Regular readers of this blog may remember that Fremantle Media is planning an updated TV version of the Match Game, the minor-celebrity-driven 1970s game show. Friend of MaxFun Mr. Jimmy Pardo has been hosting an amazing live version of the program at the UCB Theater here in Los Angeles, and fans of that show signed a petition en masse to have Jimmy considered to be host of the new TV show.
Well, there’s good news and there’s bad news.
The bad news is: Jimmy didn’t get the job.
Normally, I’d say this is because all television people are idiots. Jimmy is second only to David Letterman as a host in my book. He’s fantastically funny, quick, gracious and generous to his guests. Watching him perform is the most fun I’ve ever had. It’s a travesty that he’s not on TV these days, and the Match Game is the perfect venue for his talent.
That said, there is good news.
Andy Daly got the job.
Andy Daly is a past TSOYA guest, not to mention star of our version of George Saunders’ “Ask the Optimist,” and might be my pick for funniest person in the world. I mean that entirely sincerely. He’s so funny it hurts my toes. I’ve never seen him host anything, but I bet he’s amazing at it.
Both Jimmy and Andy had classy things to say about it over on AST:
Hey everyone,
Since the petition was started here on AST, I feel I should let you guys know what has happened. I am sad to report that I did not get the job.
Obviously, I am very disappointed but ASTers can rejoice in knowing that the producers picked a great talent in one Mr. Andy Daly.
Andy is a great friend and will do a super job.
I don’t have to tell anyone on this board how funny Andy is and I’m sure the show is going to be a great success.
JIMMY
Thanks for the kind words you guys, and especially Jimmy.
As a friend of Jimmy’s and a HUGE fan of his and an eager signer of the petition, this is a weird moment.
Like anyone who’s seen Match Game Live, I always alternate between cackling at Jimmy’s jokes and staring slack-jawed and dumbfouded by the supernatural quickness of his mind. I don’t expect to do this as well as he does. I just hope to do the show justice in my own way.
That’s all I’ll say for now, except that JP is four and half feet of pure class!
I’m still processing this, but here’s the part of the take-home I’ve figured out so far:
* America deserves Andy Daly.
* America also deserves Jimmy Pardo.
We’re 50% there, television industry. Let’s make this happen.