https://www.vox.com/culture/22799285/the-mole-tv-netflix-reality-competition

Hosted early on by a young Anderson Cooper, The Mole -- which ran from 2001 to 2004, returning in 2008 -- was "one of the few reality shows that let the viewer feel like they’re playing along with it. It’s now streaming on Netflix, ready for an entirely new audience to discover it," says Steffan Triplett, adding: "The Mole arrived at an interesting time in reality TV history: at the onset of American reality staples that still run today. Its first season aired only about five months after Survivor’s first season ended, and it predated The Amazing Race by eight months. There’s an apparent normalness to its cast and contestants that feels almost strange by today’s standards. There are no indications of desired social media fame (a la Bachelor in Paradise), and it feels less about having a big personality and more about the actual game. Jim, the light-grunge, out-as-gay 'helicopter pilot' is a standout of the first season, often showcasing admiration for the game in all its fun and difficulty. (In what seems ahead of its time, The Mole’s first season featured not one but two openly gay contestants.) And the final three have a dynamic chemistry that feels singular and too good to spoil. It all makes for a stakes-filled final stretch that’s one of the most satisfying viewing experiences I’ve ever had."

When The Mole debuted it was a huge hit for ABC because it was unique and different from any other reality show on TV. And with Anderson Cooper as host it certainly made him a huge superstar from being CNN anchor to talk show host of his short-lived talk show Anderson Live. What I remember about The Mole was the first winner was a guy named Steven Cowles and Kathryn Price was the first Mole. But when the second season of The Mole aired it nearly wasn't as good as the first season was. But it made history as Dorothy Hui became the first female winner of The Mole. But once The Mole switched hosts and became Celebrity Mole it nearly wasn't interesting as the original show. Mom and I saw The Mole once and we found it confusing to figure out. But why it failed is they focused on celebrities and sticking Ahmad Rashad to host didn't help at all
Bestie

2001 the show was on. So Anderson was around age 30-32. I liked the Mole and Anderson. I guess the game show that's similar would be the The Hustler with Craig Ferguson