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.
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.