Second chances

[hollyberry247]

I'm seeking examples of game show concepts that were pitched to networks and soundly rejected, but later went on to be successful on another network, whether as-is or with some tweaks.  The Family Feud story is a great example of that.  Does anyone know of any other similar success stories?

[Jimmy Owen]

Bob Stewart had several ideas (Cash on the Line, $10,000 Sweep) which eventually were refined into "The $10,000 Pyramid."  "Get Rich Quick" was morphed into "Chain Reaction" and "Go!"   �

"What's the Question" and "Shopper's Bazaar" became hits for Merv Griffin under different titles.

CBS rejected "Hollywood Squares"

ABC passed on "Deal or No Deal."  Time will tell if it is a hit for NBC.

[DrBear]

Well, if you figure it was revised and improved into "Press Your Luck," "Second Chance" had a "second chance."

[The Ol' Guy]

IIRC, You Bet Your Life was initially rejected by all the major radio networks. It was only when ABC was forced to drop a program and needed a replacement in a hurry that Guidel could throw them and the sponsor the show as a fast option.

[Ian Wallis]

You could probably add in some Jack Barry shows to that.  During the '60s when he was trying to make a comeback, he pitched several ideas (including an early "Joker's Wild") which weren't immediately picked up.  The networks didn't want to touch a Barry show at that time because they were worried about fallout from the scandals of a decade earlier.  Finally, in 1972 and with a new daytime programming chief, CBS revamped their morning lineup and took a chance...