The Dating Game Explained

Alt Name:The New Dating Game
The All-New Dating Game
The Celebrity Dating Game
Genre:Dating game show
Creator:Chuck Barris
Country:United States
Language:English

The Dating Game is an American television game show that first aired on December 20, 1965, and was the first of many shows created and packaged by Chuck Barris from the 1960s through the 1980s. ABC dropped the show on July 6, 1973, but it continued in syndication for another year (1973–1974) as The New Dating Game. The program was revived three additional times in syndication afterward, with the first from 1978 to 1980 as The All-New Dating Game, the second from 1986 to 1989, and the third from 1996 to 1999.

Jim Lange hosted The Dating Game for its entire ABC network run and for the 1973 and 1978 syndicated editions. The 1986 revival was hosted by Elaine Joyce for its first season and Jeff MacGregor for its remaining two seasons. When the show was revived with a different format in 1996, Brad Sherwood was named as its host. Chuck Woolery took over for the two final seasons, with the original format reinstated, in 1997 after he had left The Home and Family Show.

Beginning in 1966, The Dating Game was often paired with The Newlywed Game. This was especially true when the two shows entered syndication, and in 1996, the revivals of The Dating Game and The Newlywed Game were sold together as a package called "The Dating-Newlywed Hour".

The program was originally broadcast in black-and-white, but when a prime-time version began in October 1966, both versions were broadcast in color, making the daytime version the first ABC daytime series to be regularly broadcast in color.

In February 2021, it was reported that ABC and current distributor Sony Pictures Television would revive the show as The Celebrity Dating Game, with actress Zooey Deschanel and singer Michael Bolton as hosts, which premiered on June 14, 2021.[1] [2] It ran for eight episodes until August 16, 2021, and was canceled in April 2022.[3]

Format

Typically, a bachelorette would question three bachelors, who were hidden from her view; at the end of the questioning period, she would choose one to accompany her on a date, with expenses paid by the show. Occasionally, the roles would be reversed with a man questioning three ladies; other times, celebrities would question three players for dates for themselves, co-workers or relatives.

Before becoming famous, Farrah Fawcett, Suzanne Somers, Yvonne Craig, Lindsay Wagner, Leif Garrett, Tom Selleck and Lee Majors appeared as contestants on the show in the 1960s and early 1970s. Other contestants who appeared before becoming famous included the Carpenters, Jackson Bostwick, Michael Richards, Joanna Cameron, Andy Kaufman (who went under the pseudonym Baji Kimran), Steve Martin, Burt Reynolds, John Ritter, Phil Hartman, Jennifer Granholm (governor of Michigan from 2003 to 2010), Arnold Schwarzenegger (governor of California from 2003 to 2011) and Alex Kozinski.[4] Serial killer Rodney Alcala's episodes were shown during his murder spree and after he had been convicted of assault in California.

Some contestants appeared even after they were fairly well known, including a young Michael Jackson, Burton Cummings, Dusty Springfield, Ron Howard, Maureen McCormick, Barry Williams, Sally Field, Richard Dawson, Jay North and Paul Lynde.

A trademark of the show was that at the end of each episode, the host and winning contestants would blow a kiss to the viewers.

Gameplay

Original version

Generally, the bachelorette would ask questions, written in advance on cards, to each of the three hidden bachelors. The same question could be asked to multiple bachelors. This continued until time ran out. The bachelorette would make her choice based solely on the answers to her questions. Occasionally, the contestant was a bachelor who would ask questions to three bachelorettes. Certain kinds of questions were "off limits", such as name, age, occupation and income.

1996 revival

For the first season of the 1996 revival, a different format was used. A notable change was that the prospective bachelor/bachelorette knew the first names of the three contestants at all times.

Instead of asking questions of the contestants, the bachelor/bachelorette was presented with two pun-laden statements, each pertaining to one of the contestants. When chosen, a new statement replaced the old one and the potential date explained the reason why that fact pertained to him or her. Play continued until time expired, and then the bachelor/bachelorette would announce his or her choice.

In several weeks of episodes that aired at various times throughout the season, another format was used. This format had the players choose a potential date based on appearance and another based on personality. To decide the "looks" portion, the bachelor/bachelorette would observe each contestant (another change not seen on any Dating Game series beforehand) for several seconds, with the contestants wearing noise-canceling headphones to prevent them from hearing the bachelor/bachelorette talking about them. The statement round was used to determine the "personality" portion. After the game ended, the bachelor/bachelorette would select one contestant based on appearance and one based on personality, then would be prompted to choose between the two. If the bachelor/bachelorette was to select the same contestant for both looks and personality, the contestant would win a $500 cash prize.

The remaining two seasons reverted back to the original format, but there was more of a variety between bachelors and bachelorettes.

Episode status

Various episodes from the ABC daytime run have aired on Game Show Network. The remaining ABC versions of the show, which were made for primetime and for syndication, are assumed to exist in their entirety.

After the syndicated finale in 1980, repeats of the 1978–1980 version were seen on KHJ-TV (now KCAL-TV) in Los Angeles from September 26, 1983, to September 12, 1986 (when The All-New Dating Game with Elaine Joyce premiered on September 15, 1986), as well as in some other cities. In another variation of the final year in reruns, some episodes from ABC daytime, ABC primetime and weekly syndication were shown.

Guests

Some of the notable people that appeared on The Dating Game appeared as a bachelor or bachelorette before becoming famous, or as a special guest star, include:

Theme music and cues

The show used many contemporary songs, ranging from those of Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass from the 1960s to pop music used for celebrity guest and band appearances. For the first few episodes at the beginning of the ABC run, live music was provided by the Regents (unrelated to the doo-wop band of the same name who were famous for their song "Barbara Ann"), a house band from Jack Martin's A.M-P.M. on La Cienega Boulevard[12] Starting in 1966, the show used recorded music, with the main theme provided by the Mariachi Brass, featuring trumpeter Chet Baker. The show used cover songs made by Skip Battin & the Group (1967, Aurora 159) and the Challengers (196?, Triumph 64).

The series used several songs by Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass as cues for the show, including:

Other songs were used after the interview portion, when guests were choosing a date, including:

Music used during celebrity guest appearances included:

Other music cues used on the show included:

In 1972, The Dating Game added a Dixieland-style closing theme called "Little Rosie" to its ABC daytime version; the tune was used also on the first two syndicated versions, through 1980. The song, along with some of the show's other cues, was featured on the 1973 album Themes from TV Game Shows,[14] produced by Chuck Barris. The show continued to use the 1966 opening theme until 1974; during the 1978-80 version, the show used a rearranged version of it. The 1978 opening theme is found on the Barris album's first track and is credited to Barris and David Mook.

The 1980s reboot of the show used music composed by Milton DeLugg, while later editions featured a re-recording of the original theme by Steve Kaplan.

The music for The Celebrity Dating Game was composed by Cheche Alara.

International versions

These versions are no longer airing.

Country Local name Host Network Aired
AustraliaBlind DateGraham Webb (1967–1969)
Jeremy Cordeaux (1970)
Bobby Hanna (1974)
Greg Evans (1991)
Julia Morris (2018)
Network Ten (1967–1970, 1991, 2018)
Seven Network (1974)
1967–1970
1974
1991
2018
Perfect MatchGreg Evans (1984–1986; 1988–1989)
Cameron Daddo (1987–1988)
Shelley Craft (2002)
Network Ten
Seven Network
1984–1989
2002
AustriaHerzblattRudi Carrell (1987–1993)
Rainhard Fendrich (1993–1997)
Hera Lind (1997–1998)
Christian Clerici (1998–1999)
Pierre Geisensetter (1999–2001)
Jörg Pilawa (2001–2004)
Alexander Mazza (2005)
ORF1987–2005
BelgiumBlind DateElke VanelderenVTM1995–2005
BrazilNamoro na TVSilvio SantosTupi
SBT
1976
1988
BulgariaЛюбовни игри
Lyubovni igri
Lina ZlatevabTV2009
ColombiaAdán y EvaJota Mario ValenciaInravisión (Caracol)1987
1993
Croatia??RTL Televizija?
Czech Republic??Prima?
DenmarkKnald eller faldPeter Hansen
Birthe Kjær
TV31993–1997
Estonia??Kanal 2
ETV
?
FinlandNapakymppiMarkus Similä (1985)
Kari Salmelainen (1985–2002)
Joanna Kantola (2001–2002)
Janne Kataja (2017–2019)
MTV (1985–1992)
MTV3 (1993–2002)
Nelonen (2017–2019)
1985–2002
2017–2019
FranceTournez Manège !Évelyne Leclercq
Simone Garnier
Fabienne Égal
TF11985–1993
Sébastien Cauet2009–2010
GermanyHerzblattRudi Carrell (1987–1993)
Rainhard Fendrich (1993–1997)
Hera Lind (1997–1998)
Christian Clerici (1998–1999)
Pierre Geisensetter (1999–2001)
Jörg Pilawa (2001–2004)
Alexander Mazza (2005)
Das Erste1987–2005
Herz ist TrumpfStephan LehmannSat.11992–1993
Herz sucht LiebeThomas OhrnerSat.1 Gold2016
Hungary??RTL Klub?
IrelandBlind DateAl PorterTV32017
Israel??Channel 2 (Keshet)?
ItalyIl gioco delle coppie
Il nuovo gioco delle coppie
Marco Predolin (1985–1990)
Corrado Tedeschi (1990–1992)
Giorgio Mastrota and Natalia Estrada (1993–1994)
Italia 1 (1985–1986)
Rete 4 (1986–1988; 1991–1992; 1993–1994)
Canale 5 (1988–1991)
1985–1992
1993–1994
Il gioco delle coppie Beach[15] [16] Trettré and Wendy WindhamRete 41994
Latvia??LTV?
MexicoLas Andanzas de Cupido?TV Azteca?
New ZealandBlind DateDave Jamieson
Suzy Clarkson
TVNZ1989–1990
PolandRandka w ciemnoJacek Kawalec (1992–1998)
Tomasz Kammel (1998–2005)
TVP11992–2005
Srodne dušeAna Mihajlovski
Marijana Micic
Marina Trifunovic
Inspektor Blaza
RTS
Pink M
2005–2006
SloveniaZmenkarijeSrečko Meh
Karin Komljanec
Katarina Čas
Kanal A1998–2001
SpainVivan los noviosAndoni Ferreño (1991–1993)
Gabriel Corrado (1993–1994)
Telecinco1991–1994
SwedenTur i kärlekAdam Alsing (1991)
Agneta Sjödin (1991)
Renée Nyberg (1992–1993)
TV41991–1993
TurkeySaklambaçNurseli İdizShow TV1992–1996
United KingdomBlind DateCilla Black
Paul O'Grady
ITV
Channel 5
1985–2003
2017–2019
United StatesThe Dating Game
The New Dating Game
Jim LangeABC
Syndication
1965–1973
1973–1974
1978–1980
The All-New Dating GameElaine Joyce
Jeff MacGregor
Syndication1986–1987
1987–1989
The Dating GameBrad Sherwood
Chuck Woolery
1996–1997
1997–1999
The Celebrity Dating GameZooey Deschanel
Michael Bolton
ABC2021

Legacy

In his first autobiography, Confessions of a Dangerous Mind (1988), Chuck Barris claimed that The Dating Game was a cover for his CIA activities, and was promoted by the CIA. However, his second memoir, The Game Show King: A Confession (1993), mentions neither the CIA nor his previous book.[17] A CIA spokesman has categorically denied that Barris ever worked for the agency in any capacity.[18]

The show's popularity in the 1960s inspired a Baskin-Robbins ice cream flavor called Dating Game. It was pink ice cream with diced dates and butter-toasted pecans.[19]

In a 1980 Laverne and Shirley episode, Lenny and Squiggy appear as bachelors on The Dating Game.

The Dating Game was parodied by Steve Jobs during a 1983 Macintosh pre-launch event. The three "contestants" were Mitch Kapor of Lotus Software, Fred Gibbons of Software Publishing Corporation and Bill Gates of Microsoft.[20]

A recurring parody featured in the current version of Let's Make a Deal called The Dealing Game features Wayne Brady and Jonathan Mangum (both as different characters in each appearance), but instead of a date, each represents a curtain and tries to convince the contestant to pick his curtain. Model Tiffany Coyne plays the role of the "hostess".

The Dating Game has been cited as a successor to future "reality TV juggernaut" Love is Blind in which contestants similarly choose among suitors sight unseen.[21] [22] [23]

Licensed merchandise

Hasbro released three home games based on the original 1965 version of The Dating Game from 1967 to 1968,[24] while Pressman Toy Corporation released a home game based on the late 1980s version in 1987.[25]

In 1968, a 33⅓ rpm party record called The Dating Game Party Pak, narrated by Jim Lange, was released; it included postcard invitations, name tags and scorecards for six people to play.[26]

In the late 1990s, Sony's website released an online version of The Dating Game.

A video slot machine based on the original 1965 version with an animated Jim Lange was released by IGT in 2004 in both nickel[27] and quarter[28] versions.[29] [30]

In March 2011, a new virtual version of The Dating Game was launched on Facebook, Twitter and other social media network sites. The game was developed by 3G Studios,[31] under license from Sony Pictures Entertainment.[32]

See also

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Peter. White. February 18, 2021. Zooey Deschanel & Michael Bolton To Host Celebrity Reboot Of 'The Dating Game' At ABC. February 18, 2021. Deadline Hollywood.
  2. Web site: Peter. White. April 7, 2021. 'The Chase' & 'The Hustler' Renewed At ABC As Network Unveils Summer Unscripted Schedule With Shows Including 'Bachelor In Paradise'. April 7, 2021. Deadline Hollywood.
  3. Web site: Alec Baldwin's Match Game Canceled at ABC, Along With Card Sharks and More as Network Firms Up Summer Plans (EXCLUSIVE). Variety. Michael Schneider. April 1, 2022. April 1, 2022.
  4. Web site: Archived copy . 2005-07-02 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20060104214318/http://www.columbia.edu/cu/law/fed-soc/images/datinggame.rm.ram . January 4, 2006 . mdy-all . Columbia Law
  5. News: '100 victims' of serial killer Rodney Alcala . Times Mirror . August 11, 2009 . October 11, 2013.
  6. News: National Public Radio Blogs . Serial Killer Rodney Alcalas.
  7. News: Rudegeair, Peter . 'Dating Game' killer sentenced for 1970s murders . January 7, 2013 . Reuters Archive . October 11, 2013 . September 24, 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20150924173021/http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/01/07/us-usa-crime-serialkiller-idUSBRE9060S020130107 . live .
  8. Episode of The Dating Game uploaded by Sam Growl
  9. YouTube video recorded from WSNS-TV, and uploaded by The Museum of Classic Chicago Television
  10. YouTube clip uploaded by YouTube user CherieO
  11. Web site: Archived copy . January 13, 2016 . March 4, 2016 . https://web.archive.org/web/20160304131520/http://s12.postimg.org/raquu32m4/s_l1600.jpg . dead .
  12. Web site: Regents Archives . Bishop . Chris . 18 March 2010 . Garage Hangover . October 7, 2013.
  13. Cooper, Kim; Smay, David (2005). Lost in the Grooves: Scram's Capricious Guide to the Music You Missed. Routledge. Retrieved February 15, 2020.
  14. Web site: Barris. Chuck. Themes From TV Game Shows. SAR-1001. 1974 . Friends Records. October 8, 2013.
  15. Web site: AMARCORD, Che Fine Hanno Fatto...I PROTAGONISTI DE .
  16. Web site: Facebook. www.facebook.com.
  17. Web site: Adams . C. . February 7, 2003 . Was Chuck Barris a Hit Man for the CIA? . The Straight Dope archive . November 22, 2011.
  18. Stein . Joel . . Lying to Tell the Truth . January 13, 2003 . https://web.archive.org/web/20090707020735/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1004016-1,00.html . September 2, 2008. July 7, 2009 .
  19. Schwartz, David, Steve Ryan and Fred Wostbrock. "The Encyclopedia of TV Game Shows, 3rd edition". New York: Checkmark Books, 1999, p. 54.
  20. News: Moss. Caroline. In 1983, Steve Jobs Hosted Apple's Version Of 'The Dating Game' And Bill Gates Was A Contestant. 30 April 2016. Business Insider. 24 November 2013.
  21. News: Jacobs . Julia . Stevens . Matt . Inside the Pods With 'Love Is Blind,' the Reality TV Juggernaut . 25 March 2024 . . April 15, 2023.
  22. News: Perry . Whitney . All the 'Love Is Blind' Couples Who Are Still Together…and the Ones Who Aren't . 25 March 2024 . . . 4 March 2022.
  23. Patterson . Troy . Love Is Blind . 25 March 2024 . . en.
  24. Web site: The Dating Game. BoardGameGeek.
  25. Web site: The All New Dating Game. BoardGameGeek.
  26. Web site: The Dating Game Home Game Home Page . userdata.acd.net . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20081120154221/http://userdata.acd.net/ottinger/gshghp/Shows/Dating.html . 2008-11-20.
  27. Web site: The Dating Game Video Slots (Nickel) Promotional Literature. https://web.archive.org/web/20041126164130/http://media.igt.com/marketing/PromotionalLiterature/GamePromoLit_A101-27B60.pdf . November 26, 2004 .
  28. Web site: The Dating Game Video Slots (Quarter) Promotional Literature. https://web.archive.org/web/20041126164130/http://www.igtproducts.com/IGTproducts/Marketng/PromoLit/files/mjTheDatingGameVideoSlots_25.pdf . November 26, 2004 .
  29. Web site: The Dating Game Video Slots. https://web.archive.org/web/20050505105826/http://www.igt.com/GamingGroup/Games/mjgames.asp?pid=5.181 . May 5, 2005 .
  30. Web site: 'AND HE-E-RE THEY AR-R-RE': IGT Gets Licensing Rights To The Dating Game (TM) and The Newlywed Game (TM).
  31. Web site: 3G Studios Acquires Rights to Classic TV series to revive The Dating Game.
  32. Web site: 'The Dating Game' goes interactive, virtual and social. USATODAY.COM.