2022 NBCUniversalSince its original incarnation that ran from 1961-67, and continuing through a 1971-75 revival and ensuing offshoots (like Password Plus, Super Password and Million Dollar Password) that have aired across subsequent decades, Password has been one of television’s most beloved and iconic game shows.
The game’s simple format — a celebrity player and a contestant each try to convey mystery words to each other using only single-word clues (that are not the answer word itself) — has been part of the appeal. Notable hosts and guest stars over the years have also been part of the fun over the years, particularly original host Allen Ludden and his wife, Betty White, who was a frequent face on the show as a celebrity contestant in dozens of episodes between 1961-75.
NBC is bringing Password back in a new version hosted by actress Keke Palmer that kicks off with a two-night premiere event Aug. 9 at 10pm ET/PT and Aug. 10 at 9pm ET/PT. There will also be new episodes Tuesday and Wednesday Aug. 16-17, before the series settles into its Tuesday-only slot starting Aug. 23.
Jimmy Fallon, who introduced new generations of fans to the classic game on both Late Night and The Tonight Show, is an executive producer and one member of the two celebrity/contestant duos who will face off in two games during each of the eight hourlong episodes to win cash prizes. The premiere features Fallon and Jon Hamm competing; other celebrity guests will include Yvette Nicole Brown, Tony Hale, Chelsea Handler, Heidi Klum, Joel McHale, Chrissy Metz, Martin Short, J.B. Smoove and Meghan Trainor. The initial season will also feature legacy contestants from 1980s versions of the game show.
Befitting White’s longtime legacy as Password’s greatest player, the premiere of this revival will be dedicated to the legend, who passed away late last year. The initial season will conclude with a special episode featuring an all-celebrity lineup playing for charity.
Why is Jimmy Fallon never called out for his voice imitations or expressions? He even vibrated his voice for the word “vibrate,” just to name one, but there are MANY! Maybe because he is a producer? He and many of the celebrities act so ridiculous…like grade school kids winning a game. It’s over the top silly, and was such a great game years ago. Would Betty White be rolling her eyes?
Was so excited to see Password returning. I watched it from the very beginning. This show version is awful. Jimmy Fallon acts out the words with voices and facial expressions. They have ruined this whole show for me!!!!
Why do the men wear green blazer?
I think it’s a really fun show now. Everyone makes it exciting. I liked the old one but this is just plain fun.
The show would be better if jimmy fallon wasn’t on every show
Keke is just too much and a distraction. “The pass is..” voice is sooo creepy. Def need a diff voice!!!
Show is very loose on rules. They say no gestures. But Fallon and others bob their heads and make facial gestures that lead guesses to the word. Never would have been allowed in early days. Also have seen some hand gestures skate by.
I agree. This is more like charades than password. They have ruined this show for me.
Love Password ~ Jimmy Fallon and Jon Hamm are so funny, bring back all the old games!!
To Tell the Truth, The Match Game, etc., like the good ole days!
She thinks she is the show…so outrageous and obnoxious…I will not be watching while she shows off. Sorry.. I was so looking forward to seeing it again.
I find it hysterical that all these comments attacked Keke telling her to tone it down etc etc …. Hey SHE was adequate as a host but THE LEAST annoying of this reboot …Jimmy Fallon was more annoying than anything I’ve seen on TV recently. His jumping up and down prancing around the table because we guessed an easy word is overacted and pathetic. He’s definitely trying to hard. The show itself is not well done. They waste so much time with the jumping around, competitive nonsense and bragging you can play another whole round of the original game. Allen Ludden and Bert Convey were more classy and professional. Bring back two different celebrities- jimmy obviously has been practicing and putting this show together it’s unevenly matched an unfair. I’m the third episode he borders on cheating with the extra deep manly voice with another verbal “ehhh hmmm” implying more than it was just shaving. Even the host was surprised the contestant got the word. Jimmy needs to stick to his late night gig or stick to producing.
Worst game show reboot since all the reboots started up. I can’t watch anymore. Ugh. With all the television exploding out there it would be silly to waste a minute on this one
Need a new host …. Her voice and her are annoying
Keke has to go! Voice is anoying! Jimmy Fallon was great. Don’t like 2nd chance option. If u lose You Lose!!
My husband and I love Password. We enjoyed especially Jimmy Fallon and Jon Hamm
Voice is irritating
She is disgusting
Those glasses are distracting and she is horrible
This is a senior Citizen show and she ruined it
Was really hoping this would be good. Disappointing. The crazy set design gives me a headache. Keke is loud and obnoxious. The game alone is fun without all the distractions. I hope I can find reruns of the original show to watch instead.
There’s nothing iconic about this game,,,they are not guessing nothing but words,,what happened to the 5 clues to guess the word that was hidden to gain points to move to bonus round ? Not a fan right now don’t like why they changed the way password originally was played …bring it back,like Bert Convey hosted it it was so much fun ,I love password but do the original version of password would be much better and they are suppose to only say one word when guessing the word these contestants and stars are using more then one descriptive word ,,not a fan
Is it just me, or does the voice saying “the password is…” sound like Jimmy Fallon doing a weird voice? Lol
That’s what I think, too!! Looking for confirmation.
Not fond of Kele. Needs a new host
Kese Palmer could be a really good if she calms down some, but the guy who announces “the Password is…” makes it so creepy! Too bad, Jimmy Fallon is a great player, as was Jon Hamm.
Keke voice and demeanor is incredibly annoying.
Love the show. Not so fond of Keke. She is not Allen Ludden. Too much jive and incorrect grammar.