Match Game (TV Series 1973–1990) Poster

(1973–1990)

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9/10
So funny you'll laugh your ________ off!! (insert clean word here)
rbj198530 December 2006
"Match Game" has to be, by far, the funniest game show that I have ever seen. Unfortunately, I didn't grow up during the "Match Game" era, but I've seen lots of episodes. I particularly liked the chemistry between Gene Ryaburn and the other panelists His wit and humor made that show what it was.

However, during the years, you could tell a definite loss of enthusiasm for the show. In the 77-78 seasons, Richard Dawson tried to put a damper on the show with his attitude. He wouldn't smile, and didn't interact with the other panelists like he used to His actions and his success eventually led the producers of the show to add a 'Star Wheel' where all the panelists had a chance to win on the 'Celebrity Match.' Very shortly after the wheel was added, Richard left.

After 'Match Game' was canceled on CBS and put into syndication, the show began to slowly grind down. It appeared to me that some of the panelists who were brought on tried to upstage Gene. Stars like Bart Braverman, Jon "Bowser" Bauman, Bill Daly, and Elaine Joyce overdid themselves trying to be funny, and to me it took away from the classic humor of the show. Gene rarely did his little bits of humor, and a lot of times seemed upset at the stars or disinterested. Eventually, the show was canceled altogether, and 'Match Game' went down as a TV classic. It was revived several times, but none of the other versions lived up to the classic format of the 70's.

All in all, I have to give a big two-thumbs-up for the 70's version. I would recommend that anybody watch the episodes (they air on "Game Show Network"), or buy the DVD (in select retail stores).
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8/10
Funny
basheerbrother10 February 2014
Match Game was a funny show I have to admit, I didn't really want to like it because my dad kept saying how awesome and hilarious it is and to be totally honest with you usually when he likes something and swears that it is very funny it turns out to be really the opposite. But he was right about this one.

It is on in reruns on the game show channel or whatever it is called and it is from the seventies. Basically a host reads a one line statement with a blank in it to the contestants and six guests who are or were celebrities at the time. If the contestants fill in the blank with the same word as any of the guests they get a point for each correct match, and so on.

Simple but pretty funny. I was really very surprised how well it seems to have held up.
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8/10
Finally a DVD set!!
Einzelgaenger6 December 2006
At last, the show that became my favorite as a pubescent and post-pubescent boy in the 1970s is out on DVD! Where else could a kid pick up vocabulary like "boobs" and "tinkling" and "derriere"? Gene Rayburn was one of the most underrated TV personalities of all time, starting out as the "Ed McMahon" to Steve Allen's Tonight Show; and Match Game was the feather in his cap. With an ensemble to loonies like Brett Somers, Charles Nelson Reilly, Richard Dawson, Betty White, Fannie Flagg, Joyce Bulifant, and Patti Deutsch, I could count on a half-hour party every day I came home from school. However, my parents might not have approved, but luckily they were both at work!

I had watched the reruns on Game Show Network, but couldn't stand the cropping, the annoying logos, and worst of all, speeding up the tape to make room for more commercials. Now at last, I can sit back and watch 30 episodes mostly complete, and I say "mostly" because the famous ticket plugs (where one celebrity's face would be superimposed over another's body and so forth) are missing.

I rate the DVD set an 8 mainly because the episodes chosen cover a general spread of the show's nine year run instead of concentrating more on MG's peak years in 74-77. It does have an interview with Match Game's reigning queen, Brett Somers, but the interview was not edited well. (It was just a question flashing on the screen then cutting to Brett for the answer). Also, Brett appears in the brief tribute to Gene Rayburn, which could also have been better, but better than nothing. And nowhere does Match Game's "prince" Charles Nelson Reilly appear in any interviews. Not sure if it's because Charles did not want to participate or if the producers of this DVD didn't think to ask him for an interview (???), but this is a glaring omission.

Other than that, I'm blankin' happy with the DVDs and hope it's the first of many more releases to come.
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A true blast from the past...
BlackJack_B6 November 2003
The Match Game shows of the 70's were a huge favorite of mine as a kid. Like "The Gong Show", I was allowed to watch this program as a kid despite the content of it being a little too "adult" at times, although I think it's much tamer than the crap that airs on FOX. It was a time, the 1970's, when everyone was much looser and there wasn't the hypocrisy and falsehoods of political correctness.

Match Game was similar to games like "What's My Line". The contestant was given a phrase with a blank in it and he/she would give a response and try to see if they could get matches from the celebrities. Whoever won the game would then go into a bonus round where they could win various amounts of money (depending on the version of Match Game) where they just had to match the response of the celebrity they chose.

Match Game was famous for their regular panelists. Richard Dawson wasn't just a comedian, he brought moments of arrogance, cockiness, and dry British wit that was so intriguing to watch. He may have not been a favorite of the regulars but the female contestants were in love with him. He was the guy who most of them chose as the one to match answers with in the bonus round before the celebrity wheel showed up. Of course, Brett Somers and Charles Nelson Reilly were awesome, too. Those two were a hoot. I also like Fannie Flagg; she was so out there.

The real star of the show was always Gene Rayburn. The Master of Ceremonies; he always played it cool and collected. He was a gracious, friendly, entertaining, non-overbearing host. I liked his rich tone of voice and charm to make the contestants feel comfortable. I always enjoy watching Match Game on the Game Show Network; I kind of wish they'd dump most of their homegrown game shows like Cram, Lingo, and others (except Whammy) and show more 70's and 80's classics like Match Game. I think re-showing stuff like "Regis' Gig" and "The Weakest Link" isn't a good idea.
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10/10
70's Match Game THE BEST ONE!
ShelbyTMItchell4 February 2012
Warning: Spoilers
You can remake any version of this classic. But the 70s...IS THE BEST ONE! As a panel of six celebrities mainly the late Charles Nelson Reiley, Brett Sommers, and the still alive Richard Dawson. Fill in a one word blank read by the late and great host Gene Rayburn.

The contestants had to guess and match it up with them. It is mainly matching wits and charm between the contestants and the players.

But the real stars are the panel. As they were the comic reliefs along with Rayburn. Who was cool, calm, and collective when they get zany. The contestants were there to play the "straight man" really. While having fun with it.

The show you can say "jump the shark" when Richard Dawson left to devote himself full time to "Family Feud" and had that star wheel thing in which everybody picked him before the star wheel as contestants won money by matching him. Big and huge mistake.

But still the 70s Match Game had lots of wit and charm. And great chemistry among the host and panelists.
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10/10
More Memories, But These Are Better (SPOILERS)
I_Am_The_Taylrus19 May 2007
Warning: Spoilers
SPOILERS

As you know if you read my comments, nobody does, by the way, I am a huge fan of game shows. Well, this little game show just happens to be my favorite. Come on, how could you not this? You know everyone has fun, this is anything but serious, everyone is probably a bit drunk, you can basically do anything but doing something bad or nasty, and come on, this is just plain fun! How could you not like some of the most famous game show moments of all time, including the 1977 School Riot, other mistakes, puns, and more. I can not name all the moments, that would take days. Gene Rayburn (RIP) is one of the greatest game show hosts of all time, along with Bob Barker from the Price is Right, and he was a panelist for a short while, by the way. Everyone knows, though, that the best and most prolific panelists are Charles Nelson Reilly, Brett Somers, and Richard Dawson. On Head-To-Head Match you should always choose Richard. Most of the time he matches the contestant. Then he left in 1978 for time to do Family Feud, which is another great game-show. This show was the best game show until the Star Wheel came. That kind of ruined it. That made the contestants spin a wheel. When it landed on a certain celebrity, you had to try to match that celebrity.

Here is how you play. There are six celebrities, called panelists, and they are two contestants. Gene Rayburn says something, with the word blank in the sentence. The panelists write down what they think is that blank. The contestant tries to match the panelist. There are two rounds. Whoever wins gets $100 and then plays Audiece Match. There is something like Rocky *blank* and the contestant calls on 3 panelists. They give what they think is that blank. The third answer is $100, second is $250, and the top is $500. If they get one of those they play Head-To-Head Match. Let's say that they won $500, they then play for $5000. They try to match the celebrity. If they do, they win the $5000. If they do not, they win the $500.

Overall, this is one of the finest game shows ever. It is one of the funniest, one of the most famous, and one of the most iconic ever. This totally deserved to be number one of the Fifty Greatest Game Shows Of All Time. When I say that I mean it was number one, and it could not have been anything less. Yeah, it is that good. Trust me, if you absolutely love game shows, you have to watch this. Nothing is wrong with this, well, except for the Star Wheel. Anyway, I guess there is nothing else to say. This is an excellent game show. Everything has already been said about this game show. Well, I guess I can say just watch this and be entertained for one of the best thirty minute-long game shows ever.

10/10

Recommended Shows: Family Feud, The Price Is Right, and Wheel of Fortune.
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10/10
One of the greatest game shows of all time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (28 exclamation points!!!!!)
sethn17213 September 2006
One night, I was flipping the channels when I had come upon this beauty on a little known station known as "The Game Show Network" - reruns of this show: "Match Game 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, and beyond!!!!!" LOL The host is Gene Rayburn, who liked to wear his suits, plaid or plain!!!!! Some of the most well known celebrities to play along are Brett Somers, and my favorite: Richard Dawson, who would later on host the other CBS game show "Family Feud!!!!!"

Anyways, there are two contestants, preferably from Southern California, who make a selection of one of two cards in two rounds. The questions are often funny; since this was 70s TV, this pushed the envelope at the time. When we always get to those "blanks," it's funny!!!!! I also like how female contestants kiss Richard if the $500 Supermatch question is correct. This is also a wonderful game to play at home or at a party; it's fun AND good for your brain!!!!! (I try to watch this every weekday night, BTW.)

I was also surprised at how this came to be the best game show of all time by GSN, thanks to the "50 Greatest Game Shows of All Time." I just happened to find this show; I ended up liking it ala "Wheel of Fortune," and I wouldn't think I have just found the best game show ever!!!!! Yes, people, I have seen the light...from my television screen.

"Match Game" is the best show ever!!!!! Watch it nightly; certainly no "Disney Channel Originals" garbage here!!!!!

10/10
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10/10
Best Game Show Ever !!!
munjak27 June 2017
Warning: Spoilers
My wife and I are both retired and try to catch "Match Game" as much as possible. It's on 4 times a day M-F on GSN. We DVR it for all episodes, so sometimes we have 18-20 shows to watch, if we forget. Then we binge watch all night. The shows alternate between Match Game 73 & Match Game 77.Love the Closed Captioning, as I am a little hard of hearing & so much "cross talking" is going on all the time. Sad to say, all the 4 leads ( Gene Rayburn,Brett Somers, Charles Nelson Reilly, and Richard Dawson) have all passed away. If you're checking out the "Cast & Crew" on IMDb , what's great is they have EVERY guest who's ever appeared on Match Game73. You can check out everybody's Bio. Spent a good chunk of a night seeing who's still alive & how their careers turned out. GREAT job, IMDb!!! OH, and YES, we LOVE the show !!
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10/10
Love this show
elizabetheric21 November 2018
I love this classic game show. I love the actors and cool everything looks versus todays modern game shows. I just love the humor and laughter. I am a 1975 baby and I started watching these shows now 2018 but I'm glad I did. I will rewatch and not get bored. I wish all of the seasons were available on my network streams
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10/10
Great game show
ajlposh1 September 2006
I am a huge game show fan, but this one is probably the best, along with Hollywood Squares. I was not around when this was on during it's run on CBS. But I have watched the reruns on GSN so many times, and I have grown to love it. Gene, Brett, Charles, Richard and company are very funny. The questions are so dang funny. I loved the one where they all tried doing Jimmy Durante impressions. It's not your average game show. It's kind of more like a classroom, with the whole panelist bickering like mad. I mean, you can be 10 years old and love this show like mad. I say that if you haven't seen this, go watch it on GSN. It's on three times a day and once again, its great.
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6/10
If Only They'd Muzzled Brett
amexspam17 September 2019
If each of the 6 panelists spoke the same amount they would have talked about 17% of time. Richard Dawson spoke 25% of the time, but his bon mots were generally funny. And then there is Brett Somers who spoke 37% of the time - or more than any two panelists put together. And when Brett spoke it was simply verbal dribble that made noise and seldom sense. I understand the reason is backstage there was alcohol and perhaps Brett simply kept getting drunker and drunker as the week was filmed. It's a shame they kept her on.
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10/10
One of TV's Funniest Game Shows
hfan775 October 2008
Along with Hollywood Squares, Match Game was one of the funniest game shows of the 1970s. The original version, which ran from 1962-69 was a more serious game with questions like "Name a cold drink" that would also turn up on the early revival episodes. But as the show evolved, the questions became more and more silly and that's one reason why the show became a hit.

The other reason for the show's success was host Gene Rayburn, along with regulars Richard Dawson, Brett Somers and Charles Nelson Reilly who created a zany atmosphere around the double entendre responses to the questions. Rayburn was very funny imitating a senior citizen when reading an Old Man Periwinkle question.

Unfortunately, the show began to jump the shark when Dawson became the host of Family Feud and became even more difficult to deal with, especially after the addition of The Star Wheel in the Head to Head Match. He would be the only regular to depart. Also, a time change from afternoon to late morning cost the show most of its after school audience, though it would return to the afternoon but it was too late. The show ran its course in daytime, only to stay on for three more years in syndication.

Fear not, the reruns are alive, well and funny on GSN.
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7/10
Sommers and Rayburn
DavidsGuy15 December 2023
Enjoyable and entertaining show for the most part except for Brett Sommers and Gene Rayburn. Rayburn could be rude and insulting to guests and thought he was so much more than he was. He could also be obnoxious and hammy. It's easy to see why his career never went any further than game shows. The often annoying Sommers had a big mouth and never shut up. The only thing more grating than her nonstop mouth were her attempts at "singing." She always wanted to be the center of attention and would do anything to get it, including at the expense of other celebrities. Some of the contestants were more entertaining and memorable than the celebrities, especially if they were cute, sexy, or just stupid.
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1/10
Stupid show don't watch
nikkijesser17 August 2018
New show is dumb! I didn't like the questions nor the contestants or the host. The host mimics people and is not very smart. Made countless mistakes the whole show. Couldn't even remember anyone's name and kept saying "let's try this again". It was a waste of time to watch.
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A fave of mine
mkaiser-17 August 2005
Match Game started modestly enough with only Richard Dawson as the sole regular. Brett and Charles were added on by a happy accident. When Brett commented that Charles wasn't wearing any socks, someone thought it might be interesting to seat her next to Charles (she sat on Richard's right on her debut week) and another odd couple was born.

At the start of the '78 shows, Richard Dawson was gradually becoming less enchanted with Match Game. He wanted out, but he had to wait for his contract to expire. Richard's behavior took a noticeable turn around April 1978, when he stopped smiling, spoke only to reveal his answers (in a low, monotone voice), wouldn't look at the camera, and overall looked bored and miserable. It didn't help when they added the Star Wheel, meaning that he'd participate less in the bonus game. When Gene noticed this very sudden change in behavior, he tried to co-erse him to smile. The audience shouted requests, and when Richard flatly refused, Gene resorted to nearly strangling him to the ground before finally getting a smile out of him. Unfortunately, this didn't help his behavior for the rest of the run. 6 weeks later, they finally let him go. Richard's last show was without fanfare, and there was no direct mention that it would be his last (other than his statement "Fare thee well" which he wrote on his card at the start of the show). Word has it Gene did mention Richard was leaving, but those comments were edited out. It may have been edited out either because they may have thought Richard would return, or they just felt Richard didn't deserve a "goodbye" after his erratic behavior.

The following week, Bob Barker was the first to fill Richard's chair, and he noticed a card that Richard left behind that said "The sun never sets in England". Gene commented "He thought he was going to be here forever" Very little was mentioned of Richard after he left, but on the show's finale, when a contestant insisted on kissing Mc.Lean Stevenson, despite his having a cold, Betty White quips "May I suggest you pass that on to Richard Dawson?"
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9/10
One of the Best
sherm-522 July 2023
The Match Game shows of the 1970-82 period were great viewing. You had real pros such as Richard Dawson, Betty White, Fannie Flagg ,Patty Duetch, Marcia Wallace and Charles Nelson Reilly that were great at ad lib, quick witted jokes and come backs. I don't understand how so many reviews can applaud Brett Somers. She never shut up! All thru the show she kept talking! And nothing really funny. A 'has been' who never was. Even Ethel Merman was annoyed and let it be known. Gene Rayburn was fine although he seemed a little full of himself, as if he were more educated than anyone around. The show also had its share of beautiful eye candy w/Elaine Joyce, Anitra Ford, Barbara Rhoades, Judy Landers and Match Game put a spotlight on many celebrities who proved they are dull, boring and not talented without a script !
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8/10
very entertaining and politically incorrect 70's game show
disdressed1223 May 2007
even though this game show is from the early seventies,i still really enjoy it.it's not boring at all.in fact it is quite funny at times.there's a lot of things they say that are funny,but they would not get away with today,in this time of political correctness.it's also amusing to see what people wore back then and their hairstyles.man,that's some crazy sh*t.if you grew up in that era,it certainly is an interesting trip down memory lane,especially if you're the nostalgic type.people were definitely less inhibited back then,and happier,i think.nowadays,any time you wanna do something that goes against convention,it's as if a committee has to study every little detail to make sure no one or their dog(or cat,or hamster etc.)gets offended.to me,watching Match game is a very entertaining experience.
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10/10
Fun game show
Catherine_Grace_Zeh14 July 2006
First off, I must say that this is a fun game show. Also, since I'm 24, I haven't seen every episode. However, I do know the show very well. Every time I've watched it, I've had a lot of fun playing along and watching. Despite the fact that it's finished its run, this makes me long to be a contestant. The thing I like most about it are the questions. Despite the fact that I can't think of an answer for every question, I still have fun playing along. I hope the Game Show Network keeps it on so I can play along and watch again. If that happens, I will be really happy. Before I wrap this up, I'd like to say that I'll always remember this show in my memory forever. Now, in conclusion, I hope that you catch it one day before it goes off the air for good.
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10/10
Such a classic. And a darn good time.
SCManCA29 March 2020
I have found myself watching several seasons worth of the show on Amazon Prime. There are also so many episodes to be found on Youtube. They are having such a great time, it makes you want to be a part of it. And it definitely makes you yearn for the golden days of classic TV and game shows. I always loved the banter between Charles and Brett. Hilarious. The one liners from Richard were great too. I always liked Fannie Flagg. She was brilliant. Just a lot of fun. A friend told me to look at the new version....can't deal with the obscenity for the sake of laughs. There is nothing left to the imagination. And that alone makes it not funny at all. It was the innuendo of the 70s that kept it really funny. You could be funny without being obscene. The only one who I didn't always care for was Patty Deutsch. Many times she didn't even seem to try and match with the contestant but went for the laugh. If I'm a contestant that would kind of bug me. All the rest though were just fantastic. Such a fun time.
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6/10
Watched after school
deadwhy3248 March 2023
I would've given it another star except for Bret Somers being there. Who told her she was funny? She never shut up, had to have the camera on her at all times. Her interaction with Charles Nelson Reilly was funny,but otherwise she was annoying. Dawson was alright in the beginning but when he started pouting because they changed the format of the game with the wheel being spun to see who did the final match with the contestant, that was a turn off too. Patti Deutschmark and Joyce Boulifant we're not funny at all either. Deutschmark would go for the laugh rather than help the contestant win. Despite all this, I watched!
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1/10
Lose the old man impersonations
snitzell25 July 2022
Every day I watch reruns it becomes evident why Jack Klugman got his ex-wife a job as a contestant. She never shuts up or actually makes sense. At least after her Felix Unger looked quite normal.

Charles was a saint for not pushing her off the platform during the show.

Since Canada infested us with Bret Sommers,Jim Carrey and Ted Cruz it's a miracle we're not at war with them.
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HailMary is right...those WERE the days (sigh)...
14jade20 February 2002
I remember so clearly the morning TV schedule I shared with my mom during my preschool years (and summers from school later on): "Love of Life," "The Price Is Right," "The Young and the Restless," and of course, "The Match Game." Boy, did I love this show! Even "The Price Is Right" (which I am also quite fond of) couldn't outdo Charles Nelson Reilly and Brett Somers. Even as a little kid, I could appreciate their magical chemistry. They were hilarious, especially CNR!

I never understood the drama with Richard Dawson until years later, but that's okay. He was great when things were "normal." While I prefer his version of "Family Feud," "The Match Game" could not have continued without CNR and Brett.

The Game Show Network has brought back some fond nostalgia. HailMary is right...those WERE the days (sigh)...
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Those Were The Days
HailMary6 May 2000
I think what made the Match Game such a hit was that anybody who watches it can't help but play. Even though the game had a very weak structure, the comedy, the contestants, the celebrities, and most importantly the revolutionizing questions, make the greatest game show ever. This show didn't make you a millionaire, but for thirty minutes, it made you feel like you had seven friends who's only job was to make you laugh. God Bless You, Gene Rayburn, Brett Somers, Charles Nelson Reilly, Richard Dawson, and Patti Deutsch. (Pardon my spelling)

Peace Be With You, DPF
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A blanking good time!!!!
stargazer2428 July 2001
This show proves that game shows were actually fun once! Even though this game doesn't tax your brain like Millionaire, you also don't feel like falling asleep in the middle of it. I've found myself more than once practically falling on the floor laughing at the hijinks of Richard Dawson, Brett Somers, Charles Nelson Reilly, Gene Rayburn, Betty White, Fannie Flagg, Patti Deutch, etc. The list could go on forever.

This show has produced more funny, memorable moments than all the episodes of Friends and Frasier put together. If you've ever seen the Admiral Color TV incident or the "nipple" incident, you know what I mean.

The only thing that ruined this show was the star wheel. People were getting sick of the contestants always picking Richard for the Big Money Super Match that they came up with this stupid star wheel that picked a celebrity for you. Bad move.

Thank God for these people that were willing to completely let loose and keep us entertained for years and years to come!!!!!
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Very Funny!
brijess-226 November 1999
Now that the Game Show Network is showing old episodes of the best incarnation of the Match Game, it allows a whole new generation to watch one of the most popular game shows of all time! The show was kind of silly: Fill in the blank of a story, poem, rhyme, etc and hope that you match famous people. But the way Gene Rayburn conducted the show with the celebrity panel, it made for excellent viewing. Many people felt like the "regulars" on the show were "has beens," but Charles Nelson Riley would never fail to make people laugh and have a good time on the show. This show is worth catching night after night! I give this program an A.
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