Whether it was Heather Locklear rowing a kayak in a swimming pool or Tom Selleck stripping down to a Speedo to sit in a dunk tank, there was something for almost everyone to gawk at. Even at the time, hearing Howard Cosell announce a game of celebrity Simon Says with all the fervor of an Ali prizefight was something to behold.īefitting 1970s-era ABC, which was known as the home of “jiggle television,” most events required the competitors - some of the biggest stars on television at the time who actually represented the networks they were on, hence the name - to be in bathing suits. (Episodes turn up occasionally on ESPN Classics.)įrom a historical perspective, watching Billy Crystal race past David Letterman on an obstacle course is mind-boggling. The original version, which started in 1976 and ran twice a year from 1977 to 1984, was a sweeps-month sensation and a treasure trove of nostalgic awesomeness. Unlike the network’s next revival, “Battle of the Network Stars” (9 p.m. With this week’s judging panel scheduled to comprise Fred Armisen, Elizabeth Banks and Will Forte, there’s at least a hint of star power on there. Thursdays) debuted last week with its new host, “British comedic legend Tommy Maitland” - aka Mike Myers and 10 pounds of makeup. Wednesday), with this week’s “celebrity” panel consisting of Wanya Morris, Cheryl Burke, Rachel Dratch and Natasha Leggero.Īnd the revival of “The Gong Show” (10 p.m.

Hosted by Michael Strahan, this week’s games have Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers taking on Fox Sports’ Erin Andrews and actor Robbie Amell challenging his wife, “Designated Survivor’s” Italia Ricci.Īnthony Anderson is once again hosting “To Tell the Truth” (10 p.m. The other, though, stretches the term “celebrity” past its breaking point by pitting Harvey’s wife, two sons and two sons-in-law against his mother-in-law and his four daughters. One of this week’s episodes features the families of former NBA All-Stars Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Ralph Sampson. It’s summer, and once again ABC is partying like it’s 1979.įor the third straight year, Steve Harvey is hosting back-to-back episodes of “Celebrity Family Feud” (8 p.m. DAVID TENNANT and OLIVIA COLMAN star in 'Broadchurch.'

Battle of the network stars “dunk tank”