Over-under

I rag on Game Show Paradise for the wall-to-wall oldies bias, but the board does come up with interesting threads. Now they're chatting about "Most Overrated and Underrated Game Shows."

You can probably guess the overrated shows are all modern-day efforts, while the underrated shows are all oldies. What a surprise! The one odd exception is a poster who dumps on What's My Line.

Maybe a few years ago I might have semi-agreed. WML's Victorian formality got on my nerves a bit, and I preferred the helter-skelter, down-to-earth I've Got a Secret among the B&W panel efforts. But old age has turned my tastes around a little, and now I can appreciate the crystalline clarity of What's My Line's timeless format. Even the tuxedos contribute to the effect, though I also like the more informal syndie.

The most ridiculous assertion on the thread is that Cash Cab is overrated. This is a common problem on the oldies boards, and I really don't understand the dislike for Ben and friends except as crude bias against newer shows. You've got a great host, a tough quizzer, enthusiastic and entertaining contestants, and the best set ever (thanks, NYC). What's not to like?

Oh yeah, it's a recent show. New eps are running right now! It can't be any good.

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