Game show fan David Downs dies in Chicago at 35

 There's a death in the game show family as the 2019 holiday season continues, because David Downs died at 35 years old at a Chicago hospital over the weekend. Downs, however, was a YouTuber and the creator of The Fun & Games Channel. He used to have a YouTube account called DownsA530, followed by a gamelover1949 account, before his death.

Carrie Smith leaves HSN

As the curtains close on her final show at HSN, we bid adieu to the beloved host Carrie Smith, who has graced our screens for nearly eight years. Her departure from the network has left fans in dismay, and it's no wonder why - Carrie's charismatic presence and expertise in showcasing products have made her a household name.

Carrie joined HSN in the fall of 2011, bringing with her a wealth of knowledge and a passion for connecting with viewers. Her warm smile and engaging personality endeared her to audiences, making her a staple in many homes across the country. Whether she was introducing new products or sharing personal anecdotes, Carrie always had a way of making viewers feel like they were chatting with an old friend.

It's clear that Carrie's departure will leave a void at HSN. Her professionalism and dedication to her craft have undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the network. But as one chapter ends, another begins - and we can only imagine what exciting opportunities lie ahead for Carrie.

While we may feel saddened by Carrie's exit, let us take this moment to celebrate all that she has accomplished during her time at HSN. From memorable on-air moments to the countless products she has introduced to us, Carrie has truly made an impact.

As we reflect on Carrie's time at HSN, let us also remember that change is inevitable. While it may be difficult to say goodbye to someone we have come to admire and respect, it also presents an opportunity for growth and renewal. We can look forward to new faces gracing our screens and bringing their own unique flair to the network.

Carrie's departure serves as a reminder that nothing is permanent in life. As we navigate through changes, let us embrace them with grace and optimism. Let us continue supporting those who bring joy into our lives and welcome new experiences with open arms.

FX cancels FX Movie Download

As the curtain falls on FX Movie Download after six years on air, fans are left to bid farewell to a beloved show that brought the magic of movies into their living rooms. Originally known as DVD on TV and co-hosted by Dave Holmes and Jennifer Lothrop, the revamp with actress Sasha Perl-Raver and Adam Gertler at the helm has come to an end, leaving many wondering what's next for FX's late-night schedule.

The cancellation of FX Movie Download marks the end of an era, but it also presents an opportunity for FX to make room for original shows on its Friday late-night lineup. With the ever-changing landscape of television, this decision opens up a world of possibilities for fresh content and innovative storytelling.

While it's natural to feel a sense of loss with the departure of a familiar show, it's important to look towards the future with optimism. This is an opportunity for FX to showcase original series that captivate audiences and push the boundaries of creativity. From gripping dramas to side-splitting comedies, there's no shortage of potential replacements that could breathe new life into Friday nights on FX.

In saying goodbye to FX Movie Download, we also welcome the prospect of new beginnings. The legacy of the show lives on in the memories it has created and the love it has garnered from fans over the years. As we embrace change, let's celebrate the impact that this show has had and look forward to what lies ahead.

As we eagerly anticipate what will fill the void left by FX Movie Download, one thing is certain – whatever comes next will be met with open arms by viewers hungry for captivating entertainment. It's time for a new chapter in late-night programming on FX, and we can't wait to see what unfolds.

So here's to fond farewells and exciting new beginnings. The end of one era paves the way for another, and we're ready to embark on this journey together. Stay tuned as FX charts a course towards original shows that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on late-night television.

Harry Friedman to leave Sony

Basically, Harry Friedman is to leave Sony Pictures Television in 2020. He has been the executive producer of the 1984 revival of Jeopardy since 2000 when he also became the nighttime Wheel of Fortune's executive producer.

Elizabeth Banks' Press Your Luck and Joel McHale's Card Sharks launched earlier this month

Let me tell you about the new ABC versions of Press Your Luck (starring Elizabeth Banks) and Card Sharks (starring Joel McHale). The new Press Your Luck could be, like the original CBS daytime series, recorded at CBS Television City in Hollywood (or not). This new version of Press Your Luck features Neil Ross (the announcer of Game Show Network's first promos for reruns of Peter Tomarken's CBS daytime series in the early 2000s) serving as Banks' announcer. I don't know who the voice of the "new" Whammies is, but on Tomarken's CBS daytime series, the Whammy was voiced by Bill Carruthers, the creator, executive producer, and regular director of that version.

McHale's Card Sharks features Donna Jay Fulks (also the current narrator of Olive Garden commercials) as announcer. McHale's Card Sharks also features the same theme from Alex Trebek's Double Dare and later Jim Perry's Card Sharks.

I've recorded WOF/J! long credit rolls in the past

I've been recording long credit rolls from episodes of Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune from 2006-08, mostly those that haven't existed anywhere on the Internet (for example, the November 30, 2007 episode of Wheel and some of Jeopardy's first of two 2008 Teen Tournaments). I've even recorded a long credit roll from Jeopardy's 2007 Teen Tournament in the past, along with part of a long credit roll from the first episode of Jeopardy's Teen Tournament Summer Games at the end of season 23. I've been recording all those long credit rolls from a few to several VCR's.

Here's a list of the clips I had recorded to a VHS tape more recently, with a Panasonic Blu-Ray Disc player hooked up to my most recent VCR, one from Admiral. The clips are all credit rolls.

- Wheel (May 14, 1991 nighttime; College Week)
- Wheel (2000th nighttime episode originally aired in November 1993)
- Wheel (by April 5, 1995)
- Wheel (November 29, 1995)
- Wheel (March 8, 1996 in part)
- Wheel (March 27, 1996)
- Wheel (November 4, 1997)
- Wheel (September 6, 1999)
- Wheel (December 31, 1999; final episode of the 1990s)
- Wheel (September 5, 2000)
- Wheel (September 14, 2001)
- Wheel (September 18, 2001)
- Wheel (May 2002 College Week)
- Wheel (September 2, 2002; 20th season premiere)
- Wheel (December 13, 2002)
- Wheel (March 22, 2005)
- Jeopardy (March 13, 2007)
- Jeopardy (March 26, 2007)
- Jeopardy (September 10, 2007; that show's 24th season premiere)
- Jeopardy (September 12, 2007; the third episode of season 24)
- Jeopardy (October 16, 2007)
- Wheel (December 14, 2007)
- Wheel (February 20, 2008; loud and in stop-motion)
- Wheel (April 9, 2008)
- Wheel (July 17, 2009)
- Wheel (October 16, 2009)
- Jeopardy (February 23, 2011; during that year's Teen Tournament)
- Wheel (February 24, 2011; in stop-motion and shown on a Vizio TV)
- Wheel (December 12, 2011 in part)
- Wheel (January 19, 2012)
- Wheel (February 5, 2015)
- Wheel (March 2, 2017)
- Jeopardy (November 15, 2018; during that year's Teen Tournament)
- Wheel (February 2019; during Girlfriend Getaways week)

The February 26, 1993, December 22, 1994, and June 9, 2006 episodes of Wheel were what I used to watch on the Internet, in part. Another episode of Wheel, new to the Internet but only on the Internet Archive, is from February 3, 2006 with a full credit roll.

Do you have any episodes of Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune from 2006-08 with a long credit roll?

If you do, you could upload them to the Internet Archive, but if you don't have an account yet, you must create one right away. Here's the link to the Internet Archive homepage so that you can sign up for an account!

Go to the Internet Archive homepage

You can also download any or all of my videos from my page on the Internet Archive. Click below to go to my page.

Go to my Internet Archive page

AudioVault back up

The Audio Vault, for people looking for audio described content made in the US, Canada, and the UK, is back up after less than two weeks of suffering from an error (HTTP status code 521).

Go to the AudioVault

Update for people looking for audio described content

This is an important update for people who are trying to look for audio-described content from the US, Canada, and the UK. Unfortunately, AudioVault.net is down for a while, so that site may soon be back up and running. In the meantime, still up and running are Jeff Rutkowski's described movies page and Ray Starr's Descriptive Videos for the Blind pages.

Bad news about Michael Pannoni's Dailymotion account

I've got some bad news to tell you in this post about Michael Pannoni's Dailymotion account! It's now gone! His copies of Wheel of Fortune episodes could previously be found on Dailymotion on the pannoni3 page!

A few times I clicked on a link from Google's search results and that link actually led to a redirect to the US Dailymotion home page! That must mean that Michael's DM account is gone! He had 73 Wheel episodes up on Dailymotion, but I hope he uploads any more Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy episodes to Internet Archive, one of the websites where a Wheel or Jeopardy fan can avoid copyright problems altogether!

Also, if you've got episodes of Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy that don't exist on the Internet yet, I suggest that you upload the episodes to Internet Archive and do what I did!

I'm guessing that Michael still has the September 12, 2007 episode of Jeopardy! with a LONG full credit roll, but his copy of the full episode is not on Internet Archive yet as much as my copy of the credits!

NCAA March Madness Sweet 16 in Louisville

If you live in Louisville, you can be able to attend both NCAA men's tournament south regional semifinal games tomorrow and possibly the NCAA men's tournament south regional final game on either Saturday or Sunday! All three south regionals may be played at KFC Yum Center in Louisville.

On TBS, Brian Anderson will call the action, Chris Webber will be the game analyst, and Allie LaForce will be a courtside reporter at both Sweet 16 south regional semifinal games tomorrow!

Allie LaForce herself is one of the youngest female reporters in American sports TV history!

The changes in 2019 March Madness on CBS, TBS, TNT, and Tru TV

Here's an appropriate list of changes to the announcing teams of NCAA March Madness college basketball tournament coverage!

- Allie LaForce moves to the #2 team replacing Lisa Byington.
- Jamie Erdahl moves to the #3 team of Ian Eagle and Jim Spanarkel, which Allie was previously on.
- Jim Jackson becomes a second game analyst with Brad Nessler, Steve Lavin, and Evan Washburn.
- Lisa moves to the #7 team of Andrew Catalon and Steve Lappas, which Jamie was previously on.