[quote name=\'Gromit\' post=\'139861\' date=\'Dec 7 2006, 03:25 AM\']
No, I'll admit to not knowing the original Match Game lasted that long.
Now, I'll still say I don't know *why* it did.
Unless that one show wasn't representative of the enjoyment factor.
[/quote]
I think on "Match Game, Behind The Blank", it was said that the show was on the verge of cancellation around 1964-65 but that they had a few weeks to go, so it was decided to jazz up the questions some to make it more "fun". The ratings then picked up and the show was saved from cancellation.
Also, most game shows at this time were relatively slow paced (Other than "Let's Make A Deal")..If Match Game werent successful originally you might not have had Match Game '73, etc..