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Survey Says: Roker, Philbin, Celebrity Guests Are Game For Updated 'Feud,' 'Password'

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By WALT BELCHER

The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 29, 2008

Everything old is new again. And we're not just talking about Indiana Jones and the raiders of the movie box office or that remake of "Get Smart."

Coming to the small screen this summer are "Million Dollar Password" and "Celebrity Family Feud," updated versions of vintage game shows.

The original "Password" started on CBS in 1961 with Alan Ludden as host. It eventually ran on ABC and NBC and was on and off in daytime through the 1970s.

Ludden was known for his horn-rimmed glasses and for marrying one of the celebrity guests, Betty White. They were married from 1963 until Ludden's death in 1981.

"Million Dollar Password" debuts at 8 p.m. Sunday on CBS with a spry 76-year-old Regis Philbin as host.

Philbin has said that he jumped at the chance to get back into prime time. It has been six years since he was riding high on "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire," a game show that became an overnight sensation during the 1999 TV season.

He had most of America asking, "Is that your final answer?" until 2002, when the show burned out in the ratings. It continues in daytime with Meredith Vieira.

The new version of "Password" offers a bigger cash prize and moves much faster than the original.

But the basics are the same. CBS has ordered six episodes, but if lightning strikes, more could be whipped up rapidly.

The first show pits Neil Patrick Harris against Rachael Ray. In the coming weeks, Rosie O'Donnell turns out to be an impressive player. Also playing are actor Steven Weber, Steve Schirippa of "The Sopranos" and White, who gives her stamp of approval.

Another revival, "Celebrity Family Feud," debuts on NBC on July 1 with genial "Today" weatherman Al Roker as host.

"Family Feud" (without celebrities) debuted in 1976 as a daytime show on ABC with Richard Dawson as host. Dawson was an actor ("Hogan's Heroes") who became a reluctant game-show host after displaying charm and wit on "Match Game."

"Feud" also has been on and off the air several times over the years. Dawson, 75, is semiretired. Other hosts of the show have included Louie Anderson, Ray Combs, Richard Karn and the host of the present syndicated series, John O'Hurley, best known from "Seinfeld" and "Dancing With the Stars."

The prime time version will have celebrity contestants and their real families - or their TV families - competing to raise money for charities. NBC hasn't announced the players.

Meanwhile, the recycling of our pop culture continues with TBS developing a new late-night version of the risque 1970s game show "Match Game" for early 2009.

MISSING THE HEAT: Coming up in Sunday's Getaway section, I preview some of the new summer series and include debut dates for some returning series.

Missing from the summer lineup, however, are a couple of fan favorites, FX's "Rescue Me" and "Damages." Those two won't be back until 2009. Blame the writers strike. But "Rescue Me" fans can still get a Denis Leary rush this summer. FX has ordered 10 five-minute shorts to run on Tuesday nights beginning in June. These little episodes will have a comedic twist.

WHERE'S RICHIE?: It has taken almost a year and more than $85,000 for the city of Milwaukee to get a bronze statue of Arthur "Fonzie" Fonzarelli, of "Happy Days." The replica of the Fonz will be dedicated Aug. 19 along the Milwaukee River. Actor Henry Winkler, who played the character, is expected to attend, as are most of the sitcom's other stars.

TUNE IN TONIGHT

Last Comic Standing, 8:30 p.m., NBC

Angela Kinsey and Oscar Nunez from "The Office" help audition comics in Los Angeles.

Lost, 9 p.m., ABC

The two-hour season finale could answer a few questions about the Oceanic 6, but it probably will be a cliffhanger that raises even more questions about other things.

For more TV listings, go to TBO.com, keyword: TV.

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