The Name of the Game (1968)
A groundbreaking NBC wheel series blending investigative journalism, action, and anthology storytelling across three bold seasons.
The Name of the Game - Series Information
- Original Title: The Name of the Game
- First Air Year: 1968
- Last Air Year: 1971
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi, Fantasy
- Content Rating (US): TV-PG
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (90 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 3
- Number of Episodes: 76
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: September 20, 1968 (United States - TV-PG)
- Networks: NBC
- Production Companies: Universal Television
- Production Countries: United States of America
The Name of the Game - Plot
The Name of the Game is an American television series starring Tony Franciosa, Gene Barry, and Robert Stack that ran from 1968 to 1971 on NBC, totaling 76 episodes of 90 minutes. It was a pioneering wheel series, setting the stage for The Bold Ones and the NBC Mystery Movie in the 1970s. The show had an extremely large budget for a television series.
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The Name of the Game - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Gene Barry
- Susan Saint James
- Robert Stack
- Anthony Franciosa
- Ben Murphy
- Cliff Potts
- Mark Miller
- Anne Baxter
- Carla Borelli
- George Murdock
Writers
- Dean Hargrove
- Dick Nelson
- Anthony Spinner
- Leslie Stevens
- Robert L. Collins
Executive Producers
- Richard Irving
The Name of the Game - FAQs
What is The Name of the Game about?
The Name of the Game follows three rotating protagonists — a publishing magnate, an investigative reporter, and a federal crime fighter — all connected to a major media empire. Each 90-minute episode spotlights one lead tackling journalism, crime, and social issues in a bold anthology format.
What made The Name of the Game a pioneering TV series?
The Name of the Game was one of television's first "wheel series," rotating multiple lead characters across episodes rather than following a single protagonist. This innovative format directly influenced later NBC franchises like The Bold Ones and the NBC Mystery Movie, reshaping how anthology drama was produced.
Who are the main actors in The Name of the Game?
The series stars Gene Barry as publishing executive Glenn Howard, Robert Stack as federal agent Dan Farrell, and Anthony Franciosa as investigative journalist Jeff Dillon. Susan Saint James plays researcher Peggy Maxwell, appearing alongside all three leads throughout the series' run.
Where can you stream The Name of the Game?
Streaming availability for The Name of the Game varies by region and platform. You can check current viewing options, including any subscription services, digital rental, or purchase platforms currently carrying the series, by visiting JustWatch for a comprehensive and up-to-date regional breakdown.
How many seasons and episodes does The Name of the Game have?
The Name of the Game ran for three seasons on NBC from 1968 to 1971, comprising 76 episodes in total. Season 1 and Season 2 each contained 26 episodes, while Season 3 wrapped up with 24 episodes, each installment running approximately 90 minutes.
When did The Name of the Game first air?
The Name of the Game premiered on September 20, 1968, on NBC in the United States. The series concluded in 1971 after three seasons, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most ambitious and expensive television productions of its era.
Is The Name of the Game based on a true story?
The Name of the Game is a fictional drama, though it drew inspiration from the real-world landscape of American investigative journalism and publishing. The series was adapted from the 1966 TV movie "Fame Is the Name of the Game," which itself was based on Tiffany Thayer's novel "One Woman."
What content rating does The Name of the Game carry?
The Name of the Game carries a TV-PG content rating, indicating that some material may not be suitable for younger children and that parental guidance is suggested. The series features crime, investigative drama, and action-adventure storylines appropriate for general family audiences with supervision.
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