Match Game 98


The last attempt to revive Match Game came in 1998 with a low budget syndication run. While the overall game was played exactly like the 1970's version, there were some minor changes. Instead of choosing question A or B, contestants chose their question for one of two categories. Many questions on this version resulted in rather vulgar answers (which were sometimes censored), and it often made things very predictable. Match Game 98 faced a problem in syndication for many major markets slotted the show during the overnight hours.



Actor and former talk show host Michael Burger became the third host in Match Game history. As of 2009, Burger had recently hosted The Price Is Right Live! in Las Vegas.



Neither Charles Nelson Reilly nor Brett Somers made an appearance on this version of the show. If they were even consider is unknown, but instead the panel consisted of new regulars including TV legends Vicki Lawrence, Nell Carter, and George Hamilton. Other regulars included rapper Coolio, Judy Trunuda, and a list of soap opera stars. Other noted celebrities that made an appearance on Match Game 98 include Kevin Eubanks from the Tonight Show and Ben Stein from Win Ben Stein's Money.



Two contestants competed against each other to match as many of the 5 celebrites on the panel. Instead of choosing a question from slot A or B, contestants were given two category's to chose from, which could allow the contestants to get an idea what the question was going to be about. In round one, each match was worth one point and in round two they were worth two points. All celebrities played in round two whether they matched in the previous round or not. The contestant who had the most points at the end of two rounds won the game and went on to the Super Match for a chance to win $5,000.



The Super Match was played just like the previous versions, except in the head to head match, the selected celebrity came down to a podium to play the final part of the game. The contestant and the celebrity were allowed to make eye contact during the head to head match, which was never allowed in any of the versions.

Match Game 98 did not have returning champions, and the panel changed from day to day.

RGS STATS

Host
Michael Burger

Announcers
Paul Boland

Airdates
Premiere: Sept. 21, 1998
Finale: December 1999

Network
Syndication


STUDIO A     ABOUT US     CONTACT     TICKETS     LINKS