In Depth

‘$25,000 Pyramid’ Contender to Replace ‘Guiding Light’

A new version of "The $25,000 Pyramid" from Sony and producer Michael Davies ("Who Wants to Be a Millionaire") is one of the projects CBS is considering as a replacement for "Guiding Light."

The $25,000 Pyramid

Neither Sony nor CBS would comment. However, two people familiar with the situation said Mr. Davies and Sony have come up with a reworking of the classic "Pyramid" game show format designed to fit into CBS' daytime lineup.

The new take likely would be an hour in order to fill the timeslot vacated by "Guiding Light," which ends its CBS run in September.

While "Pyramid" is a contender to replace "Light," it's not CBS' only option. The network is said to be considering contenders produced in-house, including talk shows.

Whatever CBS chooses to replace "Light," the network may want to launch a property with a pre-sold brand attached. Luring new audiences to daytime won't be easy, and having a show with a concept or host that's already well-known would make CBS' marketing job easier.

"Pyramid," of course, fits that mold—and is no stranger to CBS. The Dick Clark-hosted "$10,000 Pyramid" bowed on CBS daytime in 1973. It later moved to ABC, as well as syndication, and then returned to CBS in the 1980s, running until 1988.

Sony last attempted to revive "Pyramid" in 2002, launching a syndie version of the show with Donny Osmond as host.

The studio is already a leading supplier of daytime programming to networks, distributing Corday Productions' "Days of Our Lives" to NBC and producing "The Young and the Restless" for CBS.

(Editor: Baumann)

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Comments 113

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I WONDER WHO THE HOST WILL BE ON THE NEW 25,000 PYRAMID WILL BE

Thurston Last

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Just as long as it's not another court show. Heaven knows we have WAY too many of those already.

Darrell Jackson

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I'm glad to see CBS making a decision to bring
back a classic game show like "The $25,000
Pyramid", i hope they will model it close to
the original version, but whatever they do,
i look forward to watching this when it returns
this fall.
As far as a host, Donny Osmond did a great job
during the sydnicated run, and should be in
consideration for the network version.

Julia

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Well, seeing Pyramid back in any form is great. I'd love to see Donny Osmond back hosting, as he did the version here in 2002, and the subsequent British version a few years later.

I, for one, am happy that Harry Friedman has nothing to do with this. He tweaked the original format so much for Pyramid '02 that is just didn't feel right.

Kevin

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This should be rather interesting. It's been more than 20 years since Pyramid ran alongside Price on CBS so if this gets through, there's a good chance interest in both shows will be revitalized.

And AMEN to Thuston's post. Another court show is the last thing we need. Some affiliates are them in four-hour blocks...enough already!

Steve

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I'm cautiously optimistic hearing the news of a possible "Pyramid" comeback. I hope this turns out to be the case.

If so, I'd prefer the show to be paired up with another game show to make an hour block right before "The Price is Right." Put me down for a "Press Your Luck" remake!

michael

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Sign me up for a Press Your Luck revvial: same format as the old.

michael

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Sign me up for a Press Your Luck revival: same format as the old.

John

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I would love to see CBS bring back "The $25,000 Pyramid" in an all-new daytime version, but without too many changes to its format. The original network show last seen in the late 1980's was perfect as is. I agree too that Donny Osmond would be a great host of the show once again. However, I think it should remain in the half-hour format and CBS should likewise bring back another game show to pair with it, both leading into "The Price is Right." CBS can be the one broadcast network that truly has a diverse schedule of game shows and soap operas. My vote would be for "Press Your Luck" (loved those whammies), a daytime run of "Password," or revivals of "The Joker's Wild" (more like the original version than the last syndicated one), "Tic Tac Dough" (also like the original version), or even "Tattletales" to satisfy the celebrity crazed folks out there (at least it won't be a talk show or court show).

John

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I just thought of another possible game show CBS could pair with "The $25,000 Pyramid" on its daytime schedule. A revival of "Card Sharks" would be very good too, but not like the syndicated version from several years ago. I preferred the CBS version hosted by Bob Eubanks. In fact, if he's up to it, Bob Eubanks would be a great host at "Card Sharks" once again. He looked well on TV for the 2009 Tournament of Roses Parade just a few months ago. It's time to bring back good shows hosted by talented hosts from the past who are still willing and able to work. I am sure there are still several living former hosts out there who might welcome a return to hosting game shows. Besides, there isn't anything really ever too offensive about a good game show; it's something anyone can watch from a young age to later years.

Fill in the Blank

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If CBS clooses to resurrect Pyramid, good. As for a host, previous host Donny Osmond could be considered or maybe even GSN Live's Fred Roggin. Now, for the remaining half-hour, Fremantle has been trying to resurrect Match Game for a couple years, and so far, nothing has gotten anywhere, but this could be the break Fremantle has been seeking. No one can ever replace original announcer Johnny Olson, host Gene Rayburn and panelists Charles Nelson Reilly and Brett Somers, all of whom are now deceased, but they can be succeeded with the talent that's available for CBS to call upon. After seeing Gameshow Marathon, three years ago and that Match Game showcase on The Price is Right, just a year and a half ago, why not have former My Generation host Craig Shoemaker as host, his announcer, actress Lindsey Stoddart as the announcer and comics Bruce Vilanch and Kathy Griffin as regular panelists. I think CBS should consider resurrecting both Pyramid and Match Game as possible replacements for the departing Guiding Light in the afternon, but those are just my thoughts.

margie lasala

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I am so sorry to see that GL is being cancelled. I have watched it for years and have a strong attachment to the show and its stars. I have gone to many of the GL luncheons and have enjoyed meeting the stars in person. I will miss the show very much and as far as I'm concerned there is no replacement. Thank you for giving me the chance to express my view. Margie

Greg

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The early morning time slot that GL had in many cities did it in; no soap has ever worked in the morning. A game show will be cheaper and could get the same ratings, if not better, at that game. If they are going to replace GL, the Pyramid would be the best choice they could make, even though Dick Clark obviously won't return as host. The ratings for Pyramid's last syndicated run were decent; I was surprised at its cancellation

I watched GL for a long time, but the show just suffered too many blows to survive. Even so, I think if CBS had switched the time slots of ATWT and GL, I suspect the ratings would have switched as well; time slots had more to do with the relative ratings of the two shows than the quality

Michael Klein

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How about that guy at Entertainment Tonight, Mark Steines? He would be a good host.

Timothy M.

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We don't need another talk show, and we don't need another courtroom show! It would be great to see the old-school "Pyramid" back on the "Tiffany network". You think they will get Donny Osmond to host this one (like he did in 2002)?

Warren M. Ewell! LCpl USMC ret

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Since they're talking about bringing back The $25,000 Pyramid, let's go ahead, and bring back The $100,000 Pyramid. The contestants who make it to the Winner's circle 3 times should go for $100,000. That would work in a 30-minute OR a 60-minute format!

The 60-minute show would kill 2 birds with one stone!

Hit PatrioticPirate at America OnLine!

Thanks!

Mike

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I sure hope that Donny Osmond is NOT the host! The show needs someone with a temperament as similar to Dick Clark's as possible. I think John O'Hurley would be among the best choices.
The game should not be frenetic.
In fact, I like the $10,000 pyramid theme music the most, but the $25,000 pyramid theme would be fine. They just should not choose anything else.
I should tell everyone that I am only 21 now and still feel the way I do.

michael

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you're only 21, but you're very perceptive. donny osmond was a terrible host.

MMB

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I personally would love to see a MATCH GAME revival on CBS. Have it air opposite THE VIEW and move PRICE back to the afternoons where it once was between 1973 and 1975, I think it give GENERAL HOSPITAL a big run for its money, just my take.

justin sanker

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I think $100,000 pyramid and bringing back hollywood squares with tom bergeon as the host would be great!! match game or card sharks wouldn't be bad either!! im tired of court shows and tv shows all the time!!!

Erica

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Bring back $25,000 Pyramid and use something similar to the set in the original $25,000 Pyramid. Use the same music. As far as hosts.
Tom Bergeron, Todd Newton, Donny Osmond would all be good. Stay away from Richard Karn and Louie Anderson though. Those 2 killed the Feud.

Jimmy

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Guiding light is much better than the other options. Talk shows & judge shows are terrible. Reruns of news shows would be better. Bad idea CBS!!

Antoine Williams

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hello i would like to see that the bold and the beatuiful be on for one hour i will like that add to the guild light list thank you so much one the bold and beatuiful fans. please that show need to best drama people in its .. please change the hour in bold and the beatuful til hour thank you .

mike

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I hope CBS brings back game shows to daytime once again. Even pair up Pyramid with a version of Press Your Luck, the same as it once was back in the 80's!!

Rohan

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My mom would always watch the $25K Pyramid, when I was young, and even before I was born. Thanks to GSN, I can now enjoy all Pyramid reruns with Dick Clark. If Pyramid comes back to CBS, I would love to appear on this show with LeVar Burton or Betty White, who appeared as celebrity guests on the Dick Clark version of Pyramid, well known for giving really good clues. I hope the $25K Pyramid returns in some form. I also hoe there would also be The Million Dollar Pyramid.

Justin

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The problem producers make in bringing back old game shows is when they tweak or mess with the original version. The 25,000 Pyramid was a GREAT show and would be AWESOME to have back.. but keep the same music and format. That will draw people to watch. I promise you. As far as hosts go, Dick Clark will always be #1 in my heart. Although that's not practical, get somebody as vibrant and great as him would be good. Stay away from Donny Osmond. He was too cheesy and wasn't the best fit.

Don

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They shouldn't make it an hour long - either have two half-hour shows (say, Pyramid and Match Game (but like Justin said, go with the original rules and don't tweak them)), or expand CBS's one remaining half-hour soap (The Bold & the Beautiful) to an hour.

(Now watch CBS fill the slot with 30 minutes of Regis Philbin-style Password and expanding TB&TB.)

michael

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bring back "pyramid" in a half hour format, and pair it with either:

1)what regis now refers to as "classic Password" (and with smaller prizes than the nighttime run), or

2)"the big showdown" (revival of 1975 favorite).

Todd Schuster

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Big showdown. What a memory that was. Tough quiz show that deserved a longer run. Like Pyramid, it was also taped at ABC's NYC studio. Jim PEck could still host if he wanted to(he's only 66), but hopefully he won't trip on a stair & fall on his derriere hollering Sure you people would applaud a lynching! If only Rev Al Sharpton would hear that. Anyway, it would be good to have network daytime game shows back on the air. for Pyramid have John O'Hurley or maybe even dare I say Mr Supermarket Sweep himself David Ruprecht (personally would've been perfect for Price is Right). In addition if they were to revive Tattletales, make Mario Lopez the host. He's young & good looking with nice dimples like Convy was. Problem is who do you get for couples, Brad & Angelina? Tom & Katie maybe Bill & Hillary Clinton. That would be interesting.

Todd Schuster

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Big showdown. What a memory that was. Tough quiz show that deserved a longer run. Like Pyramid, it was also taped at ABC's NYC studio. Jim PEck could still host if he wanted to(he's only 66), but hopefully he won't trip on a stair & fall on his derriere hollering Sure you people would applaud a lynching! If only Rev Al Sharpton would hear that. Anyway, it would be good to have network daytime game shows back on the air. for Pyramid have John O'Hurley or maybe even dare I say Mr Supermarket Sweep himself David Ruprecht (personally would've been perfect for Price is Right). In addition if they were to revive Tattletales, make Mario Lopez the host. He's young & good looking with nice dimples like Convy was. Problem is who do you get for couples, Brad & Angelina? Tom & Katie maybe Bill & Hillary Clinton. That would be interesting.

michael

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i thought of "the big showdown" because of the enduring popularity of "jeopardy".
as far as hosts are concerned, why not reach into the world of local tv and hire a "fresh face"? john o'hurley is already over-exposed.

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Maybe Golden Brooks from ""Girlfriends"" will be frist African-American host this show

Goat Boy

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I went to a taping last week at CBS Television City in Hollywood for "Let's Make A Deal" with Wayne Brady. They are unaired pilots with the hopes the network will pick up the show. Perhaps this will be in the same block as Pyramid.

michael

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hope so.

michael

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