It's no surprise to people that know me- I love games, particularly game shows. Super nerdy, I know. I suppose I just like the act of competition. I never really care if I win, I just like competing and talking trash. Of course winning is more fun than losing, but I have fun no matter the outcome.
There was one summer when I was living with my sister and her husband. That summer I knew the GSN (Game Show Network) daily schedule from 8:00 a.m.- 12:00 a.m. No joke. And there were three solid hours a day that I watched Press Your Luck, Card Sharks, $10,000 and $25,000 Pyramid, and rounding it out with Family Feud. This is not one of my prouder moments, but I'm not ashamed either. I've been told I have an old soul- old ladies like game shows...and bridge.
So, I sit here alone on a Monday night with a big house to myself. It's lonely being in a large house by oneself. I've decided that it's something I never want. I will never need this much space.
But what am I doing on this Monday? Well, I'm watching game shows. Yes, I'm awesome. And I've come to the conclusion that one of the loneliest jobs has to be that of a game show host. I've always felt bad for them- all of them. They seem sad, pathetic, washed up, and just well, douchy.
The majority of game show hosts are washed up actors nowadays. That in itself is a sad fall from grace. Just imagine "having it all" and losing it. Then feeling like your best move to regain whatever you lost would be hosting a game show that only airs at 2:00 Saturday afternoons on the Game Show Network. Jesus, it's hard to watch.
In the beginning, I believe it was kind of an honor to get to host a game show as an actor. A prime example is the original host of Family Feud- Richard Dawson (uncomfortable kissing extraordinaire). He was so successful that he won a Daytime Emmy, but he was the original sleazeball. In 1976, a game show host was a great career move- upward mobility- you probably got a lot of ass, had a great pinky ring collection and all...but at some point, between then and now, this all collapsed. The only thing that still remains from the heyday of game show hosting is the sleaziness. It truly is painful watching collarless-shirt-adorned Howie Mandel, Danny Bonaduce, Richard Karn, and Will's cousin from Fresh Prince try to make me laugh with atrociously-written jokes.
My conclusion: I will never live in a big house.
I will never host a game show- I don't like losing at the game of life.
