Syndicated version of Deal or No Deal slimmed down

NBC is creating a syndicated version of Deal or No Deal, but it's going to be a little different than the prime time version of the game show. Howie Mandel will still be the host, but everything else is going to be slimmed down. For instance, the syndicated version will last 30 minutes instead of an hour. And the maximum amount a contestant can win will be $250,000 rather than $1 million. Also? Fewer suitcase models.

The game show is being picked up on at least six NBC-owned affiliates as a companion to a new, Merv Griffin-produced game show called Crosswords. Both are scheduled to begin airing in the fall.