Million Dollar Password
on CBS
By Ally Matteodo
Million Dollar Password
aired Sunday, June 8th, at 8:00 p.m. ET on CBS. The program’s simple
premise and ebullient host Regis Philbin work to create a winning combination.
Every week the show enlists two celebrity contestants, such as Neil Patrick
Harris and Rachel Ray or Rosie O’ Donnell and Tony Hawk, and each celebrity is
paired up with a non-celebrity partner. In each round of the game either the
celebrity or their partner is given a series of five words. They must give
their partner one-word clues to help them figure out the “password.” The
non-celebrity competitors then switch celebrities. Whoever has the highest
number of correct answers at the end of the rounds goes on to compete for a
million dollars. In the million-dollar round, once the contestant wins $25,000,
they will leave with that no matter what. However, after they reach this
increment, each time they win more money they must decide if they would like to
keep trying, or if they should just take the money. Contestant Dante Mercadante
went into the final round with Rosie. He won $50,000 and then decided to call
it a day.
During summertime fewer new
shows air on broadcast TV, and Million Dollar Password is a restorative
tonic for the summer doldrums. One of the things that makes this show a winner
is its host, Regis Philbin. Regis’ face and manner are familiar to countless
Americans, and it is a pleasure to see him in prime time again. His easy
manner, charismatic banter, and unbeatable sense of humor always make him fun to
watch. In addition, the game show’s format is simple and in good taste.
Families across the country have enjoyed playing Password for years. It is also
nice to watch the celebrities trying so diligently to help their unknown
counterparts. Though the celebrities apparently don’t win anything for
competing on this game show, it is nice to see that they still want to help
someone else win. With today’s celebrity culture breeding more avarice every
day, it is good to see some being generous with their time and knowledge.
Best TV Show
of the Week
The Parents
Television Council -
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