History of Let's Make a Deal in Timeline
Let's Make a Deal is a television game show that originated in the United States in 1963. Created and produced by Stefan Hatos and Monty Hall, the show has been adapted and produced in numerous countries worldwide. Monty Hall famously hosted the show for almost 30 years.
December 30, 1963: Let's Make a Deal First Aired on NBC
On December 30, 1963, Let's Make a Deal first aired on NBC as part of its daytime schedule.
1963: Carol Merrill as Prize Model
In 1963, Carol Merrill served as the prize model on the original Let's Make a Deal series.
1963: Let's Make a Deal Originates
In 1963, Let's Make a Deal, a television game show created and produced by Stefan Hatos and Monty Hall, originated in the United States. Monty Hall also served as the host of the show.
1963: Monty Hall Involved in the Original Episode
In 1963, Monty Hall was involved in the original episode of Let's Make a Deal. His family has been involved in all versions of the show in one form or another since.
1963: Original Theme Music Composition
In 1963, Sheldon Allman composed the theme music for the 1963–77 versions of Let's Make a Deal.
1963: Throwback Thursday Flashback
The November 17, 2023 Throwback Thursday primetime episode included clips from the 1963 version of Let's Make a Deal.
1964: Jay Stewart Replaced Wendell Niles
In 1964, Jay Stewart replaced Wendell Niles as the announcer for Let's Make a Deal. Stewart remained until 1977.
1964: Home Version Release
In 1964, Milton Bradley released a home version of Let's Make a Deal, featuring gameplay somewhat different from the television show.
December 30, 1968: Show Moved to ABC
On December 30, 1968, after 1,257 episodes on NBC Daytime and 16 episodes on NBC Primetime, Let's Make a Deal moved to ABC.
1968: Network Switch
In 1968, Let's Make a Deal switched networks from NBC to ABC, leading to the show being recorded at ABC Television Center in Los Angeles.
August 30, 1971: First Syndicated Edition Premiered
On August 30, 1971, the first syndicated edition of Let's Make a Deal premiered, distributed by ABC Films.
1971: Dennis James Substituted as Host
In 1971, Dennis James substituted for Monty Hall as host due to Hall's illness.
1974: Show's Popularity and Impact
By 1974, Let's Make a Deal became the highest-rated syndicated primetime program and damaged NBC's daytime ratings when Hall moved the show to ABC.
1974: Updated Home Version Release
In 1974, Ideal Toys released an updated version of the Let's Make a Deal game featuring Hall on the box cover, which was also given to all traders on the syndicated version in the 1974–75 season.
1975: Introduction of the "Super Deal"
During the 1975–76 syndicated season, winners of the Big Deal were offered a chance to win the "Super Deal" where they could risk their Big Deal winnings on a shot at adding a $20,000 cash prize.
July 9, 1976: Show Remained on ABC Until This Date
Let's Make a Deal remained on ABC until July 9, 1976.
1976: Daytime Series Cancellation and Production Cease
In 1976, ABC cancelled the daytime series of Let's Make a Deal, which resulted in the production of the syndicated series ceasing at ABC Television Center as well.
1976: Super Deal Discontinuation
In 1976, the Super Deal was discontinued when Let's Make a Deal permanently moved to Las Vegas for its final season.
1976: Original Daytime Series Ended
In 1976, the original daytime series of Let's Make a Deal, which Monty Hall hosted, ended.
1977: Carol Merrill's Tenure Ends
In 1977, Carol Merrill's tenure as the prize model on the original Let's Make a Deal series ended after 14 seasons.
1977: Jay Stewart Leaves the Show
In 1977, Jay Stewart left Let's Make a Deal at the end of the syndicated series.
1977: Syndicated Series Ended
In 1977, the first syndicated edition of Let's Make a Deal ended its run. It was distributed by Worldvision Enterprises after ABC Films.
1980: Chuck Chandler Announced Canadian Series
In 1980, Chuck Chandler was the announcer for the Canadian-produced syndicated series of Let's Make a Deal.
1980: Maggie Brown and Julie Hall as Models
In 1980, Maggie Brown and Julie Hall were the models on the Let's Make a Deal series.
1980: Monty Hall Hosted the Syndicated Productions
In 1980, Monty Hall hosted the syndicated productions of Let's Make a Deal.
1980: Theme Music Update
In 1980, Stan Worth composed an updated version of the original Let's Make a Deal theme, incorporating a disco sound.
1980: Canadian-Based Revival Launched
In 1980, a revival of Let's Make a Deal based in Canada was launched and aired in syndication on American and Canadian stations for one season.
1980: Canadian Series Taping
In 1980, the Canadian series of Let's Make a Deal was taped at Panorama Film Studios in West Vancouver, British Columbia.
August 1981: Catalena Productions Forced into Bankruptcy
In August 1981, Catalena Productions, the producer of the Canadian revival, was forced into bankruptcy by an unpaid Monty Hall.
1984: Brian Cummings as Announcer/Assistant
In 1984, Brian Cummings was the announcer/assistant for the first season of The All-New Let's Make a Deal.
1984: Karen LaPierre and Melanie Vincz as Models
In 1984, Karen LaPierre and Melanie Vincz were the models on the Let's Make a Deal series.
1984: Monty Hall Hosted the Syndicated Productions
In 1984, Monty Hall hosted the syndicated productions of Let's Make a Deal.
1984: New Theme Music by Score Productions
In 1984, Score Productions provided a brand new theme for Let's Make a Deal.
1984: The All-New Let's Make a Deal Returns
In the fall of 1984, the series returned for a third run in syndication as The All-New Let's Make a Deal.
1985: Geoff Edwards Hosted a Week of Episodes
In 1985, Geoff Edwards hosted a week of episodes of Let's Make a Deal while Monty Hall recovered from laryngitis.
1986: Monty Hall's Tenure as Host Ended
In 1986, Monty Hall's tenure as the host of nearly every episode of Let's Make a Deal ended. He hosted since 1963.
1986: The All-New Let's Make a Deal Ends
In 1986, The All-New Let's Make a Deal ended after two seasons. It was distributed by Telepictures.
October 1990: Hall Returns as Guest Host
In October 1990, Monty Hall returned to Let's Make a Deal as "guest host" after Bob Hilton was fired due to low ratings.
1990: Dean Miuccio Announced NBC Revival Series
In 1990, Dean Miuccio was the announcer for the NBC revival series of Let's Make a Deal.
1990: Models on 1990 Series
In 1990, Georgia Satelle and identical twins Elaine and Diane Klimaszewski, later known as the Klimaszewski Twins, were the models on the Let's Make a Deal series.
1990: NBC Revives Let's Make a Deal with Bob Hilton
In 1990, NBC revived Let's Make a Deal with Bob Hilton as host. This was the first version not produced or hosted by Monty Hall. Hall eventually returned as guest host after Hilton's dismissal in October 1990.
January 1991: NBC Series Canceled
In January 1991, the NBC series of Let's Make a Deal was canceled. Monty Hall remained as host until the series was canceled.
1991: Monty Hall Interview
In 1991, Monty Hall discussed with John Tierney of The New York Times how he could influence trades on Let's Make a Deal by offering advantageous trades or manipulating traders psychologically.
1993: CBS Daytime Game Show Changes
In 1993, CBS Daytime game shows existed as a morning block. Eastern time zone affiliates preferred the early slot to pair the two CBS daytime game shows together.
1996: Big Deal Broadcast on Fox
In 1996, a partial remake of Let's Make a Deal called Big Deal, hosted by Mark DeCarlo, was broadcast on Fox.
1998: Talks for a Revival Hosted by Gordon Elliot
In 1998, Buena Vista Television was in talks with Stone-Stanley to create a revival hosted by Gordon Elliott, but it was never picked up.
1998: Electronic Tabletop Version Release
In 1998, Tiger Electronics released an electronic tabletop version of Let's Make a Deal.
1999: Talks Continue for Revival Hosted by Gordon Elliot
In 1999, Buena Vista Television continued talks with Stone-Stanley to create a revival hosted by Gordon Elliott, but it was never picked up.
1999: Video Slot Machine Game
In 1999, Shuffle Master teamed up with Bally's to create a video slot machine game based on Let's Make a Deal, featuring the voice and likeness of Monty Hall.
1999: Website Licensing
In 1999, the website BuyBidWin.com licensed the rights to Let's Make a Deal, launching a website featuring Monty Hall.
2001: TV Guide Ranking
In 2001, Let's Make a Deal was ranked No. 18 on TV Guide's list of "The 50 Greatest Game Shows of All Time".
2003: Big Deal Door Opening Procedure
Before 2003, a non-Big Deal door was opened first. Starting in 2009, procedure is generally followed.
2003: Hall Makes Cameo Appearance
In 2003, Monty Hall made a cameo appearance in one episode of the Let's Make a Deal series hosted by Billy Bush.
2003: Vance DeGeneres as Announcer
In 2003, Vance DeGeneres was the announcer for the Let's Make a Deal edition.
2003: Primetime Edition Launched and Canceled
In 2003, a primetime edition of Let's Make a Deal was launched with Billy Bush as host but was canceled after only three episodes due to poor ratings.
2003: Production Returns to Burbank
In 2003, the revival of Let's Make a Deal returned production to Burbank.
2003: Trader Selection Process Change
Up to 2003, two traders were chosen to participate in the big deal. Starting in 2009 only one has been chosen.
2004: New Video Slot Game
In 2004, IGT (International Gaming Technology) created a new video slot game based on Let's Make a Deal, still featuring Monty Hall.
2004: Beta Game Release
In 2004, the now defunct website GameShow24.com planned to release a beta game based on Let's Make a Deal.
2006: GSN Ranking
In 2006, GSN aired a series of specials counting down its own list of the "50 Greatest Game Shows of All Time", on which Let's Make a Deal was No. 7.
2006: Show Used as Part of Gameshow Marathon
In 2006, Let's Make a Deal was one of the shows used as part of the summer series Gameshow Marathon on CBS, hosted by Ricki Lake.
2006: Interactive DVD Version Release
In the late summer of 2006, Imagination Games released an interactive DVD version of Let's Make a Deal, featuring classic clips from the Monty Hall years.
2008: The Price is Right switched to High Definition
In 2008, The Price Is Right had made the switch to high definition.
September 2009: Current Version Debuted
The current version of Let's Make a Deal debuted in September 2009.
October 5, 2009: Let's Make a Deal Revival on CBS
On October 5, 2009, the current edition of Let's Make a Deal premiered on CBS, replacing the soap opera Guiding Light. Wayne Brady became the host, with Jonathan Mangum as the announcer/assistant.
2009: Big Deal Door Opening Procedure
Before 2003, a non-Big Deal door was opened first. Starting in 2009, procedure is generally followed.
2009: Hall Served as Consultant
From 2009, Monty Hall served as a consultant on the current version of Let's Make a Deal until his death.
2009: New Theme Music for Revival
In 2009, Brian Teed composed a new theme for the Let's Make a Deal revival.
2009: Jonathan Mangum Becomes Announcer
In 2009, Jonathan Mangum became the announcer for the current CBS version of Let's Make a Deal.
2009: Trader Selection Process Change
Up to 2003, two traders were chosen to participate in the big deal. Starting in 2009 only one has been chosen.
2009: Alison Fiori as Show's Original Model
When the current version of Let's Make a Deal debuted in 2009 at Las Vegas, Alison Fiori was the show's original model.
September 17, 2010: Final Episode of As the World Turns Aired
On September 17, 2010, the final episode of As the World Turns, which ended a fifty-four-year run, aired.
October 1, 2010: Double Episodes Aired
On October 1, 2010, Let's Make a Deal and The Price Is Right aired two episodes a day on an alternating week to fill a gap between the final episode of As the World Turns and the debut of The Talk.
2010: Hall Appears on Brady Version
In 2010, Monty Hall appeared on the current Wayne Brady version of Let's Make a Deal, making a one-week appearance.
2010: Updated Box Game Release
In 2010, Pressman Toy Corporation released an updated version of the Let's Make a Deal box game, with gameplay more similar to the 1974 version, featuring Brady on the box cover.
2010: Tiffany Coyne Joins as Model
In 2010, Tiffany Coyne joined Let's Make a Deal as a model.
2010: Return to Los Angeles
In 2010, the current edition of Let's Make a Deal returned for good to Los Angeles, first at Sunset Bronson Studios.
2010: Throwback Thursday Flashback
The November 17, 2023 Throwback Thursday primetime episode included clips from the 2010 version of Let's Make a Deal.
2011: Cat Gray Joins as Musician
In 2011, Cat Gray joined Let's Make a Deal as a musician.
2011: In-Studio Musical Accompaniment
Since 2011, Cat Gray has provided in-studio musical accompaniment for Let's Make a Deal as a keyboardist.
2012: Super Deal Revival
From 2012 to 2016, the Super Deal was offered as a limited event on the Brady version of Let's Make a Deal, featuring a top cash prize of $50,000.
2012: Facebook Game Release
In 2012, RealNetwork's GameHouse released a Facebook game based on the Wayne Brady version of Let's Make a Deal.
2012: Viewer-Submitted Zonk Ideas
Starting in the 2012–13 season, CBS invited viewers to provide zonk ideas to producers for Let's Make a Deal, awarding $2,500 to the most creative idea.
2013: Video Slot Machine Game
In 2013, Aristocrat Technology created an all-new video slot machine game based on the Wayne Brady version of Let's Make a Deal.
2013: Hall and Merrill Appear on Brady Version
In 2013, both Monty Hall and Carol Merrill appeared on the current Wayne Brady version of Let's Make a Deal, each making one-week appearances.
2013: Throwback Thursday Flashback
The November 17, 2023 Throwback Thursday primetime episode included clips from the 2013 version of Let's Make a Deal.
June 2014: Production Switched to High Definition
In June 2014, Let's Make a Deal began being produced in high definition, starting with the 2014–15 season.
September 22, 2014: First HD Episode Aired
On September 22, 2014, the first high-definition episode of Let's Make a Deal aired. It was the last remaining CBS program to make the switch to HD by air date.
2014: Daytime Creative Arts Emmy Award
In 2014, Let's Make a Deal won a Daytime Creative Arts Emmy Award for Outstanding Original Song for "30,000 Reasons to Love Me", composed by Cat Gray and sung by Wayne Brady.
2015: "Mega-Deal" Introduction
During the first week of the 2015–16 and 2016-17 seasons on the Brady version of Let's Make a Deal, any trader who won a Big Deal had a chance to win the day's "Mega-Deal."
2015: Studio change to Raleigh Studios
In 2015, Let's Make a Deal moved from Sunset Bronson Studios to Raleigh Studios in Los Angeles.
May 9, 2016: Mash-Up Week Designation
On May 9, 2016, the week was designated as Mash-Up Week, during which Let's Make a Deal and The Price Is Right each featured a game from the other's lineup.
2016: "Mega-Deal" Introduction
During the first week of the 2015–16 and 2016-17 seasons on the Brady version of Let's Make a Deal, any trader who won a Big Deal had a chance to win the day's "Mega-Deal."
2016: Super Deal Revival
From 2012 to 2016, the Super Deal was offered as a limited event on the Brady version of Let's Make a Deal, featuring a top cash prize of $50,000.
2017: Move to Saticoy Studios
In 2017, Let's Make a Deal taped at Saticoy Studios in Van Nuys.
2017: Hall Appears in Publicity Shots
In 2017, Monty Hall appeared in CBS publicity shots with Wayne Brady as part of a CBS Daytime publicity photo.
2018: Episodes Hall Worked On Continued to Air
In 2018, episodes of Let's Make a Deal which Monty Hall worked on continued to air because of taping days. Hall's death resulted in a later-season episode to be repurposed and aired earlier as a memorial episode.
2019: "Trip-Tastic" Game Introduction
During the first week of the 2019–20 season on the Brady version of Let's Make a Deal, the "Trip-Tastic" game was played, where traders could win cash prizes or three trips.
2020: Let's Make a Deal Primetime on CBS Announced
In 2020, Let's Make a Deal Primetime on CBS was announced, with the first episode airing on October 27.
2020: Hybrid Filming Begins Due to COVID-19
In 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Let's Make a Deal began filming with a hybrid audience of in-studio members and virtual traders, nicknamed "At-Homies". Season 12 was delayed as a result.
August 2021: Marcus/Glass Productions Acquires Hatos-Hall Assets
In August 2021, Marcus/Glass Productions, a joint venture of Marcus Entertainment and Nancy Glass, acquired Hatos-Hall assets. Sharon Hall was named as the consultant.
2021: Home Traders Play Quickie Deals
During Season 13 in 2021, traders at home played the Quickie Deals round the same way as the in-studio traders due to format modifications during the COVID pandemic.
2021: Sharon Hall Named Consultant
Following the 2021 Marcus/Glass acquisition of Hatos-Hall, television executive Sharon Hall, Monty's daughter, was named consultant for Let's Make a Deal.
2021: Additional Primetime Episodes
In 2021, three more primetime episodes of Let's Make a Deal aired during the 2021–22 season.
January 2022: CAN'T STOP Media Takes Over International Distribution
As of January 2022, CAN'T STOP media has been responsible for the international distribution of the Let's Make a Deal format.
September 19, 2022: Fabulous Car Week Theme
During the week of September 19, 2022, Let's Make a Deal designated episodes as Fabulous Car Week, where one Trading game was played for a premium luxury car.
2022: Taping at Quixote Studios
During the 2022–23 season, Let's Make a Deal taped at Quixote Studios in Sylmar.
2022: Hybrid Filming Continues
Hybrid filming with in-studio audience members and "At-Homies" continued into Season 14 (2022-23) of Let's Make a Deal. COVID-19 protocols remained in effect.
2022: Season 14 Broadcasts Moved
In 2022, concerns over labor disputes led to the four Season 14 Let's Make a Deal broadcasts being moved to the 2023-24 season.
January 30, 2023: Fabulous Car Week Theme
During the week of January 30, 2023, Let's Make a Deal designated episodes as Fabulous Car Week, where one Trading game was played for a premium luxury car.
July 2023: Primetime Episodes Announced as Replacement Programming
In July 2023, due to the Writers Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA labor disputes, Let's Make a Deal primetime episodes were announced as replacement programming.
September 25, 2023: Season 15 Premiere
On September 25, 2023, the 15th season of the current version of Let's Make a Deal premiered.
November 17, 2023: Primetime Episode Themes
On November 17, 2023, a primetime episode of Let's Make a Deal (Season 14) featured all three themes, plus two alliterative themes Taco Tuesday and Throwback Thursday.
2023: Show to be taped at Haven Studios
Beginning in its 2023–24 season, Let's Make a Deal will be taping at Haven Studios in Atwater Village.
2023: Coyne Surpasses Merrill as Longest Serving Hostess
In 2023, Tiffany Coyne surpassed Carol Merrill as the longest-serving hostess in Let's Make a Deal franchise history.
February 2024: Super Bowl and Valentine's Day Themed Episodes Aired
In February 2024, Let's Make a Deal aired a Super Bowl LVIII themed episode on February 7 and a Valentine's Day themed episode on February 14.
February 2024: Primetime Episodes Aired
In February 2024, five primetime episodes of Let's Make a Deal were broadcast, airing between seasons of Survivor.
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