Best TV Show of the Week

 You Deserve It  on ABC

By catherine Nailog

For an uplifting and inspiring show to kick-off the holiday season, ABC’s new game show You Deserve It is one in which the whole family could enjoy and play along from home.  The new game show premiered on Monday, November 21 at 9 pm (ET) and was hosted by Chris Harrison and Brooke Burns.  The show featured a contestant who would correctly answer trivia questions in exchange for money that would be given to a well-deserving person.  This show has been given the honor of Best TV Show of the Week. 

In this episode contestant Stacey Finnerty played for her best friend Michelle Brislen, mother of two and a recent widow.  Her husband had died in a scuba diving accident.  Michelle’s primary concern was the welfare of her two daughters, particularly healthcare coverage of which she had very little of.  Stacey was determined to win as much money as she could so that Michelle would not have to worry about the burden of healthcare for her children. 

Stacey played five rounds of answering a who, what, or where question.  She received one free clue to answer the question correctly, and also had the opportunity to purchase up to nine additional clues to arrive at the final answer.  The purchase price of a clue varied and was deducted from the pot of money set for that round.  The pot of money won in every round was added to the next round’s winning total.  Though Michelle was unaware of Stacey’s participation in the game, Michelle’s family and friends were aware of Stacey’s intentions, and some were at the game show to lend Stacey some support.

As Stacey answered trivia questions, surveillance of Michelle showed her at a movie theater with her daughters.  Brooke Burns and more of Michelle’s family and friends were waiting in the lobby of the theater to surprise Michelle with Stacey’s wonderful news.  After five rounds of answering questions, Brooke entered the theater flanked by Michelle’s family and friends.  Michelle became emotional as she recognized them.  The image of Stacey appeared on the movie theater screen.  Stacey informed Michelle that she had won her $110,800.  Michelle was overwhelmed with Stacey’s generosity.

This show was endearing and unique in that its contestant played for the benefit of someone else rather than current game shows where contestants vie to win money and prizes for themselves.  You Deserve It deserves to be the Best TV Show of the Week because it truly embodied the saying, “It is better to give than to receive.” May this show continue to encourage people to give to those in need. No self-less act is small:  donating pocket change into a collection box, holding a door open for a package-ladened person, or visiting with someone who is lonely during the holidays.  The spirit of giving thrives during the holiday season. May it flourish and grow well into the years to come.

Best TV Show of the Week

The Parents Television Council - www.parentstv.org