(ABC / Greg Gayne)
Network: ABC.
Episodes: 20 (hour).
Seasons: Two.
TV show dates: June 22, 2017 — August 30, 2018.
Series status: Presumed cancelled.
Performers include: Host Tommy Maitland (Mike Meyers); Wilder Zoby and The Gong Show Orchestra; Judges include: Will Arnett, Ken Jeong, Zach Galifianakis, Alison Brie, Andy Samberg, Elizabeth Banks, Joel McHale, Dana Carvey, Will Forte, Jack Black, and Anthony Anderson.
TV show description:
An updated version of the 1970s and ’80s Chuck Barris series, The Gong Show is a wacky amateur talent competition, hosted by “British comedic legend Tommy Maitland” (aka Myers). Performers with unique talents face off in hopes of impressing the panel of three celebrity judges.
Performances of every ilk grace the stage, including contortionists, singers, magicians, dancers, comedians, and painters, as well as those work animals and bugs. When a judge determines an act does not deserve a score, he or she can grab the mallet, strike the gong, and eliminate the contestant, provided fellow judges don’t prevent that from happening.
When an act pleases the judges, they allow the performer(s) to complete it, at which time the judges will award between 0 and 10 points. At the end of each episode, the performer or act receiving the highest score wins The Gong Show trophy and a check for $2,000.17.
ABC says:
With Tommy as our “cheeky monkey” master of ceremonies, he is sure to keep the fun meter up on high as he attempts to unravel any semblance of sanity on stage, and he may also lead the audience into a sing-along to the classic tune “Shaving Cream” at any given moment. And knowing Tommy, each show will include unscheduled surprises along the way, just to keep things even more entertaining – and just plain weird!
Series Finale:
Episode #20
Celebrity judges Rob Riggle, Ed Helms and Regina Hall praise, critique and gong performers. Acts include water-bottle ballet, shadow puppetry, a dancer with four legs and a man who spits and does tricks with ping pong balls.
First aired: August 30, 2018.
What do you think? Do you like The Gong Show TV series? Should it have been cancelled or renewed for a third season?
Finally they canceled this piece of crap! It took them long enough if there wasn’t such badly run; writers and producers stabbing each other in the back for the who is the top of the show. The show would’ve made it. But because there was so much conflict and so much behind the scenes problems the show failed and it failed miserably.
I thought The Gong Show was an excellent show for the colder months. A little bizarre but the zannieness just fit right in. During the holidays you need a little fun on tv. And the boring New Year’s first few months I looked forward to some crazy laughter. I say Keep it going!
Excellent Show. It is a great opportunity for people to show their talent on TV.