Million Dollar Password on CBS

By Ally Matteodo

Million Dollar Password aired Sunday, June 8^th, 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.    

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