Let's Make a Deal

Let's Make a Deal is a television game show aired in the United States. The original and most widely known version aired from 1963 until 1977. Other short lived versions aired in 1980, 1984, 1990, and 2003. The show's attraction was its deals - audience members were challenged to maximize their winnings by matching wits against the host, usually Monty Hall, who also co-produced the show from the '60s through the '80s with his partner, Stefan Hatos.

The premise

Each Let's Make a Deal began with the host (again, usually Monty Hall) choosing a studio audience member at random to play a game against him. Although the specifics of the games varied, the usual pattern was that the audience member was given a small amount of cash or prizes, or promise of cash or prizes. The choice posed to the audience member was to keep a relatively safe bet, or to risk for the potential of a larger or different prize or cash award. Choices could be hidden onstage behind one of three curtains; behind several large boxes which were occasionally wheeled in; or even on smaller table-top boxes or inside other items brought down by the show's announcer and Monty's frequent sidekick/assistant/co-conspirator, Jay Stewart.

Related Topics:
Monty Hall - Jay Stewart

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Initially, studio audience members came in their Sunday best - suits and ties and dresses. Shortly into the show's run, a single audience member carried a sign to try to get Monty's attention, and he picked her. That led to more signs, costumes, hollering...anything an audience member could think of to become the lucky person Monty picked next. The free-for-all with the audience became a hallmark of the show.

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