Absence does sometimes make the heart grow fonder, but actually, I’m liking “Whew!” *more* now that I’m seeing its wheels turning day by day, rather than the isolated episodes or runs of single champions that we had earlier. Charging seems tougher than blocking, especially when a new contestant faces an established champ, but it’s all the more satisfying when the charger wins.
Re: other shows with previously limited availability, the Narz “Concentration” has become a top favorite of mine. It has great hosting, fairly challenging puzzles, and a high level of play-along value, which are among the factors I value most in a game show. Granted, the prizes aren’t overly lavish and there are no returning champions, but those aren’t overly important to me.
MG-HSH has a certain level of visual appeal (and a fine theme song), but since both parts were done better elsewhere (with real chemistry among the panelists), it’s not priority viewing for me. Maybe my opinion will adjust itself over time.
Other “absent” shows that I think would be rediscovered gems, if a cache should ever resurface, include the original “You Don’t Say,” “Eye Guess,” ABC “Password,” “Three on a Match,” “Split Second,” “Gambit” and more. And I’m enough of a word game devotee to hope something of “Snap Judgment” turns up.