The Humorous and Controversial Moments on Game Shows
Game shows have always been a source of entertainment and laughter, with their playful challenges and memorable moments. However, the airwaves have occasionally been lifted by some of the dirtiest and most scandalous answers given by contestants. These off-the-cuff responses often derail the show, creating unforgettable interactions that continue to entertain audiences long after they air. One of the most infamous such answers was given during the American version of a game show, while another equally shocking moment came from the Newlywed Game.
Notable Incidents on Game Shows
A notable incident happened on the American version of a game show where a contestant's response was remembered long after the show aired. This type of moment stands out not only for its shock value but also for the way it can momentarily derail the show, creating memorable interactions that stick in the minds of viewers. Such incidents add an extra layer of entertainment and anecdotes to the otherwise structured and formal game show format.
Another notorious moment can be found in the Newlywed Game. During a bonus question, one of the participants responded with an answer that one could only imagine. The question was: “Is your favorite sport played with a big ball, a medium-sized ball, a small ball, or no ball at all?” The husband's answer was indeed unexpected: “two balls.” This spontaneous and humorous response showcases the unpredictable nature of game shows and the potential for contestants to give answers that are both entertaining and controversial.
The Shock Value of Groucho Marx’s “You Bet Your Life”
Groucho Marx's show, "You Bet Your Life," was known for its racy interchanges. Perhaps the most memorable example was a particularly candid answer from a man on the show. When asked how he managed to have 15 children, he replied, “Well, I really love my wife.” To this, Groucho retorted with a classic zinger: “Well, I love my cigar, but I take it out every now and then.” This interaction is often cited as a prime example of the show's edgy humor and the unexpected responses it elicited from its contestants.
The prohibition on revealing certain answers was not uncommon. One such instance is a now infamous question from "You Bet Your Life": “What is the weirdest place you personally wanted to make whoopi?” Despite the apparent hilarity of the question, the contestant's answer embarrassed the producer enough to have it edited from the show. The audio clip, however, has made its way to game show bloopers shows.
Another controversial moment involves the late Bob Eubanks. For many years, he believed that the infamous “Whoopi” question was never asked, but an audio clip of the real answer appeared on a game show bloopers show in the late 1990s. The question was: “What is the weirdest place you personally wanted to make whoopi?” The female contestant's answer was heard on the show, which either did not air or was replaced with another question. Thanks to @Vinnie Bartilucci for finding and sharing the original clip of the show, which cleared up the air of doubt and provided fans with a piece of history.
Conclusion
Game shows are more than just questions and answers; they are a testament to the unpredictable and entertaining nature of the human response. From the shock value of one contestant's answer to the witty exchanges of another, these memorable moments continue to captivate audiences and add an extra layer of humor to the genre. Whether it's the New Game show or the racy and candid moments of Groucho Marx, these controversial and humorous responses are a memorable part of game show history.