Same Show, Different Host: "Chain Reaction" with Geoff Edwards

[4PMGame]

I remember this show was on CBN back in the early 80's.

[uofmrules1]

They fucked up on bone. They might have got it it if they didn't take so long.

[tpir1972]

Bill was subbing for Allen Ludden who had a stroke at the timre right?

[AdamNedeff]

@tpir1972 No, Allen was having stomach cancer surgery. The stroke was what sidelined him permanently a few months later.

[maclovindotca]

I am sure Geoff Edwards never thought he would become a permanent host of a Canadian version of this almost a decade later that would: have lower prizes, no celebrities, a crappier set, and get paid the same dollar wage as he did in 1980, but in Canadian dollars.

[bluebear1985]

@maclovindotca I may have some info as to why that set was crappy. Recently, I came across a clip only about a minute long, which seemed to be the French-Canadian version of this show. Even though Quebec likes their game shows, their sets are slightly a bit lower budget wise. You would see what I meant if you saw an episode of their version of "Pyramid" they currently have.

[maclovindotca]

@bluebear1985 I am Canadian and grew up watching the new chain reaction and Jackpot with Geoff Edwards. Until youtube I had no idea Geoff did these same shows in the US 10 and 15 years ago respectively.

My point is the irony in his career.

[bluebear1985]

@maclovindotca In the 70s he also hosted two shows simultaneously. From 1974-1975, he was hosting the original "Jackpot!" in New York, while also hosting "Treasure Hunt" in Hollywood.

[gshowguy]

@maclovindotca The same time he did both "Chain Reaction" and "Jackpot!", he also did "The Big Spin" for the CA state lottery.

[tyrese3745]

Geoff didn't have to sit down on the chair. It was only for Bill Cullen.

[Tubewings]

Richard kinda jumped the gun there when he came out.

[devares2006]

I never knew Chain Reaction straddles. I thought the show was self contained.

[AdamNedeff]

It straddled often, but it's clear on a lot of episodes that they're gunning for self-contained. It seemed that they were aiming for two complete games and two bonus rounds for each show.

[devares2006]

Ok. Sort of like the $10/20,000 Pyramid.

[secondchance1977]

Hm. I was always looking for an episode of a Geoff Edwards episode. He seems to do well! Thanks for posting!

[gshowguy]

I have to say, Geoff did a great job subbing for Bill... he should've done the 2006 revival instead of Dylan Lane.

At least he took over for Blake Emmons on the 1986-91 version, and he was much better than Blake, IMO.

[joebradio]

Geoff looks kinda awkward sitting behind that podium (and he had trouble with the chair in the open). I guess they left it in place because Cullen was coming back and any good game show geek knows that Cullen had to sit for most of his shows because of his polio

[ben1245689]

wasn't geoff at this time hosting play the percentages

[AdamNedeff]

Yes.

[devares2006]

Actually he was, but since PTP was syndicated, he could guest host Chain Reaction, being it a network game show.

[nflfan85]

This was one of my favorite game shows growing up.