The Survivor producer is probably not the only person wondering that, but Burnett is getting a little more specific.Mandel was nominated for his hosting gig on Deal or No Deal in the "Best Reality Host" category. Now, I'm just as surprised as you are to see that DOND is considered a reality show and not a game show (I think it's the amount of time they focus on the contestants and the family members on stage and the tears and the personal stories that tip some primetime game shows into the reality realm). Burnett doesn't think it's fair that you have someone like Jeff Probst, who hosts an unscripted (?) show like Survivor put up against people who host talent shows and game shows.
The nominees in the category are Mandel, Probst, Ryan Seacrest (American Idol), Heidi Klum (Project Runway), and Tom Bergeron (Dancing with the Stars). I get what Burnett is saying, though I really wonder if it justifies having two different categories, "Best Reality Host" and "Best Game Show Host."
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
8-15-2008 @ 3:30PM
Joe said...
I too think Deal or no deal is not a reality show. I see it more as a game show. So game shows for me are a pass.
You see a new person every show unlike reality shows and I can't stand game showns. I would take Survivor, Amazing Race, Big Brother & the Mole any day over a game show. Though I can see why you might have to bring the two together seeing as CBS has the best ones.
Though at the same time its weird when you see Deal or No Deal beat out Survivor. So I lean on Burnett's side on this issue.
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8-15-2008 @ 3:31PM
Argus said...
How about "Best program we don't need to hire union writers for."?
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8-15-2008 @ 3:41PM
Target Lockon Stratos said...
Hmm... I prefer DoND to Survivor...
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8-15-2008 @ 3:45PM
Nathaniel said...
It is true that Deal is not a reality show. However, Howie is a pretty damn good host. I take it there's no game show host category? If so, then perhaps what they mean with the award is non-scripted (supposedly). Maybe that's what they should have called it.
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8-15-2008 @ 4:08PM
deebopalula said...
Howie Mandel winning the newly minted "Best REALITY Host" would be similar to Jethro Tull's 1989 Grammy win for the then new category of "Best Heavy Metal Album".
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8-15-2008 @ 4:24PM
ORKMommy said...
Is a game show a reality show OR is a reality show a game show?
I think shows like Survivor, Amazing Race, America Idol, etc are more game show than reality. Shows like Real World, Family Jewels, The Osbornes, etc are more reality because there's no prize and we watch people in real life situations. If you watch Survivor or Big Brother, you'll see the contestants are constantly saying "it's a game!"
Maybe it's the audience that has it wrong...
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8-15-2008 @ 4:27PM
Elf said...
People, this may come as a shock, but SURVIVOR IS A GAME SHOW! It's a grand-scale competition, but simply put you have a bunch of contestants playing a game for cash and prizes. There is absolutely no difference between hosting Survivor and Deal Or No Deal except that Jeff Probst has to work in deserts and jungles with insects and wild animals, while Howie Mandel works in an air-conditioned studio with over two dozen ridiculously attractive women. If Mandel does not win this Emmy, he should at least get some award for having the best agent in the business.
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8-17-2008 @ 12:12PM
RobynM said...
Even if we grant that programmes like Survivor are game shows (which I don't consider a given), DoND isn't in the same category as the other nominees. They have a continuing "cast" of contestants throughout the season, while DoND has a new batch every week, which gives it the format of a more traditional game show. So, while I generally enjoy Howie Mandel's overall body of work and wouldn't object to him getting an award for it, I have to agree with those who believe that he shouldn't have been nominated in this category.
Of course, I could just be bitter because I think Cat Deeley got robbed. ;)
8-16-2008 @ 2:23AM
Jeff N. said...
It's a game show. No question about it. I mean if they are going to nominate Howie Mandel you might as well nominate Drew Carey for the Nightime Price is Right.
Hollywood is so crazy!
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8-16-2008 @ 5:11AM
Lawrence Phoenix said...
The 'Reality' of a no-talent asswipe like Howie Mandell appearing on network television at all is pretty amazing in an of itself...
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