NBC's Deal or No Deal? Whatever the Answer, This Show is Just Great Television!

Once a week the nation's loyal TV viewers tune in to their local NBC affiliate for an hour of sheer entertainment, watching anxiously to see if another average citizen can strike it rich. In an era of reality TV and crime show dramas, the TV game show genre is apparently still alive and kicking. Perhaps the best this segment of the television industry has to offer is the extremely popular hour long game show Deal or No Deal? Hosted by long time stand up comedian/actor Howie Mandel, flanked by a bevy of beautiful models, Deal or No Deal? offers something for everyone.

From the moment the show opens, the audience is drawn in by Mandel's easy style and humorous banter. Unlike so many of the other game show hosts, Mandel is a likeable every day guy sans the slick hair piece and the robotic smile sported by many of the hosts we tend to see. Mandel's likeability quotient is soon matched by a contestant whose wild enthusiasm and often colorful personality is an equally integral part of the show's success. The rapport established between these two creates much of the substance upon which viewers feast.

But let's not forget those 26 models. We are treated to a stunning display of eye candy in matching above the knee dresses, marching in unison down a flight of steps, each pausing in perfect time while holding the infamous brief cases that hold the dollar amounts played for. What would American TV programming be without a few beautiful models, each with a smile as big and bright as a neon sign reading "I'm beautiful but accessible!" In defense of these gorgeous women, they have managed to play an important part of the show, as each one takes a turn to either answer a contestant's prayer with what is in her case, or offers a sympathetic murmur when the contents of the case dash a contestant's hopes. These ladies even shed an occasional tear when moved by the plight of a contestant.

Let's Meet Our Lucky Contestant!

We've long since shed the notion that game show contestants are plucked randomly from a studio audience, picked to play just out of pure luck and happenstance. Today's savvy viewers know that game show contestants audition for the shows much like any actor or actress does to land a role. What makes a good contestant? Again we look to the likeability factor. We want to see this person succeed! We care enough about this person to hold our collective breath as each case is opened, each dollar amount revealed, and each play of the game bringing that person closer to untold riches. Our hearts break if the contestant's game doesn't go well and we jump up and cheer when a great deal is made and money is won. The executives choosing the contestants are to be commended - they consistently offer us regular Joe's, moms and dads, husbands and wives, friends and family members, any of whom could be someone we know. The contestants, dressed in bright colored clothing which immediately sets them apart from the shadowy audience and stark colors of the set, are well suited representatives for everyone sitting at home who wants to be on that stage.

It's Time to Play Deal or No Deal?

So what is the premise of the game itself? It hardly seems to matter in light of the elements the producers have put together for their global audience. There is some shred of an actual game complete with real strategy, and of course mostly just plenty of plain old good luck. The idea is to choose one of the 26 cases at the outset, hoping that the chosen case contains the largest amount possible of one million dollars. The rest of the game is a process of elimination in the hopes of discovering the top dollar amount in the contestant's case. With each group of cases chosen, the contestant is offered the chance to trade the option of going forward to another round for a guaranteed sum of cash. With each cash amount offered, the contestant must answer the burning question. Does the contestant take the guaranteed cash offer which represents "The Deal?" Or does he/she continue playing in hopes of securing the highest possible amount, and yelling out "No Deal!" to signify a choice.

Whether a player walks away with a million dollars, or breaks down at some point in the game and accepts the guaranteed cash deal or ends up with nothing, "Deal or No Deal?" is a show packed with heart stopping entertainment from start to finish. Like any good form of entertainment, the audience is offered the chance to experience an array of emotions, take in beautiful scenery, enjoy the thrill of sheer excitement, and a establish a feeling of fellowship both with the audience and with the men and woman playing this game. Deal or No Deal? I'll take it either way!

Deal or No Deal? Airs Monday's on NBC, and nightly on many CNBC affiliates. Check your local listing for specific times.