Big bucks, expensive vowels, and a million cackling Whammies.
The Daytime Emmys are this Sunday, and for the first time ever, there’s a gay nominee for Best Game Show Host — the marvelous and frightfully funny Billy Eichner. Wahoo! To celebrate, let’s rank the 25 best game shows of all time. Get out your purse and prepare to buy some vowels, gents.
25. Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?: Sorry Double Dare, but Carmen Sandiego is the greatest kids’ game ever. It made geography cool while highlighting the glamorous felonies of a femme fatale. I wish more TV shows concluded with the entire cast yelling in unison, “Do it, Rockapella!”
24. Let’s Make a Deal: Carol Merrill and Monty Hall could woo you into anything. Though if you’re already wearing a chicken outfit, you probably don’t need much coercing.
23. Sale of the Century: Jim Perry...
The Daytime Emmys are this Sunday, and for the first time ever, there’s a gay nominee for Best Game Show Host — the marvelous and frightfully funny Billy Eichner. Wahoo! To celebrate, let’s rank the 25 best game shows of all time. Get out your purse and prepare to buy some vowels, gents.
25. Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?: Sorry Double Dare, but Carmen Sandiego is the greatest kids’ game ever. It made geography cool while highlighting the glamorous felonies of a femme fatale. I wish more TV shows concluded with the entire cast yelling in unison, “Do it, Rockapella!”
24. Let’s Make a Deal: Carol Merrill and Monty Hall could woo you into anything. Though if you’re already wearing a chicken outfit, you probably don’t need much coercing.
23. Sale of the Century: Jim Perry...
- 6/14/2013
- by Louis Virtel
- The Backlot
We rejoiced when Boston model/actor Rob Wilson was announced as the The Price is Right's first male model. Hooray for bare chests adorned with price-tag stickers! Wilson will begin straddling jetskis and wielding Plinko chips for a one-week stint beginning October 15, and hopefully he'll do well enough that men become a permanent addition to the modeling staff. In the meantime, we have a few decades of game show brawn to remember:
$ale of the Century's beaming hunks Gregorio Gaviati and David Gibbs want to strike a deal with you.
$ale of the Century: It's the thinking man's Let's Make a Deal! When contestants correctly answered enough questions on this Jim Perry-hosted jam, they became eligible to win prizes for giving up points. If you're shocked to find this 1980s U.S. game show featured male models, consider that $ale of the Century's main gimmick is tempting contestants into buying personal luxury gifts,...
$ale of the Century's beaming hunks Gregorio Gaviati and David Gibbs want to strike a deal with you.
$ale of the Century: It's the thinking man's Let's Make a Deal! When contestants correctly answered enough questions on this Jim Perry-hosted jam, they became eligible to win prizes for giving up points. If you're shocked to find this 1980s U.S. game show featured male models, consider that $ale of the Century's main gimmick is tempting contestants into buying personal luxury gifts,...
- 10/10/2012
- by virtel
- The Backlot
Let’s do a quick word-association exercise. “Retro”: old, looking back, revival. “MTV”: music videos, reality shows, Moonman. “Retro MTV”: Beavis And Butt-Head, VJs, R.I.P. Ken Ober. Anyone get “The Hills reruns” for the last prompt? MTV’s certainly hoping so: In July, the network will fill its morning hours with the full run of the Lauren Conrad vehicle, as part of its new Retro Mania bloc, a strange vision of a future where pop-culture junkies open “’00s-style” diners covered in Heidi Montag-related printouts from TMZ. While more pedantic viewers will take issue with MTV casting a nostalgic ...
- 6/20/2012
- avclub.com
Howard Stern is a rare pop cultural phenomenon: He's both thrilling and boring. I love that he's around, and I love that he continues to revolutionize radio by seizing the format's immediacy and whipping around vulgar candor. To some, he's better than caffeine. But when all is said and done, Howard Stern's point of view is pretty damn palatable and un-astounding, right? If I remember correctly, he's a fart joke connoisseur and a conscientious loudmouth. Would it break your heart to suggest that farts are finitely funny? And that TV, comedy, and the internet are full of conscientious loudmouths now? While Howard Stern will always be the King of All Media, his mighty fiefdom has many bankable heirs.
That brings us to America's Got Talent, the utterly ridiculous NBC talent competition that Howard Stern is suddenly co-judging. With Piers Morgan out of the picture, Stern is left -- with...
That brings us to America's Got Talent, the utterly ridiculous NBC talent competition that Howard Stern is suddenly co-judging. With Piers Morgan out of the picture, Stern is left -- with...
- 5/15/2012
- by virtel
- The Backlot
8. Chuck Woolery ("Wheel of Fortune," "Love Connection," "Scrabble"): Chuck Woolery was the original host of "Wheel of Fortune," but lost the gig to the smarmy wet blanket, Pat Sajack, after a salary dispute. Almost all of Woolery's episodes have been permanently lost, as NBC had a habit of wiping tapes to save money.
Where Is He Now? The man is over 70, so he's not doing much. His most recent show was "Lingo" on Gsn, which ran from 2002-2007. I don't know where it aired, but in 2003, there was also a reality show that tracked Woolery's daily life.
7. Ray Combs: ("Family Feud"): Combs started out as a warm-up act for sitcoms, including "Amen." He had very little experience when he was selected, but Combs was behind the revitalization of the show, after replacing Richard Dawson. However, after six years, Richard Dawson replaced Combs again. Combs last words on "Family Feud,...
Where Is He Now? The man is over 70, so he's not doing much. His most recent show was "Lingo" on Gsn, which ran from 2002-2007. I don't know where it aired, but in 2003, there was also a reality show that tracked Woolery's daily life.
7. Ray Combs: ("Family Feud"): Combs started out as a warm-up act for sitcoms, including "Amen." He had very little experience when he was selected, but Combs was behind the revitalization of the show, after replacing Richard Dawson. However, after six years, Richard Dawson replaced Combs again. Combs last words on "Family Feud,...
- 6/13/2011
- by Dustin Rowles
Over the last year or so, media organizations have wisely picked up on rumors, often initiated on Twitter, that a certain cuddly celebrity has died, including in the last few months, Jeff Goldblum, Natalie Portman, George Clooney, Britney Spears, Harrison Ford and Rick Astley. For media organizations desperate for content, it's a brilliant ploy: They can report the rumor (without fact-checking, of course) and once it's been disputed, they can report that the rumor was false, and a few hours later, do a follow-up story on how incidents like this happen. That's three stories! And if you're CNN, the next morning you can get that older lady with the whiny voice to do some man-on-the-street interviews with people in New York City that don't want to be bothered.
Presto! That's how news is created in 2010. CNN should change it's tagline to: "We Generate Our Own News, Mother Fucker!" Indeed, yesterday,...
Presto! That's how news is created in 2010. CNN should change it's tagline to: "We Generate Our Own News, Mother Fucker!" Indeed, yesterday,...
- 12/17/2010
- by Dustin Rowles
In the midst of celebrating all of the great things that happened in 2009 and anticipating all of the brilliance that is sure to be delivered in 2010, we also have to take a look back at the stars we lost in 2009. As Skillz noted in his annual year-end "Rap Up" track, it seemed like every other day delivered a story about the passing of a beloved celebrity — sometimes tragically. Just yesterday, we learned of the death of Avenged Sevenfold drummer Jimmy "The Rev" Sullivan at 28. Elsewhere in the rock world, we lost legendary Stooges guitarist Ron Asheton, Lynyrd Skynyrd's Billy Powell, guitar guru Les Paul and DJs Grand Master Roc Raida and Mr. Magic.
In Hollywood, actress Brittany Murphy — who starred in some of the most definitive youth movies of the past 15 years — passed away only a few weeks ago. Farrah Fawcett and Patrick Swayze both died after prolonged battles with illness,...
In Hollywood, actress Brittany Murphy — who starred in some of the most definitive youth movies of the past 15 years — passed away only a few weeks ago. Farrah Fawcett and Patrick Swayze both died after prolonged battles with illness,...
- 12/30/2009
- by Kyle Anderson
- MTV Newsroom
Eight Guidos and Guidettes, the beach, a bar called “Karma” and a plot driven by drunken hook-up attempts, what more could you want?
Not much, apparently. Between its debut Dec. 3 and its fourth episode last week, the audience for MTV’s new Jersey Shore series has grown from 1.4 million to 2.5 million, according to TVbytheNumbers.com.
Cast members were guests of Conan, Leno and Jimmy Kimmel last week. SNL spoofed the show Saturday night. Ashton Kutcher has gushed that Jersey Shore is “blowing my mind” and acknowledged that he’s a “huge fan.”
The series has also attracted its share of critics, especially among tourism officials and members of Italian-American organizations.
The show follows the lives of a group of twenty-somethings — all self-identified “Guidos” and “Guidettes” — sharing a bungalow in Seaside Heights, N.J.
As one of them explains: “I was born and raised a ‘Guido.’ It’s just a lifestyle.
Not much, apparently. Between its debut Dec. 3 and its fourth episode last week, the audience for MTV’s new Jersey Shore series has grown from 1.4 million to 2.5 million, according to TVbytheNumbers.com.
Cast members were guests of Conan, Leno and Jimmy Kimmel last week. SNL spoofed the show Saturday night. Ashton Kutcher has gushed that Jersey Shore is “blowing my mind” and acknowledged that he’s a “huge fan.”
The series has also attracted its share of critics, especially among tourism officials and members of Italian-American organizations.
The show follows the lives of a group of twenty-somethings — all self-identified “Guidos” and “Guidettes” — sharing a bungalow in Seaside Heights, N.J.
As one of them explains: “I was born and raised a ‘Guido.’ It’s just a lifestyle.
- 12/21/2009
- by pattirosenberg
- Atomic Popcorn
Welcome to the 213th Edition of my long-running series. I have one last performance today for A Time For Christmas which has gone quite well. I just hope I get a part in one of the things I have auditioned for. This week I pay tribute to the later Remote Control host Ken Ober. Now let's get to my 10 selections for the week.Slumdog Millionaire (2008): This is #28 on Dr. Royce Clemens' top 50...
- 12/13/2009
- by Shaun Berk
MTV and Facebook are teaming up to host a live webcast for filmmaker James Cameron’s epic adventure Avatar.
“Avatar Live” will stream in HD simultaneously on MTV.com and Facebook on December 3, 2009 at 3:00pm Et and followed by an all-new “Behind the Screen” Avatar-themed episode on MTV in December.
The three-hour event will present exclusive footage and give fans the chance to engage in live discussion with Cameron and two of the film’s stars, Sam Worthington and Zoë Saldana.
The movie is set to hit theaters and IMAX 3D on Dec. 18.
First Look at Interactive ‘Avatar’ TrailerMTV obtains TV rights to “This Is It”Ken Ober, MTV legend and host of ‘Remote Control,’ dead at 52.Fan Choices for Spider-Man 4 Villain Grab Director’s Attention...
“Avatar Live” will stream in HD simultaneously on MTV.com and Facebook on December 3, 2009 at 3:00pm Et and followed by an all-new “Behind the Screen” Avatar-themed episode on MTV in December.
The three-hour event will present exclusive footage and give fans the chance to engage in live discussion with Cameron and two of the film’s stars, Sam Worthington and Zoë Saldana.
The movie is set to hit theaters and IMAX 3D on Dec. 18.
First Look at Interactive ‘Avatar’ TrailerMTV obtains TV rights to “This Is It”Ken Ober, MTV legend and host of ‘Remote Control,’ dead at 52.Fan Choices for Spider-Man 4 Villain Grab Director’s Attention...
- 12/2/2009
- by Leilani Laureano
- Atomic Popcorn
Ken Ober, the host of one of MTV's early non-music series, the pop culture game show "Remote Control," passed to that great boob tube in the sky recently. Ober was the Wink Martindale of Generation X, going on to host three more game shows ("Make Me Laugh," "Smush," and "Perfect Match") before trading in his blue cue cards for a job behind the camera. Most recently he produced comedies like "Mind of Mencia" and "The New Adventures of Old Christine."
But Ober wasn't the only young hopeful to get his start on the emerging music television channel in its early days. In fact, MTV launched the careers of some of Hollywood's biggest actors and continues to discover future celebrities in unlikely places like the O.C. Take a look at stars who got their start on MTV and see where they are now.
But Ober wasn't the only young hopeful to get his start on the emerging music television channel in its early days. In fact, MTV launched the careers of some of Hollywood's biggest actors and continues to discover future celebrities in unlikely places like the O.C. Take a look at stars who got their start on MTV and see where they are now.
- 11/24/2009
- by AmyandNancy
- Getback - TV
Look, we all know what you're doing this weekend. You're not preparing for Thanksgiving, raking the last of your leaves before the snow arrives or indulging in this year's batch of Beaujolais Nouveau. Rather, you're going to be at your local cinema watching Taylor Lautner's perfectly-sculpted abdominal muscles in "The Twilight Saga: New Moon." And we can't blame you — it's a heck of a roller coaster ride through teenage angst and vampire mythology. But in between screenings (because you're obviously seeing it more than once), you should catch up on everything you missed this week here on the Newsroom blog.
» Last weekend saw a couple of cool-looking flash mobs in honor of Janet Jackson's Number Ones, and we had a first-person account from one of the dancers. (Be sure to catch Janet this Sunday on the American Music Awards, where she'll open the show.)
» MTV mourned the passing of comedian,...
» Last weekend saw a couple of cool-looking flash mobs in honor of Janet Jackson's Number Ones, and we had a first-person account from one of the dancers. (Be sure to catch Janet this Sunday on the American Music Awards, where she'll open the show.)
» MTV mourned the passing of comedian,...
- 11/20/2009
- by MTV News
- MTV Newsroom
If you haven't seen The Prisoner yet, you may want to skip the first fifteen or so minutes of this podcast, because we talk about the whole damn thing this week. Jason Hughes and Allison Waldman join me to talk about the AMC remake of the British cult classic, as well as these topics:
After the deaths of Edward Woodward and Ken Ober, why '80s TV suddenly seems so old, Soap news, mainly a discussion of James Franco's guest stint on General Hospital, Another dip into our Ask TV Squad mailbag, where we discuss the use of laugh tracks and why multi-camera shows are written differently than single-camera shows, Our picks for the week, and much more.
Run time is 1:02:55.
You can listen to the podcast below, or download from here or by subscribing to our RSS podcast feed. It is also available via iTunes. Feel...
After the deaths of Edward Woodward and Ken Ober, why '80s TV suddenly seems so old, Soap news, mainly a discussion of James Franco's guest stint on General Hospital, Another dip into our Ask TV Squad mailbag, where we discuss the use of laugh tracks and why multi-camera shows are written differently than single-camera shows, Our picks for the week, and much more.
Run time is 1:02:55.
You can listen to the podcast below, or download from here or by subscribing to our RSS podcast feed. It is also available via iTunes. Feel...
- 11/19/2009
- by Joel Keller
- Aol TV.
Ken Ober, the comedian and TV producer best known for being the host of the late eighties MTV game show Remote Control, died on November 15 at the age of 52. For those of us who were weaned on MTV during the Reagan/Bush era, Remote Control was an important touchstone, tailor-made for Gen Xers—a game show that was all about pop culture, that was deeply ironic about pop culture, that was peppered with absurdist humor from comedian bit players that were about to become household names: Adam Sandler, Denis Leary, Colin Quinn. I remember watching the show religiously with my...
- 11/18/2009
- by Jeff Jensen
- EW.com - PopWatch
Ken Ober's untimely and rumor-laden passing has inspired a surge of nostalgia for his game show Remote Control, the first program on MTV to eschew music entirely. Less remembered is the influence of Ober himself, whose sardonic emcee skills led to a wave of fuddy-duddy television hosts with less-than-genteel methods of engaging contestants. Ober's ripple effect, it turns out, continues even today.
- 11/18/2009
- Movieline
Attention children of the '80s: If you haven't already heard, television's Ken Ober died at the age of 52. The cause of death is not yet determined, although his agent noted that Ober "complained of headaches and flu-like symptoms on Saturday night." While he produced shows like Mind of Mencia and The New Adventures of Old Christine, he's probably best known for his time as the host of MTV's '80s quiz show: Remote Control.
Remember it? Three players would get strapped into arm chairs, answer questions about television and film (basically anything that could be found on TV), find food raining down on their heads, and get entertained by the likes of Colin Quinn, Kari Wuhrer, Denis Leary, and Adam Sandler. It was part classic MTV ridiculousness, and part media junky geek party.
In memory of the host and show, I thought I'd take us back in time for...
Remember it? Three players would get strapped into arm chairs, answer questions about television and film (basically anything that could be found on TV), find food raining down on their heads, and get entertained by the likes of Colin Quinn, Kari Wuhrer, Denis Leary, and Adam Sandler. It was part classic MTV ridiculousness, and part media junky geek party.
In memory of the host and show, I thought I'd take us back in time for...
- 11/17/2009
- by Monika Bartyzel
- Cinematical
MTV Networks has purchased the exclusive TV rights to the Michael Jackson documentary “This Is It” from Sony Pictures.
The deal will make the movie available to MTV and its sister networks starting in 2011 for a six-year window. The pact allows for the title to run the gamut of MTV Networks’ music channels, including MTV, VH1, VH1 Classic.
“This Is It,” a documentary chronicling Jackson’s rehearsal for a series of London concerts that was to have begun just weeks before his death in June, has raked in $222.6 million in a two-week span worldwide since Oct. 28.
Ken Ober, MTV legend and host of ‘Remote Control,’ dead at 52.‘This Is It’ Bringing in MillionsThis Is It Movie Review Fan Choices for Spider-Man 4 Villain Grab Director’s Attention...
The deal will make the movie available to MTV and its sister networks starting in 2011 for a six-year window. The pact allows for the title to run the gamut of MTV Networks’ music channels, including MTV, VH1, VH1 Classic.
“This Is It,” a documentary chronicling Jackson’s rehearsal for a series of London concerts that was to have begun just weeks before his death in June, has raked in $222.6 million in a two-week span worldwide since Oct. 28.
Ken Ober, MTV legend and host of ‘Remote Control,’ dead at 52.‘This Is It’ Bringing in MillionsThis Is It Movie Review Fan Choices for Spider-Man 4 Villain Grab Director’s Attention...
- 11/17/2009
- by Leilani Laureano
- Atomic Popcorn
Ken Ober, host of "Remote Control" is dead at the age of 53. Ober is remembered as the host from the game show which aired on MTV back in the 1980's. According to the Associated Press, Ober was found dead in his home in Santa Monica on Sunday. The cause of his death is unknown at this time, however, reports said he'd complained of headaches and flu-like symptoms Saturday evening. Ober hosted five season of the previous hit game show "Remote Control" and helped produce shows like "Mind of Mencia" and "The New Adventures of Old Christine". Famous faces who participated on the game show include Adam Sandler, Dennis Leary, LL Cool J, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Jerry Mathers and 'Weird Al' Yankovic. Ken's friends and family have our prayers.
Read more...
Read more...
- 11/17/2009
- by Michelle Thorton
- Reel Empire
Last night got busy in Twitter-Wood on a few fronts. Former "Remote Control" host Ken Ober's passing surprised a number of tweeters, including Brian Posehn and Jeff Katz, who both noted his loss.
L.A.'s Westwood village theatre, meanwhile, was epicenter for all of the "Twilight" Twitterverse during the "New Moon" premiere. BooBoo Stewart posted a pic from the red carpet, Rachelle Lefevre posted her reasons for missing the event, Brett Ratner was in attendance and Kevin Smith made a date out of the night with his daughter. You can check out what they had to say after the jump along with Twitter Pic pick that I selected more for its significance than its shock value, as Neil Patrick Harris officially moved into the Twitter-Wood neighborhood. It's all in the report for November 17, 2009.
Twitter Pic of the Day:
@ActuallyNPH Felicia Day is popular. She mentions me and Twitter and Kablammo!
L.A.'s Westwood village theatre, meanwhile, was epicenter for all of the "Twilight" Twitterverse during the "New Moon" premiere. BooBoo Stewart posted a pic from the red carpet, Rachelle Lefevre posted her reasons for missing the event, Brett Ratner was in attendance and Kevin Smith made a date out of the night with his daughter. You can check out what they had to say after the jump along with Twitter Pic pick that I selected more for its significance than its shock value, as Neil Patrick Harris officially moved into the Twitter-Wood neighborhood. It's all in the report for November 17, 2009.
Twitter Pic of the Day:
@ActuallyNPH Felicia Day is popular. She mentions me and Twitter and Kablammo!
- 11/17/2009
- by Brian Warmoth
- MTV Movies Blog
Yesterday's news about the untimely death of Ken Ober is still being felt by family, friends and colleagues. As Kurt Loder wrote in his remembrance of the veteran comedian and TV producer, "Remote Control" was so ahead of its time that the rest of television has yet to really catch up to it. "Remote Control" was a remarkable half hour of programming, somehow simultaneously supporting the quiz format, sketches, stand-up, music videos and the occasional foray into pick-up baseball.
The game show portion was especially brilliant, as it brought together the sort of knowledge found in dusty boxes of "Trivial Pursuit" with garbage facts left behind after hours of television viewing (movie theme songs, cast members on "The Partridge Family," details about "The Facts of Life"). In essence, Ober was a nerd who managed to spin his obsession with junk culture into a point of view and a career. In the age before the Internet,...
The game show portion was especially brilliant, as it brought together the sort of knowledge found in dusty boxes of "Trivial Pursuit" with garbage facts left behind after hours of television viewing (movie theme songs, cast members on "The Partridge Family," details about "The Facts of Life"). In essence, Ober was a nerd who managed to spin his obsession with junk culture into a point of view and a career. In the age before the Internet,...
- 11/17/2009
- by Kyle Anderson
- MTV Newsroom
The sudden and shocking of passing of TV writer, producer and host Ken Ober turned a lot of heads. Here's one of Ober's head (ahem) getting turned, for a change.
Collin Quinn, Ober's longtime friend and Remote Control co-host, posted a hilarious picture on his Twitter page of himself, Ober and the uber-cute Kari Wuhrer on the set of their equally hilarious game show.
I'm tempted to let Bob use this for our weekly Subtle Subtitles post, but am worried the funniest of the comments will get us banned from every library in the country assuming, of course, that reading is still going on in America's libraries.
Continue reading Colin Quinn remembers Ken Ober in his special way
Filed under: Other Comedy Shows, Obituaries, Game Show, Reality-Free
Permalink | Email this | | Comments...
Collin Quinn, Ober's longtime friend and Remote Control co-host, posted a hilarious picture on his Twitter page of himself, Ober and the uber-cute Kari Wuhrer on the set of their equally hilarious game show.
I'm tempted to let Bob use this for our weekly Subtle Subtitles post, but am worried the funniest of the comments will get us banned from every library in the country assuming, of course, that reading is still going on in America's libraries.
Continue reading Colin Quinn remembers Ken Ober in his special way
Filed under: Other Comedy Shows, Obituaries, Game Show, Reality-Free
Permalink | Email this | | Comments...
- 11/17/2009
- by Danny Gallagher
- Aol TV.
Adriana Lima and Marko Jaric welcome a daughter! - Fashionologie Bethenny Frankel's father passes away at 68 - PopEater Us reveals its 2009 Hot List - Us Weekly Remote Control host Ken Ober passes away in La - Celebitchy Nicole and Keith show Sunday around NYC - Icydk Molly Sims reveals she's dating Aaron Eckhart - Fox 411 Elton John bounces back after his bout with E. Coli - Lifeline Live Cindy and Rande's alleged extortionist turns himself in - TMZ Nicole Richie gets a restraining order against two photographers - Wonderwall Hugh Grant's first love is golf - I'm Not Obsessed Michael Lohan continues creeping people out - The Blemish...
- 11/17/2009
- by PopSugar
- Popsugar.com
Ken Ober, best known as the host of the MTV game show Remote Control, has died at the age of 52. No cause of death has been identified as yet.
Ober was the host of the series for five seasons on MTV, airing first in 1987. The series helped launched the careers of several notables, including Colin Quinn, Kari Wuhrer, Denis Leary and Adam Sandler. He followed the series as producer of Mind of Mencia for Comedy Central and also as a consulting producer for several episodes of The New Adventures of Old Christine on CBS. Ober got his start as a stand up comedian on Star Search in 1984 where he was named the Comedian Champion.
If you want to get a bit nostalgic with us, come on along with us back to the late 80's... and yes, there may even be an odd comic book tie-in for this episode:...
Ober was the host of the series for five seasons on MTV, airing first in 1987. The series helped launched the careers of several notables, including Colin Quinn, Kari Wuhrer, Denis Leary and Adam Sandler. He followed the series as producer of Mind of Mencia for Comedy Central and also as a consulting producer for several episodes of The New Adventures of Old Christine on CBS. Ober got his start as a stand up comedian on Star Search in 1984 where he was named the Comedian Champion.
If you want to get a bit nostalgic with us, come on along with us back to the late 80's... and yes, there may even be an odd comic book tie-in for this episode:...
- 11/17/2009
- by Glenn Hauman
- Comicmix.com
Ken Ober, who hosted MTV's pop-culture-centric game show Remote Control for five seasons beginning in 1987, was found dead in his home on Sunday, the network reports. The 52-year-old's cause of death has yet to be determined. Ober began his career on Star Search but spent recent years behind the scenes, working in production on comedies like The New Adventures of Old Christine and Mind of Mencia. "Kenny Ober was and always will be the quickest wit in the room," fellow funnyman Denis Leary tells MTV News. "He was fall-down funny from the moment he was born—a smart, fast and hilarious human being who made many of us, including myself, laugh until we cried. As the star and host of Remote...
- 11/17/2009
- E! Online
Ken Ober was a unique talent. As the host of the MTV game show "Remote Control" (which ran on the network from 1987 until 1990), he was given the task of not only driving the show (reading questions, announcing prizes, keeping up the pace) but also providing laughs, pausing for skits and interacting with his wacky team of sidekicks, which included future stars Adam Sandler, Dennis Leary and Colin Quinn. The veteran stand-up comic and television producer passed away over the weekend at age 52.
Quinn weighed in on Ober's passing yesterday, but the top MTV News archivists resurrected an interview with him from 1999 (which was taped for an episode of "Uncensored" that contained a behind-the-scenes look at "Remote Control"). Ober and Quinn began on the stand-up circuit in New York in the '80s, so they were old friends who managed to elevate themselves to the strange cable creation that was "Remote Control.
Quinn weighed in on Ober's passing yesterday, but the top MTV News archivists resurrected an interview with him from 1999 (which was taped for an episode of "Uncensored" that contained a behind-the-scenes look at "Remote Control"). Ober and Quinn began on the stand-up circuit in New York in the '80s, so they were old friends who managed to elevate themselves to the strange cable creation that was "Remote Control.
- 11/17/2009
- by Kyle Anderson
- MTV Newsroom
Ken Ober, the humorous and abrasive host of the MTV game show “Remote Control,” has passed on. He was 52.
Airing at the apex of the MTV Network’s history, 1987 through 1990, Remote Control pitted three teenage or young adult contestants in a trivia competition, answering questions about music, television, and pop culture. The show also featured skits and character sketches from new improv comedians, helping launch the careers of Colin Quinn, Denis Leary and Adam Sandler. Several episodes are available online.
Remote Control, aside from being thoroughly enjoyable even two decades later, was notable for being one of MTV’s first forays into non-music video programming. The game show paved a path for all the subversively weird programming MTV would soon become famous for: Liquid Television, Beavis and Butt-Head, The State, Jackass, and Wonder Showzen all owe a debt of gratitude to Ken Ober and his comedic dissidence.
Sadly, following Remote Control’s cancellation,...
Airing at the apex of the MTV Network’s history, 1987 through 1990, Remote Control pitted three teenage or young adult contestants in a trivia competition, answering questions about music, television, and pop culture. The show also featured skits and character sketches from new improv comedians, helping launch the careers of Colin Quinn, Denis Leary and Adam Sandler. Several episodes are available online.
Remote Control, aside from being thoroughly enjoyable even two decades later, was notable for being one of MTV’s first forays into non-music video programming. The game show paved a path for all the subversively weird programming MTV would soon become famous for: Liquid Television, Beavis and Butt-Head, The State, Jackass, and Wonder Showzen all owe a debt of gratitude to Ken Ober and his comedic dissidence.
Sadly, following Remote Control’s cancellation,...
- 11/17/2009
- by Jaspers
- Atomic Popcorn
Adam Sandler and Denis Leary have paid tribute to U.S. TV personality Ken Ober, who died on Sunday.
Ober was found dead at his Santa Monica, California home, aged 52. His cause of death was unknown as WENN went to press.
The actor and former game show host was best known for his presenting duties on MTV show Remote Control from 1987 to 1990.
The game show launched the careers of Sandler and Leary, and they have been quick to pay tribute to their mentor.
Sandler says, "Ken Ober was one of the sharpest, quickest, sweetest guys I ever met. He was always a great friend and I will miss him very much."
And Leary echoed his pal's sentiments, adding, "Kenny Ober was and always will be the quickest wit in the room. As the star and host of Remote Control, he was a welcoming ringmaster who helped to kickstart the careers of numerous talents, including Adam Sandler, Colin Quinn and myself.
"He will be remembered always by each of his friends not only for his massive talent but for his true, deep and enduring friendship."
Ober is survived by his mother, father, stepmother and a brother.
Ober was found dead at his Santa Monica, California home, aged 52. His cause of death was unknown as WENN went to press.
The actor and former game show host was best known for his presenting duties on MTV show Remote Control from 1987 to 1990.
The game show launched the careers of Sandler and Leary, and they have been quick to pay tribute to their mentor.
Sandler says, "Ken Ober was one of the sharpest, quickest, sweetest guys I ever met. He was always a great friend and I will miss him very much."
And Leary echoed his pal's sentiments, adding, "Kenny Ober was and always will be the quickest wit in the room. As the star and host of Remote Control, he was a welcoming ringmaster who helped to kickstart the careers of numerous talents, including Adam Sandler, Colin Quinn and myself.
"He will be remembered always by each of his friends not only for his massive talent but for his true, deep and enduring friendship."
Ober is survived by his mother, father, stepmother and a brother.
- 11/17/2009
- WENN
Ken Ober, host of MTV's Remote Control, has died at the age of 52, TVGuide.com has confirmed.
"His body was discovered in his home on Sunday," Mark Measures, Ober's talent agent, said. "The last person to have spoken to him was on Saturday morning. No foul play is suspected, no suicide, it looks like natural causes, just no one knows the exact cause yet."
Ober began his career on...
"His body was discovered in his home on Sunday," Mark Measures, Ober's talent agent, said. "The last person to have spoken to him was on Saturday morning. No foul play is suspected, no suicide, it looks like natural causes, just no one knows the exact cause yet."
Ober began his career on...
- 11/16/2009
- by Natalie Abrams
- TVGuide - Breaking News
This was a sad day at MTV, as we had a death in the family. Ken Ober, the longtime comedian, television producer and host of early MTV game show "Remote Control," passed away at age 52.
Arguably, Ober's most indelible legacy is "Remote Control," which premiered in 1987 and was one of MTV's first attempts at crafting an original television series. The premise was delightfully low-fi: Ober posited that he hosted a media-obsessed game show out of the basement of his parents' house, and he was joined by a cast of characters who wandered through the set (including fellow comedian and former "Saturday Night Live" cast member Colin Quinn, who acted as the Andy Richter to Ober's Conan O'Brien). The show featured three contestants getting asked a barrage of pop culture questions about movies, music, television shows, sports and, of course, music videos. Along the way, the show was interrupted by comedy skits,...
Arguably, Ober's most indelible legacy is "Remote Control," which premiered in 1987 and was one of MTV's first attempts at crafting an original television series. The premise was delightfully low-fi: Ober posited that he hosted a media-obsessed game show out of the basement of his parents' house, and he was joined by a cast of characters who wandered through the set (including fellow comedian and former "Saturday Night Live" cast member Colin Quinn, who acted as the Andy Richter to Ober's Conan O'Brien). The show featured three contestants getting asked a barrage of pop culture questions about movies, music, television shows, sports and, of course, music videos. Along the way, the show was interrupted by comedy skits,...
- 11/16/2009
- by Kyle Anderson
- MTV Newsroom
By Wrap Staff
Ken Ober, a comedian best known for hosting MTV's late-'80s game show "Remote Control," has died.
Ober's reps confirm that he died over the weekend at the age of 52. The cause of death was not immediately known.
Lee Kernis, a manager at Brillstein Entertainment Partners who represented Ober for more than 20 years, told the New York Times that Ober was found dead on Sunday. He said Ober had last been heard from on Saturday night, when he spoke to a ...
Ken Ober, a comedian best known for hosting MTV's late-'80s game show "Remote Control," has died.
Ober's reps confirm that he died over the weekend at the age of 52. The cause of death was not immediately known.
Lee Kernis, a manager at Brillstein Entertainment Partners who represented Ober for more than 20 years, told the New York Times that Ober was found dead on Sunday. He said Ober had last been heard from on Saturday night, when he spoke to a ...
- 11/16/2009
- by Lisa Horowitz
- The Wrap
Wow, it's one thing to write about the death of someone like Edward Woodward, someone who was older and not in good health, but it's another thing to write about the death of someone only 52. Ken Ober, who hosted the classic (well, in my mind it's a classic) MTV game show Remote Control in the late 80s, died yesterday of unknown causes.
If you've never seen Remote Control, it was a wacky pop culture trivia game show that supposedly was filmed in Ober's basement. Besides being a really fun game show (especially for someone raised on television), it costarred a lot of people who later became household names, such as Adam Sandler, Denis Leary, and Colin Quinn.
Continue reading Remote Control host Ken Ober dead at 52
Filed under: Celebrities, Obituaries, Reality-Free
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If you've never seen Remote Control, it was a wacky pop culture trivia game show that supposedly was filmed in Ober's basement. Besides being a really fun game show (especially for someone raised on television), it costarred a lot of people who later became household names, such as Adam Sandler, Denis Leary, and Colin Quinn.
Continue reading Remote Control host Ken Ober dead at 52
Filed under: Celebrities, Obituaries, Reality-Free
Permalink | Email this | | Comments...
- 11/16/2009
- by Bob Sassone
- Aol TV.
Sad news has been circulating today throughout Twitter, Facebook and elsewhere, that Ken Ober, host of Remote Control -- the MTV game show that featured a pre-fame Colin Quinn and Adam Sandler -- died suddenly over the weekend. No official statement has come from reps for the comedian and TV writer-producer, who in recent years worked on shows like The New Adventures of Old Christine and Mind of Mencia; further confusing the issue are several online reports saying the reports are false. Sadly, however, everything we're hearing is that Ober did pass away, with reputable colleagues like P.F. Tompkins now confirming the news via Twitter. After the jump, some video from 1989 of Ober holding court over Remote Control at the show's tiled podium. Developing...
- 11/16/2009
- Movieline
Comedian and TV personality Ken Ober died this weekend, according to Mark Measures, an agent at Abrams Artists who worked with him. Ober, who hosted four game shows over the course of his career, was widely known for his role on the MTV game show Remote Control, which he hosted for five seasons, spanning 1987 to 1990. Most recently, he served as producer for the CBS sitcom The New Adventures of Old Christine and Mind of Mencia. He was 52.
- 11/16/2009
- by editor@buddytv.com
- buddytv.com
Former 'Remote Control' host passed away earlier this week.
By MTV News staff
Ken Ober
Photo: MTV
As the news spread on Monday (November 16) of "Remote Control" host Ken Ober's death, his friends, colleagues and former coworkers began paying tribute to his career and his memory. "Remote Control" helped to launch the careers of Adam Sandler and Denis Leary, and they were among the first to send statements to MTV News.
"Ken Ober was one of the sharpest, quickest, sweetest guys I ever met," Sandler said. "He was always a great friend and I will miss him very much."
Leary echoed those sentiments in his statement. "Kenny Ober was and always will be the quickest wit in the room," he wrote. "He was fall-down funny from the moment he was born — a smart, fast and hilarious human being who made many of us, including myself, laugh until we cried.
By MTV News staff
Ken Ober
Photo: MTV
As the news spread on Monday (November 16) of "Remote Control" host Ken Ober's death, his friends, colleagues and former coworkers began paying tribute to his career and his memory. "Remote Control" helped to launch the careers of Adam Sandler and Denis Leary, and they were among the first to send statements to MTV News.
"Ken Ober was one of the sharpest, quickest, sweetest guys I ever met," Sandler said. "He was always a great friend and I will miss him very much."
Leary echoed those sentiments in his statement. "Kenny Ober was and always will be the quickest wit in the room," he wrote. "He was fall-down funny from the moment he was born — a smart, fast and hilarious human being who made many of us, including myself, laugh until we cried.
- 11/16/2009
- MTV Music News
Comedian/ show host passed away early this week.
Ken Ober in 2006
Photo: Frank Micelotta/ Getty Images
"Remote Control," in all its fearless goofiness, was a game show so far ahead of its time that TV land still hasn't caught up with it. It was packed with soon-to-be-famous wild-card performers — the wonderfully demented Denis Leary, "Stud Boy" Adam Sandler, and gravelly sidekick Colin Quinn.
And Ken Ober, who died earlier this week of undisclosed causes, presided over their elaborate shenanigans — often just this side of out-of-control — with cheery aplomb. As Ken guided contestants through brilliant question categories like "Dead or Canadian?" and "Beat the Bishop," you could feel a new comedy form being invented by guys who had little in the way of dignity or better prospects to lose. What a time it was.
Ken was a wonderfully warm and grounded guy — the iconic success he achieved with "Remote Control" never...
Ken Ober in 2006
Photo: Frank Micelotta/ Getty Images
"Remote Control," in all its fearless goofiness, was a game show so far ahead of its time that TV land still hasn't caught up with it. It was packed with soon-to-be-famous wild-card performers — the wonderfully demented Denis Leary, "Stud Boy" Adam Sandler, and gravelly sidekick Colin Quinn.
And Ken Ober, who died earlier this week of undisclosed causes, presided over their elaborate shenanigans — often just this side of out-of-control — with cheery aplomb. As Ken guided contestants through brilliant question categories like "Dead or Canadian?" and "Beat the Bishop," you could feel a new comedy form being invented by guys who had little in the way of dignity or better prospects to lose. What a time it was.
Ken was a wonderfully warm and grounded guy — the iconic success he achieved with "Remote Control" never...
- 11/16/2009
- MTV Music News
Cause of comedian's death was not clear at press time.
By Eric Ditzian
Ken Ober in 2004
Photo: Peter Kramer/Getty Images
Longtime MTV "Remote Control" host Ken Ober has passed away at the age of 52, the comedian's representative confirmed to MTV News. The cause of his death was not available at press time.
Ober's career began in the mid-1980s with a turn on the talent competition "Star Search" and in more recent years segued into behind-the-scenes production positions on comedy shows like "Mind of Mencia" and "The New Adventures of Old Christine."
Starting in 1987, Ober hosted five seasons of "Remote Control," which, along with "Club MTV" and "The Week In Rock," was MTV's first foray into series television. A quiz show that tested contestants' pop-culture knowledge, the set bore a strong resemblance to a suburban home's basement. Standing behind a makeshift lectern and next to a giant television screen that helped guide the show,...
By Eric Ditzian
Ken Ober in 2004
Photo: Peter Kramer/Getty Images
Longtime MTV "Remote Control" host Ken Ober has passed away at the age of 52, the comedian's representative confirmed to MTV News. The cause of his death was not available at press time.
Ober's career began in the mid-1980s with a turn on the talent competition "Star Search" and in more recent years segued into behind-the-scenes production positions on comedy shows like "Mind of Mencia" and "The New Adventures of Old Christine."
Starting in 1987, Ober hosted five seasons of "Remote Control," which, along with "Club MTV" and "The Week In Rock," was MTV's first foray into series television. A quiz show that tested contestants' pop-culture knowledge, the set bore a strong resemblance to a suburban home's basement. Standing behind a makeshift lectern and next to a giant television screen that helped guide the show,...
- 11/16/2009
- MTV Music News
Back in 1989, Ron Howard directed Parenthood, a charming family movie about the extended Buckman clan and the trials and tribulations of raising children. The light-hearted film was a box office success and stars a diverse cast including Steve Martin, Tom Hulce, Rick Moranis, Martha Plimpton, Keanu Reeves, Jason Robards, Mary Steenburgen, Dianne Wiest, Martha Plimpton, and Joaquin Phoenix.
NBC decided to try making a Parenthood TV show. The plot was very similar and three actors reprised their suppting roles; Ivyann Schwan, Zachary La Voy, and Max Elliott Slade. The series stars Ed Begley, Jr., Maryedith Burrell, Ken Ober, William Windom, and Jayne Atkinson. Curiously, many of the young and virtually unknown castmembers have gone on to a great amount of success over the years -- David Arquette, Thora Birch, and some guy named Leonardo DiCaprio. Other castmembers include Mary Jackson, Sheila MacRae, Bess Meyer, Susan Norman.
Though the series was...
NBC decided to try making a Parenthood TV show. The plot was very similar and three actors reprised their suppting roles; Ivyann Schwan, Zachary La Voy, and Max Elliott Slade. The series stars Ed Begley, Jr., Maryedith Burrell, Ken Ober, William Windom, and Jayne Atkinson. Curiously, many of the young and virtually unknown castmembers have gone on to a great amount of success over the years -- David Arquette, Thora Birch, and some guy named Leonardo DiCaprio. Other castmembers include Mary Jackson, Sheila MacRae, Bess Meyer, Susan Norman.
Though the series was...
- 3/25/2009
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
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