oldTV

All this week I’ll be looking at “oldTV.” That’s not television that’s old, but television that old people watch. This kind of television is generally marked by the following: lack of relevance, void of loud music, reaffirms the world has gone to hell and mildly challenging puzzles.

Wheel of Fortune is the longest running syndicated game show and the second longest running game show either in syndicated or network (behind The Price is Right). The show created by Merv Griffin and first aired in 1975. The current version of Wheel debut in 1983 with Pat Sajack at the helm and Vanna White flipping the letters. The Wheel has been the most watched syndicated show since 1984. There has been over 4500 Wheel of Fortune Shows produced.

A 22 minute version of hangman, WOF is just the right amount of puzzle and the right amount of game show for old people. No complicated or confusing questions and no overly excited contestants. It’s also one of the few game shows you can play along with if your hearing is bad.

While I find the Wheel a little on the dull side, I do commend the producers for working very hard to keep the show fresh. Every time I watch there’s a new twist to either the game or the show. Pat Sajack is a game show host that is likeable and intelligent and Vanna White is still very attractive.

I prefer the trivia challenge of Jeopardy to the appeal the Wheel has to avid readers and word puzzle junkies, but judging it as a television show, WOF’s quality and longevity is both impressive and undeniable.