LAS VEGAS (Hollywood Reporter) - FremantleMedia North America is developing a contemporary version of the long-running game show "Match Game," which is part of the Goodson/Todman library owned by Fremantle.

Fremantle is in discussions with cable networks and is expected to lock up a deal soon. The company also is looking for an executive producer, with casting to follow.

"Match Game," which debuted in 1962, has had several incarnations. The show, featuring contestants trying to match words with a panel of celebrity guests, reached its heyday with the Gene Rayburn-hosted version in the 1970s.

Reuters/Hollywood Reporter

This better not be anything like the 1998 version, that's for sure.

One of my all-time faves, if they do it RIGHT, I'll watch......no Bowzer Bowman this time, ok? :lol:

This better not be anything like the 1998 version, that's for sure.

I actually enjoyed that version. Well, not so much the host, but I always loved the panel of celebrities.

Match Game without at least one of Somers and Reilly? Sorry, I'm just not seeing it! Who would they use? Or would they change the format AGAIN?

One of my all-time faves, if they do it RIGHT, I'll watch......no Bowzer Bowman this time, ok? :lol:
Exactly.
I'd love to see Fanny Flagg connected with it somehow.

Oh god, if it's like the 1998 edition, I can see it lasting 2 weeks. But, if they choose good celebrities, somehow make it like the 1970's version, and put it in a good timeslot, I can see it working.

a brand new Match Game is coming this is Awsome News I wonder who will be the host

I'm thinking this *can* be done if it's handled right. But part of me fears it because of Pearson/Fremantle's track record on reviving the classics.

I'm thinking this *can* be done if it's handled right. But part of me fears it because of Pearson/Fremantle's track record on reviving the classics.

Yeah, you're right about their track record. And Match Game isn't just a gameshow that can be revived without attention. THey really do have to choose the perfect host, the perfect panelists, and all that to make it work.

when was The Last Time Match Game aired

when was The Last Time Match Game aired

1998. It was nothing short of disastrous.

was that on WGN at 2:30 am

Match Game 1998 wasn't a complete abomination. The set wasn't bad, neither was the music - Michael Berger was a fairly decent host, and Vicki Lawrence was the one good panelist.

The *rest* was a wreck.

I loved Vicki as a panelist, and also Judy Tenuta and Nell Carter. As a fan of Y&R, it was also nice to see them use a couple Y&R stars now and then.

If they use Vicki Lawrence along with Fannie Flagg and Betty White, it could work. I would love it. If they got a not so good host? Not so much.

How much you want to bet they would use really outrageous questions?

How much you want to bet they would use really outrageous questions?

Actually, I think the questions would be very tame. American TV is on a decency spiral.

I can see them doing the sort of dull straight Match that Rayburn was so bored with in the early sixties. With all sorts of noise and CGI to jazz things up, of course -- who knows, a case or two of epilepsy among the viewers? ;)

what does tame mean

what does tame mean

Well, for example

"Name a body part that hasn't featured in a celebrity trial." (Note: NO BLANK!!!)

Definitive answer: brain.

thanks

If it is done right, there is no reason why match game can't be big again.

I can't help but think I'm going to be disappointed if they try to update it too much. Maybe that's just me, but it just seems like remakes (i.e. Bionic Woman) are often ruined by someone thinking they're updating it. I think they need to decide who they want their audience to be then make a great show for that audience. Remaking the show trying to please the older generation who enjoyed the original Match Game as well as the younger set who grew up with game shows like Greed, Dog Eat Dog, Weakest Link, Fear Factor and Millionaire might be really difficult. Even just figuring out what panelists to use to attract everyone would be hard. I hope they choose their audience and go from there. If they pick the right audience to make it a hit then it can branch out from there.