Deal or No Deal?

[gottimd]

What the hell is this show and why are they advertising it on NBC every 3 seconds? Is there hundreds of hot women with suitcases and you pick one and see how much money you won?

[Joe]

some retarded game show. will anybody watch it? no deal

[JonInMiddleGA]

http://www.realitytvmagazine.com/blog/2005/11/deal_or_no_deal.html#more

November 21, 2005
Deal Or No Deal To Premiere On NBC On December 19

NBC announced Friday that its high-stakes version of the international hit game show "Deal or No Deal" - hosted by actor-comedian Howie Mandel -- will premiere as a four-night event from Monday, December 19 through Thursday, December 22 (8-9 p.m. all nights).

Hosted by Mandel ("Hidden Howie"), "Deal or No Deal" is an exhilarating game show from the producers of NBC's "Fear Factor" and "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" where contestants play and deal for a top prize of $1 million dollars in a high-energy match of nerves, instincts and raw intuition.

The unique scheduling announcement was made today by Kevin Reilly, President, NBC Entertainment.

" 'Deal or No Deal' has a proven international track record and we think it has all the drama and excitement to keep American audiences on the edge of their seats," said Reilly.

Each night, the game of odds and chance unfolds when a contestant is confronted with 26 sealed briefcases full of varying amounts of cash -- ranging from a measly penny to $1 million dollars. Without knowing the amount in each briefcase, the contestant picks one -- his to keep, if he chooses, until its unsealing at game's end.

The risk element of the game kicks in when the player must then instinctively eliminate the remaining 25 cases - which are opened and the amount of cash inside revealed. The pressure mounts as in each round, after a pre-determined number of cases are opened, the participant is tempted by a mysterious entity known only as "The Bank" to accept an offer of cash in exchange for what might be contained in the contestant's chosen briefcase - prompting Mandel to ask the all-important question - Deal or No Deal?

As each case is opened, the likelihood of the player having a valuable cash amount in his or her own case decreases or increases. Viewers will see if truly, fortune favors the bold. The contestant knows that as long as the larger cash prizes haven't been opened, the Bank's deals will only get higher. And if the torn contestant accidentally opens a case with a bigger cash value -- The Bank's offer could suddenly vaporize.

Based on the successful format from Endemol that has aired in over 35 countries, "Deal or No Deal" is produced by Endemol USA, a division of Endemol Holding. David Goldberg is the president of Endemol USA. The series is executive-produced by Scott St. John.

[TredWel]

I give this show a 0% chance of being shown after December 22nd. Hell, I'd be surprised if it got through its four showings without a timeslot change or it being pulled alltogther.

Sounds like a pure crapfest.

[Easy Mac]

I can't say I've seen that commercial, but I watch NBC about 1 hour a week.

[Abe Sargent]

Take a look at this paragraph in the press release:


http://www.realitytvmagazine.com/blog/2005/11/deal_or_no_deal.html#more
As each case is opened, the likelihood of the player having a valuable cash amount in his or her own case decreases or increases. Viewers will see if truly, fortune favors the bold. The contestant knows that as long as the larger cash prizes haven't been opened, the Bank's deals will only get higher. And if the torn contestant accidentally opens a case with a bigger cash value -- The Bank's offer could suddenly vaporize.



Absolutely false. The chance doesn't change, only your information has changed. They should have checked this by someone who has passed tenth grade math first.

-Anxiety

[Shkspr]

2/3.

[TredWel]

Absolutely false. The chance doesn't change, only your information has changed. They should have checked this by someone who has passed tenth grade math first.
Actually, if the cases are opened with no prior knowledge of their contents, then I think this would fall under the special incomplete information case of the Monty Hall problem, and the chances of holding a specific amount of money would change with each subsequent reveal of a money amount.

[Mr. Wednesday]

It seems like there will be an obvious way to maximize your expected earnings based on the Monty Hall problem, given the way the show is described.

[Mustang]

Howie going to put a rubber glove over his head and blow it up...

That would be soooooooooo cool.

[Raiders Army]

Maybe you get the girl opening up the suitcase as well?

[AlexB]

When I was in Australia in 2003/4 I got into this show! It's a really simple concept, and is kinda the game show version of chicken. Give it a chance - it's surprisingly entertaining...

[rkmsuf]

I can only hope that on each night the first briefcase opened contains the million.

Oh and Mandel is guranteed to be awful at this. Unless he has the rubber glove of course.

[21C]

When I was in Australia in 2003/4 I got into this show! It's a really simple concept, and is kinda the game show version of chicken. Give it a chance - it's surprisingly entertaining...
The show does well here but I've got to say that I never got into it much at all. The presentation is a little too dry.

The funny thing is that I watched the French version recently while travelling through France and my family and I were absolutely hooked. I don't speak any French at all and the host initially came across as this sleazy type who would ogle at the women and rub their shoulders as they made their choices but I could not take my eyes off it after a couple of days. I think it was the fact that the women contestants were all model types and the men would cry whenever they won ( or lost ) but it was maddeningly addictive. The host dragged out each of the choices which only added to the charm.

It was also interesting to watch having a mathematical background since I could almost predict what value the "deal" would be that they offered the contestants.

The French version nearly matched the pinnacle of game shows in my eyes - Press Your Luck.

"Big Bucks, No Whammies, STOP!"

[fantastic flying froggies]

21c makes a good summary.

The game is basically very simple and pretty stupid, but somehow becomes very addictive...

[fantastic flying froggies]

dola - FWIW, the french title is 'Take it or leave it'...

[AlexB]

The host initially came across as this sleazy type who would ogle at the women and rub their shoulders as they made their choices but I could not take my eyes off it after a couple of days.

I think it was the fact that the women contestants were all model types

The words pot, kettle and black mean anything to you? ;)

[sachmo71]

If he talks in his "Bobby" voice, I'm cracking skulls.

[kingfc22]

This show debuts tonight. I will probably be watching it and posts my thoughts afterwards.

[Eaglesfan27]

We ended up watching it. Mrs. Eaglesfan strongly disliked it, while I found it interesting. It's a fairly simple show in some ways, but I find the psychology entertaining. I'll be watching again tomorrow.

[Joe]

I saw it, and I say no deal.

[Karlifornia]

I suppose I'm going to flip between this and the second half of the Stanford game. Hopefully Howie-or shall I say "Diet Goldblum" had better not make too many stupid jokes.

[Karlifornia]

Whoops. The family fucked up. There was $138,000 there for the taking. No way I pass up that kind of quid.

[Eaglesfan27]

Whoops. The family fucked up. There was $138,000 there for the taking. No way I pass up that kind of quid.
Yep. Doing the math, that was where I would have stopped as well. I think she came really close to taking the money, but let her family talk her out of it.

[kingfc22]

Interesting concept. I'm sure I'll follow along this week.

The endgame has the potential to be very interesting. Imagine having 4 cases left with the values: .01, 25, 100k and 1 million just for instance.

[General Mike]

I didn't mind the show, but when you have 1 contestant take up 90% of the show, they're gonna end up with like 5 or 6 contestants this week. I don't know.

[Toddzilla]

The show itself is pretty neat - I like the premise and all - but they have got to dial back the over-the-top contestant and family. Those jackasses made the show nearly unwatchable - I was cheering at the end when they blew all the money. Get these ridiculous attention whores off of my TV.

I think this is why these foreign game shows do so well in other countries, and then bomb in the US. It is because most Americans are simply too goddamned hungry for the spotlight and want to put on a show for the camera to make the show watchable. If BBC America would show episoded of the Britich version (if there even is one), I'd watch it, but I'm done with the American version.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Great show. I loved it. The choice part is entertaining. For those that didn't figure out how the 'banker offer' was calculated, it is an average of all of of the dollar amounts left in play. I found myself calculating odds as the player made the decision. Also, they flashed up some of the percentages as the game went along for those not into math. I'm sure the producers were just loving that first contestant. She really pushed it until it imploded in her face. Great for drawing people back to future episodes. I'll be watching it. Everyone in the room watching it with me was yelling at the TV, telling people to take the money and calling them idiots when they refused. Good clean fun if you ask me.

[wishbone]

How does that guy keep working? Do producers really believe that I will tune in because of or despite him being on the show? Do they think there is some magical middle ground where I will find it acceptable for him to be in my living room? What was that fuzz under his lip?

I watched 5 minutes and I hate Howie Mandel. I also hate Steve Gutenberg.

In case anyone was wondering...

[sachmo71]

He even spelled it out for them by telling them that they had a 75% chance of losing all of their money. Then they lost the money, and she comes back with a brilliant "I told you!" What are you, a genius?

Morons.

[albionmoonlight]

NBC announced Friday that its high-stakes version of the international hit game show "Deal or No Deal" - hosted by actor-comedian Howie Mandel -- will premiere as a four-night event from Monday, December 19 through Thursday, December 22 (8-9 p.m. all nights).

Hosted by Mandel ("Hidden Howie"), "Deal or No Deal" is an exhilarating game show . . . .I understand the convention of listing a well know role or show that an actor has done in order to ring a bell for the reader who may not be able to place the name with a face: "This new show, staring Tom Selleck ("Magnum P.I.") . . . ."

Doesn't this convention lose all meaning, however, when you end up using an eponymous show in which the actor plays himself? Who out there could somehow not recognize Howie Mandel by name, but manage to have their memory jogged by the fact that he plays "Howie Mandel" in "Hidden Howie."

Now, I don't know what else Howie Mandel has done that would or should jog someone's memory. But, in this case, I would argue that we can just leave the "Hidden Howie" parenthetical off, and trust that readers who don't know who Howie Mandel is probably cannot be made aware of that fact. And readers who do know who Howie Mandel is don't really need the help.

[Karlifornia]

I understand the convention of listing a well know role or show that an actor has done in order to ring a bell for the reader who may not be able to place the name with a face: "This new show, staring Tom Selleck ("Magnum P.I.") . . . ."

Doesn't this convention lose all meaning, however, when you end up using an eponymous show in which the actor plays himself? Who out there could somehow not recognize Howie Mandel by name, but manage to have their memory jogged by the fact that he plays "Howie Mandel" in "Hidden Howie."

Now, I don't know what else Howie Mandel has done that would or should jog someone's memory. But, in this case, I would argue that we can just leave the "Hidden Howie" parenthetical off, and trust that readers who don't know who Howie Mandel is probably cannot be made aware of that fact. And readers who do know who Howie Mandel is don't really need the help.

:D

I have tears in my eyes from laughing so hard. Maybe it's just the lead paint I've been huffing

[korme]

I used to watch Bobby's World back in the day (had to look up the title, though).

[Anthony]

he was in a movie called "Walk like a man". i found it funny.

as a kid.

[MIJB#19]

When I was in Australia in 2003/4 I got into this show! It's a really simple concept, and is kinda the game show version of chicken. Give it a chance - it's surprisingly entertaining...
dola - FWIW, the french title is 'Take it or leave it'...
It's called something like "Hunt for the Millions" over here. It was entertaining for about 10 episodes, but I think I haven't watched it since late 2003. It's still a big hit on tv here though.

[TredWel]

It's interesting as a mathematical, economical, and psychological exercise in Expected Value vs. Expected Utility, and Expected Value vs. Variance. As a game show it's bloody stupid.

That being said, I plan to watch the rest of the series in fast forward on TiVo.

[Pumpy Tudors]

I missed the first episode, but I'm watching tonight and liking this show.

[Joe]

it moves so sloooooooooooow

[Pumpy Tudors]

it moves so sloooooooooooow
I remember when the Regis Philbin "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?" did the same thing. I liked that show for a couple of weeks, and then it was just too often and too slow. I'd like "Deal or No Deal" more if it was just half an hour, even if it was daily. At least then it would move a little faster. I'll enjoy it for now, and maybe I won't get sick and tired of it like I did with "Millionaire" years ago.

[Z²+]

I'm liking the show, but the host's terrible voice overs at random times is making it almost seem like an old Ron Popeil infomercial.
"Makes a great wedding gift too!"

[Joe]

this would actually be a really good show if they had a twist like some "stoppers" in a few briefcases or something.

[kcchief19]

this would actually be a really good show if they had a twist like some "stoppers" in a few briefcases or something.Or perhaps a goat?

I'm somewhat surprised ... this should be the kind of game show our statheads and probability experts would love. Although after watching it for 10 minutes, I find myself thinking, "I can't believe this is actually on TV."

[Eaglesfan27]

I'm watching this on TIVO right now, and it isn't just the average at the beginning or middle game. It is the average of the values left towards the end of the game. I do find the math as interesting as the psychology on this show.

[kingfc22]

I think this game has the best beginning intro with all the close up of all the models. :)

[kingfc22]

I just wish there was a way to get more than one contestant per 1 hour show.

[Pumpy Tudors]

I'm watching this on TIVO right now, and it isn't just the average at the beginning or middle game. It is the average of the values left towards the end of the game.I'm not sure I understand. If you're at the beginning or the middle, how do you know which values to average? I mean, how do you know which will be left toward the end? I've been trying to figure out how they compute the banker's offer, and I haven't even gotten close yet. :( Either way, even if I did know how to compute it, I still wouldn't know whether it's better to take the deal or not.

[Raiders Army]

I think the guy who was on Tuesday night was in a great position. Chances are you will pick a suitcase full of low money. The best way to play the game, IMHO, is to leverage what possibilities you have to get the best deal from the banker.

[Eaglesfan27]

I'm not sure I understand. If you're at the beginning or the middle, how do you know which values to average? I mean, how do you know which will be left toward the end? I've been trying to figure out how they compute the banker's offer, and I haven't even gotten close yet. :( Either way, even if I did know how to compute it, I still wouldn't know whether it's better to take the deal or not.
I'm not sure how they compute it early, but you could figure out the average at that point by adding all of the values on the board and dividing by the number of suitcases. However, I think I'm probably misunderstanding your question.

In the middle game, the offers generally seem to be about 60-70% of the average on the board. In the late game (the last 4 suitcases) it was the average of the value on the board.


Raiders Army, I agree, the guy last night was in great position.

[Pumpy Tudors]

Eaglesfan27, you didn't misunderstand my question. I misunderstood your statement at the beginning. I've got it now.

[JonInMiddleGA]

"... but I ain't no damn fool"

[Eaglesfan27]

Having watched tonight's show, it is not the average even late in the game. I'm not sure how they are calculating the bank offers, but am still trying to figure it out. Meanwhile, Mrs. Eaglesfan has decided the show isn't that bad and seemed to enjoy it tonight.

[Joe]

they just make up numbers

[21C]

I just wish there was a way to get more than one contestant per 1 hour show. The Australian version runs 30 minutes. That seems a little quick. The French version I saw ran for about 40-45 minutes. An hour must really drag on.

[AlexB]

I remember when the Regis Philbin "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?" did the same thing. I liked that show for a couple of weeks, and then it was just too often and too slow. I'd like "Deal or No Deal" more if it was just half an hour, even if it was daily. At least then it would move a little faster. I'll enjoy it for now, and maybe I won't get sick and tired of it like I did with "Millionaire" years ago.

Apparently it is on the UK as well, but not seen our version. The Aussie version was half an hour, and I can imagine that if it was longer than this it would be terminally slooooooow.

Edit: OK - what he said ^^^^^^^^^^^^

[rkmsuf]

I'm liking the show, but the host's terrible voice overs at random times is making it almost seem like an old Ron Popeil infomercial.
"Makes a great wedding gift too!"


I noticed this too. Mandel must really, really suck if they have to edit the thing that much.

At least they threw us a bone with some hot chicks opening the briefcases. More briefcase opening...less Mandel and you have a deal.

[Raiders Army]

I noticed this too. Mandel must really, really suck if they have to edit the thing that much.

At least they threw us a bone with some hot chicks opening the briefcases. More briefcase opening...less Mandel and you have a deal.
If they had real money in the briefcases that would be absolutely perfect. Hot chicks opening up suitcases of money. mmmmmmmgood.

[General Mike]

they just make up numbers

I think so.

[Mac Howard]

The Aussie version moved from a one hour weekend spot to a half hour 5-day-a-week-day spot which would indicate the hour long program didn't have a lot of appeal. I've also noticed that the bank offer has reduced as a percentage of the average presumably reflecting the lower advertising income and program time.

It now comes on immediately before the 6pm news and I usually catch the last ten minutes or so as I wait for the news. It's reasonably entertaining like that.

[Butter]

Having watched tonight's show, it is not the average even late in the game. I'm not sure how they are calculating the bank offers, but am still trying to figure it out. Meanwhile, Mrs. Eaglesfan has decided the show isn't that bad and seemed to enjoy it tonight.

Seemed like as it got later and later, the offers were more predictable... as in, with $200k left and 4 cases left, the offer was $50k (1/4 of $50k). With 3 cases left, the offer was $67k (1/3 of $200k). And with 2 cases left, the offer was $99k (1/2 of $200k). I was figuring as they get later and later, the offers would be a lot more predictable like that. Early on, I think they just randomize around a certain set of numbers (between $10k and $30k), depending on how many big money cases have been opened.

[JonInMiddleGA]

The Aussie version moved from a one hour weekend spot to a half hour 5-day-a-week-day spot which would indicate the hour long program didn't have a lot of appeal. I've also noticed that the bank offer has reduced as a percentage of the average presumably reflecting the lower advertising income and program time.

It now comes on immediately before the 6pm news and I usually catch the last ten minutes or so as I wait for the news. It's reasonably entertaining like that.

Just FWIW, that's sort of the pattern that Millionaire followed here in the States. Although (I think) there's still some primetime airings on occasion, the franchise is now primarily a Mon-Fri half-hour syndicated series.

[digamma]

Seemed like as it got later and later, the offers were more predictable... as in, with $200k left and 4 cases left, the offer was $50k (1/4 of $50k). With 3 cases left, the offer was $67k (1/3 of $200k). And with 2 cases left, the offer was $99k (1/2 of $200k). I was figuring as they get later and later, the offers would be a lot more predictable like that. Early on, I think they just randomize around a certain set of numbers (between $10k and $30k), depending on how many big money cases have been opened.
They appear to be just under the EV for your case. The exception was the $67K offer, which is just more than the $200K/3--maybe from a straight EV perspective, it's still slightly under, because I think one of the other cases was $5,000, but I don't remember for sure--but for all intents and purposes, those other two cases were zero. It seems he should have taken the $67K deal. Of course, it worked out for him and he got an extra $32K by opening one more case.

[Joe]

the ugly chicks always have low numbers in their cases

[Karlifornia]

Any word on how this baby's doing in the ratings?

[JonInMiddleGA]

http://medialifemagazine.com/artman/publish/article_1999.asp

Dec 21, 2005

NBC definitely has a hit with the new game show “Deal or No Deal.” The next question is, just how big a hit can it become?

In its second episode, the Howie Mandel-hosted “Deal” averaged a 4.6 overnight rating among viewers 18-49 in its 8 p.m. timeslot last night, a 24 percent increase over the 3.7 NBC has averaged in that timeslot this season. “Deal” was up 18 percent over a 3.9 for Monday’s debut.

It was NBC’s second-highest-rated outing of the season in the timeslot, behind only last month’s “Biggest Loser” finale. As it did in its first outing, “Deal” grew throughout the hour, up 19 percent from its first half hour to its second.

“Deal” was the night’s highest-rated show among 18-49s, according to overnights, though it came against little competition. Only ABC’s “Rodney” was an original during the 8 p.m. hour last night.

The real test for NBC and “Deal” will be how the game show performs in its next go-round. NBC is sure to bring it back later this season, perhaps after February’s Olympics, when it can really hype the show.
...
“Deal” actually compares favorably with “Millionaire,” which debuted in the summer of 1999 and then became a huge hit during the regular season. “Millionaire” averaged a 4.2 rating among 18-49s in its second episode, and “Deal” bettered that by 10 percent.

[Karlifornia]

Ah. Thanks Jon.

[JonInMiddleGA]

No prob RFUS, my wife had asked the same question about 5 minutes before you posted (she's watched the show all week) so I was gonna have to look it up anyway ;)

[AlexB]

OK - watched the English version yesterday: a lot of the show obviously has to do with the host! The Aussie guy was good, Noel Edmonds is not. Simple as.

[tanglewood]

OK - watched the English version yesterday: a lot of the show obviously has to do with the host! The Aussie guy was good, Noel Edmonds is not. Simple as.

Noel Edmonds!?!?!?? Say it ain't so.....

[Glengoyne]

Watched tonight because of the dearth of regular programming. I'm a big Mandel fan, so that was a plus. Then watching the game play out was pretty interesting. I so would have taken one of the earlier offers in tonight's show...Of course the gal didn't, and made out with over a quarter of a million. So what do I know?

I like it, but I don't think I can watch it if they continue to STRETCH things out until after the next commercial. Too many commercial breaks, not enough show.

[timmynausea]

I'm a big Mandel fan, so that was a plus.

You may as well just say you're the big Mandel fan.

[Raiders Army]

You may as well just say you're the big Mandel fan.
LOL. I really dislike the whole segueway to commercial bit that American Idol started. The first time, okay. Any time after that and it gets old fast.

[rkmsuf]

LOL. I really dislike the whole segueway to commercial bit that American Idol started. The first time, okay. Any time after that and it gets old fast.

How long before we hear "Mandell.....out!"?

[Joe]

Looks like we got a much more boring version of this show than other countries have.

http://members.iinet.net.au/~powney/gameshow/dealnodeal2003.htm

[Joe]

Dola. I miss the old howie:


http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B0001AW14C.01._SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg

[kingfc22]

Show was back on tonight.

Found this on nbc's webiste and it's a fun timewaster:

hxxp://www.nbc.com/Deal_or_No_Deal/game/

[ISiddiqui]

I saw it for the first time tonight. Really fun, especially if you get a great contestant (like the guy tonight who won over $300,000).

[Joe]

have they changed the format at all to make it actually entertaining like the versions other countries get? Or is it still just a stand there and pick out numbers deal?

[Rizon]

I watched it for the first time tonight. I'm easily entertained but this show was boring as all hell. The sound right before the briefcase opened got excruciatingly annoying around the 4th or 5th time I heard it ... after that, I had to mute it because the sound made me honestly feel like I had to puke ... seriously, for some reason that sound made me sick.

And How-E got on my nerves too, when he called the case number his hands were in the EXACT same position each time, spaced apart like he was doing some double karate chop. C'mon, mix it around Bobby.

And lastly, I felt the contestant and his cronies were all actors. They were just far too phony to be real people. Maybe they were just really annoying people, but I won't be watching again to find out if everyone on that show acts the same way.

[oliegirl]

And How-E got on my nerves too, when he called the case number his hands were in the EXACT same position each time, spaced apart like he was doing some double karate chop. C'mon, mix it around Bobby.

There was an article in People magazine a week or two ago about him - he has OCD and can't stand to have people touch him, especially his hands. He washes them constantly and pointed out that you'll never see him shake hands with someone on the show...since I read that when we watch it's kind of humorous to watch him avoid touching people :)

[Butter]

There was an article in People magazine a week or two ago about him - he has OCD and can't stand to have people touch him, especially his hands. He washes them constantly and pointed out that you'll never see him shake hands with someone on the show...since I read that when we watch it's kind of humorous to watch him avoid touching people :)

That would have to make it more entertaining than it is now. As it is, it drags on far too long for each contestant. This baby won't make it back to the fall lineup, I think.

[Toddzilla]

There was an article in People magazine a week or two ago about him - he has OCD and can't stand to have people touch him, especially his hands. He washes them constantly and pointed out that you'll never see him shake hands with someone on the show...since I read that when we watch it's kind of humorous to watch him avoid touching people :)He did a long interview with Opie and Anthony a few months ago, and he talked about his OCD at great length. He tells a fantastically funny story about taking care of his daughters while his wife is away, and being unable to take them into a restroom at a restaurant. A great great funny story.

[rkmsuf]

someone should rub the phone under their armpit

[Toddzilla]

FWIW, the Howie Mandel interview is on XM 202 right now, as part of an O&A Best Of. Wow, what a coincidence.

[Neuqua]

someone should rub the phone under their armpit

:laugh: :laugh:

[tategter]

My wife and I are probably too into this show. We bought a car over the weekend, and when the sales guy came back with his second offer, my wife thought about it for a second and then suddenly hit the table and yelled 'NO DEAL!'. The sales guys said we were the second person that day to say that to him.

[SirFozzie]

Basically, the Banker uses the average value of the remaining cases as a guide point, and then modifies it up or down on a whim.. For example, if he thinks that it would be good TV to watch you get upset and say no deal, in hope you flame out spectacularly, he'll low ball you, if he thinks that you really were going to take the last deal, and somehow lucked out again, it'll be lower. If you're confident, and it's looking bad for him, he'll try to offer you more, to psyche you out and make you nervous.

[Buccaneer]

My wife has been watching this regularly and I've managed to catch quite a bit of it. It is rather addicting even though I believe some of the contestants cannot do math in their heads (esp. those that don't take the deal if the only higher one has a 18% or 25% chance of hitting). Anyway, I said something stupid tonight asking my wife if we knew who the host was. She looked at me funny and said that's Howie Mandel. I said, 'get out of town'. He is rather good at this role but I still can't believe that's Howie Mandel knowing that he used to be a stupid, unfunny jerk back in the 80s.

[Glengoyne]

My wife has been watching this regularly and I've managed to catch quite a bit of it. It is rather addicting even though I believe some of the contestants cannot do math in their heads (esp. those that don't take the deal if the only higher one has a 18% or 25% chance of hitting). Anyway, I said something stupid tonight asking my wife if we knew who the host was. She looked at me funny and said that's Howie Mandel. I said, 'get out of town'. He is rather good at this role but I still can't believe that's Howie Mandel knowing that he used to be a stupid, unfunny jerk back in the 80s.


I think you have classified his eighties schtick correctly. However somewhere in the nineties he became funny. I remember sitting up one night at 3 AM watching his standup routine in say '99, and damn it was one of the funniest acts I had ever seen.

[Buccaneer]

I thought tonight's episode was very entertaining. They guy took a $301,000 deal that was 50/50 to be higher (it wasn't). My wife laughs at my impatience of Howie milking everything for its worth.

[Logan]

I thought tonight's episode was very entertaining. They guy took a $301,000 deal that was 50/50 to be higher (it wasn't). My wife laughs at my impatience of Howie milking everything for its worth.

It wasn't the clown guy, right? I turned it off when he was getting his ass handed to him.

[Maple Leafs]

Did anyone see the SNL sendup this weekend?

"I do not understand what is happening here."

[Eaglesfan27]

It wasn't the clown guy, right? I turned it off when he was getting his ass handed to him.

It was the clown guy (who proposed to his GF on the show as well.) I agree with Bucc, it was an entertaining episode.

[JS19]

I also agree. Usually I can't stand the amount of commercials during this show so i'll flip around, but this one had me entertained enough to stick with it.

[Ksyrup]

So, anyone still watching this show, not for the actual show, but because you're nerdy and like to do quick math in a contest with your wife to see who comes closest to guessing the banker's offer, and then when the game gets down to brass tacks, figuring the multiple offers that would still be available if the person opened those cases, in order to determine whether that person should, in fact, take the deal or should open another case?

Uh...me neither.

[Gary Gorski]

I just wish they would move the game along - like anyone is ever going to take a deal after opening 6 cases - if they would just let them open like 15 cases to start with and then start making the deals it would be better.

[SirFozzie]

I just wish they would move the game along - like anyone is ever going to take a deal after opening 6 cases - if they would just let them open like 15 cases to start with and then start making the deals it would be better.


It's useful to set a baseline after the first six, to watch the tension build.

[molson]

I didn't watch it much at the beginning, but it's somewhat enjoyable to see these greedy dumb broads turn down a guaranteed six figures and end up with under $1k. Stupid bitches.

The touchy feely stuff is also a little overdone. The second a constestent said "my mother is in South Africa and I haven't seen her in 10 years" - you immediately know that she's in the audience, and that we'll have to spend 2 full minutes on the "reunion".

[BigDPW]

NO DEAL!

[BigDPW]

Dola - anyone seen the espanol version of this on telemundo? I flipped by and was stuck watching Vas o No Vas for about 30 mintues the other day... They have some real hot latinas on there with much less on than the US version... And the prize money only goes to 250K I think...

VAS O NO VAS!!!!

[Desnudo]

So, anyone still watching this show, not for the actual show, but because you're nerdy and like to do quick math in a contest with your wife to see who comes closest to guessing the banker's offer, and then when the game gets down to brass tacks, figuring the multiple offers that would still be available if the person opened those cases, in order to determine whether that person should, in fact, take the deal or should open another case?

Uh...me neither.

I watched it last night and was amazed. I think your financial situation has to be considered a big factor. Like $100K means a lot more to some than others. That recently single mother turns down 250K and her stupid pink shirted girlfriend, aka fat, friend is still telling her to go No Deal with only 1 case in 4 having more than $500. I felt bad for the mom and annoyed with her at the same time. 250K puts your kids through Ivy League schools or buys a nice house.

[Ksyrup]

I get to the point where, if I think the decision to go for it is crazy enough, I start actively rooting against the person. Some people deserve to have bad decisions bite them in the ass.

[lynchjm24]

I get to the point where, if I think the decision to go for it is crazy enough, I start actively rooting against the person. Some people deserve to have bad decisions bite them in the ass.

I start rooting against them from the second they are introduced.

[Ksyrup]

It depends on the person. But usually, I go along with it until it looks like they're being greedy and/or stupid.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

I watched it last night and was amazed. I think your financial situation has to be considered a big factor. Like $100K means a lot more to some than others. That recently single mother turns down 250K and her stupid pink shirted girlfriend, aka fat, friend is still telling her to go No Deal with only 1 case in 4 having more than $500. I felt bad for the mom and annoyed with her at the same time. 250K puts your kids through Ivy League schools or buys a nice house.

Yeah, that was pretty terrible. She's a single mom who was a secretary (so probably makes about 35K a year) and she's in a situation where she was offered nearly $250K. Terrible to turn that down and she hits the $1,000,000 on the next case. Thankfully, she managed to go again and still get $187K, so it wasn't a total disaster.

[lynchjm24]

It depends on the person. But usually, I go along with it until it looks like they're being greedy and/or stupid.

I guess I give them the benefit of the doubt, but from taking off their shoes to having stupid animals on stage I've grown to root against all of them quickly.

[Joe]

good news! looks like this show will only be on once a week now that NBC is moving 30 rock & scrubs to Thursday nights. until they cancel something else and need a replacement, that is.

[ahbrady]

I guess I give them the benefit of the doubt, but from taking off their shoes to having stupid animals on stage I've grown to root against all of them quickly.

I'm glad to hear someone else feels the same way I do about nearly every one of the contestants that I've seen. I thought maybe something was wrong with me.

[Ksyrup]

Saw this on another board, which I think was taken from Wiki. I didn't know any of this:


- Mandel has obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and mysophobia (fear of germs) to the point that he does not shake hands with anyone. However, it now appears he may have slightly gotten over his mysophobia, as he can be seen on Deal or No Deal giving the contestants congratulatory gestures such as: tapping another's fist with his own fist, hugging them, and putting his hands on their shoulders. Howie now takes medicine to control his condition and even pokes fun at himself for it. This is made more evident in a skit he appeared in on Mad TV.

- He revealed on The Howard Stern Show that his shaved head is not related to natural hair loss, but to his mysophobia. He stated that the lack of hair makes him feel cleaner.

[bosshogg23]

Saw this on another board, which I think was taken from Wiki. I didn't know any of this:


- Mandel has obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and mysophobia (fear of germs) to the point that he does not shake hands with anyone. However, it now appears he may have slightly gotten over his mysophobia, as he can be seen on Deal or No Deal giving the contestants congratulatory gestures such as: tapping another's fist with his own fist, hugging them, and putting his hands on their shoulders. Howie now takes medicine to control his condition and even pokes fun at himself for it. This is made more evident in a skit he appeared in on Mad TV.

- He revealed on The Howard Stern Show that his shaved head is not related to natural hair loss, but to his mysophobia. He stated that the lack of hair makes him feel cleaner.

After the show first started, Jay Leno said he has never seen Howie Mandel shake someones hand in 20 years and that he always uses the fist bump.

He must have been having a daily breakdowns during Walk Like A Man, walking around on his hands, drinking out of dog bowls, etc.

[Buccaneer]

I know this had already been on the eastern time zones but there's a good-ol'-boy from Arkansas on and he's a riot. Very entertaining to watch, unlike many other contestants who has to fake enthusiam (or don't act well).

[Buccaneer]

By the way, our Arkansas friend gave Howie a bear hug and I'm sure Howie had to go fumigate himself.

[KevinNU7]

$10, too funny

[Buccaneer]

Yeah, lol, like he said, he's a dumb butt. The show got its money's worth since they kept him on the whole hour and it was entertaining all the way including when he walked off the set.

[Vinatieri for Prez]

You can watch the whole show on Tivo in about 10 minutes. That's the way to go.

[Ksyrup]

After he left the stage and was in the hallway, he looked like he was going to first vomit, then kill someone, then kill himself. If there's a new suitcase lady next episode, you'll know why.

[rkmsuf]

I turn it on last night and see Darth Vader giving the offer, waving his hand and the deal button case pop open.

I almost pissed myself laughing.

[MikeVic]

How is this game still on? There's absolutely no skill or talent needed?

[Kodos]

Well, there is the very real skill of knowing when to take the money and run.

[rkmsuf]

Well, there is the very real skill of knowing when to take the money and run.

I wonder how many episodes they tape that never air where it's just boring. They get a good offer and take the money first chance they get. I mean some people must see 80K or so and take it. That's a lot of money.

[gottimd]

I wonder how many episodes they tape that never air where it's just boring. They get a good offer and take the money first chance they get. I mean some people must see 80K or so and take it. That's a lot of money.

Take the bankers offer right as you're introduced...."I'll take the $15 offer!"

[rkmsuf]

It's funny they can find people that still "talk" to the banker like he's intentionally playing them or something. Like it's a battle. Or that there is a "banker" that makes the offers per say.

"ooh he's giving you the business" and lines like that are funny.

the mvp of these shows is the screening process by far

[Kodos]

I wonder how many episodes they tape that never air where it's just boring. They get a good offer and take the money first chance they get. I mean some people must see 80K or so and take it. That's a lot of money.

The crash and burn episodes are the best. :D

[rkmsuf]

The crash and burn episodes are the best. :D

those are the keepers. they go right almost till the end and then knock out the big amount.

it's predicatble at this point that it will happen if they don't take the obvious really good offer.

[Ksyrup]

We rarely watch anymore, but what I look for is the point at which I go from rooting for the person to rooting against them. Basically, if I put myself in their shoes and would take the money but they decide to go on and I can't see a justification for it, I basically treat them like they are the Yankees.

[gottimd]

I wonder how much the guy who plays the shadowy figure of the banker gets paid? He never says anything except for his fake phone conversations.

I don't even watch this show at all, I have flipped by it and maybe have seen about 3 minutes in total of it since it has been on.

[Kodos]

We rarely watch anymore, but what I look for is the point at which I go from rooting for the person to rooting against them. Basically, if I put myself in their shoes and would take the money but they decide to go on and I can't see a justification for it, I basically treat them like they are the Yankees.

Sounds very much like me. Basically, I root for them up to the point where they do something stupid. If you turn down $272,000, you can be damn sure I will be rooting for you to leave with $1.

And I root against anyone who "knows" that their case contains the million, like it is their destiny or something.

[rkmsuf]

We rarely watch anymore, but what I look for is the point at which I go from rooting for the person to rooting against them. Basically, if I put myself in their shoes and would take the money but they decide to go on and I can't see a justification for it, I basically treat them like they are the Yankees.

pretty much on the same page here

the game goes at such a glacial pace the only time it's seen is in passing

then they get offered something like 200K, turn it down and you just call them nerfherders and wait for the big amount to come off the board. happens 95% of the time.

[Ksyrup]

The biggest fallacy in this game is that someone could go home with $1M. They begged people to take $1M home, and they couldn't do it. Just because I have $1M left on the board certainly means that amount might be in my case, but only under very rare circumstances does it mean I might win $1M. If I was in that situation, the only way I'd go for the $1M would be if I had $500K and $1M left. I'd be happy risking $250K for the chance at an additional $500K, and walking out of there with no less than $500K.

Other than that, you'd have to be a moron to go for $1M. But I constantly see a board of $1M, $50K, and $25, and Howie is like, "You have a 33% chance of winning $1M." No, that's not how the game is played, moron.

[Kodos]

Yeah, but that is how he is instructed to present it I'm sure.

[Ksyrup]

I know, but he's the messenger, so he gets killed.

[cartman]

I would like QuikSand's ruling on the matter.

:D

[TCY Junkie]

Other than that, you'd have to be a moron to go for $1M. But I constantly see a board of $1M, $50K, and $25, and Howie is like, "You have a 33% chance of winning $1M." No, that's not how the game is played, moron.

I am not sure what you are talking about. Anyway, I record it and watch it all under 10 minutes usually.