THE $100,000 PYRAMID (2016)-MY REVIEW

     The Pyramid has gone through several incarnations since debuting in 1973.  However, Dick Clark will probably be forever associated with the program as he hosted most of the versions (with varying denominations) from 1973 to 1988.  Clark set a rather laid back tone for the program.  This is evident in how many times the notoriously low-key Dick Cavett appeared as a celebrity guest on the show (quite a few).  The oldest living teenager also was very involved when it came time for the big money round.  He always had a few extra clues for all six categories and gave them quite freely once the 60 seconds were up. 
     The most recent version of the show popped up on GSN in 2012.  Hosted by Mike Richards, who was partly responsible for turning "The Price Is Right" into a god awful mess, this remake could have been great if the producers had picked celebrity guests who had some prior knowledge about ACTUALLY PLAYING THE GAME!  GSN went for ratings over game quality and lost.
    The 2016 edition is vastly better as there very smart celebrity players (Rosie O'Donnell, Mario Cantone, Terry Crews, etc.) and the host (Michael Strahan) happens to be a die-hard Pyramid fan.  Strahan knows the flow of the program very well and doesn't step on anyone's toes.  The rules are basically the same as the classic versions of the 70's and 80's and the show has room to be a little looser on small talk (probably because of limited commercial interruption) whereas the 2012 version felt rushed because of GSN stuffing in 8 minutes of ads.
     I think the 2016 Pyramid is great and would even make a good five day a week alternative to the needlessly vulgar "Family Feud" with Steve Harvey.  I say let the challenge begin!