Catch 21

I do not understand why they changed the rules of the game. It was successful in the old version. And it was more fun in the old version. The new gal isn't as good, she's too sedate. They don't really make use of the audience like they used to. The host is not as animated as he used to be. He dressed more casually before and I had more fun with a show. I like the old Format of multiple choice, and of giving a chip for each game you won plus 1 for winning the whole thing. I'm writing this because we watch the old version, but we almost never watch the new version. My husband feel the same way about the new show.

As a child, this was one of my favorite Game Show Network shows, I watched it with my grandparents all the time and I've always thought it was pretty good and entertaining.

But since there's already consensus on what the show is about, I'll give my review.

While the show's concept is pretty simple and nothing special, I think its execution was pretty good. I though Alfonso was a good host, not too overbearing (though sometimes a tad over the top), I also do like Mikki as the dealer, she shows genuine whenever she deals a card and it doesn't come off forced (like Whitney in the new version). I also do like the set and graphics, while it's pretty simplistic and not very bright, it does the job (the new Catch 21's new set is way too overstimulating with the lights and the new graphics weren't that good).

Also, at the time, this was giving away the highest money out of any GSN show with $25,000 and $50,000 (later beaten by The Chase a few years later), but this was no joke.

Now there are some nitpicks I have, one comment on here claiming that the show is rigged because of the majority of women winning and I'm like, did we watch the same show? The majority of them are eliminated in the first round (no joke). Whether it be because of the contestants or just bad luck, who knows?

Also, some claims that the card are rigged to have whatever contestant they want win, I don't believe that, they may not show us that they shuffle the cards, but they may do it off-screen or whatever. Also, it's all about as the show says "Knowlege and luck of the card", keyword LUCK! Unless I hear otherwise by someone who was there, I stand by that.

Overall, I think this is a really good Game Show Network show and one of their best and it's actually the only GSN show that has aired reruns over 10 years after its original run ended, if that doesn't tell you it had fans and loyal viewers, I don't know what will.

9/10.

There's nothing particularly bad about Alfonso, but he really doesn't impress me. His presence is so lacking that he just feels like he's there, but that's all. Nicky is just annoying. No it's, ands, or buts about it. She wasn't needed to make the show work, and she just irritates me. The format of the show is poor as well. It's not interesting. The questions are almost entirely pop culture hoopla and aren't really very interesting. But, by far, the most annoying factor in the show is the contestants. It's quite clear that the behind the scenes staff is telling them to ham it up. Often times, this leads the contestants to either be extremely annoying or extremely hateful and rude. Either way, it isn't likable. I never find myself wanting to root for any of these people. Quite frankly, I wouldn't be in the least bit surprised if the show is as rigged as others have claimed. It FEELS rigged. There is just this underlying feeling that they stack the deck in favor of the contestants they want to win, while making everything work against the contestants that they want to lose. That may not be the case, but that is the general feeling I get while watching it. Other people may love this show, but I find it detestable.

I do like game shows to a certain extent when it involves trivia. Swearing a bunch in Jeopardy, guessing on Millionaire, but I don't like game shows that involve luck and risk. At that point it isn't about how smart you are anymore, but how much you're willing to gamble.

This show seemed entertaining at first, although after watching did seem pretty slow watching a chick flip cards and figuring out what 17+5 equals... This was a VERY original concept from word associations and hardcore trivia, but the idea dies out after a while.

Now for the reason most of us are here.......... I had just started to watch The Fresh Prince starting from ep 1 tonight, already on ep 8. It's good to see the little dark guy got some screen time in something I've watched after Prince. Funny and somewhat queer, Carlton grew on me. Didn't exactly bring all the humor over from the 90's but gave the show some time to last a week

I have a few issues with the NEW season of Catch 21.

1. There is WAY too much purple on the set. 2. The hearts and diamonds on the cards are purple instead of red. 3. During the final portion of the game, the number of power chips the player possesses is not displayed. Also, the numbers and symbols on the cards are too small, making it difficult to see which cards have been dealt.

Finally, Whitney is nice and very pretty, but I miss Mikki Padilla.