Win, Lose, or Draw

Win, Lose or Draw is an engaging daytime game show that aired on NBC from 1987 to 1990. As a high-energy, fun-filled program, it's best known for entertaining audiences with a unique blend of creativity, comedy, and competition. The show was hosted by the charismatic Bert Convy for most of its run and then by the enigmatic Robb Weller for the last six months of its final season.

The format of the game show was innovative and intricately drawn from the concept of the party sketch-and-guess games. Inspired by the timeless game of ‘charades,' the show capitalized on this simple concept, but added a sketching dimension to it. Teams were tasked to quickly draw a phrase or an occupation, object, action, etc., in an attempt to make their teammates guess the right answer. The sheer variety of the clues only made the show more unpredictable, and thus, packed with suspense.

The show was typically split into two teams, each consisting of two celebrity guests and one contestant. While the contestants added relatability for the audience, the celebrities – who were often prominent actors, talk show hosts, comedians, or sports stars – brought an extra layer of excitement and unpredictability to the show. Their varying degrees of artistic ability resulted in some hilarious moments that added comedic relief and kept the energy high.

The vivacious Vicki Lawrence acted as a regular celebrity guest on the show. Known for her dynamic personality, Lawrence was adored by the audience for the spirit and enthusiasm she brought to every episode. Together with the other guest celebrities, the show benefited from their levity and camaraderie making every episode a joy to watch.

The set of Win, Lose or Draw was distinctive and full of nostalgia. It offered a 'cozy living room' setting, complete with comfy couches and a large sketchpad in the middle, turning the otherwise competitive game show format into an inviting atmosphere of a friendly gathering. The backdrop gave the show a relaxed vibe that resonated well with the audience as it felt like watching a group of friends having fun on a casual evening.

Bert Convy, the original host, had an innate ability to make the contestants and celebrity guests feel at ease. His light-hearted banter, sharp wit, and warm demeanor maintained the positive atmosphere of the program, ensuring the show was as much about having a good time as it was about the competition. When Robb Weller took over as host during the last leg of the show, he successfully continued to keep the energy and enthusiasm of the show intact.

The show's name, Win, Lose or Draw, was a direct reflection of its format, where players could win by successfully guessing the drawing, lose if they failed to do so, or draw–adding elements of strategy and risk.

In terms of scoring, the first team to guess the drawing accurately within the time limit would earn money, with the stakes getting higher with each round. The team with the most money at the end of the show won the game. However, winning didn't just reveal artistic skills and guessing prowess – it also demonstrated teamwork, offering friendly rivalry that made Win, Lose or Draw a compelling watch.

Despite its competitive underpinning, Win, Lose, or Draw was never about cut-throat competition. Instead, it focused on fun, laughter, and the joy of participation. The game show was a unique amalgamation of creative thinking, quick reflexes, teamwork, and, above all, entertainment.

With its unique format and charismatic hosts, Win, Lose or Draw carved out a distinctive niche for itself in the world of game shows. Even after its original broadcast ended, it continued to be fondly remembered for its inventiveness, humor, friendly competitiveness, and easy-going charm. It exemplified the best of classic TV game shows and captured the spirit of communal fun on the small screen, proving to be a must-watch show from the late 80s.