The Name of the Game
The Name of the Game

The Name of the Game

1971TV ShowEnded4 SeasonsEnglish

The Name of the Game is an American television series starring Tony Franciosa, Gene Barry, and Robert Stack that ran from 1968 to 1971 on NBC, totaling 76 episodes of 90 minutes. It was a pioneering wheel series, setting the stage for The Bold Ones and the NBC Mystery Movie in the 1970s. The show had an extremely large budget for a television series.

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Insights

IMDb7.2/10
Director: VariousGenres: Mystery, Crime, Drama, Action, Adventure

Plot Summary

This ambitious anthology series featured three distinct segments per episode, each with a different protagonist and storyline. One segment often focused on Dan Farrell, a rugged investigative reporter for 'Focus' magazine. Another highlighted detective Tim Lassiter, who tackled various cases. The third segment often centered on Jeffrey England, a cynical but effective news publisher.

Critical Reception

The Name of the Game was a groundbreaking series for its time, praised for its innovative format and high production values. While it garnered critical attention for its sophistication and adult themes, its anthology structure sometimes led to inconsistent quality across its segments. It was a popular show during its run, appealing to audiences seeking more complex narratives on television.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its unique three-story format and sophisticated storytelling.
  • Noted for its high production quality and engaging lead performances.
  • Some critics found the anthology approach led to uneven episode quality.

Google audience: Audience reception leaned positive, with many appreciating the show's adult-oriented plots and the distinct personalities of its rotating protagonists. However, some viewers found the format occasionally confusing or preferred certain story segments over others.

Awards & Accolades

Won 3 Primetime Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Directing in a Dramatic Series for 'The White Birch'. It also received nominations for Golden Globe Awards.

Fun Fact

The series was a pioneer in using a rotating cast of main characters, with each of the three protagonists headlining their own storylines within a single episode, a format rarely attempted on television at the time.

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