1 vs. 100 is an American game show that has been hosted by several different TV personalities over the years. The show pits one contestant against a group of 100 people known as “the mob”, with the goal of eliminating all 100 mob members to win the top prize. 1 vs. 100 first aired from 2006 to 2008 on NBC with comedian Bob Saget as the host. After NBC canceled the show, it was later revived by GSN in 2011 with Carrie Ann Inaba as the host for one season. Let’s take a closer look at the history and hosts of 1 vs. 100.
The Original NBC Run Hosted by Bob Saget (2006-2008)
Comedian and actor Bob Saget was the original host of 1 vs. 100 when it first launched on NBC in 2006. Saget was already known for hosting America’s Funniest Home Videos from 1989 to 1997 and also for playing Danny Tanner on the sitcom Full House. His comedic background made him a natural fit to host the lively new game show. Saget guided contestants through challenging trivia questions and provided witty commentary as they attempted to eliminate the mob. The mob members wore masks and were referred to only by number, leaving their identities anonymous.
1 vs. 100 premiered on October 13, 2006 and aired on Friday nights at 8PM on NBC. The show was an instant ratings success for the network. It was a part of NBC’s initial strategy to extend their strong Thursday night programming throughout the rest of the week. 1 vs. 100 attracted an average viewership of 12 million in its first season, making it one of NBC’s surprise hits and giving them a boost on Friday nights.
Saget hosted three seasons of 1 vs. 100 on NBC before it was canceled in 2008 due to declining ratings. The final NBC episode aired on July 25, 2008. In total, Saget hosted 71 hour-long episodes over the show’s three season NBC run from 2006 to 2008.
Bob Saget’s Hosting Style
As host, Bob Saget brought plenty of humor and energy to 1 vs. 100. He guided contestants through the game with a blend of witty jokes and genuine support. Some features of Saget’s hosting style included:
- Quick-witted comedy – Saget was always ready with a clever quip or witty remark.
- Engaging contestants – He asked interesting questions about contestants’ lives and made them feel at ease.
- Dramatic reveals – Saget excelled at amping up the drama around revealing if a mob member survived elimination.
- Explanation of gameplay – He clearly explained the trivia questions and rules to contestants and viewers.
Bob Saget’s experience as a comedian made him the perfect fit to host the original 1 vs. 100. His energetic and humorous hosting style established the tone for future iterations of the game show.
The GSN Revival Hosted by Carrie Ann Inaba (2011-2012)
After three seasons on NBC, 1 vs. 100 went off the air when it was canceled in 2008. However, the game show was given new life in 2011 when GSN picked up the rights and revived the show with Dancing with the Stars judge Carrie Ann Inaba as the new host.
GSN’s version of 1 vs. 100 debuted on February 1, 2011 with Inaba making her debut as host. She brought a different style than Saget, having gained fame as a professional dancer, choreographer, and reality TV personality rather than a comedian. The revived show also featured a new modern set and video screens, along with updates to the game mechanics.
The GSN version aired for just one season before ending in 2012. Ratings were lackluster and never matched NBC’s initial success with the show. In total, Carrie Ann Inaba hosted 40 episodes during the single season of 1 vs. 100 on GSN.
Carrie Ann Inaba’s Hosting Approach
As a dancer rather than comedian, Carrie Ann Inaba brought a different demeanor to hosting 1 vs. 100. Some features of her style included:
- Warm and encouraging – She created a friendly environment for contestants.
- Graceful presence – As a dancer, she moved elegantly around the set.
- Building suspense – She emphasized the dramatic pauses in the game.
- Playful banter – Inaba tried to engage in humorous back-and-forth moments with contestants.
Though ratings ultimately led to cancellation, Inaba brought poise and energy as host of GSN’s short-lived 1 vs. 100 revival.
Comparison of the Two Hosts
While Saget and Inaba had different backgrounds and styles, they both brought unique strengths to hosting 1 vs. 100.
Bob Saget
- Comedic timing – His experience doing stand-up gave Saget skills in delivering jokes and witty banter.
- Fun rapport – Saget had an affable, fun-loving rapport with contestants.
- High energy – He brought lots of energy and enthusiastic reactions to the stage.
Carrie Ann Inaba
- Warm demeanor – Inaba focused on creating a welcoming, friendly environment.
- Soothing voice – Her singing background gave her a melodic, soothing tone of voice.
- Glamorous presence – As an entertainer, she brought elegance and glamor to the set.
In the end, both hosts succeeded in making the show entertaining and engaging for viewers during their respective eras.
Conclusion
1 vs. 100 hosted two very different television personalities over the course of its run – comedian Bob Saget followed by dancer Carrie Ann Inaba. Saget emceed the show’s popular original run on NBC from 2006 to 2008. His quick wit and energy meshed well with the fast-paced trivia format. After the show was canceled by NBC, GSN revived it in 2011 with Inaba taking over hosting duties. She brought grace and encouragement as the new host. Though the revival only lasted one season, Inaba gave it her best effort. Overall, Saget and Inaba each brought their own unique strengths to hosting 1 vs. 100 during different eras. Their hosting skills helped make the show an entertaining primetime hit.
Detailed History and Background of 1 vs. 100
The game show 1 vs. 100 first gained popularity in the early 2000s as an international franchise under the name 1 vs. 100. The format originated in the Netherlands before spreading to countries like Germany, Indonesia, Norway, Portugal, Vietnam, and more. The American version of 1 vs. 100 was created by Endemol and premiered on NBC in 2006, featuring comedian Bob Saget as host.
Rules and Gameplay
Here are the basic rules and gameplay structure of 1 vs. 100:
- One solo player (the “1”) competes against a mob of 100 people (the “100”).
- The contestant has to eliminate all 100 mob members to win the top prize.
- The game is played over multiple elimination rounds.
- Each round has trivia questions where the mob has to answer first.
- If a mob member gets a question wrong, they are eliminated.
- The contestant wins money for each mob member eliminated.
- If the contestant eliminates all 100 mob members, they win the grand prize.
This unique format of one vs. many created dramatic tension and high stakes. The lone contestant had to rely on their own knowledge to defeat the massive mob.
Revival on GSN
After three seasons on NBC, 1 vs. 100 was canceled in 2008 due to declining ratings. However, in 2011 the show was revived by GSN (Game Show Network) with TV personality Carrie Ann Inaba as the new host. The GSN version introduced some updates:
- New sets and video screens
- Slight changes to gameplay mechanics
- Larger potential prize of up to $50,000
Unfortunately, the GSN revival only lasted one season before being canceled again due to poor ratings.
International Versions
Along with the American editions, 1 vs. 100 has aired internationally in many countries:
| Country | Host | Network | Years Aired |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | Eddie McGuire | Nine Network | 2007-2008 |
| Brazil | Luciano Huck | Rede Globo | 2006–2011 |
| China | Liu Baoguo | Hubei TV | 2013 |
| France | Benjamin Castaldi | TF1 | 2011 |
| Indonesia | Tantowi Yahya | RCTI | 2007-2008 |
The most successful international versions have aired in China, Indonesia, Portugal, Vietnam, and France.
Bob Saget’s Background Before 1 vs. 100
Bob Saget became the first host of 1 vs. 100 in 2006 thanks to his experience in television and stand-up comedy:
- Full House – Saget rose to fame playing wholesome dad Danny Tanner on the hit ABC sitcom from 1987 to 1995.
- America’s Funniest Home Videos – He showed his comedic skills by providing funny commentary hosting this video clip show from 1989 to 1997.
- The WB Sitcom Raising Dad – Saget briefly starred in this sitcom as a widowed father of two teenage daughters in 2001.
- HBO Comedy Specials – He performed raunchy adult stand-up routines in comedy specials like That Ain’t Right (2007) and That’s What I’m Talkin’ About (2013).
Saget’s resume across TV and comedy made him well-suited to host the fast-paced, quick-witted 1 vs. 100 when it launched on NBC.
Stand-up Comedy Background
Bob Saget had been perfecting his skills in stand-up comedy since the 1970s before breaking out on Full House. He took an edgy, raunchy approach to his live comedy routines that contrasted with his wholesome sitcom image. Saget released comedy albums with uncensored routines like:
- That’s What I’m Talkin’ About (2001)
- That Ain’t Right (2007)
- Zero to Sixty (2017)
- Bob Saget’s Here For You (2020)
His experience playing to live audiences made Saget well-prepared for interacting with contestants and improvising jokes as the host of 1 vs. 100.
Carrie Ann Inaba’s Background Before 1 vs. 100
Before becoming host of 1 vs. 100 in 2011, Carrie Ann Inaba was best known as a dancer, choreographer, and reality TV personality:
- Dancing with the Stars – She served as a judge on ABC’s hit dance competition from its premiere in 2005 until today.
- Fly Girl Dancer – Inaba performed choreography and back-up dancing on the sketch comedy show In Living Color from 1991 to 1992.
- American Idol – She guest judged several episodes of the popular singing competition in 2010.
Inaba’s credibility in the entertainment industry along with her warm, bubbly personality made her a solid choice to host the revival of 1 vs. 100 on GSN.
Dance Background
Years before joining DWTS as a judge, Carrie Ann Inaba had an extensive background as a professional dancer and choreographer:
- Performed on tour with Madonna as a backup dancer in the 1990s.
- Appeared as a Fly Girl dancer on In Living Color.
- Choreographed routines for several TV shows and awards programs.
- Danced in music videos for artists like Michael Jackson.
Her graceful stage presence and crowd interaction abilities from performing made Inaba a smooth host for the high-energy 1 vs. 100.
Impact and Legacy of 1 vs. 100
Though short-lived, 1 vs. 100 left an impact on the game show landscape and continues to have a pop culture legacy today:
- Unique format – Its one vs. many structure created high drama and stakes unlike any other game show.
- Big money prizes – The potential to win up to $1 million drew contestants willing to risk it all.
- Slick production – The mood lighting and music built tension, while video screens highlighted eliminations.
- Memorable moments – Contestants agonizing over trivia questions led to viral water cooler talk.
- Influenced other shows – Later shows adopted similar mob elimination formats, like The Wall, Million Dollar Money Drop, and Think Like A Fan.
1 vs. 100 will be remembered for putting average joes in the hot seat against a massive mob for the chance at a life-changing jackpot.
GSN Revival
Though short-lived, the 2011 GSN revival brought 1 vs. 100 back into the pop culture spotlight:
- It exposed the show to a new generation of viewers too young to have seen the NBC run.
- Carrie Ann Inaba’s enthusiastic hosting drew positive reviews.
- The revival generated renewed interest in the tense, high-stakes format.
- GSN incorporated modernized lighting, sounds, and visuals.
Despite low ratings, the revival generated buzz and reminded audiences of the appeal of 1 vs. 100.