Sæson
Episode
Afspillerserver
Hvad er min linje?

Hvad er min linje?

19507
KomedieFamilie
Udgivet
02. feb. 1950
Land
USA
Produktion
Mark Goodson-Bill Todman Productions
Fire panelister skal afgøre gæsternes erhverv – og, i tilfælde af berømte gæster, mens de er blindfolded, deres identitet – ved kun at stille ja- eller nej-spørgsmål.

About

Quick guide

Panelists ask only yes‑or‑no questions to uncover a contestant’s occupation or the identity of a blindfolded celebrity.

First broadcasted in 1950, *What’s My Line?* became a staple of early television, running on CBS until 1967 and then in syndication until 1975. Hosted by John Charles Daly, the show featured a panel of four celebrity guests who interrogated everyday contestants for their line of work. Each episode also included a blindfolded “mystery guest” round, in which the panel had to guess the identity of a famous person. The game was governed by strict rules: only yes‑or‑no questions were allowed, and the panel could earn a small cash prize by forcing the contestant to answer a series of “no”s. While the show was light‑hearted and polite, it was also known for its clever questioning strategies and the occasional playful banter among the panelists. More than 700 episodes survive on 16‑mm kinescope, preserving a unique slice of mid‑century American culture.

What to know

  • Hosted by John Charles Daly, with regular panelists Dorothy Kilgallen, Arlene Francis and Bennett Cerf.
  • Contestants guess a job; a blindfolded celebrity is identified in a separate round.
  • All questions must be answered yes or no – no open‑ended inquiries allowed.
  • The maximum prize is $50, earned by answering ten consecutive “no”s.
  • The series ran 25–29 minutes per episode, originally in black‑and‑white, later in color.
  • Episodes were preserved as kinescopes; about 700 survive today.
  • The show was produced by Mark Goodson‑Todman and aired on CBS (1950–67) and then syndication (1968–75).
  • It was a pioneer of the panel‑game format, influencing shows like *I’ve Got a Secret*.

Watch if

If you appreciate classic television that blends wit, courteous banter, and a quick‑fire guessing game—especially with iconic Hollywood personalities—*What’s My Line?* offers a charming, light‑hearted experience that showcases mid‑century TV culture.

Skip if

If you favor high‑stakes, high‑energy reality competition or modern game shows with rapid editing, the slower pace and formal tone of this 1950s panel format may feel dated.

family friendlylight tonedialogue heavyfast pacedsuspensefuluplifting tone
Show Concept
Four celebrity panelists ask a series of yes‑or‑no questions to determine the occupation of a contestant. In a separate round, the panel is blindfolded while trying to identify a famous guest. The game emphasizes quick thinking and sharp questioning, with the panelists allowed to pass or continue after a "yes" answer. The show blends knowledge, intuition, and playful banter.
Original Host and Panel
John Charles Daly moderated the 1950s run. Regular panelists included Dorothy Kilgallen, Arlene Francis, and Bennett Cerf. Other notable guests over the years were Hal Block, Steve Allen, Fred Allen, and later, during syndication, Soupy Sales.
Episode Structure
An episode typically featured two or three standard rounds followed by a single mystery‑guest round. Each question had to be answered with a simple yes or no. The contestant could earn up to $50 by forcing ten consecutive "no" answers, though the prize was mainly for fun.
Broadcast Format
The series aired 25–29 minutes per episode on CBS in black and white before moving to color in the mid‑1960s. Episodes were recorded live and later preserved as 16‑mm kinescopes; some were also videotaped in the late 1950s.
Mystery Guest Tradition
Each episode featured a blindfolded celebrity who had to be identified solely through the panelists’ questions. The panel would often guess early if they were familiar with the celebrity’s current projects, but the challenge remained a highlight for viewers.
Production and Preservation
Produced by Goodson‑Todman, the show ran for 2,196 episodes over its entire run. More than 700 kinescope recordings survive, making it one of the best‑archived classic game shows.
Legacy and Influence
The show earned three Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe. It set the template for panel‑based quiz shows and influenced later programs like *I’ve Got a Secret* and *To Tell the Truth*. Its format remains a benchmark for classic TV game show design.

FAQ

46 Q&A
What happened if the contestants guessed the job?
If the contestants guessed the job, they won a prize.
What was the goal of the mystery guest?
The mystery guest's goal was to have their job guessed by the panelists.
Were there different versions of the show?
Yes, there were different versions of the show, including a children's version.
Was the show in black and white or color?
The show was first in black and white, then later in color.
Were the mystery guests always famous?
No, the mystery guests were not always famous, but they were often well-known people.
What was the role of the panelists?
The panelists asked yes or no questions to guess the guest's job or the contestant's job.
What was the show about?
The show was a guessing game where panelists tried to figure out a contestant's job or a mystery guest's identity.
What was the set of the show like?
The set was simple, usually featuring a desk for the host and chairs for the panelists.
Was there a children's version?
Yes, there was a children's version of the show called 'Child's Play'.
When did 'What's My Line?' first air?
'What's My Line?' first aired on February 2, 1950.
Who was the host of 'What's My Line?'?
John Daly was the original and longest-serving host of 'What's My Line?'.
How did contestants guess the mystery guest's job?
Panelists asked yes or no questions to guess the mystery guest's job.
What were the clues given?
The main clue was the answers to the panelists' yes or no questions.
How were the mystery guests chosen?
Mystery guests were often famous people, but their selection process isn't widely detailed.
When did the show end?
The original run of 'What's My Line?' ended in 1967.
How long did the game last?
The game typically lasted about 20 minutes.
What was the game played on the show?
The game involved guessing a contestant's occupation or a mystery guest's identity.
Who were the famous people on the show?
Famous people often appeared as mystery guests, including celebrities and politicians.
What kind of jobs did the mystery guests have?
Mystery guests could have any job, from famous actors to everyday occupations.
Were there prizes for contestants?
Yes, contestants could win prizes if the panelists guessed their job.
Why did the show end?
The show ended due to changing television tastes and declining ratings.
Were there any guest panelists?
Yes, there were often guest panelists who filled in for regular panelists.
Did the show have a live audience?
Yes, the show usually had a live studio audience.
Who were the regular panelists?
Regular panelists included Arlene Francis, Dorothy Kilgallen, Bennett Cerf, and Robert Q. Lewis.
What happened if they didn't guess the job?
If the panelists didn't guess the job, the contestant won a prize.
What are some memorable moments from the show?
Memorable moments often involved celebrity guests like Marilyn Monroe and many U.S. presidents. The panelists' witty guesses and the final reveal of the mystery guest were always highlights.
What was the easiest job to guess?
It's hard to say for sure which job was the easiest to guess, as it depended on the panelists' knowledge and the clues they received.
What was the hardest job to guess?
The hardest jobs to guess were usually those that were very niche, unusual, or involved highly specialized skills that the panelists wouldn't be familiar with.
What happened to the cast after the show?
Many cast members continued successful careers in television and entertainment. Host John Daly hosted other shows, and panelists like Arlene Francis and Bennett Cerf remained prominent figures in media.
Did the panelists ever cheat?
The show was known for its integrity, and there's no indication that the panelists intentionally cheated. They played by the rules of asking yes or no questions.
Where can I watch old episodes of 'What's My Line?'?
Some episodes are available on streaming services like Amazon Prime Video and YouTube. Archival collections and special broadcasts may also feature them.
What is the legacy of 'What's My Line?'?
Its legacy lies in its innovative format, which influenced many game shows, and its role as a window into American culture and celebrity for decades.
Did the show have a special ending episode?
The original series ended in 1975. While it had a final broadcast, it was not marked by a particularly "special" or dramatic finale, but rather a continuation of the show's format.
Are there any books about the show?
Yes, there are books that discuss the show's history, its famous guests, and its impact on television, often featuring anecdotes from the cast and crew.
What was the significance of the blindfolds?
The blindfolds were crucial. They ensured the panelists could not see the mystery guest, which was essential for the guessing game to work fairly.
What was the inspiration for the show?
The show was inspired by a British radio program called 'What Do You Think?' and evolved into a popular television format that focused on deductive questioning.
Did the show win any awards?
Yes, 'What's My Line?' won multiple Emmy Awards during its long run, recognizing its quality and popularity in the television landscape.
Is 'What's My Line?' streaming anywhere?
Episodes of 'What's My Line?' can sometimes be found on streaming platforms like Amazon Prime Video and also on video-sharing sites like YouTube.
How did the show reflect the times it was on?
The show reflected the times by featuring a wide range of guests, from politicians and movie stars to everyday people with unique jobs, mirroring societal changes and cultural trends.
How did the show influence other TV shows?
'What's My Line?' heavily influenced the game show genre by popularizing the panel guessing format and the use of celebrities as regular features.
Who created 'What's My Line?'?
The show was created by Mark Goodson and Bill Todman, who were highly successful television producers known for many other game shows.
What made the show so popular for so long?
Its popularity stemmed from its simple yet engaging format, the charm of its host and panelists, the fun of guessing along with the audience, and its consistent quality over many years.
Who were some of the most surprising mystery guests?
Surprising guests included celebrities like Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Nixon, and even a chimpanzee dressed as a woman.
How did the show handle difficult jobs or guests?
The show's format was designed to be adaptable. They would simplify questions or provide extra clues if a job was too obscure or a guest was having trouble.
What was the finale of the show like?
The final episode of the original run in 1975 featured the regular format of guessing the mystery guest, with a sense of closure for a beloved program.
Were there any controversies related to the show?
While generally a wholesome show, there were occasional lighthearted debates or minor disagreements among panelists, but no major controversies significantly impacted the show's reputation.

Skuespillere

John Charles Daly
John Charles Daly
Self - Moderator