The $128,000 Question

Infobox Television
show_name = The $128,000 Question


caption = "The $128,000 Question" title card.
format = Game show
camera =
picture_format =
runtime = 30 minutes
creator =
starring = Mike Darrow (first season), Alex Trebek (second season)
Alan Kalter (first season announcer), Sandy Hoyt (second season announcer)
country = USA
network = Syndication
first_aired = 1976
last_aired = 1978

"The $128,000 Question" was an American game show which aired from 1976-1978 in syndication. This revival of the CBS hit classic The $64,000 Question was produced by Cinelar and distributed by Viacom Enterprises.

Hosts and announcers

Mike Darrow hosted the first season which was taped in the Ed Sullivan Theater in New York City, while Alex Trebek hosted its second season, which was taped at Global Television Network in Don Mills near Toronto, Canada. Alan Kalter served as announcer during the first season. He was replaced by Sandy Hoyt for the second season.

Gameplay

Each player would select his or her expert category from a game board and be quizzed in the same style as The $64,000 Question. The questions were valued at $64, $128, $256, $512, $1,000, $2,000, $4,000, $8,000, $16,000, $32,000 and $64,000. Winners of $64,000 would return at the end of the season to compete for an additional $64,000.

Consolation prizes

Each contestant who missed a question worth $4000 or less would end up winning $1. A miss on the $8000 or $16,000 would award the player a Buick Skyhawk. Any contestant who lost on a $32,000 ($24,000 plus a Buick Electra during the second season) or $64,000 question would end up leaving with $16,000 ($8000 plus a Buick Electra during the second season).

Tournament play

Four contestants won $64,000 during the first season. The semifinals consisted of three rounds of questions for each player. In each round, a player would be asked four questions. If the player answered all four questions correctly, an additional question would be asked. Each correct answer scored one point in round one, two points in round two, and three points in round three. After each player had played three rounds of questions, the two players with the highest scores advanced to the finals, in which the finalists would alternate in answering questions. The first player to answer six questions correctly won $64,000. However, each contender would be given an equal number of questions. Both players tied at six points each and therefore continued answering questions until the tie was broken.

The second season featured two $64,000 winners. The playoff game consisted of four rounds of gameplay. In each of the first four rounds, each player would be given four questions. Each correct answer scored one point in round one, two points in round two, four points in round three, and eight points in round four. After the fourth round, both players would take turns answering 16-point questions until one player achieved a total score of at least 128 points, thereby winning an additional $64,000.

Episode status

The status of the show is unknown, although it is presumed to be in the hands of CBS Television Distribution. Five episodes of the second season exist on the trading circuit, and with collectors, only recently being discovered.

External links

*http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0126736/