RuPaul Charles has been chosen to front a reboot of the old quiz show Lingo for CBS.
The original show premiered in 1987 and was fronted by Ronald Reagan’s son, Michael Reagan.
Game Show Network also ran a rebooted show from 2002-07, with Chuck Woolery as host, and again in 2011, with Bill Engvall.
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The original format was a cross between a word game and bingo. In fact, its resurrection may be linked to the surge in popularity of the online game, Wordle, to which it bears a slight resemblance.
In both games, players have to guess the identity of a five-letter word. In Lingo, two teams play against one another and are given the first letter as a clue (unlike Wordle).
In the UK, a reboot of Lingo on ITV was launched last year and has proved popular in a daytime slot.
Deadline says RuPaul will serve as host and exec produce.
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“We’re all ready to have fun again, and Lingo is the answer,” said Charles in a press statement.
“We give you a letter, and you guess the rest,” said Mitch Graham, SVP Alternative Programming at CBS. “The word-game craze is sweeping the nation, and Lingo will deliver a fast-paced, fun and addictive show for the whole family. RuPaul’s flair and sharp wit, coupled with the ability for viewers to play along at home, make this a timely show with wide appeal that we’re excited to join our network lineup.”
RuPaul previously appeared on CBS as a judge of the short-lived talent show, The World’s Best. He also hosted Logo’s Gay for Play Game Show Starring RuPaul from 2016-2017. He’s enjoyed far greater success with his own RuPaul’s Drag Race, for which he has won 11 Emmys.
There’s no word yet on when the new Lingo will premiere.
Everyone’s looking for a five letter word, we’ve got one…
“LINGO” hosted by @RuPaul coming soon to CBS.
🟦 🟨 🟩 🟥 🟨 pic.twitter.com/CPADdFxdIC
— CBS (@CBS) February 11, 2022
LegionKeign
Everyone’s looking for a five letter word, we’ve got one…
YAWNS
Cam
Ru did a game show one season called “Gay for Play” that was funny and as a host he was good, so I’ll be interested to see how this does.
Ouranos
I really enjoyed gay for play I would rather more of that
missvamp
he’s a great host. i’ll def watch.
uberhund
In all honesty I’m a bit surprised. The game show isn’t gay in any way, and also sounds like a very ordinary thing – the sort of show you’d imagine some old has-been actor or presenter doing and being surprised they’re still alive but happy they’re still getting work. Hardly seems like RuPaul territory!
johncp56
what game shows are not gay lol many old ones hit the spot, like match game with Alex B is was a stitch love it adult jokes funny as hell
Robothedestroyer
Maybe if thise goes alright they’ll finally just reboot match game and let RuPaul host. I almost feel like it’s his destiny, and, I dunno, I liked the original. Match game and Hollywood squares (both versions) have always been my favorite.
THAT Steve
I loved the Squares with Bruce Vilanch! If it gets revived again RuPaul needs to be the center square!
Joshua333
Oh yeah, they usually put older people on these shows as hosts. I mean they have no other uses.
JeffBaker
How insanely busy was I in 1987? I don’t even remember “Lingo!”