GSN to Air Several Behind-the-Scenes Specials Starting This Fall

Chuck Barris and 'Match Game' Among the Topics to Be Covered

PASADENA, Calif., July 11 -- GSN will air several original behind-the-scenes specials starting this fall about the world of game shows, it was announced by Rich Cronin, President and CEO of GSN, the network for games, at the network's Summer TCA presentation. Among the broad topics to be covered are game show legend Chuck Barris and the classic "Match Game," which currently airs on the GSN schedule.

"The overwhelming success of 'Big Bucks: The Press Your Luck Scandal' told us viewers love to learn about the inside workings of the game show world," said Cronin. "There is a wealth of material within the game show community and we'd like to offer more of the same, top-quality behind-the-scenes fare."

One of the early specials will spotlight Chuck Barris, host of "The Gong Show." To the viewers at home, this was a new kind of show and the audience loved it. But they didn't know what was going on off screen. This special will go back to Barris' beginnings to shed light on his past, including an exclusive interview with this most unique host.

Another will feature the beloved classic game show "Match Game." "Match Game" started out slowly and uneventfully, but when faced with cancellation, producers and panelists decided to kick it up a notch and have fun with it until the end of the season. As a result, everyone cut loose and loaded the show with offbeat jokes and double-entendres. The final product was hilarious and viewers responded. This "new" format was a recipe for success; the network kept the show on the air and it was a hit for years to follow in daytime and prime time. With a revolving cast of comedians and questions echoing the 1970's penchant for sexual innuendo, "Match Game" redefined the modern game show. It went against convention and appealed to a younger, hipper audience and ushered in a new era of television. GSN takes a look at "Match Game's" heyday from 1973 until its end in 1979 and celebrates one of the most beloved game shows on American television.

The specials will be produced by Asylum Entertainment, founded in 2000, and who created the 10-time Emmy nominated series "Beyond the Glory" and the Emmy nominated series "Fearless." Frank Sinton serves as executive producer.

GSN, the Network for Games, is the only U.S. television network dedicated to game-related programming and interactive game playing. The network features game shows, reality series, documentaries and casino games. As the industry leader in interactivity, GSN features over 133 hours per week of interactive programming. Reaching 60 million Nielsen homes, GSN is distributed in the U.S. through all major cable systems and satellite providers. The network is jointly owned by Sony Pictures Entertainment and Liberty Media Corporation.

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SOURCE GSN
http://www.gsn.com