The Dating Game

by Michael RichComment — Updated August 3, 2023

Buy The Dating Game on DVD

ABC did not save copies of their daytime shows. A few episodes are said to be available but I haven’t been able to find them.


The Dating Game

December 20, 1965 – July 6, 1973
1/2 hour episodes (8 seasons in original run) on ABC
Other versions of the show appeared during the years:
(1973–1974 as The New Dating Game), (1978–1980), (1986–1989) and (1996–1999) on different networks with different production companies
Created and Produced by: Chuck Barris, Chuck Barris Productions

CAST

Jim Lange was the sole host for the entire run of the series (1965-1971)
He also hosted two of the shows re-boots (1973-’74) and (1978-’80)

Below is a list of guest stars that you may recognize:

  • Adam West
  • Kathryn Minner
  • Kathy Garver
  • Sally Field
  • Robert Vaughn
  • John Ritter
  • Tom Selleck
  • Desi Arnaz Jr.
  • Donna Loren
  • Groucho Marx
  • Paul Lynde
  • Richard Dawson
  • Bill Bixby
  • Deep Purple
  • The Standells
  • McLean Stevenson
  • Strawberry Alarm Clock
  • Jackson Bostwick
  • Farrah Fawcett
  • Iron Butterfly
  • Karen and Richard Carpenter
  • David Cassidy
  • Maureen McCormick
  • Brandon Cruz
  • Barry Williams
  • Ron Howard
  • Michael Jackson
  • Vincent Price
  • Dick Clark
  • Arnold Schwarzenegger
  • Suzanne Somers
  • Willie Aames
  • Rip Taylor
  • Famous Amos
  • Tom Netherton
  • Andy Kaufman
  • Jimmie Walker
  • Phil Hartman
  • Pee Wee Herman
  • Bob Saget

THE SCOOP

This was sort of a sixties style boy meets girl but first boy must proof that he is worthy of girl by answering some telling questions. The humor was usually found in the answers that the young bachelors would give. (Don’t feel left out ladies, they would occasionally turn the tables and have one bachelor asking the questions to three bachelorettes). The only questions that weren’t allowed were name, occupation, income or age.

Nothing was supposedly scripted but I’m pretty sure that a least the celebrity guest stars got some warning what the questions might be and even some “helpful” words from the writers. One contestant on the show was a young Tom Selleck but out of two appearances he was never chosen (I bet those bachelorettes were kicking themselves later!)

Once a person was selected by the questioner then they would go out on a date, all expenses paid by the show. Sometimes still photos of “the date” would be shown during a later show. The ending of the show always had the host (Jim Lange) and the and winning contestants blowing a big kiss to the camera.

Video Clip of the Dating Game

Has a very young Michael Jackson as the contestant

1960s tv shows

60s tv game shows - the dating game

the dating game - 1960s television

1960s retro tv

TRIVIA:

Ok I finally get it, sixties “just for fun” television hits 21st century social media.
A version of The Dating Game was launched on Facebook, Twitter and other social networking sites in March 2011. Developer 3G Studios has acquired the rights to the classic 1960s game show. It also owns the online game “Wheel of Fortune”.

the dating game - 1960s game show

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