Play the Game (1946 TV series)

Play the Game was the first game show ever to be broadcast over an American television network.

Play the Game was essentially a televised version of the parlor game charades. It was hosted by Dr. Harvey Zorbaugh, professor of educational sociology at New York University, over the DuMont Television Network from September 24 – December 17, 1946, weekly from 8:00 to 8:30 P.M. Eastern Standard Time. A previous version of the program had been broadcast locally in New York City on WNBT Channel One (the predecessor to WNBC-TV) in 1941. Although broadcast on DuMont, the program was actually produced by ABC in order for that network to develop experienced crews in anticipation of its own entry into television broadcasting; in this sense, it was the first ABC television series. WABC-TV Channel Seven subsequently broadcast later episodes of the program to the New York City market during 1948. Celebrity panelists durng te DuMont Network run included Ireene Wicker, Ray Knight, and Will Mullin. There were also audience participation segments during which viewers were invited to call in their guesses to the charades being presented. The program was also known during its run by the title Let's Play the Game.

Reference

Brooks, Tim and Marsh, Earle, The Complete Directory to Prime Time Network and Cable TV Shows, ISBN 0-345-44442-8