As a lover of game shows, I consider this the worst game show on TV. It is not because of host Jerry O'Connell's silly dances. Neither is it due to its low-budget approach to production and prizes.
The big problem is that O'Connell violates a basic tenet of all competition shows: he influences play. Maybe you have noticed that he often makes comments, like "this is a tough one". As contestants draw the clues, he frequently says "it's all there" or "you did a good job"-all of which can be clues to the guessers. Or if someone uses a specific color, he might indicate that it's a wise choice. These might seem like subtle or meaningless comments, but you would never hear Alex Trebek comment that a final jeopardy clue was obscure. Pat Sajak would never say that someone made a good choice in guessing a particular letter.
Frankly, I am surprised that they allow him to get away with his imprudent remarks. Avid game players are scrupulous about fairness, and the producers and broadcasters who are responsible for content must be well aware of the line that separates fair play from behaviors that can lead to major fines.
The big problem is that O'Connell violates a basic tenet of all competition shows: he influences play. Maybe you have noticed that he often makes comments, like "this is a tough one". As contestants draw the clues, he frequently says "it's all there" or "you did a good job"-all of which can be clues to the guessers. Or if someone uses a specific color, he might indicate that it's a wise choice. These might seem like subtle or meaningless comments, but you would never hear Alex Trebek comment that a final jeopardy clue was obscure. Pat Sajak would never say that someone made a good choice in guessing a particular letter.
Frankly, I am surprised that they allow him to get away with his imprudent remarks. Avid game players are scrupulous about fairness, and the producers and broadcasters who are responsible for content must be well aware of the line that separates fair play from behaviors that can lead to major fines.
