The game show world lost another legend in what is turning out to be a sad year for the great contributors to the genre. Merv Griffin died at 82 today, leaving behind a legacy of the two most successful syndicated game shows in the history of television. While he was never responsible for creating as many shows as the legendary Mark Goodson, the astounding international success of Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy! has guaranteed we'll be hearing the words "A Merv Griffin Production" for decades to come.

Merv was truly a renaissance man of the television medium, having hosted several game shows as well as starring in his own smash talk show for most of the '60s, '70s, and '80s. An accomplished musician, he created the theme to Wheel and Jeopardy still on the show today, the Jeopardy! theme in particular having established an iconic place in American pop culture.

An accomplished businessman, he built a fortune both on and off television, including hotels, resorts, and even an island in the Bahamas.

While the industry mourns the passing, an interesting (albeit sad) question arises. With "Merv Griffin's Crosswords" set to premiere next month, will the producers continue to honor Griffin by keeping his name in the title? And will Merv's final television creation go on to be as successful as his other shows?

 

posted by Brad @ 12:30 PM   4 comment(s)