12 Days of Watching (2024) #3: Card Sharks Celebrates the Season

This episode was probably taped in July, but the festive decor and even the token Christmas-related question ("We asked 100 department store Santas...") make it feel like the holiday season to me! According to a commenter on this upload, it debuted December 21, 1978 on CBS. It's Card Sharks with Jim Perry!

The quality isn't the best on this GSN reair, and I am sure many will be disappointed that it isn't a sharper image when they see Markie Post is one of the models flipping cards, but I am glad to see this. Perry once again proves why he is one of the best: Silky smooth, able to modulate his voice just right to get the questions across, throwing in commentary every now and then, but always focused on the drama of the game as it unfolds in front of him.

What an enthusiastic contestant they have here in Jorge! Laurie suggested he could get his own show. Card Sharks is a simple game but one with plenty of "play along" appeal, and the formula is in fine form here.

Speaking of commenters, note the person who expresses doubt over the legitimacy of the surveys that form the basis of the questions. Is it possible Card Sharks is a work? Say it ain't so!