BuzzSugar

Would You Watch an Updated Gong Show?

BuzzSugar — Thu, 08 May 2008 11:30:44 -0700

There's news from Comedy Central this morning that the network plans to revive the '70s hit The Gong Show. The original, hosted by TV personality (and possible CIA hitman) Chuck Baris, featured amateur performers showing off their talents - singing, dancing, fire-eating, juggling - for a panel of celebrity judges. Good acts got to complete their performances, but the bad ones got the gong.

The new version will be hosted by comedian Dave Attell and produced by Adam Sandler's production company. But the idea behind the show is the same: Eight to 10 performers will try to impress a rotating panel of celebrity judges, with Attell promising: "Stars will be made. Feelings will be hurt."

The Gong Show - like, say, Match Game - seems like such a peculiar specimen of '70s culture that I wonder if a modern take would work. Aren't reality shows like American Idol and America's Got Talent basically one big Gong Show already?

The show is set to premiere July 17. Do you think you'll tune in?

Source

New Versions of Dating, Newlywed Games on the Way

BuzzSugar — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 15:37:50 -0700

Hey newlyweds! Get ready to test your knowledge of each other's quirks and worst habits: The Newlywed Game is back.

That '70s game show - and its sibling, The Dating Game - will be getting updates on GSN this year. They're just the latest in a growing list of decades-old game shows getting modernized, including Password (currently airing as Million Dollar Password on CBS), Family Feud, Match Game, and The Gong Show. What is it with the '70s?

For The Dating Game, producers hope to partner with an online dating site, while Newlywed Game contestants will have to face off against couples who won episodes of the original series. Apparently repeats of the two shows are among the biggest ratings hits for GSN, so they're hoping the new shows will win even bigger.

In the spirit of our wedding coverage here on Sugar, I've just got to know: If you're a newlywed, would you consider going on the new Newlywed Game? (As always, you can see more wedding coverage on IDoSugar.com.)

Source

Buzz News Roundup, 11/28

BuzzSugar — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 13:34:29 -0800

Jake Gyllenhaal has signed on to play Joe Namath in a biopic of the star quarterback, Zap2it reports.
John Cusack and Gong Li will topline the historical drama Shanghai, teaming up with 1408 director Mikael Hafstrom, writes ComingSoon.
Josh Groban's holiday album topped the charts this week, Billboard reports, while Jordin Sparks' debut had the lowest sales numbers for any American Idol winner's album.
The Writers Guild of America has slammed Carson Daly over his decision to return to work, writes Broadcasting & Cable.
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Times reports that even if the strike ended today, shows would need up to five weeks to get back into production.
The Hollywood Reporter has news that Matthew Perry will play the adult version of Zac Efron's character in the movie 17.
Billboard reports that Aimee Mann's next album, Smilers, will feature a lot of synthesizer and zero electric guitar.
According to ComingSoon, the Weinstein Company has acquired the screen rights to Bridie Clark's novel I Think She's Got It - before it's even been published.
Variety reports that Walter Cronkite will receive the History Makers' first lifetime achievement award at the organization's fancy event in January.
Wondering why House fired the candidate he did last night? TV Guide has some answers.

Source and Source

July 2008 TV Premieres

BuzzSugar — Wed, 20 Dec 2006 14:31:35 -0800

Buzz Pick! AMC's acclaimed Mad Men starts its second season July 27.	The Closer starts season four on July 14.	USA's Monk is back July 18.
Show	Premiere	Network
Celebrity Family Feud	Tuesday, July 1	NBC
The Secret Life of the American Teenager	Tuesday, July 1	ABC Family
I Love Money	Sunday, July 6	VH1
Baldwin Hills	Tuesday, July 8	BET
The Greatest American Dog	Thursday, July 10	CBS
Burn Notice	Thursday, July 10	USA
Stargate Atlantis	Friday, July 11	Sci Fi
Flashpoint	Friday, July 11	CBS
Brooke Hogan Knows Best	Sunday, July 13	VH1
Big Brother	Sunday, July 13	CBS
Generation Kill	Sunday, July 13	HBO
Saving Grace	Monday, July 14	TNT
The Closer	Monday, July 14	TNT
From G's to Gents	Tuesday, July 15	MTV
The Cleaner	Tuesday, July 15	A&E
Project Runway	Wednesday, July 16	Bravo
Reality Bites Back	Thursday, July 17	Comedy Central
The Gong Show	Thursday, July 17	Comedy Central
Psych	Friday, July 18	USA
Monk	Friday, July 18	USA
High School Musical: Get In the Picture	Sunday, July 20	ABC
Wanna Bet?	Monday, July 21	ABC
Date My Ex: Jo & Slade	Monday, July 21	Bravo
Sordid Lives	Wednesday, July 23	LOGO
Mad Men	Sunday, July 27	AMC
Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job!	Sunday, July 27	Cartoon Network (Adult Swim)
Jingles	Sunday, July 27	CBS
Eureka	Tuesday, July 29	Sci Fi
Lewis Black's Root of All Evil	Tuesday, July 29	Comedy Central