During the week of February 27^th, NBC aired the new game show Deal or No Deal every night of the week at 8:00 pm. 

Deal or No Deal is a good old-fashioned game show. Hosted by Howie Mandel, the show requires contestants to play a game of odds.  Contestants choose one briefcase out of 26 containing various prize amounts, one of which contains the grand prize of one million dollars.  As each round progresses, contestants choose between keeping their original briefcase or taking a cash offer from the "bank."  Contestants can take the deal and walk away with a guaranteed amount of money, or they can continue the game, hoping to win a bigger cash prize.

Contestants are chosen from the audience, and are often people who would benefit from the prize money.  For example, one contestant was a doctor who worked with indigent, underprivileged populations and had thousands of dollars in student loans.  Contestants are allowed to consult friends and family when making their decisions.  Howie Mandel seems to genuinely be rooting for the contestants and the audience is enthusiastic and supportive.

Deal or No Deal is a fun, engaging program that families can once again gather around the television to watch together. There is no foul language, violence or sexual content.  For the return of family-friendly programming to the "Family Hour," Deal or No Deal is our pick for Best of the Week. 

The Parents Television Council - www.parentstv.org