The network has given the go-ahead to a new version of LET'S MAKE A DEAL, the product placement-friendly game show in which contestants bargain for the best possible prizes while trying to avoid getting zonked.
It replaces GUIDING LIGHT, the iconic soap opera exiting the CBS lineup Sept. 18.
Comic/actor Wayne Brady is expected to host the new DEAL, filling the legendary shoes of original host/producer Monty Hall, said people familiar with the details of the decision. FremantleMedia North America is producing the revival, which is expected to launch as an hour-long series as early as Sept. 21.
Network officials weren't commenting Sunday on the DEAL pickup, or what it means for the other big contender for GUIDING LIGHT's time slot -- a new version of THE $100,000 PYRAMID. That show, from producer Michael Davies, also taped a pilot this summer and had been considered a strong candidate for a series order.
One of the big advantages of DEAL, however, is that its format is ideally suited to show off potential sponsors' brands -- a major plus in an age when networks are looking to integrate brand messages into programming. PRICE IS RIGHT has proven that such an ad-friendly format can work on CBS.
Nancy Tellem, president of CBS Paramount Network Television Entertainment Group, said in April that the network wanted to find a show to replace GUIDING LIGHT "which could have the potential to grow, and we could do it at a much lower cost."
As a lifelong daytime soap fan, I am rooting hard against this latest incarnation of LET'S MAKE A DEAL. If the show does well, I predict it will like expedite the cancellation of at least one ABC soap if not two. Why would ABC, or NBC for that matter who will decide DAYS future next year, deal with declining profit margins for their soaps if CBS demonstrates you can bring in as many or more viewers with a less expensive show to produce?
It will be interesting to see if the show occupies GUIDING LIGHT's morning timeslots in several major markets of it CBS will push affiliates to air the show at 3pm ET/2pm PT where GL was intended to air.
In the meantime, keep supporting indie soaps, the wave of the future.
Wow, that's a...I'm speechless.
ReplyDeleteI think I'll just concur with John's sentiments.
That's a real kick in the teeth to all of the cast and crew at Guiding Light, isn't it? Nice. Really nice.
ReplyDeleteCBS, you suck.
I normally refrain from swearing on the blog, but I have to TOTALLY AGREE with your sentiments John.
ReplyDeleteI understand it's a business but that doesn't make it any easier to take. :(
This is just all kinds of wrong. FUCBS!
ReplyDeleteWhat John said.
ReplyDeleteI hope the show tanks and now I can't like Wayne Brady any longer.
All I can say is that CBS is going down big time..they are lossing fans by a minute!!! A game show instead of an American Icon??? Incredible...I don't know where on hell they have their brains!
ReplyDeleteah!! I concur with John sentiment big time!
Wow, 72 years of entertainment history down the crapper for a gameshow. Just goes to show that CBS really DOESN'T care, doesn't care about its viewers, doesn't care about Guiding Light and surely doesn't care about the fans. CBS, you are a disgrace!
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, I think it is the beginning of the wave. It is certainly cheaper to produce a game show (with product placement, no less) than to pay actors, writers, costumers, etc....I fear that one by one the other soaps are going to fall by the wayside as networks try to save $.
ReplyDeleteWow - sad indeed. I have a question Roger: if this game show is successful, do you think that it will expedite the cancellation of another CBS show - ATWT?
ReplyDeleteJessie, I have no inside info, but I have a feeling ATWT is going to be off the air in 2010 even if the ratings get a slight bump.
ReplyDeleteBut if this game show does well, I would say ATWT being gone next year is 100% certainty.
Sorry about the cursing, Roger. But this really called for a special term of endearment. Showing CBS the love.
ReplyDelete*eyeroll*
First let me say that as a viewer I feel like my intelligence has been insulted. Now as a fan of soaps I'm worried, if ugh Lets make a deal succeeds we will see ATWT go off the air followed by either OLTL or AMC (that is if Days gets its contract extended) all we will see is game shows and talk shows. We should have a channel dedicated to our soaps but oh wait we have a soap channel its just not dedicated to soap operas.
ReplyDeleteCBS has lost its mind and its heart. Shameful!
ReplyDeleteThis is an absolute travesty that such a been there, tired, old, same old same old garbage could replace a wonderful show like Guiding Light. I will NOT be watching anything on CBS after Guiding Light is over. My favorite mantra these days is FUCBS and believe me I never curse lightly.
ReplyDeleteI have to say that whilst I'm saddened for the American viewing public (I'm from Ireland), I'm not surprised by this new development by CBS (doesn't CBS stand for Corporate Bullshitters?!). When CBS confirmed it was cancelling Guiding Light, it was always feared that something like this would replace it. I agree totally that CBS is not concerned about its viewers or entertainment value, and I fear that the same will happen to other soaps. The ironic thing is that I feel that especially with the economic climate that we are all faced with, that we could all use the distraction that a soap opera can provide.
ReplyDelete