The $64,000 Question was an United States television game show broadcast from 1955 to 1958, which became embroiled in the scandals involving TV quiz shows of the day. The $64,000 Challenge (1956-58) was its popular spin-off show.

Broadcast history

• Take It or Leave It—CBS radio, April 21, 1940-July 27, 1947, Sunday 10-10:30pm.
• The $64 Question—NBC radio, September 10, 1950-June 1, 1952, Sunday 10-10:30pm (1950-51) and Sunday 9:30-10pm (1951-52).
• The $64,000 Question—CBS television, June 7, 1955-June 1958, Tuesday 10-10:30pm; September-November 9, 1958, Sunday, 10-10:30pm. Simulcast for two months on CBS Radio where it was heard from October 4, 1955 to November 29, 1955.
• The $64,000 Challenge—CBS television, April 8, 1956-September 14, 1958, Sunday, 10-10:30pm.
• The $128,000 Question—syndicated television, 1976-1978.

Origin

Take It or Leave It

The $64,000 Question had its roots in the CBS radio quiz show, Take It or Leave It, which ran from April 21, 1940 to July 27, 1947. It was first hosted by Bob Hawk (1940-41), followed by Phil Baker (1941-47). In 1947 the series switched to NBC, hosted at various times by Baker, Garry Moore (1947-49), Eddie Cantor (1949-50), and Jack Paar (beginning June 11, 1950). On September 10, 1950, Take It or Leave It changed its title to The $64 Question. Paar continued as host, followed by Baker (March-December 1951) and Paar (back on December 1951). The series continued on NBC Radio until June 1, 1952.