TV reboots and revivals are currently in high fashion, but it's always been that way with popular game shows, and it's relatively difficult to think of any that have only had a single iteration. Deal or No Deal, for all of its many international variants, has only had one previous version here in the U.S. That'll soon change, though, as the popular game of chance is being retooled, though this time for NBCUniversal's business-minded channel CNBC. Meghan Markle obviously won't be returning as a suitcase model, among other differences, but Howie Mandel will be back as the charismatic host.
Set to debut in late 2018, the revamped Deal or No Deal will be adding some "exciting new twists" to the risk-reward stress and fun that the show generates, according to the announcement. Which is good, since the basic set-up doesn't always make for the most endlessly rewatchable television in longevity. Unfortunately, no specific twists were mentioned, and we're not immediately sure what kind of evolutionary pattern Deal or No Deal could take. Though, I guess this show is just a fairly thin line away from becoming a new Saw sequel...in the wrong hands, of course.
Speaking of hands, Deal or No Deal will indeed be back in Howie Mandel's when it returns, and he'll be both hosting and executive producing. Mandel got into hosting other game shows since Deal ended a decade ago, but nothing that lasted too long. He has been quite successful elsewhere on NBC, with the always unique America's Got Talent being one of the most-watched TV shows in any given year. We're looking forward to Season 13 debuting in May, and it makes sense that CNBC would need to wait until later in the year to get Mandel's full attention.
Howie Mandel's statement about Deal or No Deal's return was surprisingly heartfelt, too, as he holds this job truly dear. (He also delivers the expected joke, so wait for it.)
Having been in this business for 40 years, I've been involved in every kind of production -- live, variety, drama, film and animation. Nothing changed my life, career and perception of humanity more than one project, and that was Deal or No Deal. I am excited to re-embark on the most thrilling, life-changing show with the brilliant Scott St. John and our new partners at CNBC. For me, there was only one answer to that iconic question and I am proud to have said DEAL!
ABC has been riding the rebooted primetime game show train for a few years now, utilizing the audience potential for such hits as Celebrity Family Feud, Match Game and The $100,000 Pyramid. NBCU does have its own limited lineup of game shows, but nothing like the batch of classics that ABC has. So maybe Deal or No Deal's move to CNBC will inspire the network to bring more targeted strategies to its game show revivals.
While the new Deal or No Deal doesn't yet have an exact premiere date set, CNBC is aiming to add the game show to its lineup in the last quarter of 2018, so maybe it'll be going up against some of the new shows of the fall season. For a look at what's coming long before then head to our midseason premiere schedule.
