The New $100,000 Pyramid

[GameShowKid]

I just thought I'd start a new thread to discuss the New $100,000 Pyramid with Michael Strahan. I watched both of last night's episodes with great interest, as I, like Strahan, Rosie O'Donnell, and many others, were big fans of the Clark and Cullen versions of the 70s and 80s.

I think a fantastic job was done in replicating the look and feel of the 80s version I grew up with, even down to the lighting of the pyramid row-by-row and the entrances of the celebrities and host, but with a primetime and 21st century upgrade.  They kept the basic format (except for the tie-breaker) and included some familiar sounds, like the cuckoo and the countdown clock sound in the Winner's Circle. The 7-11 was not brought back, but the second round of play once again includes a Mystery 7.

I was a bit skeptical when I read that Michael Strahan would be the host, but he did a great job. I could tell he really was a Pyramid fan, and he was very good at commenting "on the fly". He could also become serious in appropriate situations.

About the Winner's Circle round: I'm glad there was a longer transition between subjects (including applause) compared to the Osmond and Richards versions. Was it a bit too long? Some might think so. I was quite surprised seeing the subject dollar amounts ($1000 for the first one?! - A huge jump from $50), but I can understand that, considering inflation and the fact that there are no returning champions.

I will do my best to watch all of the upcoming episodes, and I hope the show is renewed for another go-round, whenever that might be.

Any thoughts? I need to get back to work, but I shall return. 

[BillyGr]

Definitely giving out more money (or at least the option of more money) to those who don't complete the Winner's Circle.  It was $1000, $1500, $2000, $3000, $4000, $5000 so you could get as much as  $15,500 as a non winner which is a pretty good chunk of the top $50,000 prize.

[FamilyFeud1994]

Loved it. Of the three revivals we've had in the past 15 years this looks to be the best of them.

I thought the redone 1982-91 theme was kinda meh, but that's just my own opinion.

[GameShowKid]

Loved it. Of the three revivals we've had in the past 15 years this looks to be the best of them.

Definitely agree with you there.

I thought the redone 1982-91 theme was kinda meh, but that's just my own opinion.

Agreed as well. A remix of the '82-'91 theme would be better. (There's a remix of the '70s theme on YouTube that's really good.)
I'd also say the additional background music/sounds played during the head-to-head competition and before & during the Winner's Circle round is, well, not distracting per se, but just not needed. It follows a trend I've noticed in contemporary game show production.

[JayC]

I didn't like was that there was no tie-breaker round and no bonus for a perfect game, but otherwise it was very good and definitely the best of the three 21st century Pyramids. It would be great to see the show later on as a regular once or twice a week nighttime show or a syndicated daily show.

[Ccook]

While it was shrill and undisciplined in some areas, The $100,000 Pyramid was easily the best of the three Sunday Fun & Games entries. I was thinking it would be a multi-week tournament like the 1985 and 1991 shows, but given cash prizes of late, I like the idea of the chance at $100,000 per show. 

[GameShowKid]

I like the idea of the chance at $100,000 per show. 

Same thought here. Will it be done this summer?

[Reloaden]

I was excited to see Pyramid and they did a good job reviving the show they kept both classic and modern. I am so glad they picked celebrities that can play the game, Gsn version suffered from that problem. I liked Michael on Live! he did a good job hosting this show. I hope this show either stays in primetime or goes in syndication.

[TheBigAK]

What a fantastic with Rosie and Kathy.   21-21   Then, the names category costing the game.    Felt just like the Dick Clark version.
I had no problem with the tie breaker.

Can't wait to watch the next one.

And yes, by having celebrities that could actually play the game made for a great show.

[jwatson2973]

I would like to see the 7-11 in round one again. I like that they brought back the Mystery 7 bonus in round two.

[TheBigAK]

I would like to see the 7-11 in round one again. I like that they brought back the Mystery 7 bonus in round two.

I disagree - $1100 in primetime , IMO, is going to feel cheep and $11K seems to me to be excessive.

Now, if they can find a happy medium here, then yeah, great.

[GameShowKid]

I disagree - $1100 in primetime , IMO, is going to feel cheep and $11K seems to me to be excessive.

Now, if they can find a happy medium here, then yeah, great.

How about the 7-37 or 7-47, perhaps sponsored by Boeing? 

But seriously, I'm OK with having one bonus round per half-hour. I'm also looking forward to the next show. 

[WilliamPorygon]

If you need a round one bonus that's not necessarily cheap, I would suggest calling it "Speedy Seven" and offering $1,000 per second left if they get them all.

[GameShowKid]

It would be great to see the show later on as a regular once or twice a week nighttime show...

I was just thinking the same thing. Wouldn't it be great to see it (&/or other traditional game show(s)) on a regular weekly (or twice-weekly) basis in primetime, providing a contrast to and/or relief from the sitcoms and reality shows?     

[JayC]

I disagree - $1100 in primetime , IMO, is going to feel cheep and $11K seems to me to be excessive.

Now, if they can find a happy medium here, then yeah, great.

Maybe $11,000 if the team has 11 seconds or more left on the clock, and $5,000 or something like that for 10 seconds or less left?

I was just thinking the same thing. Wouldn't it be great to see it (&/or other traditional game show(s)) on a regular weekly (or twice-weekly) basis in primetime, providing a contrast to and/or relief from the sitcoms and reality shows?     

It seems primetime game shows have been saved for the summer the last few years. If the ratings for Pyramid, Match Game, and To Tell the Truth are big enough maybe we'll get some during the regular TV season again.