The Big Spin
| The Big Spin | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Created by | Fred Tatashore |
| Presented by |
Chuck Woolery (1985) Geoff Edwards (1985–1995) Larry Anderson (1995–1996) Jack Gallagher (1996–1999) Pat Finn (1999–2009) with Maiquel Alejo (1993–2009) |
| Narrated by |
Charlie O'Donnell (1985) Rich Hardaway (1986–1998) Jackie Taylor (1999–2003) Randy West (2004–2009) |
| Country of origin | United States |
| No. of seasons | 24 |
| No. of episodes | 1,213 |
| Production | |
| Executive producer(s) | Jonathan Goodson |
| Running time | 22 Minutes (without commercials) |
| Release | |
| Original network | Syndicated (weekly, California only) |
| Original release | October 28, 1985 – January 10, 2009 |
The Big Spin is the California Lottery's first television game show. Originally a Fred Tatashore production, it was later an Alexander Media Services production, followed by a production of Cal Image, and then finally a Jonathan Goodson Production.
It ended with a fixed top prize of $3 million and a minimum guaranteed cash prize of $1,750. The total cash and prizes given in 2007 came out to $17,872,500, the most money given away in a game show that year, therefore being "the biggest money game show on Earth" as its introduction stated.
Originally, the show was taped in Hollywood, California at Hollywood Center Studios. From 1986 to 1998, the show was taped in Sacramento, the state capital as well as headquarters of the lottery. From 1999 until the end of its run, the show was taped in Hollywood at KCET Studios.
The Big Spin ended as the second longest-running lottery game show on January 10, 2009, over 23 years since its first broadcast in October 1985; it was replaced with Make Me a Millionaire on January 17.
The show debuted October 28, 1985 with Chuck Woolery as host and Charlie O'Donnell as the announcer. The two previously worked together on Wheel Of Fortune. Only three weeks later, however, Woolery left the program after its November 18 broadcast to concentrate on hosting Scrabble and Love Connection. On November 25, Woolery was succeeded by Geoff Edwards, who would soon host the Canadian-produced Chain Reaction, requiring him to commute between the two countries. Edwards hosted the show until January 21, 1995.
For a six-week period after Edwards left, various guest hosts were used in what were on-air auditions for a permanent job. Among those who did so were former Match Game host Ross Shafer, comedian (and That's My Dog host) Wil Shriner, and Peter Tomarken of Press Your Luck. In addition, future hosts Larry Anderson and Jack Gallagher each hosted an episode.
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