Ca$h Cab :)

[Kryton]

I've mentioned this show before, but it bears reiterating if only because it's so damn entertaining!

I've been told by a Brit friend of mine it's based on THEIR version (big surprise...we've both ripped one another off for game shows, sitcoms, and reality shows in a BIG way...and I'm sure great amounts of money changed hands for the privilege).

BUT--

While I've never seen the Brit version, the US version is QUITE entertaining. The host (Benjamin Bailey) is both engaging and amusing (as needed), and they somehow seem to screen their passengers for ultimate entertainment value, whether they win or lose. I saw a TOTALLY PSYCHED CHICK (I mean, "The Price Is Right" level of excitement) play, win, and totally lose EVERYTHING earlier tonight! They have groups, single people, people with their kids and various other conglomerations of people in the cab to play.

That's what I like about it...they didn't (exactly) try-out to be on a game-show and sometimes they're TONS smarter than you anticipate them to be. But still...it's FUN and it's a show that often makes YOU feel you might catch that ONE out of 13,000 NYC cabs and get a chance to answer.

It's currently showing on THE DISCOVERY CHANNEL, with two episodes each evening at 6:00 and 6:30pm.

If you haven't seen it and such a show seems to appeal to you, check it out...and, best recommendation, check it a couple of times because sometimes they're smart and sometimes not so much.

 

[Trekker4747]

I agree, great show and Ben Bailey makes a great host. I like how sometimes he "impersonates" varities of cab-drivers before revealing the show.

I watched it last night and it was laughing at the good-looking chick who was an epic-fail at the show over some pretty darn easy questions.

 

[thestrangequark]

I LOVE Cash Cab! Every time I hail a taxi hope it'll turn out to be Ben Baily's. And I'd totally win.

 

[Trekker4747]

I LOVE Cash Cab! Every time I hail a taxi hope it'll turn out to be Ben Baily's. And I'd totally win.

That'd be the best episode ever!

I think if I were to find myself in NYC, and stepping into the CashCab (I'd be sure to note the hidden cameras, etc) I'd request a destination as far away as possible, like in New Jersey or something.

 

[thestrangequark]

^Ah, but that's the brilliance of the game. The longer the ride, the greater the opportunity to win cash, but also the greater the risk that you'll strike out.

 

[Trekker4747]

^Ah, but that's the brilliance of the game. The longer the ride, the greater the opportunity to win cash, but also the greater the risk that you'll strike out.

Not if you're smart.

It's interesting to me how you can sometimes tell how much the contestants hemed and hawed before settling on an answer by comparing the length of the cab rides and how much cash they end up with. If the person is quick to answer they'll end up with a high total at the end of the ride but if the final total isn't all that high that tells you that the "contestant" wasn't too quick on their answers.

It's also always interesting to me on how many people take the double-or-nothing end-of-fare bonus. Me, personally, I'd take the "money" and run.

 

[thestrangequark]

^If I'd racked up a significant amount of cash I wouldn't gamble it, but for a less worthwhile sum I'd do it. I've never yet missed a video bonus question.

 

[Trekker4747]

^If I'd racked up a significant amount of cash I wouldn't gamble it, but for a less worthwhile sum I'd do it. I've never yet missed a video bonus question.

You make my heart skip beats, you know that?

For a small sum I'd probably risk the video-bonus but I've missed some here and there. My averages are much better with the regular questions.

 

[TheBrew]

I love watching that show. It's like a little slice of NY in game show form!

 

[Kryton]

ALWAYS go for the video bonus! Bailey says it's "harder" than the other questions, but I think I've only missed it ONCE out of dozens of time they've opted for it.

And if you lose, well, at least you got a free cab ride.

 

[Trekker4747]

ALWAYS go for the video bonus! Bailey says it's "harder" than the other questions, but I think I've only missed it ONCE out of dozens of time they've opted for it.

And if you lose, well, at least you got a free cab ride.

Nah, it's too risky.

It's double or nothing. Half of "double" is always better than nothing.

 

[FPAlpha]

I used to watch the german version a lot and it was quite entertaining.

Usually every clichee was supported.. i could tell that those blond bimbo or half-ghetto/cool kids weren't going to make it and embarass themselves hugely (much fun watching it) and it was nice to see how some people can burst out in excitement when winning something.

It has gotten very stale because it's always the same but in its time it was quite interesting.

The celebrity episodes were good too.

 

[Warp Coil]

When the words "Cash Cab" were first spoken to me, I laughed it off. Surely it had to be a prank. Discovery wouldn't dip so low as to create a game show called "Cash Cab", would they? How tacky is that?! Then I actually held the video master in my hands for the first episode. It was real. I laughed some more. I thought the idea was so lame, and that it would be such an embarrassing failure.

But people watched it. And people enjoyed it. Both my parents told me they were enjoying it, and I tried to resist. How can anyone like a show with such a lame title as "Cash Cab"?! It should be cancelled! It doesn't belong on Discovery!

But I had to admit - it is entertaining. It is amusing. It's a harmless little game show. And that's fine.