High Rollers 1978 PILOT

Here is the very rare 1978 pilot to The New High Rollers with my good buddy Alex Trebek!

[@KrakenMan5853]

Thanks again Wink for the great Christmas Present, and keep the pilots, sold and unsold, coming!!!

[@taurnguard]

Rest in peace, Alex. Prayers and peace to your family.

[@2005dave]

The New High Rollers was that rare game show reboot that really improved on the original. Every change that Heatter and Quigley made created a more entertaining show.

[@foxmccloud7055]

Given the choice between having a dice lady rolling the dice and the contestants rolling the dice themselves, I would rather have the contestants roll the dice themselves.

[@bryanloveseighties]

Me too. It's a lot more fair that way. It is their game, after all.

[@VectraQS]

They were still selling the Betamax LV-1901 console in '78? Wow. Might have been unsold stock, given that the console didn't sell well. I think 1976 was when they introduced a standalone VCR.

[@williambone7724]

Someone please bring this show back to TV!

[@jon2849]

They could

[@streetcarjay]

Rest peacefully Alex Trebek 1940-2020

[@rivercrimea4849]

Always enjoyed this show. I was genuinely sad when it ended.

[@ericjonmagnuson2728]

It's interesting that H-Q invested in a full animated opening sequence that mimicked that of the original series (e.g., the dice morphing into "High Rollers"), but when this new series was picked up, apparently decided against using any more of it than the rolling dice.

[@SapinskiMath]

Always a great game, glad to see this, because pilots are fun to watch. One odd takeaway: Many game show pilots will rig certain parts of the game to present desired potential outcomes to the networks. But this pilot appears to me to have been played straight up the whole way through. Otherwise, I'd think sooner or later, they would have reshot certain rolls to make sure certain prizes were won, or to get at least one board clear to take place.

[@wschmrdr]

A little tough to "rig" dice without switching them out or always getting the same roll. ;) Plus, if they kept re-shooting, they'd be there all day. About the only thing you could do is instruct the actor with the prizes to buzz in with the right answer, but even then there's no guarantee.

[@jehobden]

I guess then the only "untrue" part of this pilot was about what the "returning champion" had already won.

[@gdchamp9987]

When Did Alex Host New High Rollers?

[@KiddBloo86]

@@gdchamp9987 74-76 and 78-80

[@markschildberg1667]

1978-1980

[@markschildberg1667]

Hollywood Squares was Heatter-Quigley’s most successful game, but I think High Rollers was their best game.

[@reedberry]

Rest in peace, Alex Trebek and announcer Kenny Williams.

[@kingporter67]

R.I.P. Alex Trebek, a gorgeous lady in a one piece bathing suit in a hot tub at the 9:14 mark, another lady in a red bikini bathing suit on a boat at the 10:09 mark, High Rollers is a super awesome 1978 game show!

[@GameShowManOne]

Talk about a Christmas surprise! Thanks Wink and crew for making this piece of game show history available for us to enjoy and Merry Christmas! #FightOnAlex

[@lunember95]

“And that brings your grand total to $5150” *display shows $4550*

[@ddmck1972]

I used to love watching this game when I was a kid. Great memories.

[@rony41165]

How could this be a pilot if theres a returning champion.

[@BlaqC]

They pretend. That's how pilots work.

[@blind_t2]

It’s just an act. They use this tactic to pitch the show in hopes to get a deal with the network to air. If it sells, then they start the debut with a clean slate.

[@a.b.sproductionsllc]

Forget the show! That funky theme song at the intro!!

[@BRBTheFireball]

There was a 1970s game show pilot, and Jack Campion wasn't on it?!

[@willmack5909]

Indeed, go figure! Maybe his pilot's license expired :D

[@brycelandon6387]

Also gotta love the shameless plug for the other Heatter-Quigley behemoth of the time, Hollywood Squares.

[@steve760]

I'm pretty sure Merrill Heatter was actively working more recently than any of the other legendary game show producers of the last 60ish years (Jack Barry, Mark Goodson, Monty Hall, Bob Stewart). GSN's "Catch 21" was one of his games. Both he and Monty Hall were alive until late 2017 (in fact, he died just eight days after Monty did), but I think Monty was retired. I don't think Monty had anything to do with the current run of Let's Make a Deal other than (maybe) working in some advisory role.

[@joelethington4056]

Rest in peace, Alex Trebek.😞

[@robinrichards72]

$3245 for gas and a tv. TV was worth $245 back then knowing gas prices. 😂

[@chriskennedy7642]

Note how Alex refers to the columns by letter in this pilot

[@KiddBloo86]

Fantastic! You've always got the best surprises, Wink! Merry Christmas to you and yours!

[@NerdNest83]

Hey, Wink. You should try to pitch a reboot of High Rollers to NBC. When I was a kid, I loved the Big Numbers. I think I learned my numbers from High Rollers instead of Sesame Street. In any case, it's time for High Rollers to get a reboot.

[@WaltGekko]

NBC is not bringing back game shows. TODAY is a CASH COW and NBC stations air local news and then syndicated programming.

[@fredmckinney8933]

Maybe ABC, CBS, or Fox could pick it up. Besides, I've had a cool idea for the big numbers game if one clears the board: If a contestant clears the board, he/she rolls a special pair of dice that, instead of dots, have the following on them: 2 sides each labeled 50K 1 side each labeled 100K 1 side each labeled 150K 1 side each labeled 250K On the remaining side, one die with a 1 and the other with an M. If a player rolls two of the 50K through 250K amounts, he/she wins those two amounts added together. If a player rolls the 1 or the M (but not both), he/she wins a new luxury car + double the amount on the other die. And, of course, rolling both the 1 and the M gives the player $1,000,000.

[@killerb255]

ABC would be your best bet with their Summer of Fun and Games.

[@jeffreyking7033]

At 21:23 Alex makes the comment about giving the dice (!) a saliva test - he made this same joke many times on Classic Concentration some years later :-D

[@1TexasTV]

High Rollers needs to make a return to TV.

[@ericsamuelson5656]

Now that Jan 6 is fast approaching, can you please post the first episode of Wheel of Fortune because its the 45th Anniversary of the shows beginning. I can't wait til then.

[@daviddanser7801]

Thank you Wink for sharing this video with us. I love to see pilot episodes of old game shows. This is fantastic. I used to watch Tic tac Dough when I was a kid, love that show too. Alex is awesome, wishing him all the best, also, want to wish Wink Martindale all the best too

[@schmolik1]

When she rolled the 12 she should have taken 9 and 3. Keep the 7 in the game since you're more likely to roll a 7 than a 9.

[@budgetcoinhunter]

That and 9 is just so difficult to knock out when you have to play numbers that add up to your roll. Any opportunity to get that nasty number gone should be taken.

[@Matthew6418]

I said the same thing, but you have to remember this was a pilot. No one really knew how to play that well at this point.

[@BenJabituya]

Hey Wink, first thing's first; RIP Alex. I was more familiar with your version I watched as a kid on USA Network.

[@tsukune007]

that guy that yelled no Roll from the audience must be a craps player. and i like Alex's replay about how she bruised his die

[@FrankTeddy2011]

Fairly comparable production values to Wink’s version a decade later...I liked it! I like Alex as much as the next person, but a game like this needs Wink to build the excitement, pacing and suspense. I’m an 80s kid, so of course I’m missing the REALLY big numbers on the 80s set! But, plenty of glitz and lights to capture the gambling spirit of the time. Thanks again, Wink, for sharing another classic! Happy Holidays!

[@jerseyfla]

Alex got into a groove when the show was picked up. Alex was a lot more looser, humourous, and definitely a stark contrast to his hosting of Jeopardy.

[@rmknicks]

I thought the production values were so much better on this version. A red game board vs. a CGI board for example. Also the back drop behind the players gave this version a more "Vegas" feel.

[@mattmalinoski623]

Thanks for posting this, Wink!

[@Ian16545]

Well done, Winker. Many thanks for capping off another Christmas for *this* Buckeye boy!

[@DOCTORX316]

O H!!!

[@stephenwylie3876]

Nice to hear some of the more obscure Stan Worth musical tunes behind the prize plugs! I'd been wondering if/where some of these cues ever got used.

[@artkurtz5177]

The prize cue for the car phone and car was the theme for "Hot Seat" which aired two years earlier. I believe it was used for prizes on the series.

[@jtn2002]

BETAMAX! Wow.

[@JZCRAZY]

This was taped only 7 days after New England's historic Blizzard of 78. Most of New England would still be snowed in and couldn't leave their homes for another week while this pilot was being taped in sunny California.

[@robbernath]

Ironic that Wink premiered this "first episode" of a series Alex Trebek hosted on Christmas Day last year (2019) and the last episode of a the final series Alex hosted (Jeopardy!) will air on Christmas Day this year (2020).

[@bmaze35640]

RIP Alex!

[@BlaqC]

As much as I love High Rollers, winning a game without any prizes airways seemed like a flaw. They should've had a house minimum of $500 in cash.

[@raymondswenson5529]

Hey Charles, one idea I have to fix that problem would be that if you earn insurance for a double rolled like the lady had done, that you wouldn't have to take that insurance roll right away. That would allow her to take the roll herself knowing she's protected by insurance and even if she couldn't roll the five, would remain in the game for another question and maybe she'd win a prize. Otherwise, people rarely took the chance and would start passing the moment a bad roll could be made.

[@ILOVETHEWHAMMY]

We will put that on your side of the board, forerunner of what he would say on Classic Concentration!

[@crawford586]

Another gem Wink. Thanks for posting.

[@gsnfan]

RIP Alex Trebek

[@jehobden]

23:33 Nice clip of (& promo for) Hollywood Squares.

[@paulnguyen8910]

MGM Television handles distribution. No more gift certificates; they use gift cards nowadays.

[@a.b.sproductionsllc]

That’s theme song is so damn good! I think I would have watched this show just for the theme if it was on when I was a kid.

[@40bpaula]

I can't believe I've never seen this show before. Let's see in 1978...okay, I was 9. but still i was a gameshow watching fiend back then. I can get a little confusing to me, but i love this game.

[@paulculler3800]

16:57 It's the theme to Hot Seat!

[@BlaqC]

You beat me to the punch, Paul! Specifically, it's the outro.

[@rainbowdash26]

I remember the 80's version on the USA Network back when I was a kid.

[@WizardOfWor]

Me too. Same with others like "The $100,000 Pyramid", "Tic Tac Dough", "Name That Tune", "Bullseye", "Hot Potato", "Scrabble", "Press Your Luck", "Chain Reaction", etc.

[@robertcousins2274]

How is there a returning champ in a pilot?

[@wschmrdr]

They do that to "simulate" an on-going series, that they intend to use champions.

[@marcpower4167]

They have champs for pretend sometimes on pilot to show there will be returning champs when and if they go to series.

[@Jack21Spades]

I was thinking if she was the Champion as of the end of the original run..?

[@SteveSobol760]

They're actors. The "returning champ" isn't.

[@AndypIsntSure]

this is an amazing show. bonus Paul Lynde and a can-can

[@Jack21Spades]

Now, THIS show needs to come back. If Alex can't do it, maybeee... Todd Newton..? Or Billy Gardell...? My point in not naming YOU, Wink, is that somebody MAY grow a brain and put you back on TIC TAC DOUGH.

[@ericsamuelson5656]

Todd Newton would make a great High Rollers host. How about airing a reboot of High Rollers on NBC during the day so it will beat Drew Carey and the crummy Price is Right. All NBC has to do is move 3rd & 4th hour Today to MSNBC to make room for game shows (they are WAY overdue).

[@jmjfanss]

@@ericsamuelson5656 sadly it won't happen.

[@Jack21Spades]

@@ericsamuelson5656 I agree, but Drew Carey is GREAT on The Price is Right.

[@steve760]

Tom Bergeron is set to host a revival of TTD, although I don't know if anyone's greenlit it yet.

[@SteveSobol760]

@@ericsamuelson5656 Aside from the fact that I don't think Price is crummy, NBC would have be insane to run another game show in that time slot. Price has run continuously, every season, on CBS for 50+ years and is an absolute beast. Correction: is STILL an absolute beast.

[@nextbarker2702]

@14:49, isn't that font TONIGHT, used on TPíR for DSWs?

[@RJSchex]

Exactly. The font is basically Eurostyle Bold with dots and a drop shadow.

[@TonyKanameKuran]

If there ever were a pilot for the "Match Game/Hollywood Squares Hour" I'm gonna cry... joyfully.

[@TheEggplantThatAteChicago]

There was, but I've never seen it online.

[@VectraQS]

There was one taped. It's never surfaced, and the only evidence is a couple of very indistinct pictures. What IS known is that *three* contestants played the Match Game portion.

[@brooklyn6times]

The pilot for "The New High Rollers" with Alex Trebek returning as host. Notice on the pilot, Trebek refers to the columns as A, B, and C as oppose to column 1, 2, and 3.

[@wendyokoopa7048]

What was that gallery the game shows of Wink's era always got their fine art prints from?

[@gordonblack4920]

I watched this game show when I wasn't at school.

[@brycelandon6387]

My goodness, Wink, how do you DO it??? A studio master of the New High Rollers pilot???

[@gameshowgospel]

Merry Christmas to us!

[@gameshowfanatic9311]

Geez. The value of that last game was up to $41,792

[@chriskennedy7642]

Also notice how the SFX for Doubles is different than when it went to series. Plus it sounds similar to the Hot Potato Bells!!!

[@ProWrestlingWeekly]

It sounds like the same set of bells also used for when time was up in the Goodson-Todman shows Tattletales and Now You See It.

[@irvinklugh8858]

LOVE IT

[@gregoryduncan3067]

Thank you, Wink Martindale.

[@chuckers40]

If those prizes totaled over $11,000 then , they would probably be at least $30,000 total now.

[@misstee101]

Hi. How was this a pilot when this show premiered in 1974? Help me understand please.

[@akampfer]

A nice Xmas present from Wink, thanks.

[@irvinklugh8858]

LOVE IT

[@rodney1279TheFlip]

Great Pilot episode Wink. Thanks.

[@rmknicks]

My favorite gameshow until Whew!

[@MrKaraokeguy88]

I’ve watched a lot of these game show pilots and a lot of the contestants seem a little too hyped up sometimes

[@disneyfan8178]

R.I.P. Alex Trebek.

[@jehobden]

11:19 Henry Winkler was 32, not 31, on the tape date of this show.

[@BenJabituya]

Hey Wink, I remember you hosting "High Rollers", but I don't recall Alex hosting the show.

[@SteveSobol760]

He hosted it twice; both times, with Kenny Williams announcing. As much as he was doing in the late 80s (Jeopardy AND Classic Concentration AND To Tell the Truth), I doubt he'd have been able to host the second revival.

[@meyerj75]

Another game show "Card Sharks" which ironically debuted at the same time High Rollers did, survived NBCs wiping practice. So why not this one?

[@MDCSWildcats86]

Different production companies with different attitudes towards game show rewatchability.

[@ericjonmagnuson2728]

Goodson-Todman cared about preserving a lot of its shows; many other packagers didn't. Since NBC generally stopped wiping around '80, it's possible that G-T was able to preserve Card Sharks (and Password Plus) even if the network's other shows of the era weren't so lucky.

[@gregoryduncan3067]

I found out from a reliable source that the 1974-76 version of High Rollers still exists but it would have to be converted into a usable format. The nighttime shows probably exist because they were syndicated. I don't know about the 1978-80 version of it or other game shows.

[@Clovershroom]

Supposedly I read somewhere that according to Peter Marshall (Hollywood Squares host) NBC stopped wiping tapes in 1978. So there's a possibility of the 1978 run existing too.

[@pem1974]

Wink I hope you weren't too triggered by the woman rolling the dice off the table! 😉🤣

[@der22672]

So, when did Ruta Lee join the show? 🤔🤔

[@brentrogers4774]

Janice made the players get nothing in the games.

[@ScoutAdams]

Have relative on a couple of his shows (High Rollers included)

[@jad8123]

I watched this show. I don’t recall Alex giving the contestants “hints” about what series of numbers to use though. Alex rocking the curly fro. Good times!

[@PGTransformed]

RIP Alex and Thank you, Wink! You both did a great job at hosting High Rollers!

[@PREGO1966]

Glad to see this again, Winston

[@MDCSWildcats86]

Think you could put some game clips from the 1970s PBS classic ZOOM on your channel, or is WGBH not keen on having such in Wink's vault?

[@williambone7724]

RIP Alex Trebek!

[@RJSchex]

Note that in the pilot, the same font was used for the numbers in all games (except the Big Numbers).

[@bencalebrod]

So in every single game the guys answered the first few questions to get the prizes and then the woman got the later questions to make them lose the prizes?! This definitely smells like a rigged pilot.

[@BlaqC]

The more desirable outcome for a pilot would be contestants winning tons of prizes, so the games are most likely genuine.

[@megamanj2004X]

I smell a possible future episode posting of another episode from the original 1974-76 edition in the future.

[@Bigbadwhitecracker]

So this game is about what you DON"T win. Lame.

[@TonyKanameKuran]

Get outta here, troll!

[@damienchance2622]

@9:09 dam 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥