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NBC’s Deal or No Deal: Whatever the answer, this show is excellent Television

Once a week, the nation’s loyal viewers tune in to their local NBC affiliate for an hour of pure entertainment, anxiously watching to see if another average citizen can strike it rich. In an age of reality TV and police show dramas, the TV game show genre is apparently still alive and kicking. Perhaps the best thing this segment of the television industry has to offer is the extremely popular hour
game show Deal or No Deal. Hosted by longtime actor/comedian Howie Mandel, flanked by a bevy of beautiful models, Deal or No Deal offers something for everyone.

From the moment the show begins, the audience is drawn to Mandel’s easy style and humorous banter. Unlike many of the other game show hosts, Mandel is an everyday nice guy without the slippery hairpiece and robotic smile that many of the hosts we tend to see sport. Mandel’s likeability quotient is soon matched by a contestant whose wild enthusiasm and often quaint personality is an equally integral part of the show’s success. The relationship established between these two creates much of the substance that viewers can feast on.

Of course, let’s not forget those 26 models. They treat us to a stunning display of visual appeal as they pair above-the-knee dresses, marching in unison down a flight of steps, each stopping at the perfect time while holding the infamous briefcases that house the dollar amounts played. What would American television programming be without some beautiful models, each with a smile as big and bright as a neon sign that reads “I’m beautiful but approachable!” In defense of these beautiful women, they’ve managed to play a major part of the show, as they each take turns answering a contestant’s prayer with what’s in their case, or offering a sympathetic murmur when the contents of the case . frustrate the hopes of a contestant. These ladies have even been known to shed an occasional tear when touched by a particular contestant’s plight. Kudos to the models for letting some personality show and to the show’s producers for being smart enough to allow and encourage it.

Let’s meet our lucky contestant!

We’ve long since shed the notion that game show contestants are randomly chosen from a studio audience, chosen to play the game by sheer luck and chance. Savvy viewers today know that game show contestants audition for shows much like any actor or actress does for a part. What makes a good contestant? Once again we look at the sympathy factor. We want to see this person succeed! We care enough about this person to hold our collective breath as each case is opened, each dollar amount is revealed, and each play of the game brings that person closer to untold riches. Our hearts break if the contestant’s game doesn’t go well and we jump and cheer when a big deal is made and money is made. The executives who choose the contestants are to be commended: they constantly offer us regular Joe’s, moms and dads, husbands and wives, friends and family, any one of whom could be someone we know. The contestants, dressed in brightly colored clothes that immediately set them apart from the gloomy audience and the stark colors of the stage, are fitting representatives for everyone who is sitting at home and wants to be on that stage.

It’s time to play Deal or No Deal

So what is the premise of the game itself? It hardly seems to matter in light of the elements the producers have put together for their global audience. There is a hint of a real game complete with real strategy and of course mostly a lot of good luck. The idea is to choose one of 26 cases from the start, hoping that the chosen case contains as much of a million dollars as possible. The rest of the game is a process of elimination in the hope of discovering the maximum amount of dollars in the contestant’s case. With each set of cases chosen, the contestant is offered the opportunity to exchange the option to advance to another round for a guaranteed sum of cash. With each amount of cash offered, the contestant must answer the burning question. Does the contestant accept the guaranteed cash offer that “The Deal” represents? Or does he continue to play in the hope of securing as many as possible and yelling “No deal!” to indicate his choice.

Whether a player walks away with a million dollars, breaks down at some point in the game and takes the guaranteed cash deal, or ends up with nothing, Deal or No Deal is an entertaining show from start to finish. Like any good form of entertainment, the audience is offered the chance to experience a variety of emotions, take in beautiful scenery, enjoy the thrill of sheer excitement, and establish a feeling of camaraderie with both the audience and the men and women who attend. they touch the game. Deal or no deal? I’ll take it either way!

Deal or No Deal airs Mondays on NBC and nightly on many CNBC affiliates. Check your local listing for specific hours.

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