No, I was supposed to get a postcard in the mail telling me when my episode would air but none ever arrived. I've always wanted to see it :-( All I can tell you is that I played against a preacher, and the panel included Vickie Lawrence, Nell Carter, George Hamilton, Judy Tenuta and Coolio. If there is any hope of finding it I would be so grateful!
First thanks for your comments. I really enjoy honest, yet not mean spirted comments. We certainly know nothing touches the Gene Rayburn version. It's the best. Yes, Mike and I have been friends for a long time. I did some warmup on Mike and Maty and made many appearences on Home and Family. He is really good friend and my daughters Godfather. Thanks for looking in.
This was very nice to see! Paul, I think the staff of TPIR should've given you another chance, when Rich left. The announcers they've had lately, just don't cut it. I hope they think about giving you another chance, before choosing the new permanent announcer!
Back when this version first aired, there were a few alterations from the Gene Rayburn version that I didn't care much for. However, I'm able to look past that and enjoy the show. There's a revival airing in Canada nowadays, wish we had a Match Game revival here in the states right about now.
This was the first version of MG that I ever watched in its original airing, & it was honestly awesome. It's too bad that it got the shaft after just one season, oh well.
Hi again, Paul-- One more thing, I noticed the curtains with the CBS Eye logo on them in this video you uploaded. Could those possibly be the same CBS curtains which were used on "The Jack Benny Program" when it was filmed/taped at CBS Television City in the 1950s and '60s? Was the version of "Match Game" you announced, in fact, recorded at CBS TV City? By the way, your impression of Willy Nelson (including those Velcro braids) is spot on! You guys look like you had a lot of fun producing "Match Game" anyway. I will give some episodes of "MG '98" on UA-cam another look. Occasionally, a friend and I watch "Match Game," as well "Password," "$XXK Pyramid," and "What's My Line?" episodes, to supplement other videos we watch, whether films or vintage TV episodes and specials.I miss the days of network broadcasts of game shows, as well the many more of them once airing in syndication. I have to say I prefer game shows with celebrity contestants over ones with only civilians. And it was never about big money for me, but about the fun of game-playing as well games which test knowledge, memory, and trivia. My absolute favorite game shows are "What's My Line?" (John Daly-hosted). "I've Got a Secret" (Garry Moore-hosted), "To Tell the Truth" (Bud Collyer & syndicated Garry Moore-hosted), "Password" (original with Allen Ludden), and "Match Game" (original NBC 1962-69 & CBS/syndicated 1973-82). I also enjoy any Dick Clark-hosted version of "Pyramid," the Hugh Downs and Bob Clayton-hosted versions of "Concentration," and "Jeopardy!" with Art Fleming or Alex Trebek.
Hi Paul, I just have some signed MG blue answer cards and I have Burger come over and host a live version of the show in my living room! :-) Hope you're well!
I have to check my messages more ofter. Do you by any chance know your episode date and number. I think Mike has videos with time code on it. But, I could check if we had info.
In truth, no, it wasn't the greatest incarnation of Match Game, but man, I did love the theme music. Was it from Score Productions, or another composer?
Hello Paul-- I have to confess I didn't much care for the version of "Match Game" in which you were the announcer and Mike Burger hosted. Nothing against you or Mr. Burger, just something about the format that was lacking from previous versions, all of which have been different to varying degrees. I did find it odd there were five instead of two or six celebrity players in "Match Game '98." I guess I also wasn't too enamored of the celebrity players, save for Vicki Lawrence and George Hamilton. At least Miss Lawrence had appeared in two previous incarnations of the show. But in retrospect, compared to the junk on in daytime television and syndication today, even that version of "Match Game" would be a welcome relief in the vast wasteland of broadcast TV at present. Even "Match Game '90" on ABC was pretty close to the most popular versions, with six celebrity players, except it replaced definitive host Gene Rayburn with stand-up comic Ross Shafer, who actually bore a physical resemblance (at least in stature) to Rayburn and was pleasant enough. It helped, too, that Charles Nelson Reilly was a regular, as well frequent guest appearances by old-time players such as Jo Anne Worley and Marcia Wallace, plus Brett Somers' occasional visits. and the announcer on that version was Gene Wood, who had worked with Dick Dawson on "Family Feud," about the next-best one could hope for if not the master of Goodson-Todman announcers, Johnny Olson himself. Although, I was also rather fond of Hal Simms, Don Pardo, Jack Clark, Bob Clayton and Wayne Howell as game show announcers. I am old enough I watched the original "The Match Game" on NBC, based in New York with Gene Rayburn as host. I even recall the five-minute NBC newscast (first with Nancy Dickerson, later Floyd Kalber) that followed it. Of course most people prefer the 1970s and early '80s versions (whether the CBS one with the year in its title, or the two syndicated ones, one with "P.M." for evening broadcasts and the other for daytime syndication), also hosted by Rayburn, but with the expanded panel of six celebrity players that included regulars Brett Somers, Charles Nelson Reilly and Richard Dawson, also frequently Betty White, McLean Stevenson, Nipsey Russell, Fannie Flagg, Patti Deutsch, Bill Daly, Gary Burghoff, and Joyce Bulifant on the panel. While I enjoyed those bawdier versions immensely too, I may actually still prefer the original NBC incarnation, which was more straightforward game-playing, and had, hands down, the best theme music of all the versions in Bert Kaempfert's "A Swingin' Safari." I always enjoyed Mr. Burger on that daytime talk show "Mike & Matty," and would enjoy seeing him host another game or talk show in the future. I recall watching an episode of "Mike & Matty" which may have been one of the last network TV appearances of Bob "Captain Kangaroo" Keeshan. I think "The Good Captain" was promoting his memoir at the time. Ask your good friend Mike if he recalls that show with Bob Keeshan. I also thank you for providing the information about Gregg Binkley, who portrayed "Barney Fife, Jr." in Rick Dee's short-lived "Into the Night" late night program. I actually enjoyed that show, and always found that "Barney Fife" impression, with the conceit of him being the show's security guard, amusing. By the way, did "SNL" ever spoof "Mike & Matty" in the manner of how it used to do so with "Live with Regis & Kathie Lee?" I could swear I once saw a spoof of "Mike & Matty" somewhere.
Thanks Travis, you were one of my inspirations for doing this video! You are one of the good guys!!!
This looks like it was a show within the show. I'm sure it was as much fun performing as it is to watch this BTS. Thanks for uploading.
No, I was supposed to get a postcard in the mail telling me when my episode would air but none ever arrived. I've always wanted to see it :-( All I can tell you is that I played against a preacher, and the panel included Vickie Lawrence, Nell Carter, George Hamilton, Judy Tenuta and Coolio. If there is any hope of finding it I would be so grateful!
Sorry, so late John. Thanks for the post. Agreed on all your points!
YOU WERE HAVING FUN PAUL! LOVE IT! :0)
First thanks for your comments. I really enjoy honest, yet not mean spirted comments. We certainly know nothing touches the Gene Rayburn version. It's the best. Yes, Mike and I have been friends for a long time. I did some warmup on Mike and Maty and made many appearences on Home and Family. He is really good friend and my daughters Godfather. Thanks for looking in.
This was very nice to see! Paul, I think the staff of TPIR should've given you another chance, when Rich left. The announcers they've had lately, just don't cut it. I hope they think about giving you another chance, before choosing the new permanent announcer!
Taped Family Feud (1988-95) CBS Television city!
Thanks again to all who have checked out the video.
Thanks Sticks!
Back when this version first aired, there were a few alterations from the Gene Rayburn version that I didn't care much for. However, I'm able to look past that and enjoy the show. There's a revival airing in Canada nowadays, wish we had a Match Game revival here in the states right about now.
You bet we were. It helps when your best friend is the host! :-)
Gotta agree with some your points too!
This was the first version of MG that I ever watched in its original airing, & it was honestly awesome. It's too bad that it got the shaft after just one season, oh well.
Hi again, Paul--
One more thing, I noticed the curtains with the CBS Eye logo on them in this video you uploaded. Could those possibly be the same CBS curtains which were used on "The Jack Benny Program" when it was filmed/taped at CBS Television City in the 1950s and '60s? Was the version of "Match Game" you announced, in fact, recorded at CBS TV City?
By the way, your impression of Willy Nelson (including those Velcro braids) is spot on! You guys look like you had a lot of fun producing "Match Game" anyway. I will give some episodes of "MG '98" on UA-cam another look.
Occasionally, a friend and I watch "Match Game," as well "Password," "$XXK Pyramid," and "What's My Line?" episodes, to supplement other videos we watch, whether films or vintage TV episodes and specials.I miss the days of network broadcasts of game shows, as well the many more of them once airing in syndication. I have to say I prefer game shows with celebrity contestants over ones with only civilians. And it was never about big money for me, but about the fun of game-playing as well games which test knowledge, memory, and trivia.
My absolute favorite game shows are "What's My Line?" (John Daly-hosted). "I've Got a Secret" (Garry Moore-hosted), "To Tell the Truth" (Bud Collyer & syndicated Garry Moore-hosted), "Password" (original with Allen Ludden), and "Match Game" (original NBC 1962-69 & CBS/syndicated 1973-82). I also enjoy any Dick Clark-hosted version of "Pyramid," the Hugh Downs and Bob Clayton-hosted versions of "Concentration," and "Jeopardy!" with Art Fleming or Alex Trebek.
Hi Paul, I just have some signed MG blue answer cards and I have Burger come over and host a live version of the show in my living room! :-) Hope you're well!
Mike tells me that everyday! :-) I will pass it along tho.
Mike tells me that everyday! :-)
Tell Mike he needs to host another game show! Also, Is that Bart Eskander on 1:10 the director of TPIR?
I have to check my messages more ofter. Do you by any chance know your episode date and number. I think Mike has videos with time code on it. But, I could check if we had info.
In truth, no, it wasn't the greatest incarnation of Match Game, but man, I did love the theme music. Was it from Score Productions, or another composer?
Hi Paul, I was a contestant on this show and never got to see my episode air. Do you have any idea where I can get a copy of it?
Paul, did they let you keep anything from the set after the show ended?
Hello Paul--
I have to confess I didn't much care for the version of "Match Game" in which you were the announcer and Mike Burger hosted. Nothing against you or Mr. Burger, just something about the format that was lacking from previous versions, all of which have been different to varying degrees. I did find it odd there were five instead of two or six celebrity players in "Match Game '98." I guess I also wasn't too enamored of the celebrity players, save for Vicki Lawrence and George Hamilton. At least Miss Lawrence had appeared in two previous incarnations of the show.
But in retrospect, compared to the junk on in daytime television and syndication today, even that version of "Match Game" would be a welcome relief in the vast wasteland of broadcast TV at present.
Even "Match Game '90" on ABC was pretty close to the most popular versions, with six celebrity players, except it replaced definitive host Gene Rayburn with stand-up comic Ross Shafer, who actually bore a physical resemblance (at least in stature) to Rayburn and was pleasant enough. It helped, too, that Charles Nelson Reilly was a regular, as well frequent guest appearances by old-time players such as Jo Anne Worley and Marcia Wallace, plus Brett Somers' occasional visits. and the announcer on that version was Gene Wood, who had worked with Dick Dawson on "Family Feud," about the next-best one could hope for if not the master of Goodson-Todman announcers, Johnny Olson himself. Although, I was also rather fond of Hal Simms, Don Pardo, Jack Clark, Bob Clayton and Wayne Howell as game show announcers.
I am old enough I watched the original "The Match Game" on NBC, based in New York with Gene Rayburn as host. I even recall the five-minute NBC newscast (first with Nancy Dickerson, later Floyd Kalber) that followed it. Of course most people prefer the 1970s and early '80s versions (whether the CBS one with the year in its title, or the two syndicated ones, one with "P.M." for evening broadcasts and the other for daytime syndication), also hosted by Rayburn, but with the expanded panel of six celebrity players that included regulars Brett Somers, Charles Nelson Reilly and Richard Dawson, also frequently Betty White, McLean Stevenson, Nipsey Russell, Fannie Flagg, Patti Deutsch, Bill Daly, Gary Burghoff, and Joyce Bulifant on the panel. While I enjoyed those bawdier versions immensely too, I may actually still prefer the original NBC incarnation, which was more straightforward game-playing, and had, hands down, the best theme music of all the versions in Bert Kaempfert's "A Swingin' Safari."
I always enjoyed Mr. Burger on that daytime talk show "Mike & Matty," and would enjoy seeing him host another game or talk show in the future. I recall watching an episode of "Mike & Matty" which may have been one of the last network TV appearances of Bob "Captain Kangaroo" Keeshan. I think "The Good Captain" was promoting his memoir at the time. Ask your good friend Mike if he recalls that show with Bob Keeshan.
I also thank you for providing the information about Gregg Binkley, who portrayed "Barney Fife, Jr." in Rick Dee's short-lived "Into the Night" late night program. I actually enjoyed that show, and always found that "Barney Fife" impression, with the conceit of him being the show's security guard, amusing.
By the way, did "SNL" ever spoof "Mike & Matty" in the manner of how it used to do so with "Live with Regis & Kathie Lee?" I could swear I once saw a spoof of "Mike & Matty" somewhere.