The Gong Show

I am a fan of the original Gong Show from the days that Chuck Barris put in on TV in the mid 70's and am probably one of the toughest critics of any reboots of the show.I did not like the 80's version or the Extreme Gong Show.So when I decided to check out the 2017 version,I expected not to like it.

However, it surprised me.The set ,the style the mood and most importantly the acts were reminiscent of the original .The acts had the crazy feel that I thought would be lost in any new versions of The Gong Show.

The weak link, in my opinion , is the host. He is kind of lackluster ,but that doe snot lessen the show for me.

It is definitely a good 21st century version of The Gong Show.

What I enjoy is simple entertainment at it's best. The Tommy Mateland character is funny and to watch him converse with the judges with simple adult humor is delightful. I also think the contestants are very brave to know they are performing in front of a real audience and on TV for the folks at home. Some contestants are very talented and this could be the venue to show off their craft. I also enjoy the good old fashioned sing-a-long, not found in too many establishments today. People of all ages are in the audience and they seem to enjoy themselves without any scripting. No laugh tracks it's amazing. Keep up the good work.

Pros: Very nice set. Mike Myers mostly manages to play his character convincingly. Contestants are entertaining and often surprise.

Cons: There's more focus on our zany host and judges than the contestants. The show winks at itself so much that contestants can come off as contrived.

Overall Feel: A scripted wedding reception - without booze.

Takeaway: The show doesn't know what it wants to be. The bigger idea they are after here would be better constructed as a Mike Myers variety talk show: Mike Myers would host as different character each show, some we know, some we don't, maybe he'd host it as himself on occasion and bring in some SNL friends.

As The Gong Show currently stands, I'd like to ditch the judges in favor of audience approval and see how Austin Powers hosts it.

Expected so little,got so much. You can tell the judge's remarks are are real and unprepared. The acts are not always great but they are always entertaining. Some of the judges are very kind,funny and humble(Brie,Dr Ken,Arnett), just like Tommy. Others are cold. and to self absorbed to be bothered by these acts(J Aniston,J Black), sadly both were on same episode.All the episodes are really good except the one with Aniston and Black. Best Hour of Summer T.V.

I used to watch the original with my Dad. All the talents that envisioned bringing it back are spot on. Thank you all for producing a program that I can share with my kids.