With the signing earlier in the year of prime-time “Deal or No Deal” host Howie Mandel to perform the same duties for its syndicated version of the show, NBC Universal Domestic Television Distribution was able to quickly close station deals around the country. In an exclusive interview, the always playful Mr. Mandel discusses the future of the series with TelevisionWeek Deputy Editor Chris Pursell.
TelevisionWeek: Clearly from a syndication point of view, bringing “Deal” to stations seems to be an easy decision. Why were you interested in being involved in the daytime version of the show?
Howie Mandel: You can’t have too much of a good thing. I’m loving my ride in prime time—why not do more?
TVWeek: Are you a fan of game shows? If so, which ones do you watch when you have the time and who inspired you?
Mr. Mandel: No, I am not a fan of game shows. In fact, I myself turned this show down three times, not wanting to be a game show host. Boy, was I wrong. I love this show and I never miss an episode.
TVWeek: This will be your second stint in syndication. What did you learn from your first go-round that you will take with you for “Deal”?
Mr. Mandel: I learned absolutely nothing from my last stint in daytime, and I hope to bring my ignorance to this next project.
TVWeek: Although multiple runs of “Deal” in prime time have held their ground in the ratings, is there any worry that a daytime version would oversaturate fans?
Mr. Mandel: No.
TVWeek: Is it better to make the syndicated “Deal” a copy of the prime-time version or to change the format?
Mr. Mandel: All the elements that work will remain intact; any changes that have to be made for the half-hour version are tried and proven worldwide.
TVWeek: You’ll be spending a lot of time on that stage. With so many shows, how do you keep it interesting for yourself?
Mr. Mandel: Each contestant and each game plays out in a unique way. I never know who is going to show up to the podium or how they will react; there is no way of knowing how the game might unfold. This keeps every moment fresh and exciting for me as host, and hopefully for our home viewers as well.