The Match Game, a popular game show that originally aired from 1962 to 1982, was known for its witty humor, charismatic hosts, and hilarious celebrity panelists. However, not all episodes were suitable for television audiences, leading to some being banned or heavily edited. Here, we'll delve into the 5 most shocking Match Game banned episodes that left a lasting impact on the show's history.
Episode 1: The Fateful "Gay" Episode (1974)
One of the most infamous episodes of Match Game was taped in 1974, but it never made it to air. The episode featured a question about a "gay" character, which was deemed too racy for television at the time. The episode was eventually leaked online, and it's now widely available for viewing.
In this episode, the question asked was: "Dumb Dora was so dumb, she thought a queer was a ______________." The response from the celebrity panelists was surprisingly candid, with some using humor to tackle the sensitive topic. However, the episode's tone was deemed too risqué, and it was ultimately banned from airing.
What Made This Episode So Shocking?
The use of the word "queer" in the question was considered shocking, especially given the time period. The 1970s were a different era, and the LGBTQ+ community was not as openly represented in media as it is today. The episode's handling of the topic, although done in a lighthearted and humorous way, was still seen as too provocative for audiences.
Episode 2: The "Dirty" Questions Episode (1976)
Another episode that raised eyebrows was the 1976 episode featuring a series of "dirty" questions. These questions were designed to be risqué and push the boundaries of what was considered acceptable on television.
One question asked was: "Dumb Dora was so dumb, she thought a ' french kiss' was a ______________." The responses from the celebrity panelists were clever and cheeky, but the episode's overall tone was deemed too racy for audiences.
What Made This Episode So Shocking?
The use of suggestive language and innuendos in the questions was considered shocking, especially given the time period. The episode's handling of these topics, although done in a humorous way, was still seen as too provocative for audiences.
Episode 3: The "Unmarried Couple" Episode (1977)
In 1977, an episode of Match Game featured a question about an "unmarried couple" living together. This was considered a taboo topic at the time, and the episode's handling of it was deemed too risqué for audiences.
The question asked was: "Dumb Dora was so dumb, she thought a 'shacking up' was a ______________." The responses from the celebrity panelists were surprisingly candid, with some using humor to tackle the sensitive topic.
What Made This Episode So Shocking?
The use of the term "shacking up" was considered shocking, especially given the time period. The episode's handling of the topic, although done in a lighthearted and humorous way, was still seen as too provocative for audiences.
Episode 4: The "Sexual Innuendos" Episode (1978)
In 1978, an episode of Match Game featured a series of questions with sexual innuendos. These questions were designed to be risqué and push the boundaries of what was considered acceptable on television.
One question asked was: "Dumb Dora was so dumb, she thought a ' bases' was a ______________." The responses from the celebrity panelists were clever and cheeky, but the episode's overall tone was deemed too racy for audiences.
What Made This Episode So Shocking?
The use of suggestive language and innuendos in the questions was considered shocking, especially given the time period. The episode's handling of these topics, although done in a humorous way, was still seen as too provocative for audiences.
Episode 5: The "F-Word" Episode (1981)
In 1981, an episode of Match Game featured a question that included the F-word. Although the word was not explicitly stated, it was implied through a clever response from one of the celebrity panelists.
The question asked was: "Dumb Dora was so dumb, she thought a 'four-letter word' was a ______________." The response from the celebrity panelist was: "You know, the one that starts with an F?" The episode was deemed too racy for audiences and was eventually banned from airing.
What Made This Episode So Shocking?
The use of the F-word, although implied and not explicitly stated, was considered shocking, especially given the time period. The episode's handling of the topic, although done in a clever and humorous way, was still seen as too provocative for audiences.
Now that we've explored the 5 most shocking Match Game banned episodes, it's clear that the show was always pushing the boundaries of what was considered acceptable on television. Although these episodes were deemed too racy for audiences at the time, they have since become a fascinating part of the show's history.
We'd love to hear from you! Have you seen any of these episodes, or do you have a favorite Match Game moment? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
What was the most shocking Match Game episode?
+The most shocking Match Game episode is often subjective, but the "F-Word" episode from 1981 is often cited as one of the most shocking due to its implied use of the F-word.
Why were some Match Game episodes banned?
+Some Match Game episodes were banned due to their risqué content, including suggestive language, innuendos, and topics deemed too provocative for audiences at the time.
Are the banned Match Game episodes available to watch?
+Some of the banned Match Game episodes have been leaked online or are available through specialty DVD releases. However, not all banned episodes are publicly available.