AUSTRALIAN GAME SHOWS/PROGRAMS

REVISED 1 November 2005

Unless otherwise stated, all episodes have been taped in PAL format.

AUSTRALIA’S BRAINIEST KID (all OC)

Anna Coren (2004):

28/11/04 – Premiere episode [BR10-1]
5/12/04 – Second episode [BR10-2] (First five minutes missing)
12/12/04 – Third episode [BR10-3]
19/12/04 – Fourth episode [BR10-4]
26/12/04 – Final episode. A cliffhanger in the final round! [BR10-5] HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

Sandra Sully (2005):

25/9/05 – Premiere episode. A very tense final round! [BR35-1]
2/10/05 – Second episode. Someone manages to win the game on the very last question! [BR34-3] (End cut off slightly)
9/10/05 – Third episode. [BR36-4]
16/10/05 – Fourth episode. One of the contestants wants to be the Prime Minister, but how will she fare tonight? [BR36-8]
30/10/05 – Fifth episode. [BR33-3]

BLANKETY BLANKS (Graham Kennedy)

Get ready to match the stars in the Aussie version of America’s Match Game.

1977 – Panellists: Noel Ferrier, Noeline Brown (NB), Ugly Dave Gray (UGD), Carol Raye, Stuart Wagstaff (SW), *Delvene Delaney*. [TV1/TP3-2] (First ~5 minutes missing)
1977 – Panellists: Barry Creyton, NB, UDG, Peggy Toppano, SW, John Paul Young. Alan manages to match everyone in one go. [TV1/TP3-3]
1977 – Panellists: Marty Rhone, NB, Johnny Pace, Joy Chambers, *Philip Brady* (host of a 1970s version of The Price is Right), Peita Toppano. Did Don (the announcer) mean to call Graham “questionable”? A second tie-break round is played, much to Graham’s dismay! [TV1/TP3-4] (Last ~5 minutes missing)
1979? – Panellists: Barry Creyton, NB, UDG, Carol Raye, SW, Peggy Toppano. [TV1/CD1-9] (Slight audio hiss. Ending cut off slightly. NTSC)

A CURRENT AFFAIR (Ray Martin)

23/9/04 – “Laurie’s Luck”: Report on the second Mega Showcase win on The Price Is Right [OB/BR4-4]
8/2/05 – Report on Shane Warne’s success on Who Wants To Be A Millionaire [OB/BR13-3]
3/3/05 – Report on the biggest ever Showcase win on The Price Is Right [OB/BR17-4]
27/5/05 – Tips and tricks on making it big on game shows [OB/BR26-1]
22/6/05 – Report on the controversy surrounding Clifford Plumpton’s appearance on Who Wants To Be A Millionaire [OB/BR27-1]
18/10/05 – Report on Rob Fulton’s big win on Who Wants To Be A Millionaire. [OB/BR38-2]

CELEBRITY SPELLING BEE (Todd McKenney) [OC/BR33-4]

Brains will reign over beauty and brawn as some of Australia’s brightest stars dust off their dictionaries to compete in the ultimate intellectual challenge. Celebrities include Kate Ritchie, *Andrew O’Keefe*, Molly Meldrum, Murray Cook, *Noeline Brown*, David Koch, Pauline Hanson and others.

COMEDY, INC. – THE LATE SHIFT

Popular Australian sketch comedy show

1/6/05 – includes an interesting COME ON DOWN from The Price Is Right [OC/BR26-3]

DEAL OR NO DEAL (Andrew O’Keefe)

1/9/05 – Today’s lucky contestant takes a very good deal today, but did he make the right choice? [OC/BR30-2] HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
2/9/05 – Today’s contestant doesn’t come up lucky this time – taking out a deal of only $6! [OC/BR31-1]

FAMILY FEUD (Rob Brough)

1994 – Crank family vs. Dolbel family [OB/CP6-1] (OK quality. Opening cut off)

50 YEARS: 50 SHOWS (Eddie McGuire) [OC/BR35-2]

In 1956, Australians were first introduced to a new marvel known as television. Now, 50 years on, moments from 50 of the all-time greats are presented here. Includes clips from many great shows including Blankety Blanks (incidentally the only game show to feature in the top 50), and includes interviews with Noeline Brown (Blankety Blanks), Stuart Wagstaff (Blankety Blanks) and Daryl Somers (Family Feud and Hey Hey It’s Saturday).

50 YEARS OF AUSTRALIAN TELEVISION (Jana Wednt) [OC/BR35-3]

Looks at the battle of the TV stations from the past 50 years. Includes a classic clip from Bob & Dolly Dyer’s Pick-A-Box, which features politician Barry Jones as a contestant.

GO GO STOP (Jesse Tobin)

2004 (Details to come soon) [OC/BR12-1]
2004 (Details to come soon) [OC/BR12-2]

GRAHAM KENNEDY: KING OF TELEVISION [OC/BR26-2]

A one-hour special looking at the TV life of Australia’s King of Television, Graham Kennedy, who passed away on 25 May 2005. Features clips from many of his shows including In Melbourne Tonight, Coast to Coast, and Blankety Blanks.

IT’S ACADEMIC (Simon Reeve)

Re-make of the popular 1970s children’s quiz show

NOTE: Each week will list schools participating for that week, while the contestant’s names (for the respective school) will be listed under each episode with the team captain’s names underlined

WEEK 1 – St Michael’s vs. Ryde Public vs. Our Lady Queen of Peace

17/10/05 – Premiere episode. Vanessa, Sarah & Natasha vs. Thomas, Lucy & Lisa Marie vs. Michelle, Harrison & Christopher. [OC/BR37-4]
18/10/05 – Jihyun, Sarah & Jessica vs. Jessica, Steven & Emily vs. David, Nancy & Jamie. [OC/BR37-6]
19/10/05 – Jisoo, Rebekka & Sabrina vs. Filip, Amy & Oscar vs. Emma, Angela & Rebecca. [OC/BR38-5]
20/10/05 (Details TBA) [OC/BR38-8]
21/10/05 (Details TBA) [OC/BR39-2]

WEEK 2 – Birchgrove Public vs. Holy Spirit Primary (North Ryde) vs. Seven Hills Public

24/10/05 (TBA) [OC/BR39-7]
25/10/05 – Gina, Suji & Hannah vs. Nicola, Daniel & Sophie vs. Mikayla, Raymond & Chantelle [OC/BR40-1] (Brief reception loss at start)
26/10/05 – Axel, Jordan & Sam vs. Nicholas, Jordie & Sharday vs. Victoria, Kacee & Shelman. [OC/BR40-3]
27/10/05 (TBA) [OC/BR40-5]
28/10/05 (TBA) [OC/BR41-1]

WEEK 3 – St. Ambrose (Concord West) vs. Dundas Public vs. Our Lady of Lourdes (Seven Hills)
NOTE: First two episodes rescheduled due to Melbourne Cup

30/10/05 Lily, Richard & Vanessa vs. Jaydon, Benjamin & Daniel vs. Aaron, Emma & Molly [OC/BR41-4]
31/10/05 (TBA) [OC/BR41-5]
2/11/05 (TBA)
3/11/05 (TBA)
4/11/05 (TBA)

KEYNOTES (Richard Wilkins)

1992 – Lyndsy, Euan & Morag vs. Rochelle, John & Dianne [RPT/BR8-1]

THE MOLE

2005 Series (Tom Williams)

25/8/05 – Premiere episode. [OC/BR30-1]
1/9/05 – Second episode [OC/BR30-3]
(I haven’t had a chance to tape all other episodes in between. If you have any of those episodes, please let me know)
20/10/05 – 2^nd last episode [OC/BR38-9] (Last few minutes cut off)
27/10/05 – The Mole is revealed! [OC/BR40-7]

NATIONAL NINE NEWS (SYDNEY)

18/10/05 – Report on the big win on “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire” [BR38-1]

NINE’S MEMORABLE MOMENTS (Jamie Durie) [OC/BR4-2]

Looking back over the decades at Australia’s most popular TV network. Features clips from Who Wants to Be A Millionaire and a late 1950s version of Concentration.

NOW YOU SEE IT (Mike Meade & Melvin the Robot)

(NOTE – Winners of each line game will be underlined)

5 consecutive episodes from 1985 [all SM]: (OK quality, NTSC)

1985 – Monday episode. Melissa vs. Jenny & Jeremy vs. Glen [SM/CP2-6]
1985 – Tuesday episode. Brian vs. Murray & Karen vs. Maria. Phil (the announcer) begs viewers to send letters to him! [SM/CP2-7]
1985 – Wednesday episode. Lauren vs. Jodie & Matthew vs. Chris. Jodie has a lucky toy rabbit with her, and helps her to win the day’s episode. [SM/CP3-2]
1985 – Thursday episode. Jason vs. Brenton & Peta vs. Louise. Things get off to a somewhat interesting start in the Main Game round. [SM/CP3-3]
1985 – Friday episode: Day of Champions. Jeremy vs. Karen & Jodie vs. Peta. A very difficult Solo Round! [SM/CP3-4]

PERFECT MATCH: WAS THERE ANY ROMANCE? (Amanda Keller) [OC/BR6-1]

Amanda Keller relives the success of Australia’s top-rating dating game show of the 1980s. Includes loads of clips, plus interviews with Greg Evans, Debbie Newsome, Cameron Daddo, Kerry Friend, Dexter the Robot (Keith Scott), as well as three of the show’s most successful couples.

THE PRICE IS RIGHT (Larry Emdur) [all OC]

Come on down to watch the Australian version of America’s longest-running game show.

NOTE – All pricing games will be listed at a later date

12/8/2004 – Today’s lucky Showcase winner is a game show veteraness! [BR11-1] HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
17/9/2004 – Monday episode, featuring a very tense Showcase moment! [BR4-1]
20/9/2004 – Laurie wins almost $570,000 in prizes, the biggest amount ever won to date! [BR4-3] STUPENDOUS EPISODE!
21/9/2004 – Features the first $600K+ Showcase up for grabs! Will it be won? [BR4-5]

23/11/2004 [BR9-2] (Slightly grainy video due to reception problems)
7/2/05 – New Season premiere episode, with an all-new set! [BR13-1] (Part of Showcase cut off, which wasn’t won. Grainy video)
8/2/05 [BR13-3] (Grainy video)
9/2/05 [BR13-5] (Grainy video)
10/2/05 [BR13-6] (Grainy video)
11/2/05 [BR13-7] (Grainy video)
14/2/05. Larry gives the first 3 girls flowers – perfectly appropriate for Valentine’s Day! [BR14-1] (Grainy video)
15/2/05 [BR14-3] (Grainy video)
16/2/05 [BR14-4] (Grainy video)
17/2/05 [BR14-5] (Grainy video)
18/2/05 [BR14-6] (Grainy video)
21/2/05 [BR15-1] (Grainy video)
22/2/05 [BR15-2] (Grainy video)
23/2/05 [BR15-3] (Grainy video)
24/2/05 [BR15-4] (Grainy video)
25/2/05 [BR15-5] (Part of Showcase cut off, which wasn’t won. Grainy video)
1/3/05 [BR17-1] (Grainy video)
2/3/05 [BR17-2] (Grainy video)
3/3/05 – the biggest ever prize win to date: over $660,000! [BR17-3] DON’T MISS THIS ONE! (Frequent video flickering due to a storm that happened at time of recording)
4/3/05 [BR17-4] (Grainy video)
7/3/05 [BR18-1] (Grainy video)
8/3/05 [BR18-2] (Grainy video)
(Okay, the following episodes have grainy video as well…)
9/3/05. Features a guest appearance by former Blankety Blanks panellist Noeline Brown. [BR18-3]
10/3/05 [BR18-4]
11/3/05 [BR18-5]
14/3/05 [BR19-1]
15/3/05 [BR19-2]
16/3/05 [BR19-3]
17/3/05 [BR19-4]
18/3/05 [BR19-5]
21/3/05 [BR19-6]
22/3/05 [BR19-7]
23/3/05 [BR20-1]
24/3/05 [BR20-2]
25/3/05 [BR20-3]
28/3/05 [BR20-5]
29/3/05 [BR21-1]
30/3/05 [BR21-2]
31/3/05 [BR21-3]
1/4/05 [BR21-4]
4/4/05 [BR21-5]
5/4/05 [BR21-6]
6/4/05 [BR21-7]
NOTE – I am currently reviewing other episodes taped up to 21 April 2005. All episodes will eventually be listed in the future.
6/9/05 – Clock Game/ Cover Up. [BR31-3]
8/9/05 [BR32-1]
9/9/05 [BR32-3]
19/10/05 – Switch / Line ‘Em Up. Nigel takes out $10,000, but he could’ve had more… [BR38-6]
21/10/05 [BR39-3]
24/10/05 – 2 Price Tags (played for a $20K+ caravan!) / $1 Deal. TPiR celebrates its 500^th episode in style – EVERYONE is ready and raring to party today! [BR39-8]
25/10/05 [BR40-2]
26/10/05 [BR40-4]
27/10/05 [BR40-6]
28/10/05 [BR41-2]
31/10/05. Big showcase win! [BR41-6]
1/11/05. [BR41-8]

SALE OF THE CENTURY (a personal favourite of mine)

Tony Barber (1980-1991)

14/4/86 – The Ashes: British Heat 1. Roger vs. Daphne vs. David. An episode with a bit of everything! [SM/CP3-1] HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! (Black and White)
Five consecutive episodes from 1990 [all SM, recorded 29 August 1990] (NTSC):

Monday episode. Colin vs. Karen vs. John. John really blitzes throughout the game. [CD3-8]
Tuesday episode. Chris vs. Maria vs. John. The cash jackpot reaches $300,000 for the first time! And John gets a rather interesting present for his birthday in the Cash Card round… [CD3-9]
Wednesday episode. Alec vs. Ruth vs. John. [CD3-10]
Thursday episode. Mark vs. Julia vs. John. John’s got a bit of competition again… [CD3-10]
Friday episode. Paul vs. Kate vs. John. John goes for the lot, but this time he’s REALLY got some fierce competition! Will he win? [CD3-11] HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

Glenn Ridge (1991-2001)

1991 – Jenni vs. Chris vs. Robyn. Jo makes a rather embarrassing comment about one of the models! [OC/BR2-1] (No opening or closing credits)
21/7/95 – Ed vs. Barbara vs. Cameron [OB/BR1-1] (Some video problems from Round 3 onwards)
13/3/98 – Glenn vs. Anne-Marie vs. Brendan (no, not that one… but coincidentally there is a letter from another Brendan…) [SM/BR3-1]
A 20-minute compilation of three big wins from 1995 and 1996 [CD1-12]
The 21^st Anniversary Challenge from 2001 [all OC]:
(Note: For the first 5 episodes, the contestant’s names will also include the year that they won “the lot”)

Heat 1 – 1980-1983. Hayward (1982) vs. Geoff (1981) vs. Virginia (1983) vs. Vince (1980). [BR5-1] (No closing credits)
Heat 2 – 1984-1987. David (1985) vs. Leesa (1987) vs. Geoff (1986) vs. David (1984). [BR5-2] (No closing credits)
Heat 3 – 1988-1991. Phillip (1991) vs. Kate (1990) vs. Geoffery (1989) vs. Andrew (1988). [BR5-3] (No closing credits)
Heat 4 – 1992-1995. Mark (1992) vs. Russell (1993) vs. Paul (1994) vs. Len (1995). [BR5-4] (Cut off after end of final Fast Money)
Heat 5 – 1996-1999. Sandra (1998) vs. Adam (1996) vs. Maria (1999) vs. Steve (1997). [BR5-5]
Semi-Final – Steve vs. Len vs. Andrew vs. David vs. Vince. [CP6-3]
Grand Final – Andrew vs. David vs. Len vs. Vince. Features an appearance by former Sale champion Cary Young [CP6-4] (Opening slightly cut off)

SALE OF THE CENTURY: 15 Years (Glenn Ridge) [OB/CP5-1]

A look back at the success of the popular program. Features guest appearances by Tony Barber, Nicky Buckley, Jo Bailey, Delvene Delaney and Pete Smith, as well as several clips from the past 15 years. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

TEMPTATION (Ed Phillips) [all OC]

An updated version of Australia’s Richest Quiz, with over $1 million in cash, prizes and GOLD BULLION up for grabs!

30/5/05 – The long-awaited premiere episode! John vs. Edwina vs. Ian. Ian manages to do the Ten in a Row without any problems. [BR25-2]
31/5/05 – Graham vs. Maureen vs. Ian. Features a guest (video) appearance by singer Michael Bublé! [BR25-3]
1/6/05 – Neil vs. Liz vs. Andrew. [BR25-4]
3/6/05 – John vs. Brenda vs. Andrew. John really blitzes the game. [BR25-5]
22/6/05 – Lynne vs. Jeff vs. Brigid. Brigid is playing for everything, but she’s got some fierce competition! But it all pays off in the end as Brigid wins over $660,000 in cash and prizes! [BR27-2] HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
23/8/05 – Shaun vs. Tamara vs. Stephen. Stephen’s got a bit of competition on his hands… [BR29-2]
24/8/05 – Drew vs. Sue vs. Stephen. Despite some enormous pressure, Stephen finally wins the lot! [BR29-3] HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
8/9/05 – Rob’s 6^th night. (Other details TBA) [BR32-2]
9/9/05 – David vs. Steve vs. Rob. After a somewhat shaky start, Rob sets a new Australian record on Temptation, taking out over $700,000! Tonight’s Fame Game board features some faces from the last 50 years of Australian TV. [BR32-4] HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
3/10/05 – Carol vs. Rob vs. Eleanor. Rob and Eleanor battle it out in one of the fiercest Fast Money rounds ever! [BR34-5] HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
4/10/05 – Sandra vs. Scott vs. Eleanor. A very close finish in tonight’s game! [BR36-1]
18/10/05 – The 100^th episode of this show. 1 vs. 2 vs. 3. [BR38-3]
21/10/05 (Details TBA) [BR39-4]
28/10/05 – 5 champions defeated in as many days: see for yourself! (Other details TBA) [BR41-3]

TEN – SERIOUSLY 40 (Bert Newton & Rove McManus) [OC/BR29-1]

Bert Newton and Rove McManus look back over the last 40 years at the history of Network 10. Includes clips from The Price is Right (which aired on Ten during the 70s), Blankety Blanks, Perfect Match, It’s A Knockout, Family Double Dare (which only lasted a few episodes), and many more!

TODAY TONIGHT (Naomi Robinson)

“The Demise of the VCR”. Features fellow trader Chris Powney [OB/CP6-5] (Clip only. Digital Widescreen recording)

TONY BARBER’S TALENT TAPE

A seven-minute clipfest of some of Tony Barber’s fame on Sale of the Century [CD1-10] (Slight audio hiss and fading at end. NTSC)

THE TRIVIAL VIDEO SHOW (Michael Pope)

1986 – Jonathon vs. Robyn vs. Tony [RPT/BR2-2] (Last 5 minutes only)

20 to 1 (Charles “Bud” Tingwell)

Highlights the top twenty moments from various areas of the history of Australian television

Most Embarrassing Moments. Features a very emotional contestant on The Price Is Right, John Burgess’s slip-up on Celebrity Wheel of Fortune, and Tony Barber’s most embarrassing moment on an early episode of Sale of the Century. [OC/BR36-6]
Non-game-show-related episodes can be found on this page

WHEEL OF FORTUNE (another personal favourite of mine)

John Burgess (1984-1996)

1990 – Gary vs. Glen vs. Julie [RPT/CD1-10] (NTSC)
1994 – Cindy vs. Debbie vs. Litsa [OB/CP6-2] (OK quality)
1994 – Sheri vs. Tania vs. Sandra. Celebrating John Burgess’s 10^th year as host [OB/CD1-11] (NTSC)

Steve Oemcke (2004)

5 consecutive episodes from 24-28 May 2004: [all OC]

Monday episode. Yvette vs. George vs. Nat [BR7-1]
Tuesday episode. George vs. Amy vs. Rohan. [BR7-2] (Opening cut off)
Wednesday episode. Rohan vs. Rachael vs. Phil. Rohan’s on a roll… [BR7-3]
Thursday episode. Rohan vs. Joanna vs. BRENDAN (yes, that one!) [BR7-4]
Friday episode. Joanna vs. Mike vs. Courtney. Joanna has a lot of letters to choose in the Bonus Round, but… [BR7-5]

WHO DARES WINS (Mike Whitney)

The show where they dare people to do things they never thought they could, should or would do

1995 – Main dare is for Betty to scuba dive in a shark-infested coral reef. [RPT/BR38-4] (No opening credits)
1995 (Details TBA) [RPT/BR38-7]
1995 (Details TBA) [RPT/BR39-1]
1995 (Details TBA) [RPT/BR39-6]

WHO WANTS TO BE A MILLIONAIRE (Eddie McGuire) [all OC]

22/11/04 – “Celebrities and Their Best Friends” special. Last episode for 2004 [BR9-1]
7/2/05 – Celebrity Roulette special – 2005 Season premiere episode. Cricketer Shane Warne and former Millionaire big-money winner Trevor Sauer are just one question away from the big money by the end of the episode… [BR13-2]
14/2/05 – Celebrity Roulette special – 2^nd episode. Shane Warne and Trevor Sauer’s exciting conclusion. Also appearing are tennis star Alicia Molik and former politician Pauline Hanson. Another record is broken on this episode, but it’s a record of a different type… [BR14-2] GREAT EPISODE! (Grainy video plus frequent reception problems)
21/2/05 – Odd Couples special [BR16-1]
7/3/05 – Geoff leads a mixed life: playing Bridge and Gridiron, and studying Science and Law (preferably not at the same time J) [BR16-2]
14/3/05 – Champions Challenge special (Part 1). Features pairings of some of Australia’s top athletes [BR16-3]
28/3/05 – Champions Challenge special (Part 2). Elizabeth is snookered by her $32,000 question, and utters an expletive on national TV! [BR16-4]
OTHER EPISODE DETAILS FROM LATE APRIL 2005 TO COME SOON
27/6/05 – Clifford faces the $1 million question – will he win? [BR27-3] HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
5/9/05 – Christopher takes out $250,000, Richard takes out $32,000, and Brian has a very interesting love story to tell. [BR31-2]
12/9/05 – The Next Generation special. Kids and their parents try to go for the big money. [BR33-2]
26/9/05 – Seems like two of tonight’s Phone-a-Friends don’t know anything! [BR35-4]
3/10/05 – Two of the contestants don’t have much luck tonight… [BR34-5]
10/10/05 – Despite having no lifelines partway through his game, Brian’s chances pay off very well. And Rob starts a very quick journey to a really good level… [BR36-5]
17/10/05 – It had to happen sometime, and finally, it has happened – Rob Fulton wins the $1 million on this show! Also includes a special feature on his lucky journey to the top prize. [BR37-5] A MUST-SEE EPISODE!
24/10/05 (TBA) [BR39-9]
31/10/05 (TBA) [BR41-7]

Back to the Trade Home Page

Back to the Main Home Page