Guide Note

Comedy Central is bringing back The Gong Show which will premiere July 17, 2008. The host of the revived series will be Dave Attell.

Fast Facts

1. Past Network: NBC
2. New Network: Comedy Central
3. First aired: July 17, 2008
4. Host: Dave Attell
5. Original Hosts: Chuck Barris, Gary Owens

The Gong Show first aired June 14, 1976. During the very first season Gary Owens was the host. Later Chuck Barris became host and is most known for this role. The series ran from 1976 until 1989. Some of the more regular guests on the show include: The Unknown Comic, The Worm, Scarlett and Rhett and Gene Gene the Dancing Machine. There were also a few acts that became successful talent after appearing on the show. Of theses people, Andrea McArdle and Cheryl Lynn were two of the success stories.

The series itself is a game show where talent competes for cash prizes. If an act is really bad, judges will strike the gong. The object of the contest is to not get the gong and get the highest score. In the point of view of some, The Gong Show can be considered as one the worst shows ever but on the other hand it can be considered the modern basis for today's reality television. Many present reality shows are similar in nature such as American Idol and America's Got Talent.

1. Born: January 18, 1965
2. Birthplace: Queens, New York
3. Occupation: comedian
4. Hosted: Insomniac with Dave Attell
5. Graduated from New York University
6. Height: 5 foot 9 inches