Viewers will be seeing less of NBC's Deal or No Deal – on daytime television, that is.

Last month, salespeople from NBC Universal told potential network buyers that the syndicated version of Deal or No Deal will vary considerably from its parent series.  For one, each episode will only be a half-hour long, and for another, the top cash prize will only be $250,000, a fourth of what is being given away on the hit primetime game show.

Additionally, NBC Universal intends to lessen the number of suitcase models on the syndicated version.  Deal or No Deal currently has 26 ladies gracing the stage weekly, but the number for its daytime counterpart has yet to be determined.

One thing that will remain unchanged, though, is the show's host.  Howie Mandel is expected to lead the daytime edition of Deal or No Deal, and, as previously reported, will be receiving a hefty pay check for it.  Mandel will also retain his primetime hosting duties.

An NBC Universal spokesperson declined to comment on the syndicated version, which is scheduled to begin airing next fall.

At this point, at least six NBC-owned stations are expected to buy the daytime Deal or No Deal.  The show will serve as a companion to Crosswords, an upcoming game show produced by the late Merv Griffin.  Four of the network affiliates are placing Crosswords in high-visibility afternoon time slots, pitting it against such popular syndications as The Oprah Winfrey Show, Judge Judy and Dr. Phil.

For the 2007-2008 season, Crosswords will not need a companion show, as Griffin Productions is planning to produce 225 half-hour episodes for the debut season.  NBC will then air back-to-back episodes from Monday to Friday.

Deal or No Deal is an adaptation of the popular British game show of the same name.  It debuted on NBC in 2005, and will return for its third season on Monday, September 17, with the succeeding episodes airing Wednesdays and Fridays.

For the season premiere, The Apprentice star Donald Trump will serve as the guest banker.


-Lisa Claustro, BuddyTV Staff Columnist
Source: Variety
(Image Courtesy of NBC)