What's My Line?

Definition

What's My Line? is a classic television game show that premiered in 1950, featuring a panel of celebrities who try to guess the occupation of a mystery guest through a series of yes-or-no questions. The show is significant in the context of early TV genres, as it combined elements of quiz shows and panel games, contributing to the evolution of interactive entertainment formats on television. The blend of humor and mystery, along with audience participation, made it a key example of the genre's emergence during television's formative years.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. What's My Line? was created by producer Goodson-Todman and was one of the first shows to establish a format that included a celebrity panel guessing the identity of a guest.
2. The show aired on CBS and had a long run, becoming a staple of American television during the 1950s and 1960s.
3. One unique feature of What's My Line? was its use of blindfolds for the celebrity panel when questioning the mystery guest, adding an element of suspense.
4. The format inspired many other game shows that followed, influencing how audiences interacted with television programming.
5. The show's popularity also led to international adaptations, demonstrating its influence on television beyond American borders.

Review Questions

• How did What's My Line? exemplify the characteristics of early television genres?
  • What's My Line? exemplified early television genres by blending elements of game shows and panel discussions, which appealed to audiences through interactive entertainment. The format encouraged viewer engagement as they tried to guess along with the celebrity panel. By incorporating humor and mystery into its gameplay, the show represented a shift in how television could create participatory experiences for its viewers, laying groundwork for future programming.
• In what ways did What's My Line? influence later game shows and interactive formats on television?
  • What's My Line? influenced later game shows by introducing interactive elements that encouraged audience participation and engagement. Its unique format set a precedent for other quiz-based shows by combining celebrity appeal with guessing games. This paved the way for similar formats where viewers could engage with content actively, leading to the development of interactive television experiences that became increasingly popular in subsequent decades.
• Evaluate the cultural impact of What's My Line? on American society during its broadcast years and how it reflected societal norms at the time.
  • What's My Line? had a significant cultural impact on American society during its broadcast years by not only entertaining viewers but also reflecting societal norms and values. The show's emphasis on occupations highlighted the diversity of career paths available post-World War II while promoting the ideal of upward mobility. Additionally, it showcased celebrities in a more relatable light, connecting them with everyday viewers. This blend of entertainment and social commentary demonstrated how early television could shape public perceptions and foster community among diverse audiences.

Related terms

Game Show: A television program where contestants participate in various games or challenges, often involving trivia or skill-based tasks, to win prizes.

Panel Show: A type of game show featuring a panel of celebrities or experts who discuss and answer questions related to various topics or guess the identities of guests.

Interactive Television: Television programming that encourages viewer participation, often allowing audiences to influence outcomes or engage with content in real time.