Card Sharks

First off, I must say that this is a fun game show. Also, since I'm 24, I haven't seen every episode. However, I do know the show very well. Every time I've watched it, I've had a lot of fun playing along and watch. Despite the fact that it's finished its run, this makes me long to be a contestant. The thing I like most about it are the questions. Despite the fact that I don't know that many answers, I still have fun playing along. I hope the Game Show Network keeps it on so I can play along and watch again. If that happens, I will be really happy. Before I wrap this up, I'd like to say that I'll always remember this show in my memory forever. Now, in conclusion, I hope that you catch it one day before it goes off the air for good

In 1978, we got the debut of Card Sharks, with the objective being to predict what the next card holds, and if you'll go home rich or broke.

The host for the 1978 version on NBC was Jim Perry, who was an underrated game show host and fit the role as host perfectly. In addition to Perry, we also get the models who decked out the cards for each round, which includes Ann Pennington, Janice Baker, Lois Areno and Markie Post, before she starred in The Fall Guy as Terri and as Christine Sullivan in Night Court.

The show did end on NBC in 1981, but got revived by CBS in 1986 with new host Bob Eubanks, who is known for hosting The Newlywed Game. The lovely Lacey Pemberton and Suzanna Williams were the models for this version. Pretty much, it's mostly the same game, but later added different things to keep it fresh.

So, whether you're a fan of the Jim Perry and/or the Bob Eubanks versions (personally preferred the latter), watch Card Sharks and play your cards right!

I've been a fan of the show since the original airings, it has a great format and is very easy to watch while thinking 'What would I say in this situation?' It's pretty obvious they encourage the contestants to talk a little about why they answered the way they did. The biggest problem I have with it is there should have been a push rule in effect from the very start, not just in the money round. It's unfair to play higher/lower when a duplicate card means losing no matter what. At the very least they could have let each contestant have two insurance chips that would let them change the card when a duplicate showed up.

...and mostly because of the facts that a)there's a four-and-a-half year gap between versions(the original,Jim Perry-hosted show ran from September,1978 thru October,1981;the Eubanks show bowed in January,1986)b)there are distinctly different hostesses and sets and c)it was different networks,with somewhat different producers and probably different staff.(Perry's was NBC,Eubanks' was on CBS,and was paired with a syndicated version hosted by Bill Raferty)

As to the game itself,it was actually so easy to watch and smoothly and effortlessly made that one forgets that Mr.Perry(and to a lesser degree,Mr.Eubanks)does an exceptional job shifting from amiable emcee to near cheerleader-like fan of each contestant's quest for money(which could sometimes top over $30,000;while always a good chunk of change,for the late '70s and even into the '80s would be an impressive haul). Also a catchy theme,very attractive models(one of them would go on to have an decent steady career as an actress:Markie Post)and some nifty little diddy poems to open the game would make this one of the gems of daytime of its era. Every so often,you can catch the re-runs on GSN. DVR or stay up late if you like!

Another game show that needs to be brought back, i still watch the reruns. Its fun for those that gamble and those who dont. Everything hanging on the turn of the cards.