Tic-Tac-Dough (1990)

Tic-Tac-Dough is an American television game show based on the paper-and-pencil game of tic-tac-toe. Contestants answer questions in various categories to put up their respective symbol, X or O, on the board. Three versions were produced: the initial 1956–59 run on NBC, a 1978–86 run initially on CBS and then in syndication, and a syndicated run in 1990. The show was produced by Barry & Enright Productions. Jack Barry, the co-producer, was the original host of the 1950s version, followed by Gene Rayburn and then Bill Wendell, with Jay Jackson and Win Elliot hosting prime time adaptations as well. Wink Martindale hosted the network and syndicated version beginning in 1978, but left the program to host and co-produce Headline Chasers and was replaced by Jim Caldwell who hosted during the 1985–86 season. Patrick Wayne hosted the 1990 version, which will be detailed here.

Why It Didn't Win

 * 1) Terrible hosting from Patrick Wayne, who explained the rules slowly and read the questions deadpan, but would shout "YOU WINNNNN!" with a win and "YOU BLOCK!" with a block.
 * 2) An uncharacteristically kiddie theme by Henry Mancini.
 * 3) A special week in November had divorced couples playing against each other.
 * 4) The pot reset to zero after each tie, with some players winning less than what the previous tie game had gotten up to.
 * 5) The Dragon and Dragonslayer began rapping about six weeks in as part of an attempt to be relevant.
 * 6) Lazily-made and bland-looking set.
 * 7) It was so bad, it essentially killed off Tic-Tac-Dough ' s chance of ever having another revival after this version ended.

Redeeming Qualities

 * 1) The format remained mostly untouched.
 * 2) The Dragon's animation looked awesome.
 * 3) Patrick did improve a little by the show's end.

Trivia

 * This show was the last produced by Dan Enright before his 1992 death.