'Wheel of Fortune' and 'Jeopardy' Renewed Through 2016

The syndicated success of game shows Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy rages on with the announcement this week that both series have been renewed through the 2015-2016 television season. The news means that Wheel will last at least through 33 seasons and Jeopardy through its 32nd. What's more, they keep their much beloved hosts as both Pat Sajak and Vanna White have signed on to continue on Wheel while Alex Trebek has also agreed to remain as host, in spite of having suffered a heart attack only months ago.

I am happy for fans of the shows. They are both fairly intelligent gamers with affable hosts. As a member of the TV Generation, though, I must admit that I still have very fond memories for the earlier successful versions of both these programs.

Back in the days of my childhood, Jeopardy was a fond favorite. I rarely missed it and just loved watching Art Fleming hold court over the contestants. The old look and feel that had very little of what is now standard technology remains alive in my heart. Trebek is a good guy, and obviously viewers love him. I agree he is good, but he just pales next to Fleming in my book.

As for Wheel of Fortune, it has changed the most of the two series. I cannot say I liked Chuck Woolery, who hosted the early version from 1975 to 1981, but there was a simplicity to it. The buying rounds were a bit hokey, but still fun to watch in an odd way.

The old days are mostly unknown to today's watchers, but as both game shows progress onward, enjoyed by millions, this viewer is taking a moment to remember the early days, when the wheel wasn't so fancy and the daily doubles less technological.