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Parents' Guide to

Match Game

By Joyce Slaton, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 14+

Charming game show reboot has naughty humor, mild language.

TV ABC Game Shows 2016
Match Game Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

Community Reviews

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age 17+

Based on 3 parent reviews

Disappointedbad
Disappointedbad Adult
June 13, 2019
age 18+

Match Game ruined.

This game show, once a classic has been co opted by Satan. Dirty and lewd remarks actions and words led by Alec Baldwin. Contestants are more actors than people. Cast is a ridiculous set of never beens. Will never watch again.
Footnote
Footnote Adult
February 27, 2019
age 18+

Shame on you Alec Baldwin

Shame on you Alec Baldwin, Match game used to be good now they got the panel doing whatever they want to do, it’s kind of stupid now, Also most of the panel were nobody’s, I won’t watch it again, I’ll just watch reruns of the real show of match game
See all 3 parent reviews

What's the Story?

On each hour-long episode of MATCH GAME, the reboot of the Gene Rayburn-hosted version that debuted in 1962, a panel of six celebrities faces down two contestants. Host Alec Baldwin asks a series of slightly raunchy questions, such as, "Mick Jagger is writing a Viagra commercial: I can't get no blank." After each question, the celebs and one contestant in turn write down an answer. Each time the celebrities' answers match the contestant's, he or she gets points, money, and the chance to compete in a bonus round for even more cash.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (3 ):
Kids say (2 ):

The vibe is loose and giggly, Baldwin is an apt and quick-witted host, and the celebrity guests are game on this nicely done reboot of the 1960s quiz show that's a lot of fun to watch. As Generation X viewers may recall if they watched the daytime version of the game with Gene Rayburn and celebs such as Charles Nelson Reilly, the emphasis is really on humor and silly, smutty jokes than on winning big money. Baldwin keeps that loose and naughty vibe going, with questions about what was found on Uranus (har, har, har) asked of celebrity guests such as Michael Ian Black, Tituss Burgess, Debra Messing, and Rosie O'Donnell, who are alternatively helpful to contestants and going for the best joke. If you don't mind your teens hearing jokes about Viagra and farts, this is an amusing choice for more mature family viewers.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about why a game show that first premiered in 1962 is back again. Why are shows and movies remade? What's the appeal -- to makers of movies and TV shows? To the audience?

  • Why are Match Game's questions about off-color topics -- streaking, Donald Trump -- rather than about trivia or history? Is this show designed to educate, entertain, or both?

TV Details

  • Premiere date: June 26, 2016
  • Cast: Alec Baldwin
  • Network: ABC
  • Genre: Game Shows
  • TV rating: TV-14
  • Last updated: February 26, 2022

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