If you know me at all, you know that I love game shows and I have loved them since I was a little kid. I remember rushing home from school so that I could watch "Match Game '73" (or '74, or '75, or '76, etc.) just so I could see the awesome Brett Somers yell at the hilarious Charles Nelson Reilly, while the pompous Richard Dawson tried to steal focus, and the creepy Gene Rayburn tried to grope the female contestants. It was magic.
Of course not every game show was a magnificent as "Match Game," but they all had merit in my eyes. I also just love the idea that a regular person can spend a half an hour in a TV studio and walk out with enough money to pay off all of their bills.
Daytime TV was loaded with game shows of all shapes and sizes, with fabulous prizes, cool challenges and, best of all, incredible hosts!
Besides the aforementioned Rayburn, some of the best included Tom Kennedy, Jack Barry, Allen Ludden, Bob Barker, Monty Hall, Jim Lange, Bob Eubanks, Chuck Woolery, Wink Martindale, Alex Trebek, and perhaps the greatest game show host of all time, Bill Cullen.
There have been a ton of game shows over past 70 years or so, and they spike in popularity around every decade. Remember around 1999 when Regis Philbin became the biggest star in the world because of "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?" Because of that show's massive success there were at least ten primetime game shows filling the airwaves, and it was awesome.
Even though there are two 24-hour networks that show nothing but game shows (BUZZR and The Game Show Network), and they do have a few newly produced shows that are fun to watch, it's the reruns of the classic shows that I still love the most and spend the most time watching.
Listen, gimme a Bert Convy hosted "Tattletales" episode circa 1976 in which the celebrity couples consist of people like Elaine Joyce & Bobby Van, Mitzi McCall & Charlie Brill, Betty White & Allen Ludden, or William Shatner & one of his twenty ex-wives, and I'm a happy man.
I could (and I will) write about classic game shows at another time, trust me, I could go on for hours. But, what I want to write about here is a relatively new game show that's been on for about 3 years, called "People Puzzler," based on the People Magazine crossword puzzle that has has a strong cult following for many years.
The host of "People Puzzler" is actress Leah Remini, best known as Kevin James' wife on "The King of Queens." I never really watched "The King of Queens," and outside of seeing her on the covers of magazines like Stuff and Maxim, and remembering her as Carla's daughter on "Cheers," I really had no opinion of Remini except that she was very attractive, and in real life, Kevin James would have absolutely no chance with her.
Well, after her whole Scientology story broke a few years ago (Google it) and I began to learn more about her, I became a fan and liked her very much. But, after I saw just one episode of "People Puzzler," I fell in love with her, and I am now the biggest Leah Remini fan on earth.
In addition to being attractive and adorable, Remini is whipsmart, funny, charming, and wonderful with the contestants. She moves things along, explains the rules well, and creates a relaxed, fun atmosphere that translates beautifully on screen. In other words, she's a GREAT game show host.
The game itself is also pretty great, especially for those of us for who really enjoy crossword puzzles, but are too stupid to make it past Tuesday with the New York Times.
This again, is based on the People Magazine puzzle, which means that it is not only easy, but only contains entertainment and pop culture clues. So I can feel smart while I watch from my couch... BONUS!
There are three contestants, who compete in three puzzle rounds before the winner goes on to solve the Bonus Puzzles for a chance to win $10,000.
The puzzles are organized by subject and the clues are read by Remini. The writers come up with very clever clues and the subjects/topics of the puzzles are varying and engaging.
It's really fun to play along at home, and because Remini is so great with the contestants, you get to know them and root for them to do well, and that's the key to a good game show.
Every episode that I have watched has been entertaining, fun, and sometimes exciting, because that ticking clock during the bonus round is pretty suspenseful.
The show is even pretty to look at, because in addition to the lovely host, the set is colorful, bright and well designed.
As if just watching and enjoying the show weren't enough, I have another reason to celebrate "People Puzzler," I actually know someone who was a contestant on the show.
My old friend Lisa Rothschiller Ragsdale, a terrific actress from Chicago who I have had the pleasure of sharing a stage with, appeared on the show back in 2021.
She did great by winning the first two rounds and making it to the Bonus Puzzles, where she just missed one clue and didn't win the ten grand.
Lisa also said that everyone who worked on the show was lovely, and the whole experience was a delight. She particularly sang the praises of Remini, who she was completely enamored of, and thought was one of the coolest celebrities she's ever met.
You can see my friend Lisa's appearance on "People Puzzler" Episode number 17 from Season 1, entitled: "A Hot Minute."
So, there you go, it turns out that it's not just a terrific game show to watch on TV, but it's a wonderful experience to be a part of....that's all I need.
You can watch "People Puzzler" on The Game Show Network daily at 1am, 9am, and 9:30am, and on FOX Syndication Monday thru Friday at 1pm and 1:30pm (all times Central). I highly recommend that you do.
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