Is Split Second an Old Game Show? A Deep Dive into the Classic Trivia Format
Yes, Split Second is indeed an old game show. It first aired on ABC on March 20, 1972, and ran until June 27, 1975. Created by the legendary duo Stefan Hatos and Monty Hall, the show carved out its own unique space in the 1970s game show landscape with its fast-paced trivia format and distinctive buzzer-based gameplay. While it enjoyed a relatively short run compared to some of its contemporaries, Split Second remains a memorable entry in the annals of classic game show television. It showcases a particular style of quiz show that was popular in that era, emphasizing quick thinking and decisive action.
The Origins of Split Second
Split Second was the brainchild of two titans of television: Stefan Hatos and Monty Hall. Hall, a Canadian television personality best known for Let’s Make a Deal, teamed up with Hatos, a producer with a history of game show successes, to create this uniquely formatted quiz show. The show’s debut in March 1972 came at a time when ABC was experiencing a wave of game show success. Let’s Make a Deal, The Newlywed Game, and Password were all drawing considerable audiences, and Split Second was added to this powerful lineup.
Split Second was a daytime series, broadcast at 12:30 p.m. (11:30 a.m., Central). This was a competitive timeslot, as it went head-to-head with CBS’s long-running soap opera Search for Tomorrow and NBC’s The Who, What, or Where Game. The arrival of Split Second also resulted in a scheduling shift for Password, which was moved to a half-hour earlier. This speaks to the confidence ABC had in the new show’s potential to attract a loyal audience.
How Did Split Second Work?
The appeal of Split Second was its high-speed, high-stakes format. The game consisted of three contestants competing across three rounds. Each round presented three general-interest trivia questions, which were associated with distinct categories. Contestants had to assess which question they felt they could answer most accurately and then quickly hit their buzzers to secure first pick.
The first contestant to buzz in had the right to choose which question they would answer. The last contestant was left with the remaining, often the most challenging, question. This element of strategy combined with the speed of the game made Split Second different from more typical trivia game shows. It was more than just knowledge; the contestants also needed quick reflexes and an ability to make decisions under pressure.
The winner of each round would advance, with the champion eventually reaching the Bonus Round, known as “The Final Countdown”. In “The Final Countdown”, the winning player had 60 seconds to answer questions, each consisting of two parts. To be successful, the contestant only needed to answer one of the two parts correctly. By correctly answering seven such parts, they won $10,000. This bonus round made for dramatic TV, building anticipation and reward.
The Host and Announcer
The original host of Split Second was Tom Kennedy, known for his smooth style and engaging personality. Kennedy did a great job in keeping the show moving along at the breakneck speed required. He was complemented by the announcing skills of Jack Clark. Clark would later become famous for his work on Wheel of Fortune and The $25,000 Pyramid, adding to the legacy and credibility of Split Second. Together, they provided a cohesive and entertaining experience for the viewers.
Where Can You Watch Split Second Today?
While Split Second is not widely available on major streaming platforms like Netflix, it can be found on a selection of niche services. These include TVBAnywhere North America (Vietnamese), Spectrum TV, Philo, DIRECTV, and Frndly TV for Roku devices. The availability of the show on these platforms allows fans, both old and new, to relive the fast-paced gameplay of the classic game show. While not as readily accessible as contemporary offerings, Split Second continues to find an audience thanks to these dedicated streaming options.
The Legacy of Split Second
Split Second left its mark in game show history, showcasing a format focused on speed and strategy as well as trivia knowledge. Although its original run was short, the innovative format it championed can still be found in more modern game shows. It’s a reminder of a time when the networks experimented with different styles and formats to try to keep audiences entertained. Its legacy endures in the hearts of classic game show fans and its unique format remains an interesting part of the history of TV.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When did Split Second first air?
Split Second first aired on March 20, 1972, on ABC.
2. Who were the creators of Split Second?
The game show was created by Stefan Hatos and Monty Hall.
3. How long did the original run of Split Second last?
The original run lasted from March 20, 1972, to June 27, 1975.
4. Who hosted Split Second?
The host of Split Second was Tom Kennedy.
5. Who was the announcer for Split Second?
The announcer for the show was Jack Clark.
6. How many episodes of Split Second were produced?
A total of 1,025 episodes of Split Second were produced.
7. What was the time slot for Split Second?
The show aired at 12:30 p.m. (11:30 a.m., Central).
8. How did the game play out?
Contestants had to quickly decide which of three categories they could answer correctly, hitting their buzzer to get first pick and the last contestant responded to the remaining often tougher question.
9. What was the bonus round in Split Second called?
The bonus round was called “The Final Countdown”.
10. What was the prize for winning the bonus round in Split Second?
The winner of the bonus round could win $10,000 if they answered seven parts of questions correctly.
11. Is Split Second available on Netflix?
No, Split Second is not currently streaming on Netflix in the United States.
12. Where can I watch Split Second today?
You can watch Split Second on TVBAnywhere North America (Vietnamese), Spectrum TV, Philo, DIRECTV, or Frndly TV on your Roku device.
13. Is there a hyphen in “split second”?
Yes, the term “split-second” is hyphenated.
14. What is the concept of a “split second”?
A split second is a moment so short it can barely be measured.
15. Is there a video game based on Split Second?
Yes, Split/Second (released in Europe as Split/Second: Velocity) is a racing video game developed by Black Rock Studio.