Play the Game (TV series)

infobox television
show_name = Play the Game


caption =
format = Game show
runtime = 30 minutes
creator =
starring = Dr. Harvey Zorbaugh
country = USA
network = DuMont (broadcasting company)
ABC (production company)
first_aired = September 24, 1946
last_aired = December 17, 1946
num_episodes =
imdb_id = 0129706

"Play the Game", also known as "Let's Play the Game", was the first game show ever to be broadcast over an American television network.

"Play the Game" was essentially a televised version of the parlor game charades. It was hosted by Dr. Harvey Zorbaugh, professor of educational sociology at New York University, over the DuMont Television Network from September 24 – December 17, 1946, weekly from 8:00 to 8:30 P.M. Eastern Standard Time. A previous version of the program had been broadcast locally in New York City on WNBT Channel 1 (the predecessor to WNBC-TV) in 1941. Although broadcast on DuMont, the program was actually produced by ABC in order for that network to develop experienced crews in anticipation of its own entry into television broadcasting; in this sense, it was the first ABC television series. WABC-TV Channel 7 subsequently broadcast later episodes of the program to the New York City market during 1948. Celebrity panelists durng the DuMont Network run included Ireene Wicker, Ray Knight, and Will Mullin. There were also audience participation segments during which viewers were invited to call in their guesses to the charades being presented. The program was also known during its run by the title "Let's Play the Game".

References

Brooks, Tim and Marsh, Earle, "The Complete Directory to Prime Time Network and Cable TV Shows", ISBN 0-345-45542-8