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Mark Burnett wants to know why Howie Mandel got an Emmy nom

by Bob Sassone, posted Aug 15th 2008 3:07PM

MandelThe Survivor producer is probably not the only person wondering that, but Burnett is getting a little more specific.

Mandel was nominated for his hosting gig on Deal or No Deal in the "Best Reality Host" category. Now, I'm just as surprised as you are to see that DOND is considered a reality show and not a game show (I think it's the amount of time they focus on the contestants and the family members on stage and the tears and the personal stories that tip some primetime game shows into the reality realm). Burnett doesn't think it's fair that you have someone like Jeff Probst, who hosts an unscripted (?) show like Survivor put up against people who host talent shows and game shows.

The nominees in the category are Mandel, Probst, Ryan Seacrest (American Idol), Heidi Klum (Project Runway), and Tom Bergeron (Dancing with the Stars). I get what Burnett is saying, though I really wonder if it justifies having two different categories, "Best Reality Host" and "Best Game Show Host."

Is Deal Or No Deal a reality show?
Yes9 (2.1%)
No, it's a game show342 (79.2%)
It's both!36 (8.3%)
Doesn't matter, Howie deserves an Emmy anyway!45 (10.4%)

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RobynM

Even if we grant that programmes like Survivor are game shows (which I don't consider a given), DoND isn't in the same category as the other nominees. They have a continuing "cast" of contestants throughout the season, while DoND has a new batch every week, which gives it the format of a more traditional game show. So, while I generally enjoy Howie Mandel's overall body of work and wouldn't object to him getting an award for it, I have to agree with those who believe that he shouldn't have been nominated in this category.

Of course, I could just be bitter because I think Cat Deeley got robbed. ;)

August 17 2008 at 12:12 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Lawrence Phoenix

The 'Reality' of a no-talent asswipe like Howie Mandell appearing on network television at all is pretty amazing in an of itself...

August 16 2008 at 5:10 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Jeff N.

It's a game show. No question about it. I mean if they are going to nominate Howie Mandel you might as well nominate Drew Carey for the Nightime Price is Right.
Hollywood is so crazy!

August 15 2008 at 5:20 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
ORKMommy

Is a game show a reality show OR is a reality show a game show?

I think shows like Survivor, Amazing Race, America Idol, etc are more game show than reality. Shows like Real World, Family Jewels, The Osbornes, etc are more reality because there's no prize and we watch people in real life situations. If you watch Survivor or Big Brother, you'll see the contestants are constantly saying "it's a game!"

Maybe it's the audience that has it wrong...

August 15 2008 at 4:24 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
deebopalula

Howie Mandel winning the newly minted "Best REALITY Host" would be similar to Jethro Tull's 1989 Grammy win for the then new category of "Best Heavy Metal Album".

August 15 2008 at 4:08 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Nathaniel

It is true that Deal is not a reality show. However, Howie is a pretty damn good host. I take it there's no game show host category? If so, then perhaps what they mean with the award is non-scripted (supposedly). Maybe that's what they should have called it.

August 15 2008 at 3:45 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
KamenRiderTakoyaki

Hmm... I prefer DoND to Survivor...

August 15 2008 at 3:41 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Argus

How about "Best program we don't need to hire union writers for."?

August 15 2008 at 3:31 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Joe

I too think Deal or no deal is not a reality show. I see it more as a game show. So game shows for me are a pass.
You see a new person every show unlike reality shows and I can't stand game showns. I would take Survivor, Amazing Race, Big Brother & the Mole any day over a game show. Though I can see why you might have to bring the two together seeing as CBS has the best ones.
Though at the same time its weird when you see Deal or No Deal beat out Survivor. So I lean on Burnett's side on this issue.

August 15 2008 at 3:30 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply

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