Harry Friedman
Encyclopedia
Harry Friedman is an America
n television
industry executive. He has been the executive producer
of America's highest-rated syndicated game show
s, Jeopardy!
and Wheel of Fortune
, since 1999.
Friedman has produced a combined total of more than 5,500 episodes of Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune. Friedman introduced a number of new gameplay elements, theme weeks, and technological advances to both programs, and in 2006 he led both shows to make television history by becoming the first syndicated television series to broadcast in high definition
.
For the show's twentieth season in 2003, Friedman lifted not only Jeopardy!s cap on the returning champions' total winnings, but also the long-standing five-day limit on the number of episodes on which they could appear. His implementation of this rule change allowed champions to continue making an indefinite number of appearances on the program and amassing winnings as long as they remained victorious, leading the way for Ken Jennings
, at the time a software engineer
from Salt Lake City, Utah
, to win on 74 consecutive Jeopardy! programs (losing on his 75th) and amass a record total of $2,520,700, breaking almost every game show record in the history of American television. The quiz show's viewership increased by 30 percent during the streak, and it often out-performed even prime-time programs to become one of the most talked-about shows in the United States. Friedman also produced the Ultimate Tournament of Champions
, in which 145 former champions played; Jennings, seeded as the only automatic finalist, came in second to Brad Rutter
, with Jerome Vered
placing third.
Friedman continues to add new Jeopardy! formats, such as the 2009-2010 Million Dollar Celebrity Invitational, in which 27 players from past Celebrity Jeopardy! matches returned to compete, with Michael McKean
winning one million dollars for his charity; and, in 2011, both the inaugural Teachers' Tournament and the IBM Challenge, in which IBM
's computer system Watson defeated both Jennings and Rutter.
Friedman's explanation of the reasoning behind the team's creation was as follows:
The team currently comprises Sarah Whitcomb, Jimmy McGuire, and Kelly Miyahara. Former members include Sofia Lidskog, Cheryl Farrell, and Jon Cannon.
Friedman was responsible for many of Wheels digital extensions, including the launch of the show's official website, and the development of video games based on the show for Sony
's PlayStation
consoles and Nintendo
's Wii
. He also conceived adaptations of the show for the iPhone
, the iPad
, and other electronic devices.
A major technological advancement initiated by Friedman was the introduction of a new, highly sophisticated set in 2003. This set incorporates an LED and glass light extension, as well as a modernized puzzle board with LCD screens that can be touched by the hostess to make letters appear.
The show's "Wheel Watchers Club," the first-ever, long-term, online viewer loyalty program in television history (now totaling over 5.7 million members), and its extension, the "SPIN I.D." program, were both developed by Friedman. Additionally, he conceptualized the "Wheelmobile," a mobile touring vehicle used by the show to conduct contestant search events across the United States.
, Outstanding Special Class Writing, Outstanding Game Show Host
, and Outstanding Directing For A Game/Audience Participation Show.
Friedman has won seven Emmy Awards and been nominated for thirty additional ones. In January 2007, the National Association of Television Program Executives honored him with its prestigious "Brandon Tartikoff Legacy Award," and in October of that same year, Broadcasting & Cable
inducted him into its Hall of Fame.
. He developed an early fascination with television programming and personalities, including Johnny Carson
when he was a young local celebrity. Long before the conception of student internships, Friedman began working for Omaha's first television stations, doing whatever work management permitted.
In 1971, Friedman moved to Los Angeles
, and without contacts he gave himself six months to find a job in the business. With less than 24 hours remaining on his self-imposed deadline, Friedman became a part-time question writer on the TV game show The Hollywood Squares, and continued with that show for eleven years, writing and producing thousands of episodes for three different versions of the show. He was also involved in the development of such other programs as Gambit
and High Rollers
. Friedman became a producer for Wheel of Fortune in 1995, and added producer duties for Jeopardy! in 1997.
In the late 1990s, Friedman launched two spin-offs of Jeopardy!: a music-intensive version called Rock & Roll Jeopardy!
which aired on the VH1
network from 1998 to 2001, and a kids' version called Jep!
, which aired on the Game Show Network
(now known by its abbreviated name, "GSN") for one season from 1998 to 1999. Friedman's other writing and producing credits include network primetime specials such as American Yearbook
for CBS
, documentaries such as Nova
on PBS
, and home video
. He has also worked with other television production companies such as FOX
, Dick Clark Productions
, Stephen J. Cannell Productions
, Buena Vista Television, ABC
, Orion Television
, Bob Stewart Productions
, Laurel Entertainment, Vin Di Bona Productions
, A&E Network
, Krofft Productions, Rosner Television, and Four Star Productions.
Friedman is a member of the Writers Guild of America, West
and the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences
. He lives in Los Angeles
with his wife Judy, their two daughters, and a granddaughter.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
n television
Television
Television is a telecommunication medium for transmitting and receiving moving images that can be monochrome or colored, with accompanying sound...
industry executive. He has been the executive producer
Executive producer
An executive producer is a producer who is not involved in any technical aspects of the film making or music process, but who is still responsible for the overall production...
of America's highest-rated syndicated game show
Game show
A game show is a type of radio or television program in which members of the public, television personalities or celebrities, sometimes as part of a team, play a game which involves answering questions or solving puzzles usually for money and/or prizes...
s, Jeopardy!
Jeopardy!
Griffin's first conception of the game used a board comprising ten categories with ten clues each, but after finding that this board could not be shown on camera easily, he reduced it to two rounds of thirty clues each, with five clues in each of six categories...
and Wheel of Fortune
Wheel of Fortune (U.S. game show)
Wheel of Fortune is an American television game show created by Merv Griffin, which premiered in 1975. Contestants compete to solve word puzzles, similar to those used in Hangman, to win cash and prizes determined by spinning a large wheel. The title refers to the show's giant carnival wheel that...
, since 1999.
Friedman has produced a combined total of more than 5,500 episodes of Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune. Friedman introduced a number of new gameplay elements, theme weeks, and technological advances to both programs, and in 2006 he led both shows to make television history by becoming the first syndicated television series to broadcast in high definition
High-definition television
High-definition television is video that has resolution substantially higher than that of traditional television systems . HDTV has one or two million pixels per frame, roughly five times that of SD...
.
Jeopardy!
As a producer of Jeopardy!, Friedman broadened the program's scope by expanding the list of categories, adding clues reflecting popular culture, and introducing a variety of special tournaments.For the show's twentieth season in 2003, Friedman lifted not only Jeopardy!s cap on the returning champions' total winnings, but also the long-standing five-day limit on the number of episodes on which they could appear. His implementation of this rule change allowed champions to continue making an indefinite number of appearances on the program and amassing winnings as long as they remained victorious, leading the way for Ken Jennings
Ken Jennings
Kenneth Wayne "Ken" Jennings III is an American game show contestant and author. Jennings is noted for holding the record for the longest winning streak on the U.S. syndicated game show Jeopardy! and as being the all-time leading money winner on American game shows...
, at the time a software engineer
Software engineer
A software engineer is an engineer who applies the principles of software engineering to the design, development, testing, and evaluation of the software and systems that make computers or anything containing software, such as computer chips, work.- Overview :...
from Salt Lake City, Utah
Utah
Utah is a state in the Western United States. It was the 45th state to join the Union, on January 4, 1896. Approximately 80% of Utah's 2,763,885 people live along the Wasatch Front, centering on Salt Lake City. This leaves vast expanses of the state nearly uninhabited, making the population the...
, to win on 74 consecutive Jeopardy! programs (losing on his 75th) and amass a record total of $2,520,700, breaking almost every game show record in the history of American television. The quiz show's viewership increased by 30 percent during the streak, and it often out-performed even prime-time programs to become one of the most talked-about shows in the United States. Friedman also produced the Ultimate Tournament of Champions
Jeopardy! Ultimate Tournament of Champions
The Ultimate Tournament of Champions was a special fifteen-week single-elimination tournament that aired during the twenty-first season of the syndicated game show Jeopardy! that began airing on February 9, 2005 and concluded on May 25, 2005, covering 76 shows in all...
, in which 145 former champions played; Jennings, seeded as the only automatic finalist, came in second to Brad Rutter
Brad Rutter
Bradford Gates "Brad" Rutter is the biggest all-time money winner on the U.S. syndicated game show Jeopardy! and the second biggest all-time money winner on a game show....
, with Jerome Vered
Jerome Vered
Jerome Vered is a Studio City, California writer, publicly known for his record-setting success as a contestant on the U.S. television game show Jeopardy!-Biography:...
placing third.
Friedman continues to add new Jeopardy! formats, such as the 2009-2010 Million Dollar Celebrity Invitational, in which 27 players from past Celebrity Jeopardy! matches returned to compete, with Michael McKean
Michael McKean
Michael John McKean is an American actor, comedian, writer, composer and musician, perhaps best known for his portrayal of Squiggy's friend, Leonard 'Lenny' Kosnowski, on the sitcom Laverne and Shirley; and for his work in the Christopher Guest ensemble films, particularly as David St...
winning one million dollars for his charity; and, in 2011, both the inaugural Teachers' Tournament and the IBM Challenge, in which IBM
IBM
International Business Machines Corporation or IBM is an American multinational technology and consulting corporation headquartered in Armonk, New York, United States. IBM manufactures and sells computer hardware and software, and it offers infrastructure, hosting and consulting services in areas...
's computer system Watson defeated both Jennings and Rutter.
Clue Crew
In 2001, Friedman was instrumental in the formation of Jeopardy!s "Clue Crew," a team of roving correspondents who travel the world showcasing clues accompanied by video for the show's home viewers. As of 2011, the team has traveled to 200 cities worldwide, through 45 of the 50 U.S. states, and to 33 foreign countries.Friedman's explanation of the reasoning behind the team's creation was as follows:
The team currently comprises Sarah Whitcomb, Jimmy McGuire, and Kelly Miyahara. Former members include Sofia Lidskog, Cheryl Farrell, and Jon Cannon.
Internet
Friedman plays a very active role in the show's official website, which receives over 400,000 visitors per month.Wheel of Fortune
During his tenure with Wheel of Fortune, Friedman has attempted to keep the show fresh and exciting by introducing many new elements to the game, such as Toss-Up puzzles, brand integration opportunities, the Jackpot Round, the Mystery Round, the $100,000 Bonus Round, the Wild Card, the Million Dollar Bonus Wedge, and most recently, the Free Play wedge.Friedman was responsible for many of Wheels digital extensions, including the launch of the show's official website, and the development of video games based on the show for Sony
Sony
, commonly referred to as Sony, is a Japanese multinational conglomerate corporation headquartered in Minato, Tokyo, Japan and the world's fifth largest media conglomerate measured by revenues....
's PlayStation
PlayStation
The is a 32-bit fifth-generation video game console first released by Sony Computer Entertainment in Japan on December 3, .The PlayStation was the first of the PlayStation series of consoles and handheld game devices. The PlayStation 2 was the console's successor in 2000...
consoles and Nintendo
Nintendo
is a multinational corporation located in Kyoto, Japan. Founded on September 23, 1889 by Fusajiro Yamauchi, it produced handmade hanafuda cards. By 1963, the company had tried several small niche businesses, such as a cab company and a love hotel....
's Wii
Wii
The Wii is a home video game console released by Nintendo on November 19, 2006. As a seventh-generation console, the Wii primarily competes with Microsoft's Xbox 360 and Sony's PlayStation 3. Nintendo states that its console targets a broader demographic than that of the two others...
. He also conceived adaptations of the show for the iPhone
IPhone
The iPhone is a line of Internet and multimedia-enabled smartphones marketed by Apple Inc. The first iPhone was unveiled by Steve Jobs, then CEO of Apple, on January 9, 2007, and released on June 29, 2007...
, the iPad
IPad
The iPad is a line of tablet computers designed, developed and marketed by Apple Inc., primarily as a platform for audio-visual media including books, periodicals, movies, music, games, and web content. The iPad was introduced on January 27, 2010 by Apple's then-CEO Steve Jobs. Its size and...
, and other electronic devices.
A major technological advancement initiated by Friedman was the introduction of a new, highly sophisticated set in 2003. This set incorporates an LED and glass light extension, as well as a modernized puzzle board with LCD screens that can be touched by the hostess to make letters appear.
The show's "Wheel Watchers Club," the first-ever, long-term, online viewer loyalty program in television history (now totaling over 5.7 million members), and its extension, the "SPIN I.D." program, were both developed by Friedman. Additionally, he conceptualized the "Wheelmobile," a mobile touring vehicle used by the show to conduct contestant search events across the United States.
Awards and honors
Since Friedman joined Jeopardy!, the show has come to receive the most awards and honors of any syndicated game show in television history. As of 2011, the program has won a total of 28 Daytime Emmy Awards in the following categories: Outstanding Show, Outstanding Game/Audience Participation ShowDaytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Game/Audience Participation Show
The Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Game/Audience Participation Show is one of the overall awards presented every year at the Daytime Emmy Awards ceremony...
, Outstanding Special Class Writing, Outstanding Game Show Host
Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Game Show Host
The Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Game Show Host is one of the performance awards awarded annually at the Daytime Emmy Awards ceremony. Game show hosts that host daytime or syndicated game shows are eligible for the award....
, and Outstanding Directing For A Game/Audience Participation Show.
Friedman has won seven Emmy Awards and been nominated for thirty additional ones. In January 2007, the National Association of Television Program Executives honored him with its prestigious "Brandon Tartikoff Legacy Award," and in October of that same year, Broadcasting & Cable
Broadcasting & Cable
Broadcasting & Cable magazine is a television industry trade magazine published by NewBay Media. Previous names included Broadcasting/Telecasting, Broadcasting and Broadcast Advertising, and Broadcasting...
inducted him into its Hall of Fame.
Personal life
Friedman was born in Omaha, NebraskaOmaha, Nebraska
Omaha is the largest city in the state of Nebraska, United States, and is the county seat of Douglas County. It is located in the Midwestern United States on the Missouri River, about 20 miles north of the mouth of the Platte River...
. He developed an early fascination with television programming and personalities, including Johnny Carson
Johnny Carson
John William "Johnny" Carson was an American television host and comedian, known as host of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson for 30 years . Carson received six Emmy Awards including the Governor Award and a 1985 Peabody Award; he was inducted into the Television Academy Hall of Fame in 1987...
when he was a young local celebrity. Long before the conception of student internships, Friedman began working for Omaha's first television stations, doing whatever work management permitted.
In 1971, Friedman moved to Los Angeles
Los Ángeles
Los Ángeles is the capital of the province of Biobío, in the commune of the same name, in Region VIII , in the center-south of Chile. It is located between the Laja and Biobío rivers. The population is 123,445 inhabitants...
, and without contacts he gave himself six months to find a job in the business. With less than 24 hours remaining on his self-imposed deadline, Friedman became a part-time question writer on the TV game show The Hollywood Squares, and continued with that show for eleven years, writing and producing thousands of episodes for three different versions of the show. He was also involved in the development of such other programs as Gambit
Gambit (game show)
Gambit is a television game show, created by Wayne Cruseturner and produced by Heatter-Quigley Productions, that originally ran on CBS from September 4, 1972 to December 10, 1976. A slightly retooled version, Las Vegas Gambit, aired on NBC from October 27, 1980 to November 27, 1981, originating...
and High Rollers
High Rollers
High Rollers is an American television game show based on the dice game Shut the Box. The show aired on NBC from July 1, 1974 to June 11, 1976 and again from April 24, 1978 to June 20, 1980. Two different syndicated versions were also produced, a weekly series in the 1975–1976 season which ran...
. Friedman became a producer for Wheel of Fortune in 1995, and added producer duties for Jeopardy! in 1997.
In the late 1990s, Friedman launched two spin-offs of Jeopardy!: a music-intensive version called Rock & Roll Jeopardy!
Rock & Roll Jeopardy!
Rock & Roll Jeopardy! is a variant of the quiz show Jeopardy! which centered entirely around popular music. The series was hosted by Jeff Probst and ran on VH1 from August 8, 1998 to May 12, 2001. Loretta Fox was the show's announcer for the first two seasons...
which aired on the VH1
VH1
VH1 or Vh1 is an American cable television network based in New York City. Launched on January 1, 1985 in the old space of Turner Broadcasting's short-lived Cable Music Channel, the original purpose of the channel was to build on the success of MTV by playing music videos, but targeting a slightly...
network from 1998 to 2001, and a kids' version called Jep!
Jep!
Jep! is a children's version of the American quiz show Jeopardy!, hosted by Bob Bergen. The program premiered on January 30, 1998 on GSN and lasted for one season...
, which aired on the Game Show Network
Game Show Network
The Game Show Network is an American cable television and direct broadcast satellite channel dedicated to game shows and casino game shows. The channel was launched on December 1, 1994. Its current slogan is "The World Needs More Winners"...
(now known by its abbreviated name, "GSN") for one season from 1998 to 1999. Friedman's other writing and producing credits include network primetime specials such as American Yearbook
American Yearbook
American Yearbook is an award-winning 2004 American drama film written, produced, edited, and directed by Brian Ging. While the film itself is finished, and has been shown at various film festivals, there is currently no public release date...
for CBS
CBS
CBS Broadcasting Inc. is a major US commercial broadcasting television network, which started as a radio network. The name is derived from the initials of the network's former name, Columbia Broadcasting System. The network is sometimes referred to as the "Eye Network" in reference to the shape of...
, documentaries such as Nova
NOVA (TV series)
Nova is a popular science television series from the U.S. produced by WGBH Boston. It can be seen on the Public Broadcasting Service in the United States, and in more than 100 other countries...
on PBS
Public Broadcasting Service
The Public Broadcasting Service is an American non-profit public broadcasting television network with 354 member TV stations in the United States which hold collective ownership. Its headquarters is in Arlington, Virginia....
, and home video
Home video
Home video is a blanket term used for pre-recorded media that is either sold or rented/hired for home cinema entertainment. The term originates from the VHS/Betamax era but has carried over into current optical disc formats like DVD and Blu-ray Disc and, to a lesser extent, into methods of digital...
. He has also worked with other television production companies such as FOX
Fox Broadcasting Company
Fox Broadcasting Company, commonly referred to as Fox Network or simply Fox , is an American commercial broadcasting television network owned by Fox Entertainment Group, part of Rupert Murdoch's News Corporation. Launched on October 9, 1986, Fox was the highest-rated broadcast network in the...
, Dick Clark Productions
Dick Clark Productions
Dick Clark Productions is an entertainment production company founded by entertainer Dick Clark...
, Stephen J. Cannell Productions
Stephen J. Cannell
Stephen Joseph Cannell was an American television producer, writer, novelist and occasional actor, and the founder of Stephen J. Cannell Productions.-Early life:...
, Buena Vista Television, ABC
American Broadcasting Company
The American Broadcasting Company is an American commercial broadcasting television network. Created in 1943 from the former NBC Blue radio network, ABC is owned by The Walt Disney Company and is part of Disney-ABC Television Group. Its first broadcast on television was in 1948...
, Orion Television
Orion Pictures
Orion Pictures Corporation was an American independent production company that produced movies from 1978 until 1998. It was formed in 1978 as a joint venture between Warner Bros. and three former top-level executives of United Artists. Although it was never a large motion picture producer, Orion...
, Bob Stewart Productions
Stewart Tele Enterprises
Stewart Tele Enterprises was an American major game show production company formed by Bob Stewart in 1964 originally based in New York City.-History:...
, Laurel Entertainment, Vin Di Bona Productions
Vin Di Bona Productions
Vin Di Bona Productions is a United States television production company that was established in 1986 by Vin Di Bona. The company's first show was Animal Crack-Ups, which ran from 1987-1990. Its most popular show is America's Funniest Home Videos, which premiered on November 26, 1989 on ABC and its...
, A&E Network
A&E Network
The A&E Network is a United States-based cable and satellite television network with headquarters in New York City and offices in Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, London, Los Angeles and Stamford. A&E also airs in Canada and Latin America. Initially named the Arts & Entertainment Network, A&E launched...
, Krofft Productions, Rosner Television, and Four Star Productions.
Friedman is a member of the Writers Guild of America, West
Writers Guild of America, west
Writers Guild of America, West is a labor union representing film, television, radio, and new media writers. The Guild was formed in 1954 from five organizations representing writers, which include the Screen Writers Guild...
and the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences
Academy of Television Arts and Sciences
The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences was founded in 1946, just one month after network television was born. It is a nonprofit organization devoted to the advancement of telecommunications arts and sciences and to fostering creative leadership in the telecommunications industry...
. He lives in Los Angeles
Los Ángeles
Los Ángeles is the capital of the province of Biobío, in the commune of the same name, in Region VIII , in the center-south of Chile. It is located between the Laja and Biobío rivers. The population is 123,445 inhabitants...
with his wife Judy, their two daughters, and a granddaughter.