Watch The Big Time

The Big Time was a television game show that aired on ABC from 1991 to 1993. The show was hosted by actor and comedian Mark Curry, and it was produced by Ron Greenberg Productions. The premise of The Big Time was relatively simple. Each episode featured four contestants, who were all aspiring performers (e.g., singers, dancers, comedians, actors). The contestants would compete in a series of challenges designed to test their skills and creativity. The challenges varied from week to week, but they often involved singing, dancing, acting, or some other performance-related activity.

The contestants were judged by a panel of celebrity judges, which included actors, singers, and other industry professionals. The judges would offer feedback and critique the contestants' performances, and they would ultimately decide which contestant would win each challenge.

The winner of each challenge would receive a cash prize and the opportunity to advance to the next round of the competition. The contestants who didn't win would be eliminated from the show.

As the competition progressed, the challenges became progressively more difficult. In the later rounds of the show, the contestants would have to perform in front of a live audience, and they would face tougher competition from the remaining contestants.

Throughout the show, there was a lot of emphasis on the personal stories of the contestants. Many of them were struggling to make it in the entertainment industry, and they saw The Big Time as an opportunity to showcase their talent and get discovered. The show often featured interviews with the contestants, where they would talk about their backgrounds, their dreams, and their struggles.

The Big Time was unique in that it gave aspiring performers the opportunity to compete on a national stage. Prior to The Big Time, there were few shows where unknown performers could showcase their talents in front of a national audience. The show helped launch the careers of several performers, including comedian Tom Rhodes and singer Shanice Wilson.

Despite its innovative format, The Big Time struggled to find an audience. The show never achieved high ratings, and it was canceled after just two seasons. There were several factors that contributed to the show's demise. One was the competition - at the time, there were several other popular game shows on the air, such as Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune. Another factor was the format of the show - some viewers found the challenges and the judging to be arbitrary and confusing.

Despite its short run, The Big Time remains a cult classic among fans of game shows and reality television. It paved the way for other shows that focus on undiscovered talent, such as American Idol and The Voice. And it gave a platform to performers who might not have otherwise had the chance to showcase their talents on national television.

Overall, The Big Time was an innovative and entertaining show that offered a unique opportunity to aspiring performers. It was a groundbreaking concept that helped pave the way for future reality television shows, and it remains a cult classic among fans of the genre.