First, I'd make a slight change to the format. Since the point is not only to bring back game shows, and (of course) get ratings, but also to fill schedule time, I'd extend by one episode, and only air one a week. In addition, I'd like to have one 60 minute show prior to the first episode with the "clips" and "retrospectives". Even with 20 minutes of commercials, at eight games, you're talking 5 minutes per "retro". That should be long enough. This way, the beginning and end of each show could still feature the GSM theme and logos, but then immediately head from the "opening" to the "TV Screen opening shot" and that night's game, using all the official and correct music within the game play. If a game runs short, they could do some quick audience participation, or even save the "At Home Contest" for after the show. They could also place the "Prize Delivery" spot there as well, or put that in the commercial breaks.
As for the host, I'd like to try another woman, Vicki Lawrence. Since some games would require a co-host to fit the format, I'd also have Tom Bergeron. As for the players, Doris Roberts, Suzanne Pleshette, Caroline Rhea, Brad Garrett, Kevin James, and Jerry Stiller.
Game One:
Whew!
I'd use 3 sets of front rounds, and one "Gauntlet" for the hour. Let the Celeb who wins the most money in their game be Finalist #1, and play the Gauntlet for bonus money. Winner gets Finalist #1, regardless of bonus outcome. I'm thinking the lines would need to be $100 - $500, instead of $10 - $50, and also $2,500 - $3,500 - and $5,000 on the top line. I would also have $50,000 for the Gauntlet win, with $1,000 or $2,000 per villain if no win.
Game Two:
Super Password
Make the four highest non-winning scorers from Whew! play, and leave the low scorer (Celeb "E") sit out at first. Ties can be settled by coin toss. Instead of the $100-$200-$300-$400 progression, have it be a best 2 out of 3 puzzles wins $5,000 for each Celeb on the winning team(and no Ca$hword). At that point, Celeb "E", and Vicki make pairings with the winning team, splitting them apart, and Tom would host. New 2 out of 3 ensues. If Vicki and her teammate win, they play the bonus, with Tom hosting. If Celeb "E" and partner win, Tom and the winner play while Vicki returns to hosting, and Celeb "E" goes back to the "pool". Winning Celeb automatically gets Finalist #2. Since winning Celeb would have $10,000 (2 wins @ $5,000 ea.), make bonus worth $50,000, for a $60,000 payoff.
Game Three:
Body Language
Four remaining Celebs all play. Normal rules, except multiply amounts by 10. When the game finishes, Tom hosts at that point, and winning team splits, one with Vicki and one with a Celeb from the losing team. They play one "Winner Takes All" puzzle, with the winning team going to bonus for additional money. Tom takes over as partner, and Vicki hosts again if the team without her wins. Celeb who makes the bonus is Finalist #3.
Game Four:
Wheel Of Fortune
I know, it's on the air now. They did TPIR, why not Wheel? Normal rules apply, bonus wheel holds values from $25,000 to $50,000 in multiples of $5,000, as well as some cars. Winner advances as Finalist #4.
Game Five:
Hollywood Squares
One of the Male and one of the Female Celebs become Mr. X and Miss Circle for Hollywood Squares. The 2 Celebs who didn't make it through will join 7 others as the "Square" celebs, and Tom would host, with Vicki among those in the Squares. Winner is Grand Finalist #1.
Game Six:
Tic-Tac-Dough
Might as well have two similar games for the Finals, no? Money increased where needed, and the Dragon, Tic, Tac and money bonus used. Winner becomes Grand Finalist #2.
Game Seven:
Joker's Wild
Money increased as needed, "money" and Devils bonus game. Winning player automatically gets $75,000 for charity, wins additional $50,000 for "win" in bonus. $25,000 additional if devil is hit, therefore no stop rule. Celeb must play it out.
Game Eight:
($250,000) Pyramid
This would bring out the Grand Winner of the current season, against the Grand Winner of Season 2. Donny Osmond would team with Season 1's GW, and Tom Bergeron would team with Season 2's GW. Vicki would host. Celeb earns additional $25,000 for their charity by winning one game, thus $50,000 if they win both.
If the first Celeb wins the Pyramid, it makes an aggregate total of $250,000 in addition to all previous monies from their season (in other words, Pyramid is played for $225,000). If the $225,000 win happens, losing Celeb scores $75,000 additional for their charity, and Grand Finalist who lost from Season 2, and Grand Finalist who lost from Season 1 play second half for a $125,000 Pyramid shot. Both those players get an additional $50,000 for their charities, unless the winner clears the Pyramid.
If the First Celeb loses, second game is still with the Grand Winners, and game play goes as above, with winner attempting to make the aggregate $250,000 by clearing the Pyramid. If neither Celeb clears the Pyramid, player with the highest "money" total from their attempt wins an additional $125,000, and loser gets $75,000.
Questions, comments, etc?
