Puzzlers Pilot

Here is a very young Pat Sajak from 1980 and a Mark Goodson Bill Todman pilot called, Puzzlers!
Go behind the scenes with TV and radio legend Wink Martindale!
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[@chris319]

This was taped in the Spring of 1980 in NBC studio 1, the studio normally used for The Tonight Show starring Johnny Carson. NBC passed on it and after a certain period had elapsed we showed it to CBS who also passed on it. It was never shown to ABC due to some bad blood between G-T and ABC. Producers were Ira Skutch and Bobby Sherman with puzzle concepts by Steve Ryan. It was directed by Paul Alter.

[@therealbrentrolland]

This was SO worth the wait. Seriously! "Puzzlers" was so much fun, and perfect for those who love puzzles and visuals, which this show had a heaping amount of. The feedback I've heard from those who have seen this prior to its public release is that there are too many formats in the game. I disagree with the sentiment-in fact, looking at games-within-a-game like "Time Machine" and "The Price is Right," having multiple game formats within a more concrete p a brings variety and spontaneity. I think this was Goodson/Todman's puzzle version of "Price," in a sense. This was a solid game with a gorgeous set, exciting set transitions, funky graphics, and marvelous hosting by Mr. Sajak himself. And, if it made it to the air, there would have been more game formats to view and play. "Puzzlers" would have been perfect for its time; probably not so much today (perhaps in a kids' or Nickelodeon-type setting). Again, this was enjoyable and an answer to prayer! Thank you again for these treasures, Wink!

[@wschmrdr]

At least with Price, there's a commercial (or defined break) between the variations. With this, you're going one after the other. The format did make it on Mad Libs, although I can understand why the networks didn't bite.

[@blind_t2]

Brent Rolland family setting, yes. I could so see that work, maybe kids vs adults.

[@henrytube5333]

This was also something like this named duel in the daytime which has some similarities to this.

[@libertubey2199]

For a first time hosting a game show, even though the pilot didn't sell, Pat did a great job. Also, Mark Goodson discovered Pat first, although Merv Griffin may not have been aware at the time he discovered him.

[@dennisleon3956]

He was a meterologist at KNBC. My guess is that they knew he had the hosting and skills needed for game shows.

[@Angie2343]

Pat was just.

[@Kepley100]

Another game show pilot off the bucket list. A great game all around and Pat Sajak was awesome. Thanks for posting this one!

[@LogoMan7777]

So the Pat Sajak we know and love didn't originate later in Wheel's run. He was right here this entire time. Great show, it's just too bad it didn't make it to the air.

[@germanname1990]

Oh my goodness, Wink! You got the whole pilot of this?! Awesome! Yeah, I saw the infamous T clip on Game Show Moments Gone Bananas, but nice of you to show us the whole thing. Thank you very much!

[@dagdogg]

April Ortiz was also on the Star Words pilots.

[@sultzzwolf]

Thank you Wink! I have been wanting to see this since a clip of it was featured on Game Show Moments Gone Bananas ages ago. Wink you are the man!

[@georgemaster6826]

Merv made,IMHO,a great choice as Chuck's replacement.

[@blind_t2]

George Master true! a huge choice, and a great one, And...... he's still going strong! He's up there, but doesn't miss a beat, just like another legend, Bob Barker. Those 2, and trebeck are the ones who are up there in age, but haven't lost a single step when it comes to how to work a room!

[@danieltaylor9275]

I'm surprised that they didn't used the beep-beep countdown sound effect (used in Password Plus, Blockbusters and other Goodson-Todman shows) in Photo Finish

[@TheMisterJ]

Scratch another pilot off my bucket list! Next one I'd really like to see is TKO. Keynotes & Gambit (Eubanks pilot) would be good too. This is now my favorite KZbin channel.

[@andrewschroy6368]

***** Hondo20132 has the Gambit Eubanks pilot.

[@millenniumman75]

The Championship round seemed kind of long and the initial round short, but it had variety to it. Even though this show was not meant to be, Pat Sajak would find fame at the end of 1981. The music package was pretty good, too.

[@Reed488]

This was a fun game show. Though I find it unfortunate that the show didn’t make it to series, Sajak proved he was ready for the big-time. His hosting chops and trademark dry sense of humor were already on-point.

[@reneastle8447]

What if it did? That would've been brilliant.

[@michaelhealy1767]

This is pat sajak 1st ever game show taped in late spring very early summer 1980 and he did a great job hosting puzzlrs and I have IA Pat sajak game show USA on dvd it was taped at nbc in LA and cbs played it as well as nbc but never made it to TV it was also shown On occasion between summer 1980 and present on cbs and nbc

[@chuckers40]

You forget how young Pat Sajak was when he did the pilot and then Wheel of Fortune.

[@TonyKanameKuran]

Love the "Mindreaders" theme!

[@friedchickenicedtea]

The bonus round was a mix-up of Blockbusters' Gold Run and Narz Concentration's Double Play.

[@BenJabituya]

I guess this was what partly inspired the "BEFORE & AFTER" puzzles on "Wheel Of Fortune"

[@mixon270]

I been waiting for this. Thanks Wink

[@aaronbaker5887]

I can't believe they're using the Vane 1 font in this game show "Puzzlers".

[@meowkitty5588]

Pat Sajak’s first game show.

[@landit]

Does anyone know if there’s a KZbin channel for unaired tv pilots? I’ve always been interested to know if there was ever a aftermarket for those tv shows that never made it to air.

[@cinapoowee7582]

The second I saw Ann she looked familiar. Then I realized I just saw her on Match Game PM tonight and she won $10,000.

[@NEPatriot]

Right away, you can hear the theme from Dick Martin's Mindreaders.

[@ericsamuelson5656]

When Pat hosted this pilot for NBC and Goodson & Todman, his other half Vanna White was a contestant on The Price is Right. Too bad NBC didn't pick this up but the network kept him in mind. The lockin and dinging sounds will later be used on Blockbusters with Bill Cullen.

[@aw4477]

Sajak is so young here!!

[@MorganNye]

He was 34.

[@Wheeloffortunefan999]

"you capture that category, shame on all of you in the audience" LOL

[@DrakeFeatherwing]

Oh, c'mon. Don't tell me your mind didn't go to "fart," too... >.>;

[@aaronbaker5887]

​@@DrakeFeatherwing😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@MarkStevens-fh3wb]

April Ortiz did become a successful actress about 5 years later, and she's still acting.

[@BlackwoodCompany]

Some of those puzzle were so weird that I don't think that it would have sold. But it was still entertaining.

[@meyerj75]

Still, it would be very unlikely to be picked up for a regular series if the game play was like that throughout the pilot. (Pat Sajak worked on various pilots before hosting Wheel of Fortune where he's been there since......1981.

[@robbernath]

1983

[@pgtcf7806]

I wonder as this was in 1980, considering the uncertainty of "Password Plus" at the time, if this was meant as a possible replacement for that show?

[@chuckers40]

It could have been a replacement for High Rollers, Chain Reaction, or Hollywood Squares. They were going off the air.

[@ericandy88]

And Password Plus wound up hanging on until 1982. Part of the plan to get Sajak onto Wheel Of Fortune was to sort of introduce him to America as a celebrity guest on a week of Plus, with Betty White.

[@brycelandon6387]

@Will N Bert Convy, Tattletales...I see what you did there. :)

[@Ian16545]

Pat, of course, was fresh off his weather stint at News 4 LA (KNBC).

[@danieltaylor9275]

Pat wasn't at KNBC when they became News4 L.A. It was still NewsCenter 4 when he left.

[@bmasters1981]

@@danieltaylor9275 WNBC in NYC was still NewsCenter 4 at this time as well; that NYC NBC O&O became News 4 New York in Sept. 1980 (first of the month, Labor Day), while the L.A. one (KNBC) became News 4 LA in July 1982 (News 4 New York would last until 1995, when it became Newschannel 4; that latter title lasted until March 2008, at which time WNBC became News 4 New York again, and still goes by that title; KNBC is NBC 4 News now [becoming that in 2011]).

[@nicka727]

RR means Road Runner in the bonus round the second picture which means the Coyote is in the Photo Finish because if they lost in the photo finish the Coyote will be in there because Coyote never catches Road Runner.

[@gilwood7530]

This should be made into a show ...HEY PAT ! WE LOVE YOU !

[@rg8152]

Interesting enough, Anne was a contestant on TPIR in 1983, was one of the opening 4 contestants and won the first bid, played One Right Price for a Backgammon Table and won. I guess not all Pilot contestants are hired because otherwise how was she not DQd from TPIR?

[@jjgillmen]

I think Pat Sajak went on to have a good career after this pilot...

[@jmjfanss]

so did vanna white and both made high careers.

[@RDOTV167]

who knew that Pat Sajak once worked for Goodson-Todman?.

[@usahorse721]

How can there be a returning Champion on a Pilot episode?

[@seanfennel4845]

They have a fake one so the network can see how the regular show would go.

[@BrandonSugiura]

Do you have anymore episodes of this show and are there plans in remaking the show as well?

[@davidc8988]

This was an unsold pilot. So, no other episodes were made. I wish that it would be revived.

[@AK-oo5cj]

Wheel of fortune!

[@crlaw75]

Was that Johnny Olsen announcing?

[@armorybrunotjr.3204]

Yes.

[@WTF-TV2415]

No mistaking that voice.

[@markjones1184]

Was John on concentration pilot in 85?

[@christopherkemp8398]

THAN AFTER PUZZLERS PILOT THAN PAT SAJAK WHENT ON TO THE WHEEL OF FORTUNE

[@cottagechskitty]

Ahhhh...pilots...where the answers come a little too fast to be realistic :) But this is great. Pat acted like he'd been doing this kind of thing for years

[@bluebear1985]

cottagechskitty At the time, he had a few years of being a meteorologist under his belt. He was doing that for KNBC in Los Angeles at the time. Prior to that, he did similar work for WSM in Nashville.

[@TBONE_2004]

I'm curious, Wink. How do you have access to these tapes? What's your secret?

[@infrequentvlogs4433]

Pat Satanjak

[@johnissoevil]

If this had been picked up, who would have replaced Chuck on Wheel?

[@johnissoevil]

Bobby Van had already passed away by the time Chuck left Wheel.

[@KiddBloo86]

+John Fenner Jim Peck :P

[@johnissoevil]

G$8605 LOL. Or maybe Jack Clark himself. Then they'd have to find a new announcer.

[@someguy23475]

Tom Kennedy was still busy with Password Plus. Jack Clark would have done well- he was an underrated host in general. Jim Perry would have been superb. I think Merv would have picked a rookie host, like he did with Woolery years before.

[@ericandy88]

Yep, Merv always seemed to prefer discovering new talents when it came to his hosts (maybe not Rolf, but still). Given that Wheel's ratings were still just enough to keep them on the air at this point (how it got a reprieve from the big NBC game show purge of 1980 is a wonder), I would not have been surprised if Woolery's leaving & the inability to find a new host finally killed the show for good. So much for the 1983 syndicated run that at last made Wheel a force to be reckoned with.

[@FUGP72]

That host will never make it in this business. You won't be seeing him on TV for very long.

[@share2brain79]

nice video love it . wanna be friend .these puzzells are not easy to solve

[@donaldpaluga]

Ripping off the theme from Mindreaders they did.

[@QBCNetwork]

Are you a Mindreader? Yes or no. Did Vanna White say Yes? Dis Pat Sajak say No?

[@andrewschroy6368]

It's Goodson-Todman for ya!

[@KiddBloo86]

+QBCNetwork Oh, did she ever say yes... :D

[@bluebear1985]

I'm not sure I would call it a ripoff. Goodson and Todman produced Mindreaders, as well as this pilot.

[@ericandy88]

And G-T almost never let a good sound effect or music cue go to waste. Even the MGHS had reason to exist to give us the intro music/soon-to-be "new car" theme on TPIR.

[@sha11235]

Ann was close to choking there.

[@40bpaula]

Yeah, not a fan of this one. Too visual for this blind girl. I can't play at all.

[@damienchance3153]

Any more episodes

[@donp55]

This is how in Pat was in that Wheel job. According to Wikipedia, "in 1981 Merv Griffin asked Sajak if he would be interested in taking over the duties as host on Wheel of Fortune from Chuck Woolery. However, Fred Silverman, then president and CEO of NBC, rejected his hiring, claiming he was too local, and Griffin responded by imposing a moratorium on new tapings until Sajak was hired. The issue became moot when Silverman was dismissed due to repeated programming failures and replaced by Brandon Tartikoff." Damn, Merv was gansta....

[@KiddBloo86]

When Merv caught wind of NBC trying to match what Chuck wanted salary wise, Merv threatened to take Wheel to CBS.

[@MMB18abel]

Silverman was replaced by Grant Tinker (Mr. Mary Tyler Moore), Tartikoff took over in 1982, got shows like FAMILY TIES, CHEERS, A-TEAM, COSBY SHOW to name a few, advised NBC affiliates to give shows like CHEERS and FAMILY TIES a chance with their struggling starts, the rest is TV history.

[@jeprice08]

They used the theme song from Mindreaders hosted by the late Dick Martin! COOL!

[@malicool1304]

yes i noticed

[@crawford586]

The telltale NBC whistling fake audience effects.

[@Margann1987]

As if Pat Sajak is turning 70 in October... he still looks so young

[@Filmbuff1979]

Margann Laurissa really????

[@artytoons]

Pat Sajak and Johnny Olson...that would have been a great classic tandem if this pilot sold.

[@artytoons]

Johnny Olson did get a chance to announce both the names of Pat Sajak here and Vanna White as a contestant on "The Price Is Right". No Wheel for Vanna for a showcase showdown though...she didn't get out of Contestants Row.

[@blind_t2]

artytoons wonder what his reaction would've been seeing both of them make it to the big time. Heck, if they hadn't picked Charlie to do wheel, and he was still around for at least their debut, he would've been a great pick to do announcing. That's just me, but i think you'd agree.

[@andrewschroy6280]

Or if Johnny was too busy occupied with TPIR and Match Game, I could imagine either Gene Wood or Bob Hilton announcing. And introducing Pat.

[@JerGer918]

artytoons The same year too (1980) if not mistaken.

[@someguy23475]

Pat and Johnny would have played off each other very well.

[@steadfastcoward]

This is probably how Pat got the Wheel gig.

[@AaronBruceLadner]

The Buzzers Used on this Show were Also on BLOCKBUSTERS.

[@mrceleb2006]

+Aaron Ladner The semi-harsh "Claxon buzzer" was heard on early 'Password Plus' tapings as well as 'Mindreaders', but 'Blockbusters' should have used that sound effect followed by "sad trumpets" if time ran out in the Gold Run bonus game.

[@illustriousrocket4476]

The Goodson/Todman credit title at the end is also the one used on Password Plus.

[@ulknavcom054809]

This game is a Keeper, A REAL GRABBER. It really gets your mind going and going. Wink, keep bringing the good stuff!!!!!

[@bigrobg77]

I see that Sajak always had his same humor.

[@MorganNye]

Does Pat even remember doing this

[@Angie2343]

@@MorganNye Just tweeted him about it.

[@brycelandon6387]

Okay, be honest people, did anyone else think the letter was "F" on "-ART"? If this pilot had sold, the history of TV game shows and the story of Pat Sajak's career could have been altered forever. Would he have gotten the call to replace Chuck Woolery on Wheel of Fortune? Would Wheel still be with us today? It makes you wonder about an alternate universe in which "Puzzlers" makes it to air...

[@giannipizzi5084]

The Tarzan scene is in game show moments gone bananas

[@kgruber17]

Yes! Finally we see the full pilot! Thanks Wink

[@mshroye2]

this is a very awesome pilot, this should have sold, once again proof TV people don't know a good game show if it bit them in the rear

[@bluebear1985]

Matt Shroyer, it was a good pilot, but I think the timing of this was what did it in. At the time, then-NBC president Fred Silverman wasn't exactly a big fan of the game show genre. What showed it the most was cancelling three game shows on NBC's daytime schedule at the same time, "Chain Reaction", "High Rollers", and "Hollywood Squares", to make room for a 90-minute talk show hosted by David Letterman. I'll bet it would have made it if it was done for either CBS or ABC.

[@LogoMan7777]

bluebear1985 Matt Shroyer Of course, when David's show tanked, Silverman okayed "Las Vegas Gambit".

[@bluebear1985]

Not only that, but I think at one point Letterman's show was cut back to 60 minutes to make room for "Blockbusters" with Bill Cullen, despite the fact he had a show cancelled months before, and also on NBC no less.

[@kurttoy5035]

Blockbusters was one of two game shows NBC used to replace Letterman.

[@QHMCQ]

This would have needed some fixing but I could have seen this having a run. Biggest "sore thumb" to me was in the second round how contestants could easily buzz in just as the answer popped up, THEN see it and figure it out quickly, then give the answer. They did it several times. When the game becomes a buzzer race over being an actual contest to figure something out, it doesn't work.

[@3mango]

Who would have thought that pat worked for Goodson

[@BenJabituya]

Pat was a guest on "Password Plus" and "Super Password".

[@danieltaylor9275]

@@BenJabituya Pat was on the Match Game-Hollywood Squares Hour as well.

[@hpthevip392]

Pat Sajack Is one of the best stars alive

[@pbatommy]

Pat Sajak did an awesome job hosting this pilot. Too bad it didn't make it to air.

[@freewaydan]

pbatommy Imagine if NBC and Mark Goodson gave Puzzlers a green light sometime later (say 1982). It would be somewhat ironic if they got Chuck Woolery to host Puzzlers.

[@pbatommy]

Wasn't he committed to Scrabble at that time?

[@freewaydan]

Scrabble wasn't on the air until Summer 1984.

[@pbatommy]

I wasn't sure of the dates. Thanks for the info.

[@andrewschroy6368]

pbatommy I think he was still committed to Love Connection back in '82.

[@AdamJ617]

The transition to the Photo Finish round feels like I’m at a disco club. Notice how rapidly the neon lights on the board flash.

[@930bestvideos]

This may sound ignorant, but has Pat Sajak literally hosted a game show BESIDES Wheel of Fortune?

[@megamanj2004X]

he hosted a revival of College Bowl in the '80s once.

[@bluebear1985]

This pilot never actually made it to air though. The first time he actually appeared on television on a national basis was when he appeared as a celebrity guest on "Password Plus" on the week before his first episodes aired. Prior to "Wheel of Fortune", he was a weatherman for KNBC in Los Angeles.

[@georgef551]

He was the host of the first failed pilot of "Press Your Luck".

[@georgef551]

smashwhammy They still were using "Devils" on the failed pilot? (My guess as to why they were devils on "Second Chance", was another game show at the time had "Whammies" represented by lightning bolts. Some word game, can't remember what it was.)

[@georgef551]

smashwhammy Hmm..Weird. Didn't know the Simon part.

[@JimmySand9]

13:35 The "Farzan" blooper.

[@WTF-TV2415]

That seems weird hearing Johnny Olson saying Pat Sajak's name.

[@MorganNye]

Why?

[@bmasters1981]

Also, that Pat Sajak is the star here (despite being only 33 at the time of this pilot taping at NBC).

[@vanni9283]

A little bit of "Bumper Stumpers" included in the second round, there. ; )

[@PrestissimoMasterStation]

Anne is our returning champion in the Pilot, PUZZLERS?!

[@jcunninghamsts]

Im surprised in a sense that this wouldnt have recieved at least the 13 week pickup but then again Id like to know what NBC picked up instead. After watching Idiotest on GSN....I could see Puzzlers complementing that show. I see potential in it. Also Pat Sajak was great on this pilot! I wish I could see more of this Pat.....he is truly funny on here

[@witherblaze]

this is his only other game show.

[@bluebear1985]

Actually, he did do a one-time thing as well. In 1984, he hosted a special episode of "G.E. College Bowl" on NBC.

[@marcpower4167]

My understanding he also did a pilot for press your luck.

[@witherblaze]

@@bluebear1985 video please?

[@Survivor1547]

Win Bell Sounds Like From Blockbusters.

[@disneydanny2]

since pilots arn't part of the package of shows that actually make it to aiir, how do collectors get their hands on them? (i imagine it's alot harder to get these as opposed to shows that actually are broacast)

[@jjinnyc75]

They just loved using April Ortiz for these pilots

[@I_WANT_MY_SLAW]

What else was she in?

[@andrewschroy6368]

@@I_WANT_MY_SLAW The Star Words pilots with Nipsey Russell.

[@illustriousrocket4476]

This format needed a good deal of polish, but it would have still been a nice watch if it got on the air. I would have watched it.

[@AlexisdataworkingYT]

The fact that they put that in wheel of fortune

[@gregjanover741]

How do pilots have a previous champion?

[@AnErrorOccurred]

Does Pat's run-through 1980 pilot for Press Your Luck exist anywhere?

[@jrjgames]

That hasn't turned up yet.

[@bradgandy02]

Wasn't that a different show with the same name, though? I seem to remember reading that the Sajak Press Your Luck was produced by Ralph Edwards, not Bill Carruthers.

[@illustriousrocket4476]

I believe I heard once, a long time ago, that Sajak's Press Your Luck was based on the game Simon. That would make it dramatically different from Peter Tomarken's, to say the least. All I've ever seen of it is a single photograph of Pat Sajak and a contestant standing next to a giant circle or oval with a neon "PRESS YOUR LUCK" logo within it.

[@sddwtbnofather]

John Wayne Oder is now an attorney.

[@kennethhuang371]

Before Pat Sajak hosted Wheel of Fortune, he did a pilot show called PUZZLERS that wasn’t picked up by the networks. How do you play THAT game, Pat? Kenneth Huang 12/23/22.

[@marcomacias3960]

all games including "Bumper Stumpers" and "Catch Phrase" smush into one thanks Wink

[@roboppi6368]

When you see these pilots it's like what were they thinking!!!

[@essentialeugene]

Some part of ``The Puzzlers'' reminded me of ``Concentration.'' How come this show wasn't picked up?

[@jdbarker32]

Probably for that reason.

[@jayroy430]

Steve Ryan made the puzzles for this show and he is the same guy who designed the rebuses for Classic Concentration (among countless other puzzles).

[@cathyb2990]

I Wish That Buzzr tv Will Air The Unsold Pilot During Lost And Found In The Future

[@amberspencer]

I’m watching this to honor the legendary game show host Pat Tak since he retired yesterday from a wheel

[@gsnman]

That was awesome!

[@thesegacampgamerandwerecam7504]

Man I never knew Pat Sajak hosted this I only Remember him for Hosting Wheel of Fortune! was this back when Chuck Wollery Hosted it and then Replaced him for Pat Sajak?

[@drewconway7135]

Hmm… not sure I’d have watched this as a series. But a good effort.

[@kespeth2]

It's pronounced soc-rah-tees, pat. #toolateiknow lol

[@Tubewings]

Why did they reveal the last letter of the word in the "Double Puzzle" round? In pretty much any other word-based puzzle game, the last letter of each word would NOT be revealed. I would have replaced the last letter with an asterisk (*) or a question mark (?) when revealing the word one letter at a time.

[@kaseywestbrook8564]

What show has puzzles, pictures and payoffs? PUZZLERS! And now, here's the host of Puzzlers, Sam Champion!

[@Angie2343]

Pat was fantastic! The show has a Wheel of Fortune feel, which fits him perfectly.

[@andresbustamante4777]

If I was the host i would say it like this thank you Johnny olson thank you ladies and gentlemen thank you so much welcome to puzzlers a game of speed and persephone can relly pay off to one of are contesttins