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.

Versions of the show

1963-1977 version

The classic version of Let's Make a Deal aired from 1963 until 1977. It was broadcast on NBC until 1968, and switched to ABC in 1969, where it aired until 1976. A prime-time version aired on NBC in 1967, and on ABC from 1969 to 1971. The classic syndicated version aired from 1971 to 1977. Once the network version was canceled in 1976, the show moved for its final season to Las Vegas, where it eminated from the Hilton.

Related Topics:
NBC - ABC - Syndicated - Las Vegas - Hilton

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1980-1981 syndicated

A short-lived remake, based in Vancouver BC, aired during the 1980-1981 season.

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1984-1986 syndicated

A modestly successful remake, called The All New Let's Make a Deal, surfaced in 1984, three years after the last version folded, this time from NBC Studios in Burbank. Although it began with a terribly small budget, it managed to widen its audience and budget as the series went on. Hall was joined on this version by announcers Brian Cummings (season 1) and Dean Goss (season 2).

Related Topics:
Brian Cummings - Dean Goss

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This version was most famous for a new feature called "Door 4." Played every few days (and announced with siren and quick-zoom fanfare), a contestant was chosen at random and given a $1,000 check. The contest could keep the money or risk it by spinning a carnival wheel, where he could win $2,000 (by landing on a space marked DOUBLE), $3,000 (landing on a TRIPLE), $4,000, a new car ... or win less ($100, $200 or perhaps even a zonk).

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The 1986 finale featured cameo appearances by Carol Merrill and Jay Stewart. Reruns continued for several years on cable.

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1990-1991 NBC daytime

In 1990, NBC tried a revival of the show starring Bob Hilton, but the show flopped. Monty Hall was brought back midway through the run to try to boost the ratings, but it was too late. Big deals now could potentially be worth up to $20,000. This version originated from the Disney-MGM Studios in Orlando FL, and was co-produced by Dick Clark and Ron Greenberg.

Related Topics:
Bob Hilton - Disney-MGM Studios - Dick Clark - Ron Greenberg

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2003 NBC primetime

In 2003, another revival of Let's Make a Deal was tried, this time starring Billy Bush, with announcer Vance DeGeneres. It was not a success on any front; some longtime fans of the format complained about the new show's raunchier tone, while the younger viewers the changes were meant to court never gave the show a chance, in additon, the show was placed against FOX powerhouse American Idol. Five hour-long episodes were shot, but only three aired before NBC pulled the plug.

Related Topics:
Billy Bush - Vance DeGeneres

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Once again, Monty Hall returned for a deal in the final airing. Hall's deal also brought back a contestant from the '70s version who had incredibly passed up three separate cars during a single deal.

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Big Deals were now worth $50,000 or more.

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2005 Univisión

On January 10, 2005, a Spanish version of Let's Make A Deal, titled Trato Hecho ("It's a Deal"), premiered on Univisión, a Spanish television network in the United States. Contestants who got zonked got a "chasco", which is the Spanish word for "disappointment". This version originates from the Raleigh Studios in Hollywood. Guillermo Huesca serves as emcee.

Related Topics:
January 10 - 2005 - Trato Hecho - Univisión - Spanish - Guillermo Huesca

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