‘Match Game’: Comparing the Reboot to the Original

Back in May Alec Baldwin was announced as host of the rebooted “Match Game,” and Tuesday morning a caller wondered if Howard had tuned in to check it out yet.

“I haven’t really spent time with the new ‘Match Game,’ but already just even having Alec Baldwin on it means it’s too good,” he responded.

With the lineup of panelists including the likes of Rosie O’Donnell, Sheryl Crow, and J.B. Smoove — along with Baldwin as host — Howard said that it was definitely a departure from the only-slightly-famous panelists of the original show.

“It was a panel of so-called celebrities and there was maybe one kind-of famous person and everyone else was famous from being on the ‘Match Game,'” Howard recalled. “One of them was the wife of Jack Klugman — Brett Somers. And it fascinated me. Well who’s ever heard of her?” he continued.

Other “celebrity” panelists included Joyce Bulifant, Fannie Flagg, and Patti Deutsch. “They all acted like they were at the top of the show business heap,” Howard marveled. “It was the greatest show ever.”

Who would be worthy of being on the show these days? Alec Baldwin’s doorman, the “Where’s the beef?” lady, and Yucko the Clown, Howard joked.

Tune in to see some far more recognizable faces on ABC’s “Match Game” Sundays at 10/9c.