Watch Blockbusters 81

Blockbusters '81 was a popular game show, produced by FremantleMedia North America from 1980 – 1982. The show was hosted by Bill Cullen, a well-known American television personality, famous for his charm, wit, and quick-thinking. Blockbusters '81 was a reboot of an earlier version of the show called Blockbusters, which ran from 1977 - 1980.

The show's format revolved around a traditional game show structure, with contestants competing against each other to win cash prizes. The game was played on a giant board that resembled a crossword puzzle, with each correct answer "lighting up" a series of interconnected blocks on the board.

There were two types of contestants on the show - solo players and team players. Solo players competed against each other in a series of rounds, with the winner moving on to play against a team of two contestants. The team players were siblings, couples, or best friends who worked together to answer questions and progress through the game.

The game was divided into rounds, with each round becoming slightly more difficult than the last. In each round, the contestants were given a letter and a clue, and they had to answer a question that started with that letter. For example, if the letter was "B" and the clue was "Famous American Inventors," the question might be "Who invented the telephone?" The first contestant to buzz in and answer the question correctly won that round.

The winner of each round was awarded points, with the first player or team to score five points being declared the winner. The game was played until the winner had won two games or until time ran out, whichever came first. The winner of each game went on to play in the bonus round, where they could win additional cash prizes.

The bonus round was called the "Gold Run," and it was the most exciting part of the show. The contestant had to navigate a series of connected blocks on the board, answering questions that followed a specific category and started with a specific letter. If the contestant answered a question correctly, they could progress to the next block. If they missed a question or ran out of time, they lost the game.

The stakes were high during the "Gold Run" because the cash prize increased with each correct answer. The contestant could win up to $5,000 in cash and prizes if they made it all the way to the end of the board.

Blockbusters '81 was a huge hit among audiences, thanks to its fast-paced gameplay, challenging questions, and charismatic host. Bill Cullen's easygoing demeanor and quick wit made him a favorite among viewers, and his chemistry with the contestants added an extra layer of excitement to each episode.

The show was also notable for its inclusive casting, featuring players from diverse backgrounds and walks of life. This added to the appeal of the show, making it an enjoyable and accessible viewing experience for audiences around the world.

In summary, Blockbusters '81 was a classic game show that kept viewers on the edge of their seats with challenging questions and exciting gameplay. The show's format, along with Bill Cullen's charm and persona, made it a favorite among audiences during its run in the early 1980s.