Match Game

I am a big fan of Match Game from the 1970's. I watched the show as a kid from 1975-1982, watched reruns on The Game Show Network or whatever it's now called and YT is full of episodes and classic moments. It is tough for a reboot to match (no pun intended) the classic Match Game hosted by Gene Rayburn and this one just doesn't make the grade.

I watched episodes from both the summer of 2016 and the new episodes being aired in 2017.

I actually think Alec Baldwin is a great host for the show. I'm no fan of the guy but he fits in perfectly with his sleazy, douche-y persona and he pays homage to Gene by using a microphone like the one Mr. Rayburn built for the show. I have zero issues with him.

I do have some issues with some of the panelists they bring in. Some of them look like they drank a case of Red Bull before coming in for the taping. Niecy Nash overplays the sassy black woman to the hilt that it becomes annoying. Mario Cantone is your typical unfunny stock flaming queen who is no Charles Nelson Reilly. I'd rather have a guy who only implies he's gay than somebody who is loud and proud such as Cantone. Some panelists even have contempt for the contestants and gave purposely wrong answers.

The contestants can be annoyances as well. They love bringing in brainwashed female religious fanatics from Jesusland or other stereotypical flaming queens with the big flashy smile and the limp- wristed clapping.

The blanks are typically about sex or politics and people in the summer got their panties in a bunch when Donald Trump was the topic and you had Alec Baldwin (who is known for his portrayal of him on Saturday Night Live) and Rosie O'Donnell (who hates Trump) taking shots at him. Are people not aware that Mr. Trump isn't exactly a normal human being?

Way too often in the Head-to-Head Match, the other panelists stick their noses where they don't belong. Could you imagine if the late, great Richard Dawson had every other panelist in his face every time he was picked?

It's an OK show but the more you watch it, the less you like it. Hopefully, Neil DeGrasse Tyson appears again as he was great in his one appearance.

The original was lots of fun, with mostly clever jokes steering occasionally into naughty territory.

This version is just loud, obnoxious, and crude. Sad, because I was looking forward to a Match Game revival. Until I saw the show, I thought maybe Baldwin could pull it off.

He can't.

The celebrities don't really seem to be trying to find answers that will match the contestants. If they can't even get into the spirit of the game, why bother?

Just avoid this mess.

It's a contemporary version of Match Game, and it's fantastic! It keeps all the marvelous kitsch of the 70s including the format, catchy theme song, and loud set, while updating the tawdriness for the new millennium where the word bosom is now too stuffy sounding for a Disney show.

The panel is more multicultural with more people of color and people that are openly gay. If you prefer a more old Hollywood, monolithic panel with stale canned jokes, then this isn't the panel for you. If you like your gayness to be more closeted, then this ain't the show for you because they put it out there openly. That's what young people want. If answers containing the word bosom or boobs is the most tawdry that you can stand, then please turn off this show because it's TV 14 late night material. And if you like your objectification only directed toward women, don't watch because they now direct it toward men too.

Alec Baldwin is wonderful. He has such ease with the contestants that he is able to rightfully make fun of their ridiculous answers while still making them smile and laugh at themselves. His take downs on panelists' bad answers are epic. He matches it with his own self-deprication so that it's clear that everyone is in on the joke.

For those complaining about the political aspect, please stop with your selective amnesia. The old Match Game routinely went after political figures like Nixon, Ford and Carter. I recall a running joke about Carter's teeth and his younger brother. The idea that Trump is above reproach is LAUGHABLE. Trump called Rosie a disgusting pig, so blame him for any rightfully deserved vitriol. Quite frankly, she showed restraint as did the rest of the panel considering the garbage he's spewed.

All in all, a great reboot of a classic TV show best enjoyed with a glass of Chardonnay.

I saw some of the reviews on IMDb for the new Match Game on ABC and they were very negative, which shocked me. For the first time since the 70s/80s era one went off the air, it feels like they finally got it right. I love that they kept the old theme song, I like that the set, while modernized, is very similar to the 70s era set. The panel I thought was pretty strong, with Rosie O'Donnell and Ian Michael Black in particular looking like potential regulars. Alec Baldwin was fine as host, not terrific, definitely not Gene Rayburn, but he did a good job all things considered. There were certain moments of awkwardness and creepiness, but not too bad. I even loved the skinny microphone! I thought the questions were written with some provocative nature, but not over the top sleaze (Steve Harvey Family Feud, I'm looking at you). Sure, the Costco one was a bit much, but compare this to the failed late 90s remake of Match Game and this one is more tame and not as difficult to watch. The celebration after the audience match seemed a bit excessive and over the top. That should only happen after a successful Super Match. Overall, I thought this remake was pretty well done. Not perfect, but much better than some of the reviewers think.

Will not be watching with Baldwin as host!

What are you thinking?

Sorry casting with O'Donnell! Really won't be watching!!!!

Sad though, really liked the old ones so I will continue watching all the old ones, it's unfortunate.

Someone had a bright idea bringing it back.

Someone on casting totally dropped the ball.

It's probably fine though because it can never be as good as the old original ones. I watch them because stuff they got away with then is funny and unbelievable for the times we are in now. How far we have come and not for the good.

How can you even put Baldwin on tv? He murdered someone. Accident or not, his hosting will be too much to bare with the guilt he should be carrying. I guess you move on after time but this is too much in your face that he gets to have this job after what he did.