I was talking with a younger colleague and he mentioned that he would be interviewing Bob Newhart for a story. Being a fan of all things comical, I started discussing some of Newhart’s better-know routines. My friend, no slouch, showed exemplary knowledge of the legendary comedian’s material -- both old and new. But when I bought up the “Hi Bob” game, he was at a loss. He didn’t have a clue as to what I was talking about.
I’m sure anyone who came of college age in either the 80s or 90s remembers The Bob Newhart Show’s “Hi Bob” game fondly. A homage to the CBS sitcom that ran from 1972 through 78, the object of the game was to take a drink of a predetermined alcoholic beverage anytime someone said “Hi Bob” during the episode. Fans of the show (and/or the game) know this is a lot harder than it sounds. The game was even immortalized in a 1995 Saturday Night Live skit when Newhart hosted. Chris Farley and Chris Elliott followed Bob around the studio and when anyone greeted him, the duo gleefully downed a shot.
This also made me curious as to the current state of television drinking games. Is there anything game-worthy airing today? A quick google search reveals a multitude of sites addressing the subject of television drinking games. But most appear outdated. Some are too forced or convoluted to live up to the pure, simple fun of “Hi Bob.”
The best television drinking game site I found is www.ringthis.com/tvdrink/tv.php. It offers over a hundred contests. But since most are from series and films long gone, I thought it might be time to brainstorm a little and see what’s out there. So in an effort to find a de facto heir to the game that started it all. here are a few ideas:
Everyone takes a drink:
- anytime the word “spotted” is heard on Gossip Girl
- anytime David Letterman says “what?” during his show
- anytime a product placement appears on The Biggest Loser
- anytime Keith Olbermann mentions an employee of Fox News on Countdown
-- when the word “algorithm” is used on Numb3rs
- whenever “the others” are referred to on Lost
- anytime Dr. House pops pills on House (courtesy of ringthis.com -- my favorite from the site)
- anytime something or someone is swabbed on CSI
- anytime Rick Sanchez says the word “Twitter” during his CNN broadcast
How about you out there? Do you like any of the above? Or are you playing a better television drinking game?
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
