Game Show Network is bulking up its stable of original series, adding three new strip series to its lineup. As announced on Tuesday morning as part of its 2024 upfronts pitch to advertisers, Game Show Network revealed it has ordered a new version of classic gamer “Tic Tac Dough,” this time hosted by Brooke Burns, as well as a U.S. version of the U.K. format “Beat the Bridge,” to be hosted by Cameron Mathison.
Also at Gsn, the network will air episodes of the recently announced syndicated game show “Flip Side,” hosted by Jaleel White (“Family Matters”). News comes as Game Show Network also recently launched the comedy gamer “Blank Slate,” hosted by Mario Lopez, in January, as well as new episodes of “Split Second,” hosted by John Michael Higgins, and “Switch,” hosted by Jeff Hephner.
“Beat the Bridge” will premiere in June, with “Tic Tac Dough” in August and “Flip Side” in September.
Also at Gsn, the network will air episodes of the recently announced syndicated game show “Flip Side,” hosted by Jaleel White (“Family Matters”). News comes as Game Show Network also recently launched the comedy gamer “Blank Slate,” hosted by Mario Lopez, in January, as well as new episodes of “Split Second,” hosted by John Michael Higgins, and “Switch,” hosted by Jeff Hephner.
“Beat the Bridge” will premiere in June, with “Tic Tac Dough” in August and “Flip Side” in September.
- 4/2/2024
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
Game Show Network is gearing up to premiere three new original series this year: Beat The Bridge, hosted by Cameron Mathison, based on BBC’s Bridge of Lies, in June; Tic Tac Dough, hosted by Brooke Burns, in August and previously announced Jaleel White-hosted Flip Side, which is launching in national syndication, in September. The news was announced by Gsn as part of Sony Pictures Television Advertiser Sales upfront today in New York City.
Hosted by Mathison, based on BBC’s Bridge Of Lies from Stv Studios, Beat The Bridge features an enormous interactive bridge that dares players to cross by stepping on the right answers to challenging trivia questions. Each step forward puts money in the team’s bank, with bonus money for each successful crossing. However, the team gets to keep the money only if it can “beat the bridge” by returning one...
Hosted by Mathison, based on BBC’s Bridge Of Lies from Stv Studios, Beat The Bridge features an enormous interactive bridge that dares players to cross by stepping on the right answers to challenging trivia questions. Each step forward puts money in the team’s bank, with bonus money for each successful crossing. However, the team gets to keep the money only if it can “beat the bridge” by returning one...
- 4/2/2024
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
It’s coming up on three years since the legendary Jeopardy! host Alex Trebek lost his battle with pancreatic cancer, and his family and former co-workers have been sharing their memories of the beloved host in those final weeks. The most recent episode of the This is Jeopardy! podcast, hosted by former contestant Buzzy Cohen, took a look back at the week Trebek announced his cancer diagnosis and the difficult months that followed. Longtime supervising producer Lisa Broffman opened up about the moment she first heard about Trebek’s diagnosis, saying she was in the office with fellow producers Rocky Schmidt and Harry Friedman. “Alex called, and Rocky put him on speaker phone, and Alex told us that he had stage 4 pancreatic cancer, and I remember Harry had a stack of papers on his lap, and he picked them up and threw them on the ground,” she said, holding back tears.
- 8/4/2023
- TV Insider
Barry Garron, former Chief TV Critic for The Hollywood Reporter, died June 23 at a medical facility in Gilbert, Ariz. He was 72.
Garron, who was well-liked in the industry as a “genial Midwesterner,” spent a little more than a decade as a prominent critic for The Hollywood Reporter. He was there for the dawn of the premium TV era, writing the first review of “The Sopranos” for the publication, among other formative shows from “Will & Grace” to “The West Wing” to Jimmy Kimmel’s 2003 debut on ABC.
Born in Chicago, Garron attended the University of Missouri — Columbia, earning a pair of degrees in journalism and political science in 1971, according to THR. He worked for the Kansas City Star newspaper for nearly 25 years, starting in 1973, first as an education writer. When the opening occurred, Garron jumped at the chance to become a TV/radio critic for the paper, he told THR last year.
Garron, who was well-liked in the industry as a “genial Midwesterner,” spent a little more than a decade as a prominent critic for The Hollywood Reporter. He was there for the dawn of the premium TV era, writing the first review of “The Sopranos” for the publication, among other formative shows from “Will & Grace” to “The West Wing” to Jimmy Kimmel’s 2003 debut on ABC.
Born in Chicago, Garron attended the University of Missouri — Columbia, earning a pair of degrees in journalism and political science in 1971, according to THR. He worked for the Kansas City Star newspaper for nearly 25 years, starting in 1973, first as an education writer. When the opening occurred, Garron jumped at the chance to become a TV/radio critic for the paper, he told THR last year.
- 6/24/2022
- by William Earl
- Variety Film + TV
Barry Garron, the former chief television critic for The Hollywood Reporter, has died. He was 72 and died Thursday at a rehabilitation facility in Arizona.
His death was confirmed by his former publication and by daughter, Rachel Dain. No specific cause of death was given, but Garron was hospitalized during Memorial Day weekend and had past episodes of Crohn’s disease and cancer.
Garron worked at newspapers in Columbia and upstate New York before starting as a critic for The Kansas City Star in 1973, exiting in 1997 to move to Los Angeles and join the THR staff. He worked as chief television critic until 2009, then became a freelancer for numerous publications. He was active until his death.
He was a former president of the TV Critics Association and covered the group’s winter and summer press tours for four decades.
Born in Chicago on Sept. 2, 1949, he studied journalism and political science at...
His death was confirmed by his former publication and by daughter, Rachel Dain. No specific cause of death was given, but Garron was hospitalized during Memorial Day weekend and had past episodes of Crohn’s disease and cancer.
Garron worked at newspapers in Columbia and upstate New York before starting as a critic for The Kansas City Star in 1973, exiting in 1997 to move to Los Angeles and join the THR staff. He worked as chief television critic until 2009, then became a freelancer for numerous publications. He was active until his death.
He was a former president of the TV Critics Association and covered the group’s winter and summer press tours for four decades.
Born in Chicago on Sept. 2, 1949, he studied journalism and political science at...
- 6/24/2022
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
Barry Garron, the genial Midwesterner who spent more than a decade as the chief television critic for The Hollywood Reporter, has died. He was 72.
Garron died Thursday morning at a rehabilitation facility in Gilbert, Arizona, after being hospitalized during the Memorial Day weekend, according to his daughter, Rachel Dain. He had battled Crohn’s disease since his 20s and also had bouts with cancer.
Garron was known to his colleagues and friends for his easygoing demeanor and encyclopedic knowledge and passion for television that he parlayed into jobs as a critic for The Kansas City Star and then THR.
After working at the Star from 1973 through 1997, Garron moved to Los Angeles and joined the THR staff in 1998. He served as chief TV critic before leaving the publication as a full-time employee in 2009, then freelanced for many outlets. He was writing up until his death.
Barry Garron, the genial Midwesterner who spent more than a decade as the chief television critic for The Hollywood Reporter, has died. He was 72.
Garron died Thursday morning at a rehabilitation facility in Gilbert, Arizona, after being hospitalized during the Memorial Day weekend, according to his daughter, Rachel Dain. He had battled Crohn’s disease since his 20s and also had bouts with cancer.
Garron was known to his colleagues and friends for his easygoing demeanor and encyclopedic knowledge and passion for television that he parlayed into jobs as a critic for The Kansas City Star and then THR.
After working at the Star from 1973 through 1997, Garron moved to Los Angeles and joined the THR staff in 1998. He served as chief TV critic before leaving the publication as a full-time employee in 2009, then freelanced for many outlets. He was writing up until his death.
- 6/23/2022
- by Kimberly Nordyke and Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Longtime executive producer Harry Friedman is coming out of retirement to serve as showrunner for the upcoming second season of NBC’s “Capital One College Bowl.”
Friedman had previously retired in 2019, concluding a successful 25-year run as executive producer on Sony Pictures Television’s “Jeopardy!” and “Wheel of Fortune.” Friedman was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame after leaving the pair of game shows.
The hire reunites Friedman with Village Roadshow Entertainment Group CEO Steve Mosko, whose Village Roadshow TV produces “College Bowl” with Universal TV Alternative Studio. Mosko was previously chairman of Sony Pictures TV.
Friedman holds a Guinness World Record for having produced more game show episodes than anybody else in history. Friedman has won 19 Emmy Awards over his career, including two in the same category in a tie with himself — the only such incident in the awards body’s history.
“If we had kept on the same trajectory,...
Friedman had previously retired in 2019, concluding a successful 25-year run as executive producer on Sony Pictures Television’s “Jeopardy!” and “Wheel of Fortune.” Friedman was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame after leaving the pair of game shows.
The hire reunites Friedman with Village Roadshow Entertainment Group CEO Steve Mosko, whose Village Roadshow TV produces “College Bowl” with Universal TV Alternative Studio. Mosko was previously chairman of Sony Pictures TV.
Friedman holds a Guinness World Record for having produced more game show episodes than anybody else in history. Friedman has won 19 Emmy Awards over his career, including two in the same category in a tie with himself — the only such incident in the awards body’s history.
“If we had kept on the same trajectory,...
- 4/28/2022
- by J. Kim Murphy
- Variety Film + TV
Stop us if you’ve heard this one before, but a Jeopardy! contestant is absolutely dominating the field right now.
Current champion Amy Schneider of Oakland, California is currently riding a 19-game winning streak in the venerable American quiz show. Many of those 19 victories have been absolute laughers, with Schneider leaving her opponents in the dust. She currently has nearly $750,000 in regular season winnings and her dominance in the Final Jeopardy! round is shocking even current Jeopardy! guest host and forever Goat Ken Jennings.
In nearly any other of Jeopardy!’s 38 seasons, Amy Schneider would be the biggest story of the year. And yet, she’s not even the most decorated winner of this current season. That honor goes to Matt Amodio, who earlier this year ended his remarkable run at 38 games (good for second all time behind Jennings) and $1,518,601 earned (good for third all time behind Jennings and James Holzhauer...
Current champion Amy Schneider of Oakland, California is currently riding a 19-game winning streak in the venerable American quiz show. Many of those 19 victories have been absolute laughers, with Schneider leaving her opponents in the dust. She currently has nearly $750,000 in regular season winnings and her dominance in the Final Jeopardy! round is shocking even current Jeopardy! guest host and forever Goat Ken Jennings.
In nearly any other of Jeopardy!’s 38 seasons, Amy Schneider would be the biggest story of the year. And yet, she’s not even the most decorated winner of this current season. That honor goes to Matt Amodio, who earlier this year ended his remarkable run at 38 games (good for second all time behind Jennings) and $1,518,601 earned (good for third all time behind Jennings and James Holzhauer...
- 12/28/2021
- by Alec Bojalad
- Den of Geek
All Mike Richards had to do was his job.
That job, of course, was serving as executive producer on two syndicated game show giants: Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune. Richards held down these roles beginning in May 2020, leaving the same role at The Price is Right and taking over from the beloved Harry Friedman who stewarded Merv Griffin’s two creations into TV icons. It’s as big a producing gig as there is in the game show biz. And yet, like many other American Icaruses with firm handshakes and a surplus of hubris, Richards wanted more.
Richards wanted to host. And so he did…first as a guest host and then as the full time host for five episodes. Now he is no longer a host or an executive producer of Jeopardy!. Suzanne Prete, Sony Pictures Television senior vice president, sent the following message to the show’s crew...
That job, of course, was serving as executive producer on two syndicated game show giants: Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune. Richards held down these roles beginning in May 2020, leaving the same role at The Price is Right and taking over from the beloved Harry Friedman who stewarded Merv Griffin’s two creations into TV icons. It’s as big a producing gig as there is in the game show biz. And yet, like many other American Icaruses with firm handshakes and a surplus of hubris, Richards wanted more.
Richards wanted to host. And so he did…first as a guest host and then as the full time host for five episodes. Now he is no longer a host or an executive producer of Jeopardy!. Suzanne Prete, Sony Pictures Television senior vice president, sent the following message to the show’s crew...
- 8/31/2021
- by Alec Bojalad
- Den of Geek
Sony has fired Mike Richards as the executive producer of “Jeopardy” and “Wheel of Fortune.” Michael Davies, the “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” executive producer whose Embassy Row shingle is based at Sony, will take over production duties in the interim.
The news was announced by Suzanne Prete, executive vice president, business and strategy, “Wheel of Fortune” and “Jeopardy!” in a memo to staff. Prete said she would be also be taking a more active day-to-day role on the shows moving forward.
Richards’ exit comes a little more than a week after he was forced to step down as “Jeopardy!” host, just nine days after he was tapped to succeed the legendary Alex Trebek as the face of the beloved quiz show. Richards currently has a rich overall deal at Sony; discussions on the fate of his relationship at the studio are currently under way.
“We had hoped that...
The news was announced by Suzanne Prete, executive vice president, business and strategy, “Wheel of Fortune” and “Jeopardy!” in a memo to staff. Prete said she would be also be taking a more active day-to-day role on the shows moving forward.
Richards’ exit comes a little more than a week after he was forced to step down as “Jeopardy!” host, just nine days after he was tapped to succeed the legendary Alex Trebek as the face of the beloved quiz show. Richards currently has a rich overall deal at Sony; discussions on the fate of his relationship at the studio are currently under way.
“We had hoped that...
- 8/31/2021
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
On Aug. 11, Mike Richards was named the late Alex Trebek’s replacement as permanent Jeopardy! host. Today Richards resigned, ending what had become one of the ugliest sagas in the normally wholesome TV institution’s history.
Jeopardy! had already begun filming its 38th season with Richards in the host role. Production had gotten through about a week’s worth of episodes before Richards’ resignation. Sony Pictures Television, Jeopardy!’s producer, will continue the search for a permanent host via the use of more guest hosts. Here is Richards’ message of resignation to the Jeopardy! staff.
Dear Team,
It pains me that these past incidents and comments have cast such a shadow on Jeopardy! as we look to start a new chapter.
As I mentioned last week, I was deeply honored to be asked to host the syndicated show and was thrilled by the opportunity to expand my role. However, over...
Jeopardy! had already begun filming its 38th season with Richards in the host role. Production had gotten through about a week’s worth of episodes before Richards’ resignation. Sony Pictures Television, Jeopardy!’s producer, will continue the search for a permanent host via the use of more guest hosts. Here is Richards’ message of resignation to the Jeopardy! staff.
Dear Team,
It pains me that these past incidents and comments have cast such a shadow on Jeopardy! as we look to start a new chapter.
As I mentioned last week, I was deeply honored to be asked to host the syndicated show and was thrilled by the opportunity to expand my role. However, over...
- 8/20/2021
- by Alec Bojalad
- Den of Geek
The heat on new Jeopardy! host Mike Richards increased today, following news that the Anti-Defamation League has called for an investigation into his “pattern” of offensive comments.
The Adl published the following statement today on Twitter: “New Jeopardy! host Mike Richards’ disparaging remarks about Jews, women & Asians are no laughing matter. Stereotyping is an entry point to hate and his apology lacks acknowledgment of its harm. This reported pattern warrants an investigation.”
Jeopardy! began taping its new season today, with Richards taking the place of popular longtime host Alex Trebek, who died last year. Actress Mayim Bialik has also been named to host a series of specials and do the occasional guest hosting. Richards has been a somewhat unpopular choice among fans since he was named as permanent host. The uproar surrounding him increased on Wednesday, when news site The Ringer reported on comments he made on The Randumb Show,...
The Adl published the following statement today on Twitter: “New Jeopardy! host Mike Richards’ disparaging remarks about Jews, women & Asians are no laughing matter. Stereotyping is an entry point to hate and his apology lacks acknowledgment of its harm. This reported pattern warrants an investigation.”
Jeopardy! began taping its new season today, with Richards taking the place of popular longtime host Alex Trebek, who died last year. Actress Mayim Bialik has also been named to host a series of specials and do the occasional guest hosting. Richards has been a somewhat unpopular choice among fans since he was named as permanent host. The uproar surrounding him increased on Wednesday, when news site The Ringer reported on comments he made on The Randumb Show,...
- 8/20/2021
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
News that Mike Richards is in advanced negotiations to become permanent host of “Jeopardy!” made headlines coast to coast on Wednesday. But in what has become a familiar pattern for public figures, older incidents of questionable actions from his past quickly became a hot topic of conversation on social media.
Richards, a game show veteran who is already executive producer of “Jeopardy!” and its companion series “Wheel of Fortune,” was named among the defendants in multiple discrimination lawsuits filed during his 10-year run as executive producer of the “The Price Is Right.”
One brought by former “Price Is Right” model Brandi Cochran in 2010 accused Richards of firing her because she had become pregnant and had a difficult pregnancy. Another suit filed in 2011 by “Price” model Lanisha Cole asserted that she was wrongfully terminated and subject to harassment on the set of the long-running game show. Richards was dismissed as a...
Richards, a game show veteran who is already executive producer of “Jeopardy!” and its companion series “Wheel of Fortune,” was named among the defendants in multiple discrimination lawsuits filed during his 10-year run as executive producer of the “The Price Is Right.”
One brought by former “Price Is Right” model Brandi Cochran in 2010 accused Richards of firing her because she had become pregnant and had a difficult pregnancy. Another suit filed in 2011 by “Price” model Lanisha Cole asserted that she was wrongfully terminated and subject to harassment on the set of the long-running game show. Richards was dismissed as a...
- 8/6/2021
- by Cynthia Littleton and Ethan Shanfeld
- Variety Film + TV
Making it to an in-person audition for “Jeopardy!” isn’t so much a personal accomplishment, the result of some combination of luck and smarts to pass a seasonal online test, but an opportunity. When you sit in that Culver City, Calif. hotel meeting room near Sony Pictures Television studio with other jittery hopefuls and take the 50-question test, when you click, click, click the simulator buzzers with fervor as you earnestly respond to the casting coordinators’ query about what you would do with your winnings, you know you are not just competing to be a part of a legendary trivia institution but for a chance to meet the man synonymous with “Jeopardy!” itself, Alex Trebek.
Now, that possibility is sadly no more. Trebek’s passing on Sunday at 80 from pancreatic cancer, as so many “Jeopardy!” fans will tell you, is akin to losing a family member. As comedian Hari Kondabolu tweeted,...
Now, that possibility is sadly no more. Trebek’s passing on Sunday at 80 from pancreatic cancer, as so many “Jeopardy!” fans will tell you, is akin to losing a family member. As comedian Hari Kondabolu tweeted,...
- 11/9/2020
- by Elaine Low
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Two of America’s longest-running game shows, Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy! are heading back to the studio.
Both shows were hit by the Covid-19 production shutdown, but Deadline understands that both syndicated shows, which come from Sony Pictures Television and CBS Television Distribution, are set to start filming this week and next.
There will, however, be a few adjustments.
In Wheel of Fortune, Deadline understands that the wheel has been redesigned to provide proper social distancing between contestants.
Over on Jeopardy!, the stage has been slightly redesigned to allow for more space between the three contestant podiums. The contestants will also be at a safe distance from host Alex Trebek at his lectern.
As you can imagine, both shows have taken health and safety precautions as they return to production in Culver City, California. Only essential staff and crew will be allowed on stage, PPE will be provided...
Both shows were hit by the Covid-19 production shutdown, but Deadline understands that both syndicated shows, which come from Sony Pictures Television and CBS Television Distribution, are set to start filming this week and next.
There will, however, be a few adjustments.
In Wheel of Fortune, Deadline understands that the wheel has been redesigned to provide proper social distancing between contestants.
Over on Jeopardy!, the stage has been slightly redesigned to allow for more space between the three contestant podiums. The contestants will also be at a safe distance from host Alex Trebek at his lectern.
As you can imagine, both shows have taken health and safety precautions as they return to production in Culver City, California. Only essential staff and crew will be allowed on stage, PPE will be provided...
- 7/28/2020
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
When Harry Friedman first joined “Wheel of Fortune” as a producer in the mid-1990s, the pace of the game show was lumbering. Between puzzles, the crew would have to stop taping, draw huge duvetyn curtains in front of the puzzle board and manually replace each letter in each light box. The process stretched out a half-hour show to 45 or 50 minutes of taping, which would “just suck the life out of the audience, out of the contestants and out of Pat [Sajak] and Vanna [White],” said Friedman.
So in 1997, the television producer — who that same year would take on producing responsibilities for “Jeopardy!” — switched out the manual puzzle board for an electronic one. Vanna would only have to touch each light box to summon a new letter. The show could essentially be recorded in real time, allowing for more rounds during each taping and reinvigorating America’s Game.
“Harry quite literally saved...
So in 1997, the television producer — who that same year would take on producing responsibilities for “Jeopardy!” — switched out the manual puzzle board for an electronic one. Vanna would only have to touch each light box to summon a new letter. The show could essentially be recorded in real time, allowing for more rounds during each taping and reinvigorating America’s Game.
“Harry quite literally saved...
- 5/1/2020
- by Elaine Low
- Variety Film + TV
Many of the TV Questions in our highly popular TVLine column are posed largely for fun. But, at times, when possible, we do like to hunt down an answer. Such as to the question, “Why doesn’t Alex Trebek have a say in his potential, oneday successor as Jeopardy! host?”
In the recent primetime ABC special What Is Jeopardy!? Alex Trebek and America’s Most Popular Quiz Show, Trebek — who is 79, and since March has been battling stage 4 pancreatic cancer — said that whenever his final episode rolls around, his 30-second farewell message to viewers will include the advisory, “Don’t...
In the recent primetime ABC special What Is Jeopardy!? Alex Trebek and America’s Most Popular Quiz Show, Trebek — who is 79, and since March has been battling stage 4 pancreatic cancer — said that whenever his final episode rolls around, his 30-second farewell message to viewers will include the advisory, “Don’t...
- 1/20/2020
- TVLine.com
What is a primetime TV hit years in the making? Jeopardy! The Greatest of All Time tournament, featuring the three highest-earning Jeopardy! contestants, Ken Jennings, Brad Rutter, and James Holzhauer, has dominated ratings this week. With the trio taking primetime by storm, it may not be the last time we see them together on ABC when a Goat winner is crowned next week, the network’s head of alternative Robert Mills told Deadline at TCA.
“Whether it’s something with Jeopardy! or not, certainly I would argue these three guys are the biggest stars in primetime right now. Is there a different game? I don’t know,” Mills said of a possible followup program headlined by Jennings, Rutter and Holzhauer. “But you can’t look at this and not acknowledge the impact that they have had over the 20 years and this past week without saying, ‘Ok. how do we tap...
“Whether it’s something with Jeopardy! or not, certainly I would argue these three guys are the biggest stars in primetime right now. Is there a different game? I don’t know,” Mills said of a possible followup program headlined by Jennings, Rutter and Holzhauer. “But you can’t look at this and not acknowledge the impact that they have had over the 20 years and this past week without saying, ‘Ok. how do we tap...
- 1/11/2020
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Longtime “Jeopardy!” host Alex Trebek, who last year announced that he had been diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer, said at the Television Critics Assn. winter press tour that he doesn’t expect to retire anytime soon.
“I don’t foresee that 30-second moment coming up in the near future,” he said on stage, referring to his recent comments that he would end his last taping with space for 30 seconds to say his goodbyes.
“Now, thinking about retiring and retiring are two different things,” said Trebek, recalling the headline flurry prompted by a reporter asking him some years ago if he was considering retirement. “As long as I feel my skills have not diminished too much, and as long as I enjoy spending time with people like these three and working with people like Harry and our creative writing staff, then I’ll continue doing it.”
In a wide-ranging Q&a with Trebek,...
“I don’t foresee that 30-second moment coming up in the near future,” he said on stage, referring to his recent comments that he would end his last taping with space for 30 seconds to say his goodbyes.
“Now, thinking about retiring and retiring are two different things,” said Trebek, recalling the headline flurry prompted by a reporter asking him some years ago if he was considering retirement. “As long as I feel my skills have not diminished too much, and as long as I enjoy spending time with people like these three and working with people like Harry and our creative writing staff, then I’ll continue doing it.”
In a wide-ranging Q&a with Trebek,...
- 1/8/2020
- by Elaine Low
- Variety Film + TV
“Jeopardy! “ hasn’t yet picked a successor for Alex Trebek. Discussion about Trebek’s future on the show was a topic at the forefront of ABC’s Television Critics Association winter press tour on Wednesday — however, both Trebek and “Jeopardy! “executive producer Harry Friedman shared there aren’t concrete plans for the beloved host’s departure amid his battle with...
- 1/8/2020
- by Brent Furdyk
- ET Canada
Alex Trebek gave an update on the condition of his health Wednesday at the Television Critics Association Winter Press Tour.
“Some days are better than others,” Trebek told reporters at the Langham Huntington hotel in Pasadena. “My resistance is lower than most of you, of course, because of the treatments. I’ve been having chemotherapy as you can tell. I have a cold that seems to be going around, but this is the second time I’ve had it in the past month and a half.”
The longtime “Jeopardy!” host of 36 years has spoken openly about undergoing treatment for pancreatic cancer.
Also Read: 'Jeopardy! Greatest of All Time': Here's Where the 3 Competitors Stand
“They’ve got me off one of my chemo drugs which was killing me, and I won’t know until tomorrow when I go in for some more tests where things stand,” he continued. “Some weeks are good,...
“Some days are better than others,” Trebek told reporters at the Langham Huntington hotel in Pasadena. “My resistance is lower than most of you, of course, because of the treatments. I’ve been having chemotherapy as you can tell. I have a cold that seems to be going around, but this is the second time I’ve had it in the past month and a half.”
The longtime “Jeopardy!” host of 36 years has spoken openly about undergoing treatment for pancreatic cancer.
Also Read: 'Jeopardy! Greatest of All Time': Here's Where the 3 Competitors Stand
“They’ve got me off one of my chemo drugs which was killing me, and I won’t know until tomorrow when I go in for some more tests where things stand,” he continued. “Some weeks are good,...
- 1/8/2020
- by Margeaux Sippell
- The Wrap
I’d like to solve the puzzle: “Vanna White Will Host Disney’s Secret Santa Holiday Giveaway On Wheel Of Fortune?” Right you are.
The career letter-turner makes her on-air hosting debut next week, stepping in for recuperating longtime frontman Pat Sajak. She will preside over the syndicated game show’s annual giveaway where viewers have the chance to win everything an in-studio contestant wins.
Last month Sajak had to cancel a Wheel taping to have ultimately successful emergency surgery to correct a blocked intestine. White, who has been the show’s letter-turner alongside Sajak since President Reagan’s first term, is filling in the blanks as host until he returns. It’s unknown when he will return.
As for the Wheel of Fortune holiday promotion, in episodes airing from December 9-20, every in-studio contestant will become a “Secret Santa” to an at-home viewer. If the viewer has a Wheel Watchers Club Spin ID number,...
The career letter-turner makes her on-air hosting debut next week, stepping in for recuperating longtime frontman Pat Sajak. She will preside over the syndicated game show’s annual giveaway where viewers have the chance to win everything an in-studio contestant wins.
Last month Sajak had to cancel a Wheel taping to have ultimately successful emergency surgery to correct a blocked intestine. White, who has been the show’s letter-turner alongside Sajak since President Reagan’s first term, is filling in the blanks as host until he returns. It’s unknown when he will return.
As for the Wheel of Fortune holiday promotion, in episodes airing from December 9-20, every in-studio contestant will become a “Secret Santa” to an at-home viewer. If the viewer has a Wheel Watchers Club Spin ID number,...
- 12/5/2019
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
In today’s TV news roundup, Pop TV releases a teaser for the final season of “Schitt’s Creek,” and Nickelodeon kicks off the holiday season with “Top Elf.”
Dates
Nickelodeon’s “Top Elf” series will premiere Nov. 29. “Top Elf” is a new competition series featuring guest judges Frankie Grande, Amirah Kassem, Peyton List, Alex Wassabi and Pete Wentz of Fall Out Boy. Mike Duffy and Tim Duffy of Ugly Brother Studios executive produce with Jimmy Fox of Main Event Media.
First Looks
Pop TV released a first look teaser and key art for the sixth and final season of “Schitt’s Creek.“ The series is set to end with, at least, a happy ending with Patrick (played by Noah Reid) and David (played by series co-creator David Levy) getting married. Series regulars Eugene Levy, Catherine O’Hara, Annie Murphy and Emily Hampshire are also set to return. The final season premieres Jan.
Dates
Nickelodeon’s “Top Elf” series will premiere Nov. 29. “Top Elf” is a new competition series featuring guest judges Frankie Grande, Amirah Kassem, Peyton List, Alex Wassabi and Pete Wentz of Fall Out Boy. Mike Duffy and Tim Duffy of Ugly Brother Studios executive produce with Jimmy Fox of Main Event Media.
First Looks
Pop TV released a first look teaser and key art for the sixth and final season of “Schitt’s Creek.“ The series is set to end with, at least, a happy ending with Patrick (played by Noah Reid) and David (played by series co-creator David Levy) getting married. Series regulars Eugene Levy, Catherine O’Hara, Annie Murphy and Emily Hampshire are also set to return. The final season premieres Jan.
- 11/18/2019
- by LaTesha Harris
- Variety Film + TV
James Holzhauer is finally going to face his nemesis Ken Jennings.
After winning the “Jeopardy! Tournament of Champions” last week, Holzhauer is returning to the game show to compete against the game show’s two other biggest legends: Jennings, who continues to hold the all-time highest-earnings record over Holzhauer, and Brad Rutter.
Airing on ABC in a multi-night event starting Jan. 7, this will be the first time “Jeopardy!” has aired on network television, instead of in syndication, in 30 years.
Also Read: 'Jeopardy!': James Holzhauer Wins Tournament of Champions
Holzhauer, Jennings and Rutter will compete in a series of matches. The first to win three matches gets $1 million and the title of “Jeopardy! The Greatest of All Time.” The two runners up will each receive $250,000.
The matches will air from 8 to 9 p.m. Et on Jan. 7, 8 and 9, and if necessary, on through Jan. 10, 14, 15 and 16 until a three-game winner emerges.
After winning the “Jeopardy! Tournament of Champions” last week, Holzhauer is returning to the game show to compete against the game show’s two other biggest legends: Jennings, who continues to hold the all-time highest-earnings record over Holzhauer, and Brad Rutter.
Airing on ABC in a multi-night event starting Jan. 7, this will be the first time “Jeopardy!” has aired on network television, instead of in syndication, in 30 years.
Also Read: 'Jeopardy!': James Holzhauer Wins Tournament of Champions
Holzhauer, Jennings and Rutter will compete in a series of matches. The first to win three matches gets $1 million and the title of “Jeopardy! The Greatest of All Time.” The two runners up will each receive $250,000.
The matches will air from 8 to 9 p.m. Et on Jan. 7, 8 and 9, and if necessary, on through Jan. 10, 14, 15 and 16 until a three-game winner emerges.
- 11/18/2019
- by Margeaux Sippell
- The Wrap
“What is the Goat, Alex?” The three top money winners in Jeopardy! history are set to face off in a million-dollar ABC primetime throwdown hosted by Alex Trebek.
Sony Pictures Television said Monday that the appropriately named Jeopardy! The Greatest of All Time will feature last season’s phenom James Holzhauer going up against Ken Jennings and Brad Rutter for a $1 million prize. The also-rans in the multiple-night event starting January 7 will bank a cool quarter-mil apiece.
The fan favorites will compete in a series of matches; the first to win three receives $1 million. Longtime Ep/showrunner Harry Friedman, who is set to reture next year, will executive produce.
“Based on their previous performances, these three are already the ‘greatest,’ ” Trebek, said. “But you can’t help wondering: Who is the best of the best?”
The comes after last week’s annual Tournament of Champions, in which Holzhauer dispatched the...
Sony Pictures Television said Monday that the appropriately named Jeopardy! The Greatest of All Time will feature last season’s phenom James Holzhauer going up against Ken Jennings and Brad Rutter for a $1 million prize. The also-rans in the multiple-night event starting January 7 will bank a cool quarter-mil apiece.
The fan favorites will compete in a series of matches; the first to win three receives $1 million. Longtime Ep/showrunner Harry Friedman, who is set to reture next year, will executive produce.
“Based on their previous performances, these three are already the ‘greatest,’ ” Trebek, said. “But you can’t help wondering: Who is the best of the best?”
The comes after last week’s annual Tournament of Champions, in which Holzhauer dispatched the...
- 11/18/2019
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
One day, a Midwestern kid set his sights on Hollywood and headed West. He gave himself six months to make it or return to Nebraska. The day before his self-imposed deadline, he landed a job writing for television.
It sounds too corny for an inspirational movie, yet this is Harry Friedman’s life.
Now, after decades of running “Jeopardy!” and “Wheel of Fortune,” Friedman is receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Nov. 1, just months ahead of his planned May 2020 retirement. He’ll be 73, and although it’s been “a hell of a lot of fun,” it was time, he says, to step down from his executive producer role on the syndicated hits.
“When we went on the air in ’83, there were three networks, and that was it. No Fox, no streaming, no cell phones, no nothing,” says “Wheel of Fortune” host Pat Sajak. “It is as...
It sounds too corny for an inspirational movie, yet this is Harry Friedman’s life.
Now, after decades of running “Jeopardy!” and “Wheel of Fortune,” Friedman is receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Nov. 1, just months ahead of his planned May 2020 retirement. He’ll be 73, and although it’s been “a hell of a lot of fun,” it was time, he says, to step down from his executive producer role on the syndicated hits.
“When we went on the air in ’83, there were three networks, and that was it. No Fox, no streaming, no cell phones, no nothing,” says “Wheel of Fortune” host Pat Sajak. “It is as...
- 11/1/2019
- by Jacqueline Cutler
- Variety Film + TV
Alex Trebek is back at work on the upcoming season of “Jeopardy” following treatment for Stage 4 pancreatic cancer.
“I’ve gone through a lot of chemotherapy and thankfully that is now over,” Trebek said in a video promoting the 36th season of the longrunning game show. You can watch the video above. “I’m on the mend and that’s all I can hope for right now.”
Trebek was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer, which has a 9% survival rate, back in March. “Normally, the prognosis for this is not very encouraging but I’m going to fight this,” the host said when he announced his diagnosis back in March. “I’m going to keep working and with the love and support of my family and friends — and with the help of your prayers, also — I plan to beat the low survival rate statistics for this disease.”
Also Read: Mike Richards to Executive Produce 'Jeopardy!
“I’ve gone through a lot of chemotherapy and thankfully that is now over,” Trebek said in a video promoting the 36th season of the longrunning game show. You can watch the video above. “I’m on the mend and that’s all I can hope for right now.”
Trebek was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer, which has a 9% survival rate, back in March. “Normally, the prognosis for this is not very encouraging but I’m going to fight this,” the host said when he announced his diagnosis back in March. “I’m going to keep working and with the love and support of my family and friends — and with the help of your prayers, also — I plan to beat the low survival rate statistics for this disease.”
Also Read: Mike Richards to Executive Produce 'Jeopardy!
- 8/29/2019
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
Mike Richards is set to take over as executive producer of “Jeopardy!” and “Wheel of Fortune” when Harry Friedman exits next year.
Friedman announced his plans to retire from the game show world at the beginning of this month after 25 years with Sony Pictures Television.
Richards, who served as executive producer of “The Price is Right” for over ten years and also worked on “Let’s Make a Deal,” announced plans to leave both shows in June after signing an overall deal with Spt.
Also Read: How the Dead 'Spider-Man' Deal Fueled Sony's Rebound
“Wheel of Fortune” is currently in production on its 37th season, while and “Jeopardy!” is taping its 36th. Both will premiere on Sept. 9.
“‘Wheel of Fortune’ and ‘Jeopardy!’ are the gold standard of television — exceptional, timeless formats produced by amazing teams. Alex Trebek, Vanna White and Pat Sajak are incredible hosts and I...
Friedman announced his plans to retire from the game show world at the beginning of this month after 25 years with Sony Pictures Television.
Richards, who served as executive producer of “The Price is Right” for over ten years and also worked on “Let’s Make a Deal,” announced plans to leave both shows in June after signing an overall deal with Spt.
Also Read: How the Dead 'Spider-Man' Deal Fueled Sony's Rebound
“Wheel of Fortune” is currently in production on its 37th season, while and “Jeopardy!” is taping its 36th. Both will premiere on Sept. 9.
“‘Wheel of Fortune’ and ‘Jeopardy!’ are the gold standard of television — exceptional, timeless formats produced by amazing teams. Alex Trebek, Vanna White and Pat Sajak are incredible hosts and I...
- 8/29/2019
- by Margeaux Sippell
- The Wrap
Mike Richards, the veteran executive producer of The Price is Right and Let’s Make A Deal, will take the helm as executive producer of Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy! when the shows’ long-time Ep/showrunner Harry Friedman departs next year.
Friedman announced on August 1 that he would be stepping down when his contract ends at the conclusion of the shows’ current seasons, capping a remarkable 25-year career at Sony Pictures TV, the shows’ producer.
Wheel of Fortune is currently in production on the show’s 37th season and Jeopardy! is taping its 36th season; both premiere on Monday, September 9. Last season, Wheel of Fortune reached 25.8M viewers on average each week and Jeopardy! reached 25.0 million.
“Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy! are the gold standard of television – exceptional, timeless formats produced by amazing teams,” said Richards.” Alex Trebek, Vanna White and Pat Sajak are incredible hosts and I can’t...
Friedman announced on August 1 that he would be stepping down when his contract ends at the conclusion of the shows’ current seasons, capping a remarkable 25-year career at Sony Pictures TV, the shows’ producer.
Wheel of Fortune is currently in production on the show’s 37th season and Jeopardy! is taping its 36th season; both premiere on Monday, September 9. Last season, Wheel of Fortune reached 25.8M viewers on average each week and Jeopardy! reached 25.0 million.
“Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy! are the gold standard of television – exceptional, timeless formats produced by amazing teams,” said Richards.” Alex Trebek, Vanna White and Pat Sajak are incredible hosts and I can’t...
- 8/29/2019
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Mike Richards is taking over as executive producer on both “Wheel of Fortune” and “Jeopardy!” Richards will take the reins of both shows following the exit of longtime executive producer Harry Friedman, who announced in the beginning of August that he would be stepping down in 2020 when his contract expires.
“’Wheel of Fortune’ and ‘Jeopardy!’ are the gold standard of television – exceptional, timeless formats produced by amazing teams,” Richards said. “Alex Trebek, Vanna White and Pat Sajak are incredible hosts and I can’t wait to work side by side with them on these world class franchises. Harry Friedman’s 25-year run can only be described as legendary. I have long been inspired by his hard work and brilliant decision making, and I’m honored to get to work with Harry over the next few months. Thank you to Mike Hopkins and the entire Sony team for this dream opportunity.
“’Wheel of Fortune’ and ‘Jeopardy!’ are the gold standard of television – exceptional, timeless formats produced by amazing teams,” Richards said. “Alex Trebek, Vanna White and Pat Sajak are incredible hosts and I can’t wait to work side by side with them on these world class franchises. Harry Friedman’s 25-year run can only be described as legendary. I have long been inspired by his hard work and brilliant decision making, and I’m honored to get to work with Harry over the next few months. Thank you to Mike Hopkins and the entire Sony team for this dream opportunity.
- 8/29/2019
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy have a succession plan in place for when longtime executive producer Harry Friedman steps down in 2020.
Sony Pictures TV, which produces both syndicated game shows, has named Mike Richards as the new exec producer for the two series. He'll assume the role when the 72-year-old Friedman steps aside after the 2019-20 season, his 25th at Sony.
Richards is a veteran of The Price Is Right and Let's Make a Deal, having executive produced both from 2009 to 2018. He recently signed a multiyear overall deal with Sony that takes effect in September.
"We are fortunate to ...
Sony Pictures TV, which produces both syndicated game shows, has named Mike Richards as the new exec producer for the two series. He'll assume the role when the 72-year-old Friedman steps aside after the 2019-20 season, his 25th at Sony.
Richards is a veteran of The Price Is Right and Let's Make a Deal, having executive produced both from 2009 to 2018. He recently signed a multiyear overall deal with Sony that takes effect in September.
"We are fortunate to ...
- 8/29/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Harry Friedman will step down as executive producer of Sony TV game shows “Wheel of Fortune” and “Jeopardy” when his contract expires next May, ending a 25-year run at the studio.
“I think all of you know how much I love these shows, and that I deeply respect how hard you’ve worked to make them so successful,” Friedman said when he addressed his team. “We’ve celebrated a lot of milestones together, and now with my own personal 25th anniversary milestone just a few months away, it felt like this was the right time for me to step away. Please join me in making this the best season yet.”
Friedman has produced more than 6,270 hours of game shows for American television audiences, most of that tied to “Wheel of Fortune” and “Jeopardy.”
Also Read: Tarantino's 'Once Upon a Time in Hollywood': How the Stars Compare to Real-Life Characters (Photos)
“Jeopardy” host Alex Trebek,...
“I think all of you know how much I love these shows, and that I deeply respect how hard you’ve worked to make them so successful,” Friedman said when he addressed his team. “We’ve celebrated a lot of milestones together, and now with my own personal 25th anniversary milestone just a few months away, it felt like this was the right time for me to step away. Please join me in making this the best season yet.”
Friedman has produced more than 6,270 hours of game shows for American television audiences, most of that tied to “Wheel of Fortune” and “Jeopardy.”
Also Read: Tarantino's 'Once Upon a Time in Hollywood': How the Stars Compare to Real-Life Characters (Photos)
“Jeopardy” host Alex Trebek,...
- 8/1/2019
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
Harry Friedman, the longtime executive producer of Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy!, is stepping down when his current contract expires next May, capping a 25-year career that has seen him produce more than 6,270 hours of programming, most of those on two of TV’s most venerable game shows.
Friedman shared the news with the staffs of both Sony Pictures TV productions this morning at a gathering on the Jeopardy! sound stage, where the Alex Trebek-hosted quiz show is currently taping its 36th season. Wheel of Fortune is now in production on Season 37. Both syndicated staples premiere September 9.
Jeopardy! especially has had a resurgence in the spotlight, with Trebek’s public fight with cancer and phenom champion James Holzhauer (and his 32-game winning streak) fueling big ratings gains.
“I think all of you know how much I love these shows, and that I deeply respect how hard you’ve worked to make them so successful,...
Friedman shared the news with the staffs of both Sony Pictures TV productions this morning at a gathering on the Jeopardy! sound stage, where the Alex Trebek-hosted quiz show is currently taping its 36th season. Wheel of Fortune is now in production on Season 37. Both syndicated staples premiere September 9.
Jeopardy! especially has had a resurgence in the spotlight, with Trebek’s public fight with cancer and phenom champion James Holzhauer (and his 32-game winning streak) fueling big ratings gains.
“I think all of you know how much I love these shows, and that I deeply respect how hard you’ve worked to make them so successful,...
- 8/1/2019
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
Harry Friedman, the record breaking game show producer, has decided to step down from his executive producer role on “Wheel of Fortune” and “Jeopardy!” after his contract expires in 2020.
The decision brings to an end a 25-year career for Friedman at Sony Pictures Television, which produces the two shows. Over the course of his five decades in the industry, Friedman has produced more than 6,270 hours of game shows and has become the most decorated game show producer in history with 14 Emmys to his name.
“I think all of you know how much I love these shows, and that I deeply respect how hard you’ve worked to make them so successful,” Friedman said when he made the announcement to his team on the “Jeopardy!” set. “We’ve celebrated a lot of milestones together, and now with my own personal 25th anniversary milestone just a few months away, it felt like...
The decision brings to an end a 25-year career for Friedman at Sony Pictures Television, which produces the two shows. Over the course of his five decades in the industry, Friedman has produced more than 6,270 hours of game shows and has become the most decorated game show producer in history with 14 Emmys to his name.
“I think all of you know how much I love these shows, and that I deeply respect how hard you’ve worked to make them so successful,” Friedman said when he made the announcement to his team on the “Jeopardy!” set. “We’ve celebrated a lot of milestones together, and now with my own personal 25th anniversary milestone just a few months away, it felt like...
- 8/1/2019
- by Will Thorne
- Variety Film + TV
After 25 years and commandeering almost 12,000 broadcasts, Harry Friedman — the executive producer of Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy! — has decided to step down at the end of the coming season. He informed the staffs Thursday morning on the Culver City soundstage where the hugely popular syndicated game shows tape.
Friedman, 72, came to Los Angeles in 1971, knowing no one and giving himself a six-month timeline to make things work. On the last day, he scored a gig writing questions for The Hollywood Squares. He worked 11 years at Squares, then joined Wheel as a producer in 1995 and ...
Friedman, 72, came to Los Angeles in 1971, knowing no one and giving himself a six-month timeline to make things work. On the last day, he scored a gig writing questions for The Hollywood Squares. He worked 11 years at Squares, then joined Wheel as a producer in 1995 and ...
Harry Friedman, illustrious executive producer of Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune, is moving on. The 72-year-old TV veteran told staff of his decision Thursday morning, though he’ll be staying on at both shows through the end of his current contract.
“I think all of you know how much I love these shows, and that I deeply respect how hard you’ve worked to make them so successful,” Friedman said in a statement to both show’s staffs on the Jeopardy! stage. “We’ve celebrated a lot of milestones together, and now with my own personal 25th anniversary milestone just ...
“I think all of you know how much I love these shows, and that I deeply respect how hard you’ve worked to make them so successful,” Friedman said in a statement to both show’s staffs on the Jeopardy! stage. “We’ve celebrated a lot of milestones together, and now with my own personal 25th anniversary milestone just ...
Mike Richards, a veteran executive producer for “The Price Is Right” and “Let’s Make a Deal,” will be leaving both game shows after signing a multi-year overall deal with Sony Pictures Television.
Richards will start working with Sony beginning in September. Under the new deal, he will develop and produce game shows for Sony’s network, cable, and streaming platforms. He worked on “The Price Is Right” for over 10 years.
“Bringing on an extraordinarily talented and versatile producer like Mike, who has been at the helm of two of the biggest franchises in daytime TV, reinforces our strong commitment to growing our game show business,” Mike Hopkins, chairman of Sony Pictures Television, said. “Mike joining Spt fills out a veritable ‘Dream Team’ of outstanding producers, including Harry Friedman, who produces ‘Jeopardy!’ and ‘Wheel of Fortune,’ two of the longest running and most successful game shows in television. With these flagship shows,...
Richards will start working with Sony beginning in September. Under the new deal, he will develop and produce game shows for Sony’s network, cable, and streaming platforms. He worked on “The Price Is Right” for over 10 years.
“Bringing on an extraordinarily talented and versatile producer like Mike, who has been at the helm of two of the biggest franchises in daytime TV, reinforces our strong commitment to growing our game show business,” Mike Hopkins, chairman of Sony Pictures Television, said. “Mike joining Spt fills out a veritable ‘Dream Team’ of outstanding producers, including Harry Friedman, who produces ‘Jeopardy!’ and ‘Wheel of Fortune,’ two of the longest running and most successful game shows in television. With these flagship shows,...
- 6/26/2019
- by Margeaux Sippell
- The Wrap
Mike Richards, the longtime executive producer of both “The Price Is Right” and “Let’s Make a Deal,” is stepping down after signing a multi-year overall deal with Sony Pictures Television, Variety has learned exclusively.
Richards will begin working with Sony in September. Under the deal, he will develop and produce game shows for network, cable, and streaming platforms. He has been with both “The Price Is Right” and “Let’s Make a Deal” for over 10 years each.
“I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve done to restore and transform ‘The Price Is Right’ and ‘Let’s Make a Deal’ over the last decade,” said Richards. “My focus has always been to create content that makes the world a better and happier place and I look forward to working with Mike Hopkins and the entire Sony team to create new shows that entertain and inspire.”
Richards has produced over...
Richards will begin working with Sony in September. Under the deal, he will develop and produce game shows for network, cable, and streaming platforms. He has been with both “The Price Is Right” and “Let’s Make a Deal” for over 10 years each.
“I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve done to restore and transform ‘The Price Is Right’ and ‘Let’s Make a Deal’ over the last decade,” said Richards. “My focus has always been to create content that makes the world a better and happier place and I look forward to working with Mike Hopkins and the entire Sony team to create new shows that entertain and inspire.”
Richards has produced over...
- 6/26/2019
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Batman, Julia Roberts and Mahershala Ali are among the 2020 class of honorees for the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
In all, 35 people were chosen from hundreds of nominees during a selection meeting in June. In feature film, stars will be unveiled for Mahershala Ali, Batman, Ruth E. Carter, Laurence Fishburne, Chris Hemsworth, Spike Lee, Julia Roberts, Octavia Spencer and Lina Wertmuller.
In the television category, Christina Applegate, Andy Cohen, Cindy Crawford, Terry Crews, Harry Friedman, Kathie Lee Gifford, Nigel Lythgoe, Milo Ventimiglia, Burt Ward, Wendy Williams, Dr. Phil McGraw and, posthumously, Andy Kaufman will be honored.
Recording artists Elvis Costello, Sir Lucian Grainge, Billy Idol, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, Alicia Keys, Andy Madadian, Mo Ostin, Bobby Rydell, Alejandro Sanz, Tanya Tucker, and Muddy Waters, posthumously, also will be honored with stars on the world-famous street.
Dave Chappelle and Billy Porter will represent the live theatre/ live performance category. Susan Stamberg is the sole inductee for radio.
In all, 35 people were chosen from hundreds of nominees during a selection meeting in June. In feature film, stars will be unveiled for Mahershala Ali, Batman, Ruth E. Carter, Laurence Fishburne, Chris Hemsworth, Spike Lee, Julia Roberts, Octavia Spencer and Lina Wertmuller.
In the television category, Christina Applegate, Andy Cohen, Cindy Crawford, Terry Crews, Harry Friedman, Kathie Lee Gifford, Nigel Lythgoe, Milo Ventimiglia, Burt Ward, Wendy Williams, Dr. Phil McGraw and, posthumously, Andy Kaufman will be honored.
Recording artists Elvis Costello, Sir Lucian Grainge, Billy Idol, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, Alicia Keys, Andy Madadian, Mo Ostin, Bobby Rydell, Alejandro Sanz, Tanya Tucker, and Muddy Waters, posthumously, also will be honored with stars on the world-famous street.
Dave Chappelle and Billy Porter will represent the live theatre/ live performance category. Susan Stamberg is the sole inductee for radio.
- 6/21/2019
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Leak? What leak? Jeopardy! viewers apparently were unfazed by spoiler video of 32-game champion James Holzhauer’s stunning loss as he attempted to break Ken Jennings’ all-time winnings record. Monday’s game was its highest-rated episode in 14 years in overnight ratings.
Citing Nielsen Media Research, CBS Television Distribution also said the show out-rated the night’s leading primetime broadcast, ABC’s The Bachlorette, by 153%.
The episode’s 10.1 rating among homes was the biggest of the season for Jeopardy! — also scoring highs adults 18-49 (2.2), adults 25-49 (3.0) and multiple women demos (1.7-3.3). The number for homes was the biggest since 2005. The distributor also said that the show ranked No. 1 in homes for 29 of Holzhauer’s 33 days.
Holzhauer, a professional gambler from Las Vegas, needed less than $59,000 to topple Jennings from the top of the all-time leaderboard. But he ended up losing to Chicago librarian Emma Boettcher after an uncharacteristically low wager in the Final Jeopardy round.
Citing Nielsen Media Research, CBS Television Distribution also said the show out-rated the night’s leading primetime broadcast, ABC’s The Bachlorette, by 153%.
The episode’s 10.1 rating among homes was the biggest of the season for Jeopardy! — also scoring highs adults 18-49 (2.2), adults 25-49 (3.0) and multiple women demos (1.7-3.3). The number for homes was the biggest since 2005. The distributor also said that the show ranked No. 1 in homes for 29 of Holzhauer’s 33 days.
Holzhauer, a professional gambler from Las Vegas, needed less than $59,000 to topple Jennings from the top of the all-time leaderboard. But he ended up losing to Chicago librarian Emma Boettcher after an uncharacteristically low wager in the Final Jeopardy round.
- 6/4/2019
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
“Jeopardy!” is not messing around when it comes to the leaked video that prematurely revealed that James Holzhauer’s reign on the game show would come to an end on Monday’s episode.
Executive producer Harry Friedman told the Washington Post in an interview published Tuesday that while he “can’t say at this point” who released the footage that featured Holzhauer being bested by Emma Boettcher after a 32-game winning streak, the “Jeopardy!” producers “think we know where and who and how” and plan to take “very, very, very appropriate” against the responsible party.
“Somebody alerted us that they had seen it on YouTube. By the time we saw it, it already had 2,000 views,” Friedman told the Post of the leak, which first surfaced online Sunday and spread quickly via social media and media outlets.
Also Read: Summer TV Premiere Dates: Here's Every New and Returning Show (Photos)
“I feel bad for the viewers.
Executive producer Harry Friedman told the Washington Post in an interview published Tuesday that while he “can’t say at this point” who released the footage that featured Holzhauer being bested by Emma Boettcher after a 32-game winning streak, the “Jeopardy!” producers “think we know where and who and how” and plan to take “very, very, very appropriate” against the responsible party.
“Somebody alerted us that they had seen it on YouTube. By the time we saw it, it already had 2,000 views,” Friedman told the Post of the leak, which first surfaced online Sunday and spread quickly via social media and media outlets.
Also Read: Summer TV Premiere Dates: Here's Every New and Returning Show (Photos)
“I feel bad for the viewers.
- 6/4/2019
- by Jennifer Maas
- The Wrap
Jeopardy!‘s executive producer promises to take “very, very, very appropriate” action against the people responsible for a leaked spoiler clip of 32-game champion James Holzhauer’s stunning loss that aired Monday. Harry Friedman told the Washington Post, “We think we know where and who and how.”
The pirated clip was posted Sunday and quickly went viral around the Internet. “Somebody alerted us that they had seen it on YouTube,” Friedman told the paper. “By the time we saw it, it already had 2,000 views.”
The video was a big-fat spoiler for the show’s — and Holzhauer’s — millions of fans who were geared up to watch him try to beat the Jeopardy! winnings record for an initial run. The pro gambler from Las Vegas needed only $58,000 and change to topple Ken Jennings from the top of the all-time leaderboard. But he would lose to Chicago librarian Emma Boettcher after an...
The pirated clip was posted Sunday and quickly went viral around the Internet. “Somebody alerted us that they had seen it on YouTube,” Friedman told the paper. “By the time we saw it, it already had 2,000 views.”
The video was a big-fat spoiler for the show’s — and Holzhauer’s — millions of fans who were geared up to watch him try to beat the Jeopardy! winnings record for an initial run. The pro gambler from Las Vegas needed only $58,000 and change to topple Ken Jennings from the top of the all-time leaderboard. But he would lose to Chicago librarian Emma Boettcher after an...
- 6/4/2019
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
The source of the leaked Jeopardy! footage that appeared to (and in fact did) spoil the end of James Holzhauer’s winning streak should prepare to face the music — and it won’t be the game show’s pleasant theme song.
On the Monday, June 3 installment of the long-running quizzer, Holzhauer’s 32-day winning streak came to an end when he got bested by Emma Boettcher, a University of Chicago librarian who came out on top by a margin of nearly $22,000.
Holzhauer — a 34-year-old professional sports gambler from Las Vegas — wound up amassing total winnings of $2,462,216, just $60,000 shy of the...
On the Monday, June 3 installment of the long-running quizzer, Holzhauer’s 32-day winning streak came to an end when he got bested by Emma Boettcher, a University of Chicago librarian who came out on top by a margin of nearly $22,000.
Holzhauer — a 34-year-old professional sports gambler from Las Vegas — wound up amassing total winnings of $2,462,216, just $60,000 shy of the...
- 6/4/2019
- TVLine.com
“Jeopardy” may still feature the same format (three quiz rounds with three contestants) since its inception, but that doesn’t mean the long-running game show, now in its 35th year in syndication, hasn’t modernized for the times. In addition to releasing games in both card, video and app format, the show also often causes quite a stir on social media.
“We see all of the time that people play along at home,” says executive producer Harry Friedman. “It used to be that people may talk about the clues they saw on last night’s show with friends or family or co-workers. Now they go on Twitter and we can see the reactions in real-time.”
Friedman fondly recalls the moment last summer when Gal Gadot retweeted a post from the official “Jeopardy” Twitter account that showed highlights from the category about the “Wonder Woman” star. “A whole category?! … I can’t [believe] it,...
“We see all of the time that people play along at home,” says executive producer Harry Friedman. “It used to be that people may talk about the clues they saw on last night’s show with friends or family or co-workers. Now they go on Twitter and we can see the reactions in real-time.”
Friedman fondly recalls the moment last summer when Gal Gadot retweeted a post from the official “Jeopardy” Twitter account that showed highlights from the category about the “Wonder Woman” star. “A whole category?! … I can’t [believe] it,...
- 2/28/2019
- by Danielle Turchiano
- Variety Film + TV
For 35 years “Jeopardy” has thrived in the syndication market as a game show that CBS Television Distribution president of sales Stephen Hackett calls “reliable but never predictable.” Although the technology of the series has evolved over time, the format is tried and true: a trio of contestants compete in a three-round quiz show featuring clues that range from history and literature to science, sports and the arts. But in order to better celebrate that special anniversary, the team behind the show crafted its first-ever “All-Stars Games.”
“What Harry Friedman and the team has had is the ability to take a very simple format and slightly change it and tweak it and enhance it over the years,” says Mike Hopkins, chairman of Sony Pictures Television. “They’re very smart about the new elements they put in, and it evolves. To be able to move forward with the franchise without stripping away...
“What Harry Friedman and the team has had is the ability to take a very simple format and slightly change it and tweak it and enhance it over the years,” says Mike Hopkins, chairman of Sony Pictures Television. “They’re very smart about the new elements they put in, and it evolves. To be able to move forward with the franchise without stripping away...
- 2/28/2019
- by Danielle Turchiano
- Variety Film + TV
Less than a week after its on-air talent renewed their contracts, syndicated game show juggernauts Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy! have been renewed through the 2022-23 season. Host Pat Sajak and letter-turner Vanna White will keep Wheel spinning, while Alex Trebek contiues to have all the Jeopardy! answers.
The three-year renewals will take Wheel through its 40 season and Jeopardy! through its39th. Both will continue to air on numerous ABC stations, include those in the top four markets of New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and Philadelphia.
“Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy! are two of the longest-running shows on television – and for good reason,” said Steve Hackett, President of Sales for CBS Television Distribution. “They consistently deliver entertaining, timeless programming that the whole family can enjoy together, creating whole new generations of fans. We’re excited they will continue to anchor stations’ lineups, delivering eyeballs and ad dollars to our partners,...
The three-year renewals will take Wheel through its 40 season and Jeopardy! through its39th. Both will continue to air on numerous ABC stations, include those in the top four markets of New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and Philadelphia.
“Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy! are two of the longest-running shows on television – and for good reason,” said Steve Hackett, President of Sales for CBS Television Distribution. “They consistently deliver entertaining, timeless programming that the whole family can enjoy together, creating whole new generations of fans. We’re excited they will continue to anchor stations’ lineups, delivering eyeballs and ad dollars to our partners,...
- 11/5/2018
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Though Alex Trebek hinted that he was going to leave “Jeopardy” after his contract expired in 2020, he will remain with the game show for a little bit longer.
Sony Pictures TV, which produces the long-running game show, announced that Trebek has signed a new deal through the 2021-2022 TV season. Additionally, Pat Sajak and Vanna White also re-upped with Spt for “Wheel of Fortune” through 2022.
During an interview with TMZ’s Harvey Levin, Trebek was asked about the likelihood of his departure from the game show after his contract expired. He described the odds of him leaving as “50/50.. and a little less.” Trebek said he had a few candidates in mind for his replacement.
Also Read: Alex Trebek's Halloween Costume is a Total Kiss-Off (Video)
“Pat, Vanna and Alex are simply the best. Night after night, they seamlessly entertain generations of fans on two of the most beloved television programs on air.
Sony Pictures TV, which produces the long-running game show, announced that Trebek has signed a new deal through the 2021-2022 TV season. Additionally, Pat Sajak and Vanna White also re-upped with Spt for “Wheel of Fortune” through 2022.
During an interview with TMZ’s Harvey Levin, Trebek was asked about the likelihood of his departure from the game show after his contract expired. He described the odds of him leaving as “50/50.. and a little less.” Trebek said he had a few candidates in mind for his replacement.
Also Read: Alex Trebek's Halloween Costume is a Total Kiss-Off (Video)
“Pat, Vanna and Alex are simply the best. Night after night, they seamlessly entertain generations of fans on two of the most beloved television programs on air.
- 10/31/2018
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
Game show icons Pat Sajak & Vanna White and Alex Trebek will maintain their hosting posts on Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy! as the trio have renewed their contracts with Sony Pictures Television (Spt) through 2022.
Sajak, White and Trebek will all continuing hosting their shows through the 2021/22 season
“Pat, Vanna and Alex are simply the best. Night after night, they seamlessly entertain generations of fans on two of the most beloved television programs on air. We are thrilled that they’ll continue to do so through 2022,” said Spt Chairman Mike Hopkins.
Wheel of Fortune, along with Sajak and White, is currently celebrating its 36th season in syndication while Jeopardy! and Trebek are in their 35th season on the air.
With 24 million viewers reached each week, Jeopardy! is the top-rated quiz show on television and has nabbed numerous awards and honors. It was honored with the Guinness World Record record for the...
Sajak, White and Trebek will all continuing hosting their shows through the 2021/22 season
“Pat, Vanna and Alex are simply the best. Night after night, they seamlessly entertain generations of fans on two of the most beloved television programs on air. We are thrilled that they’ll continue to do so through 2022,” said Spt Chairman Mike Hopkins.
Wheel of Fortune, along with Sajak and White, is currently celebrating its 36th season in syndication while Jeopardy! and Trebek are in their 35th season on the air.
With 24 million viewers reached each week, Jeopardy! is the top-rated quiz show on television and has nabbed numerous awards and honors. It was honored with the Guinness World Record record for the...
- 10/31/2018
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
Here’s a scenario that might play out next week. Wheel of Fortune viewer yells at his or her screen: “I can solve that puzzle! ‘I Have to Make a Mortgage Payment.” And for one fortunate fan, such payments could be a thing of the past.
The venerable game show is trying something new for its 36th season in syndication: giving one viewer the chance to win a house. Wheel is teaming with Minto Communities and Margaritaville Holdings to give away a new home valued at $350,000 at Latitude Margaritaville, a new active adult community.
A winner of the “Home Sweet Home Giveaway” will be chosen at random. To enter, viewers should tune in to Wheel of Fortune each night during the week of October 29-November 2, take note of the bonus round puzzle solution and input it at http://www.wheeloffortune.com for an entry.
“After 35 seasons it’s not an...
The venerable game show is trying something new for its 36th season in syndication: giving one viewer the chance to win a house. Wheel is teaming with Minto Communities and Margaritaville Holdings to give away a new home valued at $350,000 at Latitude Margaritaville, a new active adult community.
A winner of the “Home Sweet Home Giveaway” will be chosen at random. To enter, viewers should tune in to Wheel of Fortune each night during the week of October 29-November 2, take note of the bonus round puzzle solution and input it at http://www.wheeloffortune.com for an entry.
“After 35 seasons it’s not an...
- 10/22/2018
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
“Wheel of Fortune” is putting a positive spin on things, after being accused of depicting slaves in an image from its “Southern Charm” week. After being called out on social media, the popular game show has decided to replace the background image in future airings. “Wheel of Fortune” executive producer Harry Friedman also said that the show regrets having used the image in the first place. Also Read: 'Walking Dead' Shirt Pulled From Stores After Racism Complaint “We regret the use of this background image, and we will be replacing it moving forward on any rebroadcast,” Friedman said in a statement provided to.
- 6/19/2017
- by Tim Kenneally
- The Wrap
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