Throwback Thursday: The Weakest Link (2001-2003)

If you watch enough television, you know what to expect when watching a game show.

Between 2001 and 2003, The Weakest Link changed all that. Imported from Britain and hosted by Anne Robinson, the format of the program is as follows: a group of contestants answer a series of random trivia questions. Along the way, they earn money that will eventually become a cash prize. After each round, each contestant is eliminated until one is announced as the winner.

Though it only ran in the States for two years, it was a great two years. From my perspective, there are two reasons why it was successful. The first was adding a Survivor like competition to what we think of the traditional television game show. The other is Anne Robinson. When we think of a game show host, we usually think of a man who is charming and amiable. Robinson, on the other hand, was a woman who was not above cutting down one of the players with a snarky insult.

Do I recommend it? Yes.

P.S. The current reboot with Jane Lynch as host is worth watching.

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