Nbc May Revive ‘Twentyone’

Tue., Sept. 28, 1999

The Hollywood Reporter

What’s a little scandal in the past when it comes to good ratings for the future? NBC hopes to capitalize on the game show craze generated by ABC’s “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” by returning “TwentyOne” to the airwaves.

A network spokeswoman confirmed that NBC Studios, together with former peacock entertainment topper Fred Silverman, are teaming to create an updated version of the ‘50s quiz show that’s as famous for its wild popularity as the scandal that knocked it off the air. The network, which owns the rights to the game show, will produce the pilot as a possible midseason show for prime time or daytime.

“TwentyOne” debuted on NBC on Sept. 12, 1956. Hosted by Jack Barry, the show originally aired in the 10:30 p.m. slot before moving to 9 p.m. Mondays and then 8:30 p.m. Thursdays.

The show’s phenomenal success was soon overshadowed by scandal, which started after the dashing young Charles Van Doren won national adoration for his participation on the show. It turned out the only thing winning about Van Doren’s appearances was his so-called performance; he was given the answers in advance.

“TwentyOne” went off the air Oct. 16, 1958. In its final season, “TwentyOne” ranked No. 26 overall.

In 1994, Robert Redford chronicled how the country was duped and disillusioned by the rigged show in “Quiz Show,” in which Ralph Fiennes played Van Doren.

The broadcast networks are giving more serious thought to prime-time game shows, thanks to the runaway success of “Millionaire” and the steady ratings-grabber “Whose Line Is It Anyway?”

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