The Mega-Brands That Built America

S04E02 The Game Makers

Mark Goodson, a theatrical impresario, and Merv Griffin, a one-time crooner from the nightclub circuit, spent thirty years locked in a fierce rivalry to reshape television’s game shows. Their inventive sparks gave rise to spinning wheels, frantic buzzers, and unforgettable catchphrases—turning simple pastimes into billion-dollar global sensations. What began as a battle for ratings became a cultural juggernaut, embedding their creations into the very fabric of American entertainment.