howilu
12-22-2025, 10:55 AM
Last Saturday, December 20 marked the 60th anniversary of the debut of the original version of The Dating Game. It was the first game show produced by Chuck Barris and set the stage for the network's biggest game show success, The Newlywed Game. It also put Jim Lange on the map as an outstanding game show host.
On that same day, the show led into The Dating Game also debuted, the original version of Supermarket Sweep. Hosted by Bill Malone, the show was taped at various supermarkets on the east coast. Despite negative reviews from critics, the show spawned revivals hosted by David Ruprecht and later, Leslie Jones.
Those two shows finally established ABC as a contender in daytime. Their lineup prior to their debuts consisted of sitcom reruns and soap operas as well as the Dick Clark produced show Where the Action is.,
On that same day, the show led into The Dating Game also debuted, the original version of Supermarket Sweep. Hosted by Bill Malone, the show was taped at various supermarkets on the east coast. Despite negative reviews from critics, the show spawned revivals hosted by David Ruprecht and later, Leslie Jones.
Those two shows finally established ABC as a contender in daytime. Their lineup prior to their debuts consisted of sitcom reruns and soap operas as well as the Dick Clark produced show Where the Action is.,