There's nothing wrong with the idea that the fun is more important than the game. In fact, that's how it should be, especially on Nickelodeon. Therefore, as I said earlier in this thread, it just doesn't make any sense at all for relatively decent prizes to be dependent on how well this goofball panel plays the game. Because every once in a while, they're going to get one right, and then they're the bad guys. It'll be covered up with cued applause and happy high-fives, but that doesn't change the fact that the only one with anything at stake loses when that happens.
And no, the answer is NOT to give the panel a stake in the proceedings. The answer is to not play for real prizes. Certainly give the kid real prizes, just don't make it dependent on the outcome.