How Definition Became the Longest-Running Game Show in Canadian History

[@digiblader1]

Thankfully, since this doc was aired, 700+ episodes of the series (including the series finale) were found and have since been digitized.

[@hebber1961]

"You've won a brand new.... seat cover".

[@tazcatsdad]

I, along with a former co-worker, appeared on “Definition” sometime in either late ‘86 or early ‘87. We were likely the only contestants that the show ever had that were from the USA. And, it’s because of the show that, American though I am, I refer to the 26th letter of the alphabet as “zed” and add a “u” to words like “neighbour” and “favour” - all without actually realizing that I’m doing it! I met both Jim Perry and Dave Devall while on the show: consummate professionals both, and wonderful people too. RIP Jim Perry ... you are indeed missed.

[@DoctorJaguarChannel]

Jim Perry was always thankful

[@nextbarker2702]

@2:11, there's the original Any Number board from TPIR used until 1987

[@GameShowMike]

The song was called “The Fairest Girl in Canada” for the Miss Canada pageant.

[@richardhernandez4490]

The pun puzzles on this show is what made Definition a true staple despite a low budget on the cash and prizes. Jim's hosting was also very charming too.

[@oldschooleddie2057]

Jim Perry is #1 on my list of Favorite Masters of Ceremonies of All-Time. Thanks for a great upload.

[@thegreatdominion949]

Headline Hunters was one of my favourites.

[@Lava1964]

Peggy Cass, who was on virtually every notable American game show during the 1970s, always said her favorite game show was the classic Canadian one: Definition. That indicates how good it was.

[@davidlewis7267]

Jim's daughter, Erin Perry, was (I believe) an associate producer on "The $25,000/$100,000 Pyramid".

[@robertdonahoo8183]

That is correct. She worked on a few other Bob Stewart-produced game shows during that time.

[@crlaw75]

She was also on "Card Sharks" and brought her out onstage in '81 as Jim announced she was on the dean's list.

[@crlaw75]

That would've been an honor to be on the same stage as (the late) Jim Perry.

[@robertdonahoo8183]

A good man - I can't think of anyone today who can match or even exceed the qualities and talent Jim possessed in those 30 or so years he was on television.

[@foxmccloud7055]

Back in the states, Jim was dealing out the cards on "Card Sharks" and giving away cash and prizes totalling over $100,000 on "$ale of The Century".

[@MrRemark21]

Jim Perry hosted “Card Sharks” on NBC daytime (Monday, April 24, 1978-Friday, October 23, 1981) & “$ale of the Century” on NBC daytime (Monday, January 3, 1983-Friday, March 24, 1989).

[@rmm3854]

That famous intro song by none other than the late great Quincy Jones "Soul Bossa Nova". 👍🎷🎶

[@JasonMasterJHuhn]

Low budget game, but the cash and prizes won were all tax free, including cars. I'm hoping it returns someday in Toronto, either single players with celebrity partners, or 2 vs. 2 contestants with tapings at the CBC building, or any studio in the Toronto area that can provide a studio audience after this pandemic. I could host the show if needed for the show's pilot. The game could even be in a different format in scoring with a $10,000 top prize.

[@manofthehour6856]

Hah, LOVED "Definition" that was broadcast over the Border from Toronto. Jim Perry was always pleasant but genuine and seemed very grounded, unlike most game show hosts. And the prizes were certainly not the attraction (like a Parker Pen Set), but it was the game ITSELF that was interesting....the prizes are irrelevant in any game show except maybe "The Price is Right", honestly. And Dave Devall was always one of the best announcers. Yep, I watched Definition at 12:30 PM on CFTO and have nothing less than fond memories of it.

[@streetcarjay]

Jim Perry was so deserving of the Order of Canada.

[@NormAppleton]

I miss Dave Duvall doing the weather, Harold Hosein too

[@Joannec95]

It is almost like Wheel of Fortune.

[@sdoole1285]

my ex late father-in-law was on this show sometime in the 1970s and he won

[@louistenore2185]

How he did 3 shows at the same time I ll never know and in 2 different countries no less

[@witherblaze]

2:44 song name?

[@jeatig]

So why aren't the "Definition" shows rerun on TV and/or KZbin like "Talk About", "Bumper Stumpers", "The Last Word", "The Mad Dash", and others??

[@jimm9312]

It was believed that most of the masters were lost. But a website called Bonus Round Canada recently uncovered 400 master tapes of the show.

[@denelson83]

@@jimm9312 Actually, more than 700 master tapes.

[@jimm9312]

@@denelson83 I think originally It said 400, they must have found more or something. Thanks for making me aware.

[@streetcarjay]

The theme for Miss Canada was "The fairest girl in Canada."

[@mrceleb2006]

3:58 - What's the 'Definition' to "LOW RENTS OF ARABIA"?

[@mrceleb2006]

@Anthony Guarino I get it...LOW RENTS of ARABIA are "cheap apartments in a Middle Eastern country"!

[@Norfolk250]

These commentators speaking so confidently --- keep making and spreading the mistake of referring to the states as 'America'. America is. CON TIN ENT - it has a north and a south - it has DOZENS of countries. Canada is American as much as Brazil and the states.

[@denelson83]

Sound is out of sync.