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8 things you would have never guessed about 'The Newlywed Game'
It was the game that either strengthened or destroyed marriages.
Images: ABC
Game shows have been around since the inception of television, but only a select few have gone on to become an integral part of pop culture. People all over the world know to use their thinking caps when Jeopardy comes on, or play along with Password to get the most possible points. While most game shows use either brains or strategy, one combined the two to become an instant classic.
The Newlywed Game burst onto the scene over 50 years ago, shocking audiences and asking everyone how well they really knew their significant other. Come to think of it, was my spouse more rural or urban? And what was the most unusual place we made whoopee?
Whether this game show strengthened or destroyed marriages is up for debate. But in the meantime, here are eight vital pieces of information you should know about it.
1. It was the last show to premiere in black and white
The Newlywed Game debuted July 11, 1966 in black and white. By the end of that year, like almost every show by that point, it had already switched to color.
Image: ABC
2. The theme song actually has lyrics
Almost everyone can hum the tune, but there are some lyrics behind it as well. The song was originally titled "Summertime Guy" and sung by Eddie Rambeau. In fact, the creator of The Newlywed Game, Chuck Barris, wrote the lyrics to the song about a lover who is only affectionate during the summer months.
Image: Swan Records
3. Bob Eubanks was only 28 when the show started
Practically a baby by network TV standards, Eubanks was credited with giving the show a more youthful energy.
Image: ABC
4. Eubanks was Dolly Parton's manager
What's more surprising than Eubanks' age at the start of the show, he also had a successful career in the music industry. Not only did he produce artists like Barry Manilow, The Supremes and Elton John, Eubanks also served as the manager to Dolly Parton, Barbara Mandrell and Marty Robbins.
Image: Associated Press
5. Eubanks helped finance The Beatles' Hollywood Bowl performance
At the same time Eubanks was producing music, he was also producing concerts. He helped produce The Beatles' famous Hollywood Bowl performance in 1964 along with the first two North American tours of The Rolling Stones.
Image: Associated Press
6. The show forced Password off the air
The Newlywed Game was a hit right off the bat, leading the ratings for Password to decline substantially. By the next year, Password was pulled from the air after running for six years.
Image: Freemantle Media
7. It was a popular board game
Just like any popular show in the 1960s, The Newlywed Game was transformed into a board game. We had a peek at the game, and some of the questions would never fly today.
Image: Etsy
8. That one famous phrase was based on a song
If there's one thing we associate with The Newlywed Game, it's the term "makin' whoopee." The G-rated term for sex was used to keep the game edgy while beating the network censors. The saying was based on the song made famous by Eddie Cantor in the 1920s.
Image: ABC
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