This new version of the classic television show stars Anthony Anderson as host. The basic format is unchanged: there are three contestants who try to fool a panel of celebrities; one must tell the truth, the other two are bluffers.
Anderson's mother sits nearby so he can interact with her, supposedly for humor. This lends an air of informality to the show. Other aspects of the show are also deconstructed. Anderson himself interjects questions for the contestants (as does his mama) whenever he chooses.
One addition to the original format that adds cleverness to the comedy is what might be called the game within a game. For example, after the identity of the REAL person is revealed, the next round might involve the two impostors from the previous round, one of whom has his own secret.
One aspect of the original show that remains and is important to the entertainment factor is the "gee whiz" nature of the secrets. Like "Ripley's Believe It or Not", viewers want accomplishments and odd facts that are amazing or surprising. Fortunately, there is an endless supply of these "secrets".
This incarnation of the show has more energy than the original, due in part to the music, the set, and Anthony Anderson's comedic approach (but no one ever accused Bud Collyer of being a funny guy or the life of the party). At the end of the show, Anthony takes the phone of the celebrity who is least successful in his/her guesses, and sends out a tweet that is an embarrassing lie.
For you old-timers, be sure to catch Rachel Dratch channeling Peggy Cass.
Anderson's mother sits nearby so he can interact with her, supposedly for humor. This lends an air of informality to the show. Other aspects of the show are also deconstructed. Anderson himself interjects questions for the contestants (as does his mama) whenever he chooses.
One addition to the original format that adds cleverness to the comedy is what might be called the game within a game. For example, after the identity of the REAL person is revealed, the next round might involve the two impostors from the previous round, one of whom has his own secret.
One aspect of the original show that remains and is important to the entertainment factor is the "gee whiz" nature of the secrets. Like "Ripley's Believe It or Not", viewers want accomplishments and odd facts that are amazing or surprising. Fortunately, there is an endless supply of these "secrets".
This incarnation of the show has more energy than the original, due in part to the music, the set, and Anthony Anderson's comedic approach (but no one ever accused Bud Collyer of being a funny guy or the life of the party). At the end of the show, Anthony takes the phone of the celebrity who is least successful in his/her guesses, and sends out a tweet that is an embarrassing lie.
For you old-timers, be sure to catch Rachel Dratch channeling Peggy Cass.