Let's Make a Deal
Host: Monty Hall, Geoff Edwards (sub) Bob Hilton (1990), Mark DeCarlo (1996)
Announcer: Jay Stewart, Brian Cummings, Dean Goss, John Cramer
Models: Carol Merrill, Karen LaPierre, Melanie Vincz, Diane and Elaine Klimazewski
Premise: The ultimate game of instinct, players must choose from a sure thing or a veiled unknown, which could be worth thousands of dollars, or a "zonk," or worthless prize.
Play: Since there were so many deals done over the years, it would be silly to attempt to list them all.
Almost every show would have a game where Monty would pull three people out of their seat, and offer them $500 (or some money amount) or the box on the trading floor, tray the announcer has, or the curtain the model is standing in front of. Whatever isn't chosen is given to another trader, who then can keep it or trade for something else. The variations on these types of deals are endless, and you would need to watch an episode to see how this works.
The Big Deal
At the conclusion of the show, the host would ask each player starting with the top winner (or the player who's winnings were yet to be determined) whether he or she wanted to trade for the Big Deal (worth usually $7,000-$10,000, sometimes over $15,000). The player who traded away the most got first dibs on any of the three doors, and the prize packages were revealed in order of value, saving the Big Deal for last.
The Super Deal
For a while during the 1970s run, a Super Deal awaited the Big Deal winner, if there was one. That player could trade away the Big Deal for one of three mini-doors. Two doors held small money amounts (either $1,000/$2,000 or $2,000/mystery amount) and the third held $20,000. If a low money amount was chosen, that's what he or she got. If the $20,000 was chosen, the Big Deal was given back, and the $20,000 was added.
Big Deal!
An attempt by FOX network to bring back the LMAD franchise while adding their own perverse twist, the hour-long show didn't click with viewers and lasted a whole six weeks or so. Basically the same idea, but now contestants had to play a stunt likely taken from the Truth or Consequences play book, to win a prize. Some examples:
Someone with a POS model car had the chance to use a sledgehammer in order to total the car, defined as causing damage in excess of 75% of the car's value, in order to win a $13,000 Jeep. After the one minute onslaught, the contestant could then opt to have the car repaired and drive a Lexus free for a week, or risk it all for a new Jeep, or a trashed ride.
The head of the household was lifted into a crane and dropped five items brought along from home onto a giant tic-tac-toe grid. Getting three-in-a-row won a trip to Amsterdam. Then, he got the chance to win $500 each by dropping the remaining two items into the center square. Then, the five destroyed items were replaced.
Two men looking for a motorcycle participated in a bicycle race. The first to complete a certain number of cycles on an exercise bike won the motorcycle.
A couple actually got married (legally) on the show, and as wedding gifts won a $15,000 sterling silver dinnerware set, honeymoon in Hawaii, $75 wedding ring (the groom had a 1:3 shot at a $1,295 diamond ring, and missed). Thankfully, they decided not to press on for the Big Deal.
Let's Make a Deal!
Host: Billy Bush
Assistants: Vance DeGeneres,
Announcer: John Cramer
Lifespan: March to April 2003, weekly, Tuesday nights, three episodes
The newest version of LMaD was about three parts classic "Deal," and one part "Big Deal!"
Once again, a crowd of crazy costumed contestants hoped to be picked to play various games. As before, the idea was to make the right choice and end up with the good prize, whether it be a trip, pile of money, or car.
Various zonks included:
A big...screen...door!
After a stock market deal lasted the entire show, the remaining traders saw a sedan awaiting behind the big doors. They then watched in horror as a wrecking ball crushed the car. Oops.
After all the festivities Billy would go through the winners, biggest first, asking if they wanted a shot at the Big Deal. This time, the Big Deal was worth over $50,000. The second best prizes was usually worth $25,000; and the third prize $10,000.