Split Second - May 8th, 1975

Here's a full episode (granted, missing the first two minutes of intro and contestant introductions. Game is completely intact though) of the criminally underrated Split Second, a Stefan Hatos-Monty Hall Production made for ABC in the daytime. This episode is from pretty late in the run, but is a great example of how awesome this show was. Sad that only a handful of episodes are known to exist, but great to have the great examples of this series that we have right now!!

[@neneshubby]

As of June 2022 Mr Marvin Shinkman is still with us. He's 86 years old.

[@shinkman1]

He actually died in October 2021.

[@louistenore3876]

wow talk about emotnal

[@DISCOVEGASGUY]

Besides Pyramid, this was the most sophisticated, exciting, brilliant game show of the 70's.

[@tyrese3745]

Folks, it is with the heaviest of many, many hearts to tell you all that our beloved friend James E. Narz aka Tom Kennedy, the brother of the late Jack Narz, has sadly passed away today. He was 93 years old. Rest in Peace, Mr. Kennedy.

[@greggsheaffer2521]

RIP

[@MorganNye]

Gregg Sheaffer why did he pass away

[@tyrese3745]

@@MorganNye He was 93. What do you think, he was going to live forever? No.

[@MorganNye]

Christopher Howell well did he suffer from anything

[@tyrese3745]

@@MorganNye Right now, the cause of death is unknown. He was ill for several months.

[@djnotty01]

This was a serious game show unlike any other. I miss Split Second so, so much.

[@bobthetvfan]

There were three shows which showed some influence of "Jeopardy!" in the '70s, and, ironically, all of them aired at 12:30 (ET). "Split Second" is one; its NBC competitor for most of the run, "Who, What or Where," is one; "3 For the Money," which debuted on NBC soon after "Split Second" left the air, is the third. "3 For the Money" didn't last long but the other two deserve a new life. We badly need more games that don't dumb down.

[@diaquallo]

Psst, it's coming back on gsn.

[@johnlewinski6359]

@@diaquallo Yeah but no cars- BOO!

[@gregbell3559]

Me too it was exciting

[@Frequent200FLYswimmer]

Its back hosted by John Michael higgins

[@HelloooThere]

This show used to make my head spin being so fast. I don't know how Tom Kennedy could do this. He was such an outstanding professional! Plus, you've gotta love his sideburns!! Looks just like Elvis!

[@firecriss1392]

Usually the big safari wagon was the only one that started......

[@MNBluestater]

Hahaha!

[@davidlewis7267]

I used to come home for lunch and watch Password and Split Second on ABC.

[@drbencasey]

When I was a junior and senior in high school, I got out at 12:20 and would watch this every day when I got home. Really good show.

[@ledzeplover58]

Me too. And drank Tab.

[@ChuckD79]

Great episode...also, Marvin would later appear on Double Dare in 1977 and became a 5-time champ on Jeopardy in 1986, even making it to that year's ToC finals.

[@646guy]

Seriously one of the most dramatic endings of any game show I have seen....

[@carloscarpinteyro332]

Loved this fast-thinking game show! Went to a live taping at ABS Studios in Hollywood in 1972. I'd get home from High school fix lunch while watching this very fine game show!!

[@RaineStudio]

The original was much better than the 80s version. Brilliant direction and execution by Kennedy to keep up a breathless pace. Monty was the wrong kind of host because he likes to banter with the contestants.

[@drewconway7135]

I guess the station wagon was the practical choice, but... 😕

[@mannfan12]

I woulda gone for the Grand Prix

[@KiddBloo86]

That hair dryer was scary looking..

[@MelvinGaines]

This was an awesome game! The excitement at the end of the game was unrivaled.

[@TheRecordSaver]

..and a standing ovation to boot! (according to Tom)

[@tirmyta]

After the Countdown Round, I wanted to say, "Whew!" (Oh, that was another show...)

[@Eminem200183]

Nice pun right there. Lol

[@PieFights]

and was hosted by the same person

[@ccie12933]

This really was one hell of a show. Thanks for posting this!

[@alfonsogreen2722]

R.I.P Mr James Narz aka Tom Kennedy

[@tnpir73]

Man, it's not often you get that level of tension and excitement in a game show. That Countdown Round was awesome. Thanks for posting this!

[@byrd56]

tnpir73 Tom called it at 15:03 when he said this particular Countdown Round would be "a doozy".

[@kokoken1]

I hate to say this, but I think Tom Kennedy was a better host at this game than Monty Hall, who was the co-creator.

[@MMB18abel]

Just like Tom was better at hosting BREAK THE BANK than Jack Barry whose production company funded the show.

[@orangehoof]

...and the winner probably had more than $4000 in taxes from his game show winnings. That's the dirty little secret of these game shows. The winnings were assessed at a higher tax rate than normal income.

[@donp55]

The 70's version of Split Second was so much superior to the 80's version. One reason was that Kennedy was at the top of his game. With all due respect Monty Hall was classic as the host of LMAD, but should have kept to producing...Hall really down the pace of what ABC promoted in the 70's as the "fastest game on television." SS can work today, with only one nod to big money: first round $100-250-$500 second round double, Keep the Countdown Round and the Original Bonus game+a cash bonus ($25,000 + $5K every day its not won). Sign Seacrest to do the hosting, and sell the pilot.

[@RayJacksonbighmw]

.....and have Burton Richardson announce it. And, yes, as one who was also a kid (6-9 years old during its 3-year run) watching this show when it was first on, I say that this show COULD work in today's era. I was just almost out of my seat in front of the PC as I was watching this, especially during the Countdown Round, the most dramatic and the best (besides the bonus/car round of course) part of this show, Then-4-time defending champion Marvin Shinkman was going into it, in third place (therefore needing 5 correct answers to defend his title) going into it and yet still won, despite that Valiant had the lead at the time and needed only 3 correct answers (and Shari needed only 4 correct answers herself) to become the new champion. But how Marvin eventually pulled it out in the end (starting at the 17:12 mark) was even more dramatic. THIS SHOW CAN WORK in 2018, fans would just enjoy it!!!

[@thewipsportstalkfan3160]

100% on the format but on personel. On ramming Seacrest into this, No. Seacrest has enough on his plate. Ive never seen him do a hard quiz before either. Im iffy on him hosting the same way that Monty was ill suited to the revival. (just because you like a big name host or the host is likable dosent mean hes the best choice to host) Tom Bergeron (since he's been kicked off DWTS) would work. Mark L Walberg or Mike Greenberg would be also a good choice. Burton though is a good choice for announcer. If not him , get Randy West or Shadoe Stevens. Also it dosent hurt to think outside the box there are many talented capable local and national broadcasters to serve as the next generation of quizmasters and announcers.

[@donp55]

@@thewipsportstalkfan3160 Tom is probably on Cape Cod Counting Cash (say that three times fast...) Greenie is an EXCELLENT choice because he is a fast talker much in the style of Kennedy (I'd choose Mark L for a revival of Blockbusters...but that's another tube).

[@watson956]

RIP Tom Kennedy. The key to this format working better than the Monty Hall version was pacing. The questions just keep coming - apart from little comedy diversions like Jack Clark's jungle guy character. :)

[@untexan]

There was a whole thing about Canadian game shows having to use Canadian on-air talent. That’s probably why Monty hosted the 80s version himself.

[@Shteve67]

R.I.P. Tom Kennedy 😓

[@ErikFlores-mo3fs]

He’s dead

[@jakelocker2394]

haha interesting "If one of these men become President…"

[@MountainHawkPYL]

In 1969, Laugh-In's "News of the Future" had a headline: 1989: President Ronald Reagan....

[@LadyMissCoppertone]

MountainHawkPYL haha oops...

[@WaltGekko]

@@MountainHawkPYL They were off by eight years.

[@MountainHawkPYL]

@@WaltGekko How were they off by 12 years? Reagan was President from 1981-1989.

[@WaltGekko]

@@MountainHawkPYL They were off by EIGHT years (12 was an error). Yes, Reagan began 1989 as President, but he was only President for 20 days that year. He was President from January 20, 1981 through January 20, 1989. So 1981 probably would have been more accurate.

[@youdontknowjack546]

Love that 75 Grand Prix .. what a Car !

[@matthewmoran4158]

I had a used '77 Gran Prix when I was 20 , back in the mid 80s. Love that model car, would like to own one again someday. I really liked the Pontiac cars on this show.

[@TheQuarterGuy]

I'd like to see a reboot of this show, preferably with a bonus round that has actual skill involved.

[@wwetnabamafan194]

Actually, there was a reboot in the late 80's hosted by Monty Hall. Search for it on KZbin.

[@TheQuarterGuy]

@@wwetnabamafan194 I know about that one. It was... Lackluster to say the least.

[@ConradMason-ei8hm]

The current Split Second ( that's on GSN) is ok but nothing like the original and the guy who host America Says who host this new version of SS is nothing like Kennedy.

[@NEPatriot]

GSN is looking to do its version of it...might take issues with the format of the original or even the 1986-87 version.

[@mitchellries256]

This was one of those shows I wish they didn't scarp the tapes from because I would've liked to have seen a lot more of it.

[@aaronbruceladner1983]

The Dollar Amounts in Round 2 (10-25-50), were the Dollar Amounts in Round 1 on the Monty Hall Version. In Round 2 of the Monty Hall Version, The Dollar Amounts were Doubled (20-50-100).

[@tbone21158]

I never knew Mrs. Brady to clean anything, despite not working, she had Alice!

[@superuberviewer]

I honestly think this show should make a comeback (GSN could pull it off). Also, brief glimpse into the future @9:35.

[@RosieGirlRose101]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/o5axiqxpeNacf68 new split second show!

[@artkurtz9238]

YOU called it 10 years ago! Hope you are watching the NEW Split Second tomorrow!

[@superuberviewer]

@@artkurtz9238 Already got it set to record!

[@geneaguilar1564]

R.I.P. Tom Kennedy..... this was a great show. I was in college, and we had time to go to show tapings, since they were free, so a few friends and I would go watch Split Second tapings. I got carried away once, and said the answers out loud to a question. Got huge "shushing" by one of the producers. Gong Show producers were much less strict about out behavior!...... wish one of the "retro" channels would replay episodes of these great shows.

[@bmasters1981]

That producer who shushed you at one Split Second taping-- was that all that happened, and you quieted down after that?

[@geneaguilar1564]

@@bmasters1981 yeah! I was a teen and scared to get kicked out!!

[@bmasters1981]

@@geneaguilar1564 Seems like you learned your lesson, then.

[@Scottwilkie18]

R I p Tom

[@doloreshuntoon7698]

That Marvin Shenkman was so enthusiastic! He just went wild!

[@jehobden]

Marvin was a 4-time champion on Jeopardy! in the 80s who was, I think, a finalist in his season's Tournament of Champions.

[@crazeyjoe]

RIP TK!

[@MovieJon]

Nancy Reagan truly DID become First Lady! The pace of this game is STUNNING. I cannot imagine what it would have been like for people in '75. It's crazy-fast now!

[@VinnyDrysdale]

I would watch this show everyday when I was in grade school because it was on when I went home for lunch (I lived a block from my school). I remember one contestant named Dave I think who always went for the Corvette. He won five times, so he finally got it. I liked him because he went after the car I would have went after.

[@drewnogy]

I was allowed by my school to go home at lunch as well, I thought I was the only one! I was in sixth grade at Enadia Way Elementary in Canoga Park, Ca.

[@mannfan12]

Yes I remember seeing someone do that. Must be the same episodes.

[@djdon60]

So much better, than the mid-eighties re-boot, in Vancouver; one car, only-hosted, by Monty Hall.

[@danalong1237]

Wrong! The revival was actually taped in Hamilton, Ontario, in the studios of CHCH-TV.

[@yaywhewclips242]

+Dana Long we could receive CHCH sometimes in Rochester NY USA remember bumber stumpers

[@ccie12933]

Goodbye, Tom, and thank you for everything.

[@ErikFlores-mo3fs]

And hi Mike Higgins

[@JCEurovisionFan1996]

One of the contestants, Marvin Shinkman, finished as finalist in the Jeopardy! TOC.

[@StFidjnr]

@ 16:31 I think the crowd is just about to willing him on

[@mrceleb2006]

All the cars given away on this show were always General Motors cars...sometimes Chevrolets or Buicks were offered, but Pontiacs were offered most of the time...the short-lived 1980s revival did this as well.

[@theweysermanisback5205]

17:29 YES!

[@ErikFlores-mo3fs]

Got it

[@MNBluestater]

I LOVED THIS SHOW

[@Rlotpir1972]

I hope Fremantle-Media picks this up so it can be aired on Buzzr.

[@newstarcadefan]

Welll Fremantle owns now the Hatos-Hall library so it may well be possible.

[@paulchudigian6480]

Unfortunately, as has been noted by a few posters, ABC wiped many of the episodes of Split Second. Wiping was done because the tape used to record the shows on was very expensive. So rather than spend lots of money on tapes, the networks simply reused the ones they had and purchased new ones when the old ones wore out. I think that Wikipedia says that the episodes of Split Second that survived were donated to one of the University of California campuses.

[@wschmrdr]

Well then maybe the 86 version...

[@mrgiosb123]

@@paulchudigian6480 The Survivng Episodes Were Donated To The UCLA Film And TV Archive In Westwood.

[@johnscurich6446]

Used to watch this all the time as a teenager. I think this show could easily be updated and be popular, along the line of Jeopardy's popularity. They'll have to seriously up the money and do the grand prizes on the scale of Wheel of Fortune.

[@larrydimeo650]

Need more Split Second shows. See if you can drum more up somewhere. This was one of the better classic game shows.

[@newstarcadefan]

If ABC didn't wipe most of the episodes (like Password).

[@RosieGirlRose101]

your wish is our comands~ kzbin.info/www/bejne/o5axiqxpeNacf68 New game show network show

[@abrahamboyd9507]

I was searching for this show for ages! Loved the car pick. But didn’t the contestants had to turn the ignition first to see if it started?

[@steves9849]

Yes, and they would take out one car from the choices each day you won the game. If you won the car, you were done being on the show but if you kept winning the game each day but not the car, on the 5th and final day, you got to pick any of the cars because there was a 5 day limit.

[@scottbrelin4904]

"If I had bet on that I'd have lost a million dollars!" "I would have bet a million dollars he would have gone for the Grand Prix!"

[@StFidjnr]

"DO YOU REMEMBER!"

[@SweptAway529]

Looks like a good game show - don't recall it though!

[@DoubleMrE]

I used to watch this after school when I was a kid. It was a good show, but his guy was actually pretty lucky 'cause I remember that, while this game show had one of the biggest payouts for the grand prize in those days, the contestants actually didn't win it very often because of the way the rules were set up.

[@DoubleMrE]

@charles allan "Next, in color" I hope! 😜

[@Warthog333]

One of the best game shows and great theme song. Would love to see a remake (along with the song).

[@Lousybarber]

The IRS was watching this game show also. You win big you gotta pay big.

[@RayJacksonbighmw]

That Max Hatter from Gillette would make anyone using it look like Medusa (although thankfully not with snakes), YIKES!!! Do they still make them or can I find a vintage unit on eBay???

[@johnlewinski6359]

Love the cars on this show. Not many shows on youtube, probably taped over them.

[@paulchudigian6480]

There are only a small number of Split Second episodes in existence. Due to the high cost, studio tapes were recorded over again & again until they wore out. This practice, known as "wiping" or "junking" resulted in the loss of many older television programs. If my memory is correct, I read that the surviving episodes of Split Second were given to UCLA.

[@georgemaster4225]

Monty Hall did a good version of this show in the 80s.That countdown round is intense!

[@StFidjnr]

@ 14:15 the excitement is buliding

[@showmebear]

I loved this show....and now I remember why.

[@MNBluestater]

Just an fyi, the second place finisher received $1900 in 2024 dollars; third place, $1500. Marvin’s total: $70,000. But why, oh, why, not the Grand Prix. “Dad, can I borrow the Grand Prix?”

[@jess4metoo]

Well you certainly saved a great one. So glad the elder gentleman won.

[@StFidjnr]

so he will pick any car on the stage because he has reached the 5 win limit

[@alohaoy]

The cars were all so HUGE!

[@richardhernandez4490]

3:16: This is a prime example of Bob Synes being strict on contestants.

[@MMB18abel]

The early portion of the bonus round where the key would (or wouldn't) start the car would later be used in 2 of Rick Rosner's game shows: JUST MEN with Betty White and HOLLYWOOD SQUARES (1986) with John Davidson, then brought back when Henry Winkler became EP of SQUARES in the early 2000s.

[@joefagan6244]

I like the lady in that pantyhose commercial. She has great legs and those white heel shoes. Is she still living today in 2024. 49 years ago 1975.

[@agnieszkaporeba9725]

18:27-18:42 Prizes: Max Hatter Hairdryer By Gillette & Washington Force Tableware

[@jehobden]

Marvin Shankman was a 4-day champion on JEOPARDY! in 1987 and competed in that year's Tournament of Champions.

[@MNBluestater]

I can’t believe how challenging this show was for Tom Kennedy as emcee!

[@calalilygirl]

More challenging than Match Game.

[@robymyers5250]

YES!!! YES!! YES!!! After 5 days, Marvin Shinkman finally wins the car!!! Not only the car, but also a BIG $3,000 BONUS to go with it!! CONGRATS Marvin Shinkman!!!

[@douglasthompson9482]

I loved this show...it was on at 12:30 just after Password with Jack Luden....Betty Whites husband.

[@devares2006]

I think you mean Allan Ludden.

[@PatrioticPirate]

It's Allen Ludden. Lifelong fan here.

[@ValleyoftheRogue]

WAY tougher than Jeopardy!

[@louistenore2185]

wow doesn;t get much better than that

[@newstarcadefan]

If there's one thing about Split Second (either version) is that the Countdown round is the great equalizer. Still, I will never get tired of seeing this (and a darker-haired Jack Clark).

[@byrd56]

Either Jack had dark hair or, more likely, the staff got creative and put him in a dark-hair toupee for the "Ramar of the Jungle" question.

[@aaronbruceladner1983]

7:55

[@The1baddman]

Rest In Peace Mr Tom Kennedy

[@millenniumman75]

Monty was really good at keeping props and music through multiple gameshows and years. The prop behind the car with the lights would be used on Let's Make a Deal as well as the theme song and cues.

[@deric8]

Well when you produce and own the show, you own the props and cues, might as well amortize them and get much use out of them.

[@charlesallen8023]

One of my favorite game shows.

[@bajikimran2304]

Loved this show as a kid, but it was on at 11:30 in the morning and during the school year I couldn't watch it because I was in school.

[@amckinley0824]

Epic comeback win with getting 5 right

[@richardhernandez4490]

My only beef with this show...the judge in the 1970s version. He was very strict with contestants on exact preciseness on their answers.

[@gsadam2981]

That’s producer Bob Synes for you.

[@gsadam2981]

Monty wasn’t like that when he doubled as judge on the 80s revival

[@rhand]

Yeah, I remember watching one day with some friends and in the fast paced final round a contestant gave an answer that was almost right (like the answer was "Peter Graves" and she said "Peter Grave", something like that) and they didn't give it to her and she sulked the rest of the way.

[@MMB18abel]

​@@rhand: The game show TIC TAC DOUGH pulled a Bob Synes when a contestant said THE DAYS OF WINE AND ROSES and was called wrong because it is known as DAYS OF WINE AND ROSES, there is no THE in the title.

[@semplenyc]

It's so criminal how good this game show is. This needs to be revived!

[@trevorpanno516]

It got revived with host Monty Hall.

[@semplenyc]

@@trevorpanno516 obviously. I’m talking about a 21st century revival.

[@trevorpanno516]

Maybe Tom Bergeron or Vicki Lawrence.

[@RosieGirlRose101]

its getting revived! kzbin.info/www/bejne/o5axiqxpeNacf68 New show on Game Show network

[@gregbell3559]

My mom always loved the yellow Firebird

[@hxnd2]

my grandma was on this show and i cant find it her name was diane

[@GEMINITREKKER]

I remember this show!

[@timdub70]

I wonder if Valiant was named after the prince from the Sunday funnies.

[@Warthog333]

He was named after the Plymouth Valiant.

[@christophercotton9048]

....distributed by Fremantle

[@Nickrj3]

1:59, music sounds like Sesame Street.

[@BigG833]

When this particular episode of "Split Second" was aired, I was 4 years old and very close to completing Pre-K. A little less than a month later, I turned 5 years old. That same year (1975), I took a summer vacation with different relatives getting together (about 20), not just my late parents or brother and sisters, but other relatives too. Disco and rock music were "king" that year. Where I live, I watched this show on local ABC affiliate KIII TV 3.

[@jeprice08]

7:24 - 7:55 I don't think I want to watch the rest of this show anymore. Will somebody please be kind enough to tell me who the winner was after this girl and I come back from our honeymoon? Oh, and I must warn you, it's going to be a very long one, so wish me luck.

[@paullarue2010]

I don't crawl anymore.

[@doloreswarren8270]

Five dollars a piece!

[@josephmayotte8879]

Tom Kennedy was Jack Narz's brother. His real name was Jim.

[@pinedelgado4743]

I actually liked it when Monty Hall hosted the syndicated late 1980s version. He felt right at home HOSTING a game show that he had a hand in producing. Kennedy's three-year tenure on the original was too HYPER and meant for contestants of the younger persuasion (e.g. contestants in their 20s). I guess Tom Kennedy (aka James Narz [Jack's kid brother]) had more appeal to the younger generation with SPLIT SECOND that Monty did. But, I still enjoyed Monty Hall's hosting of SPLIT SECOND because it was more down to Earth and not as over the top as Tom Kennedy's hosting of it. :) :)

[@reedberry]

I loved Split Second. Not only am I old enough to remember it but, as a teenager studying TV production in the 1970s, I went to a lot of tapings at the ABC Vine Street Theater in Hollywood. Fun to watch in person, and announcer Jack Clark's audience warmup was always fun.

[@kgruber17]

I liked the 1986-7 version with Monty Hall much better

[@StFidjnr]

@ 4:57 singleton

[@glenslater8813]

Sadly, this could never be on TV today because it doesn't jibe with the "dumbing down" of America.

[@rcayabyab8994]

A decade later, Marvin Shinkman would be in the Jeopardy TOC Finals with Paul Rouffa and Chuck Forrest.

[@charlesajones77]

I;d never even heard of this game before now. But it's brilliant. This show needs to make a comeback

[@lirodon]

"Criminally underrated" is the most accurate term. A Canadian channel picked up reruns of the Monty Hall version recently, and it really feels like something that could still work today. Just shove LCD's in the set and well, the rest is history.