” from 1952-67, “Two for the Money” from 1952-57, and a host of others that made this partnership a household name. We’d hear the announcer say, “This has been a Mark Goodson-Bill Todman production!” at the conclusion of each show.
As the 1960s unfolded, Goodson-Todman had created some of the most successful game shows U.S. history. Mark Goodson and Bill Todman would enjoy a successful partnership until Todman’s death in 1979. It was a remarkable journey for both men and the personalities they made famous.
Ever since the dawn of television, the viewing public has loved game shows. Undoubtedly the most popular game show in history has to be Merv Griffin’s “JEAPARDY!” – which is pretty much tied with “The Price Is Right…” Both have enjoyed huge viewer share for decades. The loss of Alex Trebeck as “Jeopardy’s” host in 2020 after a 36-year run was, to say the least, a tragic loss for viewers who loved his unique ability and talent.
What has made “Jeopardy!” so popular is its ability of challenging viewer minds, which has formed a healthy addiction to a game show that has survived the times. ”Jeopardy!” was originally hosted by Art Fleming, who handed the mike off to Alex in 1984. Trebeck’s unique gift of knowledge and curiosity along with his engaging personality was what made the show click with viewers.
Televised game shows were nothing new when they made it to television in the mid 1940s. Game shows became popular first on radio in the 1930s, which got us hooked early on. In fact, they captured audiences who also listened to Soap Operas to pass the time. These programs were popular among housewives as they took care of homes, babies, and growing children.
Few of us will ever forget the names of those who hosted these shows – Bob Barker, Monty Hall, Tom Kennedy, Richard Dawson, Peter Marshall, Gene Rayburn, Bill Cullen, Allen Ludden, Bud Collyer, Gary Moore, Dennis James, Groucho Marx, Bert Convy, Bob Eubanks, Wink Martindale, Dick Clark, Chuck Woolery, and a host others. Their names remain etched in our memories.
As children, game shows were something heard in the background as we played, and yet they got our attention because they challenged our minds. Whatever your reason for remembering game shows, you can bet they will continue to be something we just can’t turn off.
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