The Name's the Same

The Name's the Same: Summary

Airs Next:ABC at Wednesday 7:30 PM (30 min.)
Status:Ended
Premiered:December 5, 1951
Last Aired:October 1, 1955
Show Categories:Game Shows

Game show titans Mark Goodson and Bill Todman sought to capitalize on the success of their 'What's My Line?' with another panel show. In this variation, three celebrities attempted to guess the name of contestant who shares a name with a famous person, place or thing. Each celebrity was allotted ten questions.
In the case of 'things', the show often relied on people whose first name began with the letter 'A' --A. Rooster, etc. Occasionally, a contestant would be surprised with a cameo appearance by their more famous counterpart.
Ubiquitous early TV personality Robert Q. Lewis was the host for most of the run. While he kept things moving, he could be quite lecherous, regularly ogling the most attractive female contestants.
Late in the series' run, much tinkering was done: the number of celebrities was increased to four. Plus, Lewis was replaced briefly by Dennis James, Clifton Fadiman, and eventually the comedy team of Bob & Ray. During the Bob and Ray tenure, the show became more of a vehicle for their comedy routines with less emphasis on the game itself. Game show titans Mark Goodson and Bill Todman sought to capitalize on the success of their 'What's My Line?' with another panel show. In this variation, three celebrities attempted to guess the name of contestant who shares a name with a famous person, place or thing. Each celebrity was allotted ten questions.
In the case of 'things', the show often relied on people whose first name...