Match Game (TV Series 2016–2021) Poster

(2016–2021)

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1/10
Alec Baldwin is So Incredibly Creepy!
Man9920427 June 2016
Warning: Spoilers
Imagine your Grandfather trying his hardest to be "hip" and "suggestive" and "provocative". This gives you some sort of idea of just how incredibly creepy Host Alec Baldwin is as a game show host. He is not fun, or entertaining - just incredibly sad. Baldwin so so bad he is painful to watch.

Remember all the things you loved about the iconic game show Match Game? Well, you will not find ANY of those things on this version which should be called "Anti Match Game".

When the game show first premiered back in the early 1960s it flopped. The basic premise was, and is, incredibly boring. The original show wasquickly cancelled - but not taken immediately off the air. With nothing to lose, the man who wrote the questions decided to write questions which were quirky, and suggestive.

The audience Loved the changes.

The Producers of the current show have apparently never seen any of theold shows. Everything which was charming, and quirky, and entertaining about the several decades worth of past Match Game shows ... is totally missing here.

The Producers do not know the difference between "double entendre" and"flat out creepy". They do not know how to be "naughty" within a g rated format. The initial questions featured sexual lubricants being sold at Costco and a limerick in which "hickey' was the only possible answer. There is absolutely no finesse here.

Another big problem are the "celebrities". No one would ever accuse Brett Sommers or Charles Nelson Reilly of being "Stars" - but they actually HAD personality. They could think on their feet and deliver snappy one liners with the best of them.

The current "celebrities" are incredibly bland and insipid. I normally like Rosie O'Donnell and Deborah Messing - but here they come across as being wooden and dull. Rosie appears to be heavily medicated -- or so over botoxed she cannot make any facial expressions.

The show ends up being awfully - so painfully bad it is impossible to sit through. I would love to watch a sympathetic reincarnation of the Class Match Game - but this is certainly not that.
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8/10
Good Revival of the 70s Classic
kingbk-228 June 2016
I saw some of the reviews on IMDb for the new Match Game on ABC and they were very negative, which shocked me. For the first time since the 70s/80s era one went off the air, it feels like they finally got it right. I love that they kept the old theme song, I like that the set, while modernized, is very similar to the 70s era set. The panel I thought was pretty strong, with Rosie O'Donnell and Ian Michael Black in particular looking like potential regulars. Alec Baldwin was fine as host, not terrific, definitely not Gene Rayburn, but he did a good job all things considered. There were certain moments of awkwardness and creepiness, but not too bad. I even loved the skinny microphone! I thought the questions were written with some provocative nature, but not over the top sleaze (Steve Harvey Family Feud, I'm looking at you). Sure, the Costco one was a bit much, but compare this to the failed late 90s remake of Match Game and this one is more tame and not as difficult to watch. The celebration after the audience match seemed a bit excessive and over the top. That should only happen after a successful Super Match. Overall, I thought this remake was pretty well done. Not perfect, but much better than some of the reviewers think.
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3/10
Loved The Original
zane-darkstar30 June 2016
The very first episode of the new Match Game 2016 and the panelists are lackluster and/or marginally recognizable as famous.

Rosie O'Donnell was unable to keep her political views to herself and turned entertainment into soap boxing. Who gives a damn what she thinks about any of the presidential candidates? That's not what this show is supposedly about. She had her chance to whine on The View. Now, she's trying to torpedo another show with her vitriol.

I loved the original Match Game from the Seventies. This isn't on par.

I thought Alec Baldwin was pretty good, but even so, he just makes me realize how much fun Gene Rayburn really was, back in the day.

I won't be tuning in to future broadcasts.
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2/10
Terrible
VetteRanger3 July 2016
The original was lots of fun, with mostly clever jokes steering occasionally into naughty territory.

This version is just loud, obnoxious, and crude. Sad, because I was looking forward to a Match Game revival. Until I saw the show, I thought maybe Baldwin could pull it off.

He can't.

The celebrities don't really seem to be trying to find answers that will match the contestants. If they can't even get into the spirit of the game, why bother?

Just avoid this mess.
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7/10
People can say what they want but I like it
chrisdye-318674 January 2017
I will say that I got addicted to this in the summer of the year 2016 and can not wait to see more no it's not always appropriate for children but that is the whole point of the late time it's super fun and hilarious loved Tyson and some of the others not so much of a fan of Rosie odonald but besides that I loved it couldn't quite laughing at some points of the show just please get Rosie the hell off of the show and we should have a great time and a few good laughs and regards to alec Baldwin he was hilarious and just made me want more of him and his style of things such a joy to enjoy and language at a very funny bunch of people just having a good time
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9/10
Baldwin was made to host this show!
Top_Dawg_Critic11 July 2019
Harvey = Family Feud. Baldwin = Match Game.

Love Alec's wit, humor and attitude. He seriously needs a stand-up comedy show! Outstanding panel and laugh at/with the fun everyone has. Excellent questions. However, the show needs to screen some of the contestants... some of them are brain dead smh. All you idiot wannabe critics that base your reviews on your political agendas need to get a life and learn how to give an honest review - about THIS show.

It's a well deserved and honest 9/10 from me
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9/10
Actually funny
subpar-9180321 August 2016
Was surprised by the negative reviews, so wanted to offer a counter to the nostalgic viewpoints. And just to say, I was a kid during the original show, and did see reruns here and there, but was never much of a fan. Didn't find it compelling in any noticeable way.

This version is actually very funny, and a good deal of that is because of AB as host. From my perspective, they said take your naturally quirky humor of 30 Rock, and get into the character of a cheesy game show host. It totally works, he is just funny. It has to be a hard gig, especially doing it over and over and over again over time, but right now, he is really quick witted and humorous. He has good chemistry for the role.

I actually just watched something like my fifth or sixth episode this evening... was basically smiling the whole way through. How often does that get to happen?

I am amazed how hard some the contestants and celebs make it... Some of the questions are really obvious, but get no correct matches. And yet some questions get so dumbed down, that they really aren't a challenge at all. Think the bonus round match "peanut ..."?!? I mean come on, who can possibly miss that? So yeah, I am critical in the sense that this show isn't very compelling from the perspective of having the home audience really investing themselves in the contestant outcomes, but I felt the same way from the original.

It can improve in the writing, and selection of both contestants and celebs, but really does stand out because of AB's humor in his role as host. We will see over time, but pretty darn funny stuff out of the gates.
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1/10
Awful
welshNick26 June 2016
Warning: Spoilers
I honestly thought that they had stopped making these terrible shows for prime time television slots but how wrong I was. ABC subjected us to a game show which belonged in the 1970's and really should have stayed there. It started off with a dreadful signature tune and 6 Z list 'celebrities' all guessing the blanks along with the contestants and whoever matched the most went through to the final. The Uk did a version of this called Blankety Blank which mercifully got taken off the air in the eighties. Everything about this show was terrible, the production values, the excessive noise, the Z list celebs obviously delighted with some TV exposure all trying to steal the show. I doubt this will be on TV for very long and will shortly end up on the game show network. Absolutely awful - avoid at all costs.
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4/10
similar in appearance as the classic show, but lacks the character
smyscoach16 February 2017
I was excited to see my favorite childhood game show making a return. I have great memories watching with my Grandma, Rayburn, Brett, Dawson, Charles Nelson, and others. Too many questions now have sexual references. The show can be funny and entertaining without this. If ABC is trying to appeal to us "boomers", they should try to make the show similar to what made it good in the 60s and 70s.
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3/10
Garbage!
intrepidami29 June 2018
First off Alec Baldwin has the personality of a rock. Gene Rayburn was a comedic genius in comparison. He could mug the camera, he could alter his voice, he made hilarious comments off the top of his head, Alec can do none of that. The best he can do is adopt a opps I just farted look, that may or may not be acting. So far I've yet to see anybody who compares to the legendary celebrities the original show had like Charles Nelson Riley, Richard Dawson, Brett Michaels. People who were truly funny without straining.

Anthony Anderson seems like the person who puts the most thought into his answers. Like Richard Dawson was on the old show.

I just watched an episode where the contestant gave an answer that was bleeped out, and then several of the celebrities gave answers that DIDN'T match, but were also unseeable. So what good is that? No honestly, why am I bothering to watch an episode where I don't even know what the answers were? Garbage!
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5/10
Disappointing
filmnoggin31 July 2018
Below average junior high school boys must be writing the ridiculous questions on this modern lowbrow version of Matchgame. It's painful to watch Alec Baldwin, through no fault of his own, struggling to explain the stupid questions to the guest celebrities. I'll take reruns of the classic version any day over this tripe.
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10/10
Hilarious, witty, and a lot of fun
ccwe11 January 2017
First, take other ratings with a grain of salt because many people are simply offended that Alec Baldwin, an actor, hosts this and portrays a satirical Donald Trump on another show (because, you know, he's an actor....).

Second, it comes on at 10 for a reason--it's not for the kids to watch.

But finally, this show is incredibly funny. The guests are not has-beens as petty people have said. They have some of the best guests I've seen who provide hilarious commentary to the show. Alec Baldwin shows off his fantastic wit brilliantly in this fun game show. The banter between him and the celebrity guests actually have my sides hurting from laughter each time I watch, and I'm not someone who laughs at just anything. The fact that the banter isn't scripted makes it impressive, to me, that these celebs can be this funny with such ease. Bravo for a terrific show
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10/10
Great show - glad it got renewed
thedreamfinder26 September 2016
I grew up enjoying the 70's version of this show. Didn't think they could match it, but they come awfully close and in some cases better. Alex is a great host and seems to come up with the jokes/comebacks in a fast/smart frame of mind. It's almost like he was meant to do this show. I didn't think he would work out, but he does.

I will say the panelist aren't always the best. There have been some exceptions but I'd say a good 50% of them should be removed in place of someone that might be better at the game. They do seem to be more adult oriented which I do find better then the original because some of the jokes that get knocked around from the answers had me laughing out loud.

Overall I looked forward to it coming on every week and was glad to see it added to the summer lineup. Can't wait for season two.

And for the people that rated it low.. some of them obviously had someone p*** in their corn flakes. Just because they made some jokes at Donald Trump doesn't mean you have to give the show one star. Lighten up a little!
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10/10
It's my favorite current game show.
hmb-5177819 April 2020
They're drunk. They're wildly inappropriate.

What's not to love?

If I have a quibble, it's that the contestants are all over the place. But they are seemingly picked from (and I'm sorry for this) the least intelligent people in the room.

The old shows are a testament to how general Americans can be smart. They can have senses of humor.

This show we are laughing AT them, not with them.
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9/10
This ain't exactly your grandma's Match Game and that's a good thing!
sarahbarnsteacher10 July 2016
It's a contemporary version of Match Game, and it's fantastic! It keeps all the marvelous kitsch of the 70s including the format, catchy theme song, and loud set, while updating the tawdriness for the new millennium where the word bosom is now too stuffy sounding for a Disney show.

The panel is more multicultural with more people of color and people that are openly gay. If you prefer a more old Hollywood, monolithic panel with stale canned jokes, then this isn't the panel for you. If you like your gayness to be more closeted, then this ain't the show for you because they put it out there openly. That's what young people want. If answers containing the word bosom or boobs is the most tawdry that you can stand, then please turn off this show because it's TV 14 late night material. And if you like your objectification only directed toward women, don't watch because they now direct it toward men too.

Alec Baldwin is wonderful. He has such ease with the contestants that he is able to rightfully make fun of their ridiculous answers while still making them smile and laugh at themselves. His take downs on panelists' bad answers are epic. He matches it with his own self-deprication so that it's clear that everyone is in on the joke.

For those complaining about the political aspect, please stop with your selective amnesia. The old Match Game routinely went after political figures like Nixon, Ford and Carter. I recall a running joke about Carter's teeth and his younger brother. The idea that Trump is above reproach is LAUGHABLE. Trump called Rosie a disgusting pig, so blame him for any rightfully deserved vitriol. Quite frankly, she showed restraint as did the rest of the panel considering the garbage he's spewed.

All in all, a great reboot of a classic TV show best enjoyed with a glass of Chardonnay.
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1/10
One MAJOR problem with this show.
lowellh61714 January 2017
All in all the show is good...BUT.....what I don't like is how political the very first episode was when I recently watched it. Both Rosie O'Donnell and Alec Baldwin were there to do a job...which was to entertain and help the guests win money, and NOT to sit there and use the ABC network as their own personal political soapbox. This is a GAME SHOW people..it is supposed to be fun and exciting to watch and NOT filled with the PERSONAL political views or jabs by the celebrities. As a result, I now absolutely REFUSE to watch this show and honestly feel as though Alec Baldwin should be replaced as host and Rosie O'Donnell should never be asked to be on the show again. This REALLLLY turned me off to the point where I cannot give the show a review because I felt as though I couldn't watch it then and will not continue to watch it in the future. ABC, you REALLLLY messed up big time with this one and this is most likely the reason that your reviews are not as good as you had hoped they would be. I am HIGHLY disappointed in the show and the network and the two celebrities who used this show as their own personal political event to try and shove their political opinions down other peoples throats. My support and respect for both Alec Baldwin and Rosie O'Donnell have now been flushed down the can......and hopefully their careers have too.
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10/10
Alec Baldwin is terrific
darrenmiriam3 May 2017
I love the original Match Game with Gene Rayburn. The new Match Game show recognizes the greatness of the original. The set looks similar. Host Alec Baldwin uses the same ridiculously long microphone, the celebrity panel members are free to drink (the original panel members were know to tip a few before and/or during the show). Like the original, there are two rounds to see which contestant matches the panelist answers to goofy questions. The winner gets to go to the next round to pick the top answer to phrases such as Wedding _______. The better your answer the more money can be won in the Super Match round where you have to identically Match the answer of one of the six celebrity panelists.

So the new Match Game stays pretty true to the original. That is great. But what really makes this show special is Alec Baldwin. I never gave him much thought before this show one way or the other, but he is an outstanding host. So much so that I feel the show would not be the same without him. He makes it fun, has decent I assume scripted jokes, and makes the show light-hearted. It is great that a star has the courage to host a game show and doesn't feel it is beneath him. Whatever his reasons for hosting, I know I'm now a fan.

Finally, I love game shows so I may be more open to watching mediocre ones than the average person. But my wife does not like game shows, yet she loves this show. We watch the show together and love it. The six celebrity panelists are different each show with some repeats, and they all seem to have a blast. This is just a really fun show that will get you to laugh and escape reality for an hour. Great job Mr. Baldwin...you are the man!
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10/10
incredibly funny!! :D
pagladasupagla23 August 2016
Warning: Spoilers
this show is just perfect as a weekly comedy show.Alec Baldwin,he is amazing!!he is so damn funny,which u need for this type of show.and the star panel,whoa! i just love them.its actually not like the old match game,and for 2016 its perfect the way it is...the comedy was amazing in every episodes. i can understand that u can't watch it with Ur parents,the jokes are raw,but who gives a crap about that? there are many shows like this,but u will not give low ratings only on this point. the show is not available in India,so thanks to the other website,that helps me out with this problem.my friends seems enjoying this show with me. i'm a very big fan of ALEC BALDWIN,since 30Rock! he's doing a very nice job as a HOST & Producer."Jack McBrayer" is there,but am eagerly waiting to see "Tina Fey" on star panel. on the whole,if u r a comedy lover,how can u miss a show like this? #MindBlowingShow.
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Garbage, a sign of the times.
Raflet6012 May 2019
One of the worst piles of manure on TV. Typical of today's remakes and hosted by a horrible, unfunny, classless loser. A panel of no-names making unfunny, rude, vulgar, political and just low-brow jokes. This follows basically all other TV game show remakes of the modern era. A truly sad commentary on society, comedy and the culture today. Poor Gene Rayburn and his wonderful cast of comedians must be spinning in their graves.
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1/10
Horrible!
kathylovesmk29 July 2021
Alec Baldwin is revolting! All of his "jokes" are about how much he hates the show. Very rarely do the "celebrities" match a contestant's answer because their responses are so ludicrous. He must have good dirt on some studio executive to make them keep renewing this garbage. 30 minutes of my life I'll never get back.
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1/10
Just a bunch of leftist windbags
rudedude83117 July 2018
Why is this garbage on? The 70s version operated with a modicum of class. The current bunch are rude and simply lackeys for the whiney left.
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4/10
Could be better
lovesashton19 July 2023
Well Alec Baldwin and rosie O'Donnell aren't as funny as they think overall. Throwing politics in was just a dumb idea. How they got approval for that who knows. Otherwise some of the other celebrities are funny. Good game show concept. Obviously since they just used an old idea. Had I watched the first episode first I would not have continued to watch at all. Since hulu put the latest episode first which is season 5 somewhere it had Justin long, Drea Mateo and other funnier guests. Also no politics. With the better celebrity panel it made Alec Baldwin tolerable. Glad they got rid of rosie O'Donnell though! Otherwise probably wouldnt watch. The first episode would be 1 out of 10.
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1/10
Lame Show
jessicablack-2980423 February 2017
The sad thing about the current Match Game is that it isn't funny or as charming as the original one hosted by Gene Rayburn. Alec Baldwin isn't funny, nor are the current celebs. All they want is to do sexual humor with no subtle about it, or jokes that don't end in a sexual joke. If this show wants to get better than it needs a lot of work. From getting celebs who are actually funny to jokes that actually don't necessarily require a sex joke would make this better. Until then, we will be stuck with a lackluster reboot that sucks.
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3/10
Why float on Sleaze?
fentondeejay19 May 2021
I definitely won't pay to watch this program but have gritted my teeth and watched the latest season on Hulu! I am watching also the BUZZR classic version from the 70s and love it as much as I did when it first aired. It's probably one of the best game shows ever and could easily turn it into a party game. So, you ask what's wrong with the current version... Well, the format is pretty much the same but now the contestants participate in a planned/scripted unfunny version. Some of them act like hyenas when they first come out and then do some little "performance" to show their "skills" or "non-skills"! Also, the introductory play between Alec Baldwin and the "stars" are pretty much scripted. All of this could be fun and perhaps a great enhancement if it wasn't for the sleaze in the Questions and banter with the panel. The bawdy, "acceptable" chatting is a big downer for a family game show. I implore ABC to re-think their production. Know that a little goes a long way and keep the FUN in FUNdamental!
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1/10
What the...?
capturedonmaui1 July 2016
I was excited that this game show was revived as it was a good memory I had watching with my grandparents. I love Alec Baldwin so that was a bonus. So disappointed in the show. Alec was uncomfortable to watch as a game show host. He would be better as a guest where he can be more himself. Then seeing Rosie as a guest, I knew it would be downhill. The questions we ridiculous ...then the turn off was getting political and throwing in the Trump question. If you want to keep viewers, leave out the political questions unless it's even and not bias...and at least funny. My suggestion is to have Alec As a guest, have Wayne Brady host, and never have Rosie back.
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