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{{short description|American game show}}
{{short description|US television series}}
{{Infobox television
{{Infobox television
| image = Whammy! The All-New Press Your Luck.jpg
| italic_title = no
| show_name = Whammy! The All-New {{noitalic|Press Your Luck}}
| image = File:Whammy! The All-New Press Your Luck.jpg
| runtime = 20–22 minutes
| runtime = 20–22 minutes
| genre = [[Game show]]
| genre = [[Game show]]
Line 12: Line 14:
| producer = Michael Malone
| producer = Michael Malone
| location = [[KTLA|Tribune Studios]] in Hollywood
| location = [[KTLA|Tribune Studios]] in Hollywood
| company = [[Fremantle (company)|Fremantle]]<br />[[Game Show Network|Game Show Originals]]
| company = [[Fremantle (company)|Fremantle]]<br>[[Game Show Network|GSN Originals]]
| country = United States
| country = United States
| network = [[Game Show Network]]
| network = [[Game Show Network]]
| first_aired = {{Start date|2002|4|15}}
| first_aired = {{Start date|2002|4|15}}
| last_aired = {{End date|2003|7|25}}
| last_aired = {{End date|2003|12|5}}
| num_seasons = 2
| num_seasons = 2
| num_episodes = 130
| num_episodes = 130
| preceded_by = ''[[Second Chance (game show)|Second Chance]]'' (1977)<br />''[[Press Your Luck]]'' (1983–86)
| preceded_by = ''[[Second Chance (game show)|Second Chance]]'' (1977)<br>''[[Press Your Luck]]'' (1983–86)
| followed_by = ''[[Press Your Luck]]'' (2019)
| followed_by = ''[[Press Your Luck]]'' (2019)
| website = https://www.gsntv.com/whammy
| website = https://www.gsntv.com/whammy
| image_alt =
| caption =
| list_episodes =
| channel =
| first_run =
| released =
}}
}}


$2,555,285 + $1,866,388 = $4,421,673
'''''Whammy!''''' (subtitled '''''The All-New ''Press Your Luck''' for its first season) is an American [[television]] [[game show]] that aired new episodes on [[Game Show Network]] (GSN) from April 15, 2002 to July 25, 2003. The series was produced by [[FremantleMedia North America|Fremantle North America]], in association with GSN. The main goal of the game is to earn as much money and prizes as possible through collecting spins by answering trivia questions correctly, then using those spins on a gameboard to win various prizes and cash amounts while attempting to avoid the show's eponymous character, the "Whammy." Contestants who do land on a Whammy lose all their prizes accumulated to that point; four Whammies eliminates a contestant from the game. The program is an updated version of ''[[Press Your Luck]]'', which originally aired on [[CBS]] from September 19, 1983 to September 26, 1986. The series was taped at [[KTLA|Tribune Studios]] and was hosted by [[Todd Newton]], with [[Gary Kroeger]] announcing. The show aired in reruns on [[Game Show Network|GSN]] until 2017, and came back on May 11, 2020, up until October 1, 2021.
Executive Producer
MICHAEL WEINBERG
Produced By
MICHAEL MALONE
Director
R. BRIAN DiPIRRO
Wardrobe Furnished By
RON CHERESKIN
FremantleMedia
Production Executive
JEFFEREY MIRKIN

Sr. VP Programming
Game Show Network
BOB BODEN
TAPED AT TRIBUNE STUDIOS

CONTESTANTS MUST MEET
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
TO RECEIVE ANNOUNCED PRIZES.

PORTIONS OF THIS PROGRAM
NOT AFFECTING THE OUTCOME OF
THE COMPETION HAVE BEEN
EDITED/RECREATED.

The following companies have furnished
prizes or paid a fee for their promotion
on this program:
AMERICAN SUZUKI MOTOR CORPORATION
CROTON WATCH COMPANY INC.

©2003 Game Show Enterprises, LLC
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Amie & Stacie & Betheny are three girls that are seen on the big television networks set on that are seen separately. Amie & Stacie & Betheny appear on Whammy!, which airs on GSN in the U.S. and GSN in Canada, respectively. Whammy! premiered on GSN in the U.S. and GSN in Canada on April 15, 2002 at 10:00pm. Whammy! is produced by FremantleMedia North America, in association with Game Show Network, and distributed by Sony Pictures Television. Whammy! is hosted by Todd Newton. Whammy! (GSN/Teletoon/FremantleMedia North America/Game Show Network/Sony Pictures Television) is about five girls named Joann & Julie & Amie & Stacie & Jewel, who accumulate a lot of money on the big board. Other players include Betheny & Ursula, Kristen, Jennifer & Tiffany, Vicki & Pepper and Patrese & Gretchen. Whammy! consists of 2 seasons of 130 half hour episodes airing on GSN in the U.S. and GSN in Canada. Whammy! airs on GSN in the U.S. weekdays at 3:00pm and 3:30pm and weekends at 11:00am and 11:30am and GSN in Canada weekdays at 2:00pm and 2:30pm and weekends at 7:00pm and 7:30pm. Amie needs the big bucks for a new car. Stacie is a homemaker. Betheny works in a operating for a computer company. Amie’s episode first aired on GSN in the U.S. and GSN in Canada on March 18, 2003 at 8:00pm. Stacie’s episode first aired on GSN in the U.S. and GSN in Canada on March 31, 2003 at 8:00pm. Amie lost $25,109 and Stacie won $24,929. Amie & Stacie were both on the same episode as boys (Aaron & Chad, Doyle) and a black girl (Jetta). Amie earned 8 spins to take to the final round and Stacie earned 13 spins to take to the final round. Amie & Stacie made it to the Tournament of Losers/Champions. Amie’s episode first aired on GSN in the U.S. and GSN in Canada on July 21, 2003 at 8:00pm. Stacie’s episode first aired on GSN in the U.S. and GSN in Canada on July 22, 2003 at 8:00pm. Amie accumulated $5,500 and Stacie accumulated $5,298. Amie & Stacie were both on the same episode as boys (Skyler, Jack & Donn) and a black girl (Simone). Amie & Stacie earned 6 spins each to take to the final round. Betheny’s episode first aired on GSN in the U.S. and GSN in Canada on April 2, 2003 at 8:00pm. Betheny lost $25,195. Betheny was on the same episode as a black girl (Ebonee) and one boy (Greg). Betheny earned 11 spins to take to the final round. Amie & Stacie & Betheny have an obsession on these TV shows:

# 1. Peep and the Big Wide World (Discovery Kids/TVOntario)
# 2. Naturally, Sadie (Family Room HD/Family Channel)
# 3. Family Guy (Adult Swim/Teletoon)
# 4. South Park (Comedy Central/MuchMusic)
# 5. 30 Rock (NBC/Citytv)
# 6. Big Brother (CBS/Global)
# 7. Super Why! (PBS Kids/Kids’ CBC)
# 8. Noonbory and the Super 7 (CBS/BBC Kids)
# 9. Shelldon (qubo/No Network)
# 21. PAW Patrol/Zoey 101 (Nickelodeon/TVOKids/Family)
# 22. Rocket Monkeys/Degrassi (Nickelodeon/Teletoon/MuchMusic)
# 23. Glenn Martin, DDS/About a Girl (Nickelodeon/Citytv/Global)
# 24. Pelswick/The Secret Show (Nickelodeon/CBC Television/BBC Kids)
# 25. BrainSurge (Nickelodeon/No Network)
# 49. The Future Is Wild/Iggy Arbuckle (Discovery Kids/Animania HD/Teletoon)
# 50. Wilbur/Animalia (Discovery Kids/Animania HD/Kids’ CBC)
# 51. Dinosapien/Lola and Virginia (Discovery Kids/Animania HD/BBC Kids)
# 52. Meteor and the Mighty Monster Trucks/Cosmic Quantum Ray (Discovery Kids/Animania HD/No Network)
# 56. Grossology/Urban Vermin (Discovery Kids/Animania HD/YTV)
# 57. Arthur (PBS Kids/TVOKids)
# 58. Franny’s Feet (PBS Kids/Family Channel)
# 59. Charlie and Lola (Disney Channel/TVOKids)
# 60. Life with Derek (Disney Channel/Family Channel)
# 61. Darcy’s Wild Life (Discovery Kids/Family Channel)
# 62. Dive! Olly! Dive! (Animania HD/TVOKids)
# 69. Scaredy Squirrel (Cartoon Network/YTV)
# 70. Futurama (Comedy Central/Teletoon)
# 71. The Cleveland Show (Fox/Adult Swim/TBS/Comedy Central/BET/VH1/FXX/Global/MuchMusic/Teletoon/Adult Swim)
# 78. The Price Is Right (CBS/Citytv)
# 79. The Office (NBC/Global)
# 86. Busytown Mysteries (CBS/Kids’ CBC)
# 87. Spliced/Stella and Sam/Taste Buds/Turbo Dogs (qubo/Family Channel/TVOKids/Kids’ CBC)
# 91. Being Ian (qubo/YTV)
# 96. Jessie/Radio Rebel (Disney Channel/Family Channel/YTV)
# 98. Martha Speaks (PBS Kids/TVOKids)
# 99. Phineas and Ferb (Disney Channel/Family Channel)
# 100. Johnny Test (Cartoon Network/Teletoon)
# 101. South Park (Comedy Central/MuchMusic)
# 102. Hell’s Kitchen (Fox/Citytv)
# 103. Hawaii Five-O (CBS/Global)
# 104. Animal Mechanicals (The Hub/Kids' CBC)
# 105. Sumo Mouse (qubo/BBC Kids)
# 106. Shelldon (qubo/No Network)
# 121. PAW Patrol/Zoey 101 (Nickelodeon/TVOKids/Family)
# 122. Rocket Monkeys/Degrassi (Nickelodeon/Teletoon/MuchMusic)
# 123. Glenn Martin, DDS/About a Girl (Nickelodeon/Citytv/Global)
# 124. Pelswick/The Secret Show (Nickelodeon/CBC Television/BBC Kids)
# 125. BrainSurge (Nickelodeon/No Network)
# 137. Caillou/Camp Lakebottom (PBS Kids/Disney Channel/Teletoon)
# 138. Super Why!/The Doodlebops (PBS Kids/Disney Channel/CBC Television)
# 139. Raggs/Naruto: Shippuden (PBS Kids/Disney Channel/No Network)
# 146. The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That!/Kid vs. Kat (PBS Kids/Disney Channel/YTV)
# 147. Charlie and Lola (Disney Channel/TVOKids)
# 148. Franny’s Feet (PBS Kids/Family Channel)
# 155. Scaredy Squirrel (Cartoon Network/YTV)
# 156. Futurama (Comedy Central/Teletoon)
# 157. The Cleveland Show (Fox/Adult Swim/TBS/Comedy Central/BET/VH1/FXX/Global/MuchMusic/Teletoon/Adult Swim)
# 164. The Price Is Right (CBS/Citytv)
# 165. Glee (Fox/Global)
# 168. Transformers: Prime/Strawberry Shortcake's Berry Bitty Adventures/Sabrina, the Teenage Witch/Animal Mechanicals/Dennis and Gnasher/Dan Vs./Littlest Pet Shop (The Hub/Teletoon/Family Channel/MuchMusic/Kids' CBC/BBC Kids/No Network/YTV)
# 172. Spliced/Stella and Sam/Taste Buds/Turbo Dogs/Shelldon/Being Ian (qubo/Teletoon/Family Channel/TVOKids/Kids' CBC/No Network/YTV)
# 186. Jessie/Radio Rebel (Disney Channel/Family Channel/YTV)

'''''Whammy!''''' (subtitled '''''The All-New ''Press Your Luck''' for its first season) is an American [[television]] [[game show]] that aired new episodes on [[Game Show Network]] from April 15, 2002 to December 5, 2003. The game show was produced by [[FremantleMedia North America]], in association with [[Game Show Network]]. The main goal of the game is to earn as much money and prizes as possible through collecting spins by answering trivia questions correctly, then using those spins on a gameboard to win various prizes and cash amounts while attempting to avoid the show's eponymous character, the "Whammy." Contestants who do land on a Whammy lose all their prizes accumulated to that point; four Whammies eliminates a contestant from the game. The program is an updated version of ''[[Press Your Luck]]'', which originally aired on [[CBS]] in 1983–86. The series was taped at [[KTLA|Tribune Studios]] and was hosted by [[Todd Newton]], with [[Gary Kroeger]] announcing. The show aired in reruns on [[Game Show Network|GSN]] until 2017.


==Gameplay==
==Gameplay==
Line 31: Line 146:
Round two consisted of five questions (four in some episodes) posed to the players. The host read a question, and one of the contestants buzzed-in and provided a response. Their response, along with two other choices, were provided to the other two contestants, who selected one of the choices. Correct answers earned three spins for a buzz-in answer and one spin for a multiple choice answer. After five questions, all three contestants advanced to the final round.<ref name="Whammy!"/>
Round two consisted of five questions (four in some episodes) posed to the players. The host read a question, and one of the contestants buzzed-in and provided a response. Their response, along with two other choices, were provided to the other two contestants, who selected one of the choices. Correct answers earned three spins for a buzz-in answer and one spin for a multiple choice answer. After five questions, all three contestants advanced to the final round.<ref name="Whammy!"/>


In the final round, cash values ranged from $500–$5,000, and some spaces offered additional spins in addition to cash. Other spaces offered the choice of up to four adjacent spaces, or directed the contestants directly to another space. Accumulating four Whammies eliminated a contestant from the game. Also added to the board were "Double Whammies," which, in addition to bankruptcy, added a physical consequence following the Whammy's appearance (e.g. spraying the contestant with water or dropping ping-pong balls on them).<ref name="Brooks & Marsh"/> Play began with the contestant with the lowest score at the start of the round, or, in the case of a tie for last place, the contestant with the fewest spins. If there was still a tie in terms of score and spin totals, the contestant farthest to the left went first.
In the final round, cash values ranged from $500–$5,000, and some spaces offered additional spins in addition to cash. Other spaces offered the choice of up to four adjacent spaces, or directed the contestants directly to another space. Accumulating four Whammies eliminated a contestant from the game. Also added to the board were "Double Whammies," which—in addition to bankruptcy—added a physical consequence following the Whammy's appearance (e.g., spraying the contestant with water or dropping ping pong balls on them).<ref name="Brooks & Marsh"/> Play began with the contestant with the lowest score at the start of the round, or, in the case of a tie for last place, the contestant with the fewest spins. If there was still a tie in terms of score and spin totals, the contestant farthest to the left went first.


Spins earned in this round could be passed to the opponent with the higher total (if they were tied, the contestant passing the spins could choose the recipient). Contestants were required to use all spins passed until they used their spins or hit a Whammy; in the latter case, any remaining passed spins were transferred to their earned spin total.<ref name="Brooks & Marsh" /> If a contestant using passed spins hit a space that awarded a spin (e.g., $3,000 + One Spin), that spin was added to the earned total. The contestant in the lead at the end of the game kept any cash and/or prizes in their bank at that time. Unlike its predecessors, three new contestants appeared on each episode.
Spins earned in this round could be passed to the opponent with the higher total (if they were tied, the contestant passing the spins could choose the recipient). Contestants were required to use all spins passed until they used their spins or hit a Whammy; in the latter case, any remaining passed spins were transferred to their earned spin total.<ref name="Brooks & Marsh" /> If a contestant using passed spins hit a space that awarded a spin (e.g., $3,000 + One Spin), that spin was added to the earned total. The contestant in the lead at the end of the game kept any cash and/or prizes in their bank at that time. Unlike its predecessors, three new contestants appeared on each episode.


===Other features===
===Other features===
In round one, the board featured a "Pick-a-Prize" space. Contestants who landed on it could choose any prize on the board at the time. In round two, one space labeled "$2,000 or Lose-1-Whammy" gave the contestant a choice of a cash prize of $2,000 or removing a previously landed-upon Whammy (also seen on the classic show). "$1,000 or Spin Again" offered the choice of a $1,000 cash prize or the opportunity to spin again (without using an earned spin),<ref name="Season1">{{cite episode | series=Whammy! The All-New ''Press Your Luck'' | network=[[Game Show Network]] | date=April 15, 2002 | season=1 | number=1}}</ref> in season two, the cash award of this space was lowered to $555.<ref name="Whammy!"/>
In round one, the board featured a "Pick-a-Prize" space. Contestants who landed on it could choose any prize on the board at the time. In round two, one space labeled "$2,000 or Lose-1-Whammy" gave the contestant a choice of a cash prize of $2,000 or removing a previously-landed-upon Whammy (also seen on the classic show). "$1,000 or Spin Again" offered the choice of a $1,000 cash prize or the opportunity to spin again (without using an earned spin),<ref name="Season1">{{cite episode | series=Whammy! The All-New ''Press Your Luck'' | network=[[Game Show Network]] | date=April 15, 2002 | season=1 | number=1}}</ref> in season two, it was changed to "$555 or Spin Again."<ref name="Whammy!"/>


Contestants also had an opportunity to win a [[Global Electric Motorcars|Gem Car]] during the game. To claim the prize, the contestant needed to land on the "GEM" space in round one, and avoid landing on a Whammy for the rest of the round. In round two, the contestant needed to land on the "CAR" space, and again avoid the Whammy, and also win the game.<ref name="Season1"/> In season two, the GEM car was replaced with a [[Suzuki Aerio|Suzuki Aerio SX]], and the contestant needed to claim both halves of a car key in order to win the prize.<ref name="Whammy!"/>
Contestants also had an opportunity to win a [[Global Electric Motorcars|Gem Car]] during the game. To claim the prize, the contestant needed to land on the "GEM" space in round one, and avoid landing on a Whammy for the rest of the round. In round two, the contestant needed to land on the "CAR" space, and again avoid the Whammy, and also win the game.<ref name="Season1"/> In season two, the GEM car was replaced with a [[Suzuki Aerio|Suzuki Aerio SX]], and the contestant needed to claim both halves of a car key in order to win the prize.<ref name="Whammy!"/>


A new feature called "Big Bank" was added for the second season. The Big Bank on each episode was a cumulative jackpot that began at $3,000, and any cash and prizes that the contestants lost after landing on a Whammy (including halves of the car key) were added into the bank. If a contestant landed on the Big Bank square, Todd Newton asked an open-ended general knowledge question to the contestant, who could claim the money and prizes in the Big Bank with a correct answer. Once the Big Bank was claimed by a contestant, it was reset to $3,000.<ref name="Whammy!"/>
A new feature called "Big Bank" was added for the second season. The Big Bank on each episode was a cumulative jackpot that began at $3,000, and any cash and prizes that the contestants lost after landing on a Whammy (including halves of the car key) were added into the bank. If a contestant landed on the Big Bank square, the host asked an open-ended general knowledge question to the contestant, who could claim the money and prizes in the Big Bank with a correct answer. Once the Big Bank was claimed by a contestant, it was reset to $3,000.<ref name="Whammy!"/>


====Technological changes====
====Technological changes====
''Whammy!'' made use of technological advances that had been developed since the original ''Press Your Luck'' ended its run in the 1980s. For example, the prizes and light patterns for each space on the Big Board were randomly generated using a [[personal computer]], running at a speed of 200&nbsp;MHz.<ref name="bigbucks">{{cite video|title=Big Bucks: The ''Press Your Luck'' Scandal|medium=television|publisher=Game Show Network|date=March 16, 2003}}</ref> This resulted in a very large number of patterns for gameplay, which prevented memorisation of patterns as [[Michael Larson]] did on ''Press Your Luck'' (the same holds true for all subsequent versions, Todd Newton once referred to it as “Larson-proof”).<ref name="bigbucks"/> Also, the Whammy animations were animated in [[3D computer graphics]], rather than being digitally hand-drawn as on ''Press Your Luck''.<ref>[[#DeMichael|DeMichael 2009]], pp. 29</ref>
''Whammy!'' made use of technological advances that had been developed since the original ''Press Your Luck'' ended its run in the 1980s. For example, the prizes and light patterns for each space on the Big Board were randomly generated using a [[personal computer]], running at a speed of 200&nbsp;MHz.<ref name="bigbucks">{{cite video|title=Big Bucks: The ''Press Your Luck'' Scandal|medium=television|publisher=Game Show Network|date=March 16, 2003}}</ref> This resulted in a very large number of patterns for gameplay, which prevented memorisation of patterns as [[Michael Larson]] did on ''Press Your Luck'' (the same holds true for all subsequent versions).<ref name="bigbucks"/> Also, the Whammy animations were animated in [[3D computer graphics]], rather than being digitally hand-drawn as on ''Press Your Luck''.<ref>[[#DeMichael|DeMichael 2009]], pp. 29</ref>


==Production==
==Production==
Line 49: Line 164:
[[Game Show Network]] (GSN) acquired the rights to air ''Press Your Luck'' in September 2001, and high viewership ratings prompted the network to order a revival of the series.<ref name="Baber257">[[#Baber|Baber 2008]], pp. 257–58</ref> Two pilots were taped on February 13, 2002: one with original ''Press Your Luck'' host [[Peter Tomarken]]<ref name="Baber258">[[#Baber|Baber 2008]], pp. 258</ref> and the other hosted by [[Todd Newton]]. Newton was ultimately chosen to host the show.<ref name="Baber258"/> Tomarken explained that he was asked to change his style of hosting, saying, "It was terribly hurtful and I think I was doomed before I did [the audition]. I remember being told, 'No, no. Be nice. Be sure everybody likes you.' I took that advice with the pilot. I made the same mistake."<ref name="Baber258"/> Tomarken also acknowledged that GSN wanted to employ a younger host in an effort to attract a younger audience.<ref name="Baber258"/>
[[Game Show Network]] (GSN) acquired the rights to air ''Press Your Luck'' in September 2001, and high viewership ratings prompted the network to order a revival of the series.<ref name="Baber257">[[#Baber|Baber 2008]], pp. 257–58</ref> Two pilots were taped on February 13, 2002: one with original ''Press Your Luck'' host [[Peter Tomarken]]<ref name="Baber258">[[#Baber|Baber 2008]], pp. 258</ref> and the other hosted by [[Todd Newton]]. Newton was ultimately chosen to host the show.<ref name="Baber258"/> Tomarken explained that he was asked to change his style of hosting, saying, "It was terribly hurtful and I think I was doomed before I did [the audition]. I remember being told, 'No, no. Be nice. Be sure everybody likes you.' I took that advice with the pilot. I made the same mistake."<ref name="Baber258"/> Tomarken also acknowledged that GSN wanted to employ a younger host in an effort to attract a younger audience.<ref name="Baber258"/>


GSN produced 65 episodes for the first season, which began airing April 15, 2002.<ref name="Episodes">{{cite web |url=http://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/whammy/tv-listings/205426/|title=''Whammy!''|work=[[TV Guide]]|publisher=CBS Interactive, Inc.|access-date=May 21, 2017}}</ref> The series was eventually renewed for a second season, which consisted of 65 additional episodes that premiered March 17, 2003. Following the conclusion of the Tournament of Champions, which completed its run on July 25, 2003.<ref name="ToC">{{cite episode | series=Whammy! The All-New ''Press Your Luck'' | network=[[Game Show Network]] | date=July 22–25, 2003 | season=2 | number=54–57}}</ref><ref>[[#DeMichael|DeMichael 2009]], pp. 27</ref> Additionally, a short-lived Filipino version of the show aired on [[GMA Network]] in 2007–08. The series, entitled ''[[Whammy! Push Your Luck]]'', was hosted by [[Paolo Bediones]] and [[Rufa Mae Quinto]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pep.ph/news/14971/paolo-bediones-and-rufa-mae-quinto-host-gma-739s-new-game-show-whammy|title=Rufa Mae Quinto and Paolo Bediones, to host ''Whammy! Push Your Luck''|work=Philippine Entertainment Portal|last=Erece|first=Dinno|date=October 1, 2007|access-date=March 8, 2015}}</ref>
GSN produced 65 episodes for the first season, which began airing April 15, 2002.<ref name="Episodes">{{cite web |url=http://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/whammy/tv-listings/205426/|title=''Whammy!''|work=[[TV Guide]]|publisher=CBS Interactive, Inc.|accessdate=May 21, 2017}}</ref> The series was eventually renewed for a second season, which consisted of 65 additional episodes that premiered March 17, 2003. Following the conclusion of the Tournament of Champions, which completed its run on July 25,<ref name="ToC">{{cite episode | series=Whammy! The All-New ''Press Your Luck'' | network=[[Game Show Network]] | date=July 22–25, 2003 | season=2 | number=54–57}}</ref> a combination of first-run new episodes and reruns continued to air until December 5.<ref>[[#DeMichael|DeMichael 2009]], pp. 27</ref> Additionally, a short-lived Filipino version of the show aired on [[GMA Network]] in 2007–08. The series, entitled ''[[Whammy! Push Your Luck]]'', was hosted by [[Paolo Bediones]] and [[Rufa Mae Quinto]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pep.ph/news/14971/paolo-bediones-and-rufa-mae-quinto-host-gma-739s-new-game-show-whammy|title=Rufa Mae Quinto and Paolo Bediones, to host ''Whammy! Push Your Luck''|work=Philippine Entertainment Portal|last=Erece|first=Dinno|date=October 1, 2007|accessdate=March 8, 2015}}</ref>


===Special episodes===
===Special episodes===
The show aired four holiday specials: a Mother's Day special (featuring an all-cash board and with [[Karen Grassle]] (''[[Little House on the Prairie (TV series)|Little House on the Prairie]]''), [[Estelle Harris]] (''[[Seinfeld]]'') and [[Mimi Kennedy]] as contestants),<ref>{{cite episode | series=Whammy! The All-New ''Press Your Luck'' | network=[[Game Show Network]] | date=May 11, 2002 | season=1 | number=21}}</ref> a Halloween special (featuring contestants in costume),<ref>{{cite episode | series=Whammy! The All-New ''Press Your Luck'' | network=[[Game Show Network]] | date=October 26, 2002 | season=1 | number=65}}</ref> a St. Patrick's Day special (with the contestants wearing green, and all the whammy animations in green as well),<ref>{{cite episode | series=Whammy! The All-New ''Press Your Luck'' | network=[[Game Show Network]] | date=March 17, 2003 | season=2 | number=1}}</ref> and an April Fools' Day special that featured [[Graham Elwood]] (from ''[[Cram (game show)|Cram]]'') as the episode's host, with Newton only appearing when a contestant hit a Double Whammy.<ref>{{cite episode | series=Whammy! The All-New ''Press Your Luck'' | network=[[Game Show Network]] | date=April 1, 2003| season=2 | number=14}}</ref>
The show aired four holiday specials: a Mother's Day special (featuring an all-cash board and with [[Karen Grassle]] (''[[Little House on the Prairie]]''), [[Estelle Harris]] (''[[Seinfeld]]'') and [[Mimi Kennedy]] as contestants),<ref>{{cite episode | series=Whammy! The All-New ''Press Your Luck'' | network=[[Game Show Network]] | date=May 11, 2002 | season=1 | number=21}}</ref> a Halloween special (featuring contestants in costume),<ref>{{cite episode | series=Whammy! The All-New ''Press Your Luck'' | network=[[Game Show Network]] | date=October 26, 2002 | season=1 | number=65}}</ref> a St. Patrick's Day special (with the contestants wearing green, and all the whammy animations in green as well),<ref>{{cite episode | series=Whammy! The All-New ''Press Your Luck'' | network=[[Game Show Network]] | date=March 17, 2003 | season=2 | number=1}}</ref> and an April Fools' Day special that featured Graham Elwood (from ''[[Cram (game show)|Cram]]'') as the episode's host, with Newton only appearing when a contestant hit a Double Whammy.<ref>{{cite episode | series=Whammy! The All-New ''Press Your Luck'' | network=[[Game Show Network]] | date=April 1, 2003| season=2 | number=14}}</ref>


Janie Litras and Ed Long appeared on a special episode coinciding with GSN's documentary [[Big Bucks: The Press Your Luck Scandal|''Big Bucks: The ''Press Your Luck'' Scandal'']]. Litras and Long originally appeared on the episodes airing June 8 and 11, 1984, competing against [[Michael Larson]], who had memorized the light pattern and went on to win $110,237. Larson's brother, James, competed in the 2003 episode against Litras and Long, as Michael had died of throat cancer in 1999. Tomarken made a special appearance hosting the question round of this episode, which would be one of his last television appearances.<ref name="Baber258"/> James would win the game with a digital grand piano worth $6,695.<ref name="Whammy!">{{cite episode | series=Whammy! The All-New ''Press Your Luck'' | network=[[Game Show Network]] | date=March 17, 2003 | season=2 | number=2}}</ref>
Janie Litras and Ed Long appeared on a special episode coinciding with GSN's documentary [[Big Bucks: The Press Your Luck Scandal|''Big Bucks: The ''Press Your Luck'' Scandal'']]. Litras and Long originally appeared on the episodes airing June 8 and 11, 1984, competing against [[Michael Larson]], who had memorized the light pattern and went on to win $110,237. Larson's brother, James, competed in the 2003 episode against Litras and Long, as Michael had died of throat cancer in 1999. Tomarken made a special appearance hosting the question round of this episode, which would be one of his last television appearances.<ref name="Baber258"/> James would win the game with a digital grand piano worth $6,695.<ref name="Whammy!">{{cite episode | series=Whammy! The All-New ''Press Your Luck'' | network=[[Game Show Network]] | date=March 17, 2003 | season=2 | number=2}}</ref>


The July 21, 2003 episode featured a "Tournament of Losers" starring three past contestants who had lost their previous games.<ref>{{cite episode | series=Whammy! The All-New ''Press Your Luck'' | network=[[Game Show Network]] | date=July 21, 2003 | season=2 | number=53}}</ref> July 22–25 of that same week in 2003 featured a Tournament of Champions, with nine of the biggest winners to that point competing for additional cash and prizes. The winners on the Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday episodes returned to compete against each other on the Friday episode in the finale of the tournament. Friday's episode featured higher-valued spaces in both rounds, and the eventual winner also received a [[Suzuki Aerio|Suzuki Aerio SX]] as a bonus prize in addition to their grand total winnings.<ref name="ToC"/>
The July 21, 2003 episode featured a "Tournament of Losers" starring three past contestants who had lost their previous games.<ref>{{cite episode | series=Whammy! The All-New ''Press Your Luck'' | network=[[Game Show Network]] | date=July 21, 2003 | season=2 | number=53}}</ref> July 22–25 of that same week featured a Tournament of Champions, with nine of the biggest winners to that point competing for additional cash and prizes. The winners on the Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday episodes returned to compete against each other on the Friday episode in the finale of the tournament. Friday's episode featured higher-valued spaces in both rounds, and the eventual winner also received a [[Suzuki Aerio|Suzuki Aerio SX]] as a bonus prize in addition to their grand total winnings.<ref name="ToC"/>


==Reception==
==Reception==
''Whammy!'' lasted on GSN for only two seasons, leading Garin Pirnia of ''[[Mental Floss]]'' to deem the series "[not] a huge hit like its predecessor."<ref>{{cite web | url=http://mentalfloss.com/article/76656/11-whammy-free-facts-about-press-your-luck | title=11 Whammy-Free Facts About ''Press Your Luck'' | work= [[Mental Floss]] | last=Pirnia | first=Garin | date=September 26, 2016 | access-date=March 16, 2017}}</ref> At the sixth [[World Media Economics and Management Conference|World Media Economics Conference]], Eileen O'Neill and Marianne Barrett listed ''Whammy!'' among several television series that used creative methods of advertising in their programs, noting GSN's ability to "encourage viewers to watch the programs live."<ref>[[#O'Neill|O'Neill 2004]], pp. 10</ref> The series was also mentioned in [[Steve Ryan (author)|Steve Ryan]] and Fred Wostbrock's ''The Ultimate TV Game Show Book'' in a list of GSN original programs.<ref>[[#Ryan|Ryan 2005]], pp. 238</ref> It would not be until 2019 that another revival of ''Press Your Luck'' would air, with this version being hosted by [[Elizabeth Banks]] on ABC.
''Whammy!'' lasted on GSN for only two seasons, leading Garin Pirnia of ''[[Mental Floss]]'' to deem the series "[not] a huge hit like its predecessor."<ref>{{cite web | url=http://mentalfloss.com/article/76656/11-whammy-free-facts-about-press-your-luck | title=11 Whammy-Free Facts About ''Press Your Luck'' | work= [[Mental Floss]] | last=Pirnia | first=Garin | date=September 26, 2016 | accessdate=March 16, 2017}}</ref> At the sixth [[World Media Economics and Management Conference|World Media Economics Conference]], Eileen O'Neill and Marianne Barrett listed ''Whammy!'' among several television series that used creative methods of advertising in their programs, noting GSN's ability to "encourage viewers to watch the programs live."<ref>[[#O'Neill|O'Neill 2004]], pp. 10</ref> The series was also mentioned in [[Steve Ryan (author)|Steve Ryan]] and Fred Wostbrock's ''The Ultimate TV Game Show Book'' in a list of GSN original programs.<ref>[[#Ryan|Ryan 2005]], pp. 238</ref>


==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{Reflist|30em}}


===Bibliography===
===Bibliography===
* {{cite book|ref=Baber|last=Baber|first=David|title=Television Game Show Hosts: Biographies of 32 Stars|year=2008|publisher=[[McFarland & Company]]|location=Jefferson, North Carolina|isbn=978-0-7864-2926-4}}
* {{cite book|ref=Baber|last=Baber|first=David|title=Television Game Show Hosts: Biographies of 32 Stars|year=2008|publisher=[[McFarland & Company]]|location=Jefferson, North Carolina|isbn=978-0-7864-2926-4}}
* {{cite book|ref=Brooks|last1=Brooks|first1=Tim|last2=Marsh|first2=Earle F.|title=The Complete Directory to Prime Time Network and Cable TV Shows, 1946–Present|publisher=[[Random House]]|year=2009|isbn=978-0-307-48320-1}}
* {{cite book|ref=Brooks|last=Brooks|first=Tim|last2=Marsh|first2=Earle F.|title=The Complete Directory to Prime Time Network and Cable TV Shows, 1946–Present|publisher=[[Random House]]|year=2009|isbn=0-307-48320-7}}
* {{cite book|ref=DeMichael|title=TV's Greatest Game Shows: Television's Favorite Game Shows from the 50s, 60s, & More!|publisher=Marshall Publishing & Promotions, Inc.|last=DeMichael|first=Tom|year=2009|isbn=978-0-9814909-9-1}}
* {{cite book|ref=DeMichael|title=TV's Greatest Game Shows: Television's Favorite Game Shows from the 50s, 60s, & More!|publisher=Marshall Publishing & Promotions, Inc.|last=DeMichael|first=Tom|year=2009|isbn=978-0-9814909-9-1}}
* {{cite journal|ref=O'Neill | url=http://www.cem.ulaval.ca/pdf/oneill_barrett.pdf | title=TiVO—The Next Big Thing?: DVRs and Television Advertising Models | last1=O'Neill | first1=Eileen | last2=Barrett | first2=Marianne | date=May 12–15, 2004 | publisher=[[Arizona State University]] | location=HEC Montréal, Montréal, Canada | access-date=March 16, 2017}}
* {{cite journal|ref=O'Neill | url=http://www.cem.ulaval.ca/pdf/oneill_barrett.pdf | title=TiVO—The Next Big Thing?: DVRs and Television Advertising Models | last1=O'Neill | first1=Eileen | last2=Barrett | first2=Marianne | date=May 12–15, 2004 | publisher=[[Arizona State University]] | location=HEC Montréal, Montréal, Canada | format=PDF | accessdate=March 16, 2017}}
* {{cite book | ref=Ryan | title=The Ultimate TV Game Show Book | last1=Ryan | first1=Steve | author1-link=Steve Ryan (author) | last2=Wostbrock | first2=Fred | year=2005 | publisher=Volt Press ([[Bonus Books]]) | location=Santa Monica, California | isbn=978-1-56625-291-1 | page=[https://archive.org/details/ultimatetvgamesh01ryan/page/238 238] | url-access=registration | url=https://archive.org/details/ultimatetvgamesh01ryan/page/238 }}
* {{cite book | ref=Ryan | title=The Ultimate TV Game Show Book | last1=Ryan | first1=Steve | author1link=Steve Ryan (author) | last2=Wostbrock | first2=Fred | year=2005 | publisher=Volt Press ([[Bonus Books]]) | location=Santa Monica, California | isbn=978-1-56625-291-1 | page=238 | url-access=registration | url=https://archive.org/details/ultimatetvgamesh01ryan }}


==External links==
==External links==
{{DISPLAYTITLE:''Whammy! The All-New ''Press Your Luck}}
* {{Official website|http://www.gsn.com/shows/whammy}}
* {{Official website|http://www.gsn.com/shows/whammy}}
* {{IMDb title|0312253|Whammy! The All-New ''Press Your Luck'}}
* {{IMDb title|0312253|Whammy! The All-New ''Press Your Luck'}}
* {{tv.com show|whammy|Whammy! The All-New ''Press Your Luck'}}


{{Game Show Network}}
{{Game Show Network}}
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[[Category:Cable game shows]]
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[[Category:Television series by Fremantle (company)]]
[[Category:Television series by Fremantle (company)]]

Revision as of 04:59, 31 January 2022

Whammy! The All-New Press Your Luck
GenreGame show
Created byBill Carruthers
Directed byR. Brian DiPirro
Presented byTodd Newton
Narrated byGary Kroeger
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons2
No. of episodes130
Production
Executive producerMichael Weinberg
ProducerMichael Malone
Production locationTribune Studios in Hollywood
Running time20–22 minutes
Production companiesFremantle
GSN Originals
Original release
NetworkGame Show Network
ReleaseApril 15, 2002 (2002-04-15) –
December 5, 2003 (2003-12-05)

$2,555,285 + $1,866,388 = $4,421,673

Executive Producer MICHAEL WEINBERG

Produced By MICHAEL MALONE

Director R. BRIAN DiPIRRO

Wardrobe Furnished By RON CHERESKIN

FremantleMedia Production Executive JEFFEREY MIRKIN

Sr. VP Programming Game Show Network BOB BODEN

TAPED AT TRIBUNE STUDIOS

CONTESTANTS MUST MEET ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS TO RECEIVE ANNOUNCED PRIZES.

PORTIONS OF THIS PROGRAM NOT AFFECTING THE OUTCOME OF THE COMPETION HAVE BEEN EDITED/RECREATED.

The following companies have furnished prizes or paid a fee for their promotion on this program: AMERICAN SUZUKI MOTOR CORPORATION CROTON WATCH COMPANY INC.

©2003 Game Show Enterprises, LLC ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Amie & Stacie & Betheny are three girls that are seen on the big television networks set on that are seen separately. Amie & Stacie & Betheny appear on Whammy!, which airs on GSN in the U.S. and GSN in Canada, respectively. Whammy! premiered on GSN in the U.S. and GSN in Canada on April 15, 2002 at 10:00pm. Whammy! is produced by FremantleMedia North America, in association with Game Show Network, and distributed by Sony Pictures Television. Whammy! is hosted by Todd Newton. Whammy! (GSN/Teletoon/FremantleMedia North America/Game Show Network/Sony Pictures Television) is about five girls named Joann & Julie & Amie & Stacie & Jewel, who accumulate a lot of money on the big board. Other players include Betheny & Ursula, Kristen, Jennifer & Tiffany, Vicki & Pepper and Patrese & Gretchen. Whammy! consists of 2 seasons of 130 half hour episodes airing on GSN in the U.S. and GSN in Canada. Whammy! airs on GSN in the U.S. weekdays at 3:00pm and 3:30pm and weekends at 11:00am and 11:30am and GSN in Canada weekdays at 2:00pm and 2:30pm and weekends at 7:00pm and 7:30pm. Amie needs the big bucks for a new car. Stacie is a homemaker. Betheny works in a operating for a computer company. Amie’s episode first aired on GSN in the U.S. and GSN in Canada on March 18, 2003 at 8:00pm. Stacie’s episode first aired on GSN in the U.S. and GSN in Canada on March 31, 2003 at 8:00pm. Amie lost $25,109 and Stacie won $24,929. Amie & Stacie were both on the same episode as boys (Aaron & Chad, Doyle) and a black girl (Jetta). Amie earned 8 spins to take to the final round and Stacie earned 13 spins to take to the final round. Amie & Stacie made it to the Tournament of Losers/Champions. Amie’s episode first aired on GSN in the U.S. and GSN in Canada on July 21, 2003 at 8:00pm. Stacie’s episode first aired on GSN in the U.S. and GSN in Canada on July 22, 2003 at 8:00pm. Amie accumulated $5,500 and Stacie accumulated $5,298. Amie & Stacie were both on the same episode as boys (Skyler, Jack & Donn) and a black girl (Simone). Amie & Stacie earned 6 spins each to take to the final round. Betheny’s episode first aired on GSN in the U.S. and GSN in Canada on April 2, 2003 at 8:00pm. Betheny lost $25,195. Betheny was on the same episode as a black girl (Ebonee) and one boy (Greg). Betheny earned 11 spins to take to the final round. Amie & Stacie & Betheny have an obsession on these TV shows:

  1. 1. Peep and the Big Wide World (Discovery Kids/TVOntario)
  2. 2. Naturally, Sadie (Family Room HD/Family Channel)
  3. 3. Family Guy (Adult Swim/Teletoon)
  4. 4. South Park (Comedy Central/MuchMusic)
  5. 5. 30 Rock (NBC/Citytv)
  6. 6. Big Brother (CBS/Global)
  7. 7. Super Why! (PBS Kids/Kids’ CBC)
  8. 8. Noonbory and the Super 7 (CBS/BBC Kids)
  9. 9. Shelldon (qubo/No Network)
  10. 21. PAW Patrol/Zoey 101 (Nickelodeon/TVOKids/Family)
  11. 22. Rocket Monkeys/Degrassi (Nickelodeon/Teletoon/MuchMusic)
  12. 23. Glenn Martin, DDS/About a Girl (Nickelodeon/Citytv/Global)
  13. 24. Pelswick/The Secret Show (Nickelodeon/CBC Television/BBC Kids)
  14. 25. BrainSurge (Nickelodeon/No Network)
  15. 49. The Future Is Wild/Iggy Arbuckle (Discovery Kids/Animania HD/Teletoon)
  16. 50. Wilbur/Animalia (Discovery Kids/Animania HD/Kids’ CBC)
  17. 51. Dinosapien/Lola and Virginia (Discovery Kids/Animania HD/BBC Kids)
  18. 52. Meteor and the Mighty Monster Trucks/Cosmic Quantum Ray (Discovery Kids/Animania HD/No Network)
  19. 56. Grossology/Urban Vermin (Discovery Kids/Animania HD/YTV)
  20. 57. Arthur (PBS Kids/TVOKids)
  21. 58. Franny’s Feet (PBS Kids/Family Channel)
  22. 59. Charlie and Lola (Disney Channel/TVOKids)
  23. 60. Life with Derek (Disney Channel/Family Channel)
  24. 61. Darcy’s Wild Life (Discovery Kids/Family Channel)
  25. 62. Dive! Olly! Dive! (Animania HD/TVOKids)
  26. 69. Scaredy Squirrel (Cartoon Network/YTV)
  27. 70. Futurama (Comedy Central/Teletoon)
  28. 71. The Cleveland Show (Fox/Adult Swim/TBS/Comedy Central/BET/VH1/FXX/Global/MuchMusic/Teletoon/Adult Swim)
  29. 78. The Price Is Right (CBS/Citytv)
  30. 79. The Office (NBC/Global)
  31. 86. Busytown Mysteries (CBS/Kids’ CBC)
  32. 87. Spliced/Stella and Sam/Taste Buds/Turbo Dogs (qubo/Family Channel/TVOKids/Kids’ CBC)
  33. 91. Being Ian (qubo/YTV)
  34. 96. Jessie/Radio Rebel (Disney Channel/Family Channel/YTV)
  35. 98. Martha Speaks (PBS Kids/TVOKids)
  36. 99. Phineas and Ferb (Disney Channel/Family Channel)
  37. 100. Johnny Test (Cartoon Network/Teletoon)
  38. 101. South Park (Comedy Central/MuchMusic)
  39. 102. Hell’s Kitchen (Fox/Citytv)
  40. 103. Hawaii Five-O (CBS/Global)
  41. 104. Animal Mechanicals (The Hub/Kids' CBC)
  42. 105. Sumo Mouse (qubo/BBC Kids)
  43. 106. Shelldon (qubo/No Network)
  44. 121. PAW Patrol/Zoey 101 (Nickelodeon/TVOKids/Family)
  45. 122. Rocket Monkeys/Degrassi (Nickelodeon/Teletoon/MuchMusic)
  46. 123. Glenn Martin, DDS/About a Girl (Nickelodeon/Citytv/Global)
  47. 124. Pelswick/The Secret Show (Nickelodeon/CBC Television/BBC Kids)
  48. 125. BrainSurge (Nickelodeon/No Network)
  49. 137. Caillou/Camp Lakebottom (PBS Kids/Disney Channel/Teletoon)
  50. 138. Super Why!/The Doodlebops (PBS Kids/Disney Channel/CBC Television)
  51. 139. Raggs/Naruto: Shippuden (PBS Kids/Disney Channel/No Network)
  52. 146. The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That!/Kid vs. Kat (PBS Kids/Disney Channel/YTV)
  53. 147. Charlie and Lola (Disney Channel/TVOKids)
  54. 148. Franny’s Feet (PBS Kids/Family Channel)
  55. 155. Scaredy Squirrel (Cartoon Network/YTV)
  56. 156. Futurama (Comedy Central/Teletoon)
  57. 157. The Cleveland Show (Fox/Adult Swim/TBS/Comedy Central/BET/VH1/FXX/Global/MuchMusic/Teletoon/Adult Swim)
  58. 164. The Price Is Right (CBS/Citytv)
  59. 165. Glee (Fox/Global)
  60. 168. Transformers: Prime/Strawberry Shortcake's Berry Bitty Adventures/Sabrina, the Teenage Witch/Animal Mechanicals/Dennis and Gnasher/Dan Vs./Littlest Pet Shop (The Hub/Teletoon/Family Channel/MuchMusic/Kids' CBC/BBC Kids/No Network/YTV)
  61. 172. Spliced/Stella and Sam/Taste Buds/Turbo Dogs/Shelldon/Being Ian (qubo/Teletoon/Family Channel/TVOKids/Kids' CBC/No Network/YTV)
  62. 186. Jessie/Radio Rebel (Disney Channel/Family Channel/YTV)

Whammy! (subtitled The All-New Press Your Luck for its first season) is an American television game show that aired new episodes on Game Show Network from April 15, 2002 to December 5, 2003. The game show was produced by FremantleMedia North America, in association with Game Show Network. The main goal of the game is to earn as much money and prizes as possible through collecting spins by answering trivia questions correctly, then using those spins on a gameboard to win various prizes and cash amounts while attempting to avoid the show's eponymous character, the "Whammy." Contestants who do land on a Whammy lose all their prizes accumulated to that point; four Whammies eliminates a contestant from the game. The program is an updated version of Press Your Luck, which originally aired on CBS in 1983–86. The series was taped at Tribune Studios and was hosted by Todd Newton, with Gary Kroeger announcing. The show aired in reruns on GSN until 2017.

Gameplay

Gameplay remained largely similar to Press Your Luck, with contestants accumulating cash and prizes and attempting to avoid landing on a Whammy, who took away the winnings of any contestant who landed on it. At the start of the game, each of the three contestants was spotted $1,000 and took turns taking one spin at a time on the board.[1] After each cycle of spins, additional Whammies were added to the board replacing cash values or prizes,[1] and contestants chose to spin again or freeze with their score at that point. Landing on a Whammy in round one resulted in bankruptcy and eliminated that contestant from further play in the round. Play continued until all three contestants froze or hit a Whammy. Cash values ranged from $100–$1,500 in round one, and prizes of similar values also appeared.[2]

Round two consisted of five questions (four in some episodes) posed to the players. The host read a question, and one of the contestants buzzed-in and provided a response. Their response, along with two other choices, were provided to the other two contestants, who selected one of the choices. Correct answers earned three spins for a buzz-in answer and one spin for a multiple choice answer. After five questions, all three contestants advanced to the final round.[2]

In the final round, cash values ranged from $500–$5,000, and some spaces offered additional spins in addition to cash. Other spaces offered the choice of up to four adjacent spaces, or directed the contestants directly to another space. Accumulating four Whammies eliminated a contestant from the game. Also added to the board were "Double Whammies," which—in addition to bankruptcy—added a physical consequence following the Whammy's appearance (e.g., spraying the contestant with water or dropping ping pong balls on them).[1] Play began with the contestant with the lowest score at the start of the round, or, in the case of a tie for last place, the contestant with the fewest spins. If there was still a tie in terms of score and spin totals, the contestant farthest to the left went first.

Spins earned in this round could be passed to the opponent with the higher total (if they were tied, the contestant passing the spins could choose the recipient). Contestants were required to use all spins passed until they used their spins or hit a Whammy; in the latter case, any remaining passed spins were transferred to their earned spin total.[1] If a contestant using passed spins hit a space that awarded a spin (e.g., $3,000 + One Spin), that spin was added to the earned total. The contestant in the lead at the end of the game kept any cash and/or prizes in their bank at that time. Unlike its predecessors, three new contestants appeared on each episode.

Other features

In round one, the board featured a "Pick-a-Prize" space. Contestants who landed on it could choose any prize on the board at the time. In round two, one space labeled "$2,000 or Lose-1-Whammy" gave the contestant a choice of a cash prize of $2,000 or removing a previously-landed-upon Whammy (also seen on the classic show). "$1,000 or Spin Again" offered the choice of a $1,000 cash prize or the opportunity to spin again (without using an earned spin),[3] in season two, it was changed to "$555 or Spin Again."[2]

Contestants also had an opportunity to win a Gem Car during the game. To claim the prize, the contestant needed to land on the "GEM" space in round one, and avoid landing on a Whammy for the rest of the round. In round two, the contestant needed to land on the "CAR" space, and again avoid the Whammy, and also win the game.[3] In season two, the GEM car was replaced with a Suzuki Aerio SX, and the contestant needed to claim both halves of a car key in order to win the prize.[2]

A new feature called "Big Bank" was added for the second season. The Big Bank on each episode was a cumulative jackpot that began at $3,000, and any cash and prizes that the contestants lost after landing on a Whammy (including halves of the car key) were added into the bank. If a contestant landed on the Big Bank square, the host asked an open-ended general knowledge question to the contestant, who could claim the money and prizes in the Big Bank with a correct answer. Once the Big Bank was claimed by a contestant, it was reset to $3,000.[2]

Technological changes

Whammy! made use of technological advances that had been developed since the original Press Your Luck ended its run in the 1980s. For example, the prizes and light patterns for each space on the Big Board were randomly generated using a personal computer, running at a speed of 200 MHz.[4] This resulted in a very large number of patterns for gameplay, which prevented memorisation of patterns as Michael Larson did on Press Your Luck (the same holds true for all subsequent versions).[4] Also, the Whammy animations were animated in 3D computer graphics, rather than being digitally hand-drawn as on Press Your Luck.[5]

Production

Host Todd Newton in January 2010

Game Show Network (GSN) acquired the rights to air Press Your Luck in September 2001, and high viewership ratings prompted the network to order a revival of the series.[6] Two pilots were taped on February 13, 2002: one with original Press Your Luck host Peter Tomarken[7] and the other hosted by Todd Newton. Newton was ultimately chosen to host the show.[7] Tomarken explained that he was asked to change his style of hosting, saying, "It was terribly hurtful and I think I was doomed before I did [the audition]. I remember being told, 'No, no. Be nice. Be sure everybody likes you.' I took that advice with the pilot. I made the same mistake."[7] Tomarken also acknowledged that GSN wanted to employ a younger host in an effort to attract a younger audience.[7]

GSN produced 65 episodes for the first season, which began airing April 15, 2002.[8] The series was eventually renewed for a second season, which consisted of 65 additional episodes that premiered March 17, 2003. Following the conclusion of the Tournament of Champions, which completed its run on July 25,[9] a combination of first-run new episodes and reruns continued to air until December 5.[10] Additionally, a short-lived Filipino version of the show aired on GMA Network in 2007–08. The series, entitled Whammy! Push Your Luck, was hosted by Paolo Bediones and Rufa Mae Quinto.[11]

Special episodes

The show aired four holiday specials: a Mother's Day special (featuring an all-cash board and with Karen Grassle (Little House on the Prairie), Estelle Harris (Seinfeld) and Mimi Kennedy as contestants),[12] a Halloween special (featuring contestants in costume),[13] a St. Patrick's Day special (with the contestants wearing green, and all the whammy animations in green as well),[14] and an April Fools' Day special that featured Graham Elwood (from Cram) as the episode's host, with Newton only appearing when a contestant hit a Double Whammy.[15]

Janie Litras and Ed Long appeared on a special episode coinciding with GSN's documentary Big Bucks: The Press Your Luck Scandal. Litras and Long originally appeared on the episodes airing June 8 and 11, 1984, competing against Michael Larson, who had memorized the light pattern and went on to win $110,237. Larson's brother, James, competed in the 2003 episode against Litras and Long, as Michael had died of throat cancer in 1999. Tomarken made a special appearance hosting the question round of this episode, which would be one of his last television appearances.[7] James would win the game with a digital grand piano worth $6,695.[2]

The July 21, 2003 episode featured a "Tournament of Losers" starring three past contestants who had lost their previous games.[16] July 22–25 of that same week featured a Tournament of Champions, with nine of the biggest winners to that point competing for additional cash and prizes. The winners on the Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday episodes returned to compete against each other on the Friday episode in the finale of the tournament. Friday's episode featured higher-valued spaces in both rounds, and the eventual winner also received a Suzuki Aerio SX as a bonus prize in addition to their grand total winnings.[9]

Reception

Whammy! lasted on GSN for only two seasons, leading Garin Pirnia of Mental Floss to deem the series "[not] a huge hit like its predecessor."[17] At the sixth World Media Economics Conference, Eileen O'Neill and Marianne Barrett listed Whammy! among several television series that used creative methods of advertising in their programs, noting GSN's ability to "encourage viewers to watch the programs live."[18] The series was also mentioned in Steve Ryan and Fred Wostbrock's The Ultimate TV Game Show Book in a list of GSN original programs.[19]

References

  1. ^ a b c d Brooks 2009, pp. 1503
  2. ^ a b c d e f Whammy! The All-New Press Your Luck. Season 2. Episode 2. March 17, 2003. Game Show Network.
  3. ^ a b Whammy! The All-New Press Your Luck. Season 1. Episode 1. April 15, 2002. Game Show Network.
  4. ^ a b Big Bucks: The Press Your Luck Scandal (television). Game Show Network. March 16, 2003.
  5. ^ DeMichael 2009, pp. 29
  6. ^ Baber 2008, pp. 257–58
  7. ^ a b c d e Baber 2008, pp. 258
  8. ^ "Whammy!". TV Guide. CBS Interactive, Inc. Retrieved May 21, 2017.
  9. ^ a b Whammy! The All-New Press Your Luck. Season 2. Episode 54–57. July 22–25, 2003. Game Show Network.
  10. ^ DeMichael 2009, pp. 27
  11. ^ Erece, Dinno (October 1, 2007). "Rufa Mae Quinto and Paolo Bediones, to host Whammy! Push Your Luck". Philippine Entertainment Portal. Retrieved March 8, 2015.
  12. ^ Whammy! The All-New Press Your Luck. Season 1. Episode 21. May 11, 2002. Game Show Network.
  13. ^ Whammy! The All-New Press Your Luck. Season 1. Episode 65. October 26, 2002. Game Show Network.
  14. ^ Whammy! The All-New Press Your Luck. Season 2. Episode 1. March 17, 2003. Game Show Network.
  15. ^ Whammy! The All-New Press Your Luck. Season 2. Episode 14. April 1, 2003. Game Show Network.
  16. ^ Whammy! The All-New Press Your Luck. Season 2. Episode 53. July 21, 2003. Game Show Network.
  17. ^ Pirnia, Garin (September 26, 2016). "11 Whammy-Free Facts About Press Your Luck". Mental Floss. Retrieved March 16, 2017.
  18. ^ O'Neill 2004, pp. 10
  19. ^ Ryan 2005, pp. 238

Bibliography

External links

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