Let’s Make a Deal
Today’s game show landscape is often a party atmosphere where contestants are jumping for joy. There are colorful sets, lively music and surprises are around every corner. Things weren’t always so energetic coming into the 1960s. The past and the present is linked to the success of one game show, co-created and hosted by Monty Hall.
The Game
Monty would select audience members and give out cash, boxes or other surprises. The question next is, Keep it or Trade Up. You never know what else you could win. Players may wind up with new appliances, a fabulous trip or a new car, for example. But if you’re not careful, you traders may end up with a ZONK!
And what, exactly, is a ZONK! It could be a dirty animal, bunches of bananas, a literal ton of bricks or a “Not exactly” brand new car. In short, any item that isn’t exactly what contestants are looking to take home. “Let’s Make a Deal” became known for its carnival atmosphere, especially when the trading floor started to be filled with costumed crazies.
Big Deal of the Day
At the end of the show, players could trade in their winnings for one more game. It’s the “Big Deal of the Day” with one big question “Door 1, Door 2 or Door 3?” Would you wind up the big winner of the day?
History
Wheeling and dealing has become a mainstay of television. Starting in 1963 in daytime, multiple versions of “Let’s Make a Deal” have popped up over the decades. The series hopped from NBC to ABC in 1968 and soon hit primetime. A weekly version ratcheted up the stakes with bigger prizes. The original series wrapped up in 1977. After a short-lived weekday syndicated edition shot in Canada in 1980, a second version made its debut in ’84. “The All-New Let’s Make a Deal” ran for two seasons and rerun constantly since.
Revivals kept sprouting up into the new millennium. And through it all, Monty Hall would always pop by to work his magic until his death in 2017. As always, Today, Dealing is still a daily pastime on CBS, hosted by TV’s newest big dealer, Wayne Brady. “Games People Play” is dedicated to keeping the history of this classic game show alive. Visit often for episode recaps from all different versions up to today.
ALL-NEW 1984-86
1984