I've written before about my complicated relationship with Jeopardy! — how I dreaded it as a kid, how it became appointment television once I discovered I actually loved trivia, and how watching it with my dad became one of the great rituals of my adult life. But when I sit down and think honestly about … Continue reading More Than a Host: The Enduring Legacy of Alex Trebek
Game Shows
Come On Down! A Brief History of Game Show Phrases That Took Over the World
There's a particular kind of magic that happens when a television phrase escapes the confines of its original context and starts living rent-free in the broader culture. Politicians use them. Teachers use them. Your grandma uses them, possibly without knowing exactly where they came from. Game shows, more than almost any other television format, have … Continue reading Come On Down! A Brief History of Game Show Phrases That Took Over the World
And Here’s Your Host…
As a child of the 80s, I grew up loving game shows. I always had a blast watching those enduring classics like The Price is Right and Family Feud. I even loved the more obscure shows like Press Your Luck and Scrabble. That's right, there was a game show based on Scrabble. It was a Chuck Woolery joint. Yeah, Love … Continue reading And Here’s Your Host…
Parting Gifts
I had the hardest time sleeping the other night. I feel like a lot of stories could start that way. Though, most of them would be really boring stories... I had the hardest time sleeping the other night. I tossed and turned in my bed. I couldn't get comfortable. That shadow on the wall looks … Continue reading Parting Gifts
Jeopardy! – The Story of a Weird Dream
Last night was one of those nights when I had a strange dream. This one was clearly influenced by watching Jeopardy! As a cesspool of useless knowledge, I love watching this show. I love trying to outperform the contestants and thoroughly enjoy getting Final Jeopardy! correct, especially if none of the contestants get it right. … Continue reading Jeopardy! – The Story of a Weird Dream
What You Get with Game Shows
In my time off this summer, I've had plenty of opportunities to watch game shows. From The Price Is Right to Wheel of Fortune and, of course, Jeopardy! I'm not complaining about game shows. I have Netflix, too. So if I didn't want to watch game shows, I really don't have to. But I like … Continue reading What You Get with Game Shows
The Confusing Middle 