American Scandal: Quiz Show Rigging | The Perfect Contestant | Episode 2 Summary

Introduction

American Scandal, hosted by Lindsay Graham and produced by Wondery, delves deep into the dark underbelly of America's most notorious scandals. In Episode 2, titled "Quiz Show Rigging | The Perfect Contestant," the podcast explores the infamous 1950s quiz show scandals that shook the television industry. This episode meticulously details the manipulation behind the scenes of the show "21," highlighting the ethical breaches and personal conflicts that defined this dark chapter in television history.

Setting the Scene: Herbert Stempel's Selection

The episode opens on a September evening in 1956, introducing Herbert Stempel, a 29-year-old with a high IQ and a photographic memory, living in Queens, New York. Eager to gain financial independence and complete his college degree, Stempel sees an opportunity when he applies to be a contestant on the burgeoning quiz show "21" (00:19 - 01:35).

The Producer's Proposition

Stempel’s audition takes a pivotal turn when Dan Enright, a TV producer for "21," visits his home. Enright conducts a practice round, assessing Stempel's performance. During this session, Enright reveals the true nature of the selection: "I've got the answers we're going to ask in the actual show tomorrow" (03:14, 02:06). Realizing the show is rigged, Stempel contemplates the ethical implications but ultimately agrees to participate for the promised $25,000 (04:34 - 05:14).

Implementation of the Rigging

Enright meticulously prepares Stempel for his role as the show's "villain." He alters Stempel's appearance by convincing him to wear an unflattering suit and adding a loud ticking wristwatch to enhance his unlikable persona (09:22 - 12:16). This transformation ensures that audiences are invested in rooting against Stempel, thereby boosting the show's ratings.

Stempel's Rise and the Producer's Dilemma

Stempel's calculated victories, fueled by predetermined answers, make him a celebrity overnight, earning him around $50,000 within a month (12:16 - 13:01). However, as the show's ratings begin to plateau (16:06 - 17:02), Enright faces pressure from sponsors to limit prize payouts. He informs Stempel of a cap on winnings, forcing a reduction in payout ($40,000 - 60,000 depending on earnings) (14:25 - 15:40). Feeling betrayed, Stempel reluctantly signs the shady contract, questioning Enright's trustworthiness for the first time (15:38 - 16:26).

Introducing Charles Van Doren: The Perfect Replacement

With ratings declining, Enright and his assistant Albert Friedman seek a new contestant to replace Stempel. Their search leads them to Charles Van Doren, a handsome young man from a prestigious family, whom Friedman meets at a Greenwich Village cocktail party (17:02 - 20:24). Recognizing Van Doren's potential as a more likable and charismatic contestant, they convince him to join the show, ensuring both he and Stempel play predetermined roles to maintain the show's appeal (20:24 - 25:35).

The Final Showdown: Stempel vs. Van Doren

On December 5, during a climactic episode, Stempel is forced to intentionally lose to Van Doren, culminating in three consecutive ties that dramatically escalate the prize money (25:35 - 28:27). Enright and Friedman meticulously script Stempel's downfall, emphasizing Van Doren's charm and intellect to captivate the audience. Stempel, burdened by the deceit and his diminishing role, faces a personal crisis as his dreams of becoming a television star are crushed (28:27 - 35:02).

Aftermath and Stempel's Dilemma

Post-episode, Stempel grapples with his emotions, recognizing that Enright may betray him once again. Despite feelings of resentment, he contemplates using his insider knowledge of the show's rigging as leverage against Enright, should the need arise (37:19 - 38:52). The episode concludes with a foreboding sense that the industry's dark secrets are poised to surface, igniting public outrage and demanding accountability (38:52 - 40:46).

Notable Quotes

• Herbert Stempl: "This could give me the independence I craves while I finish getting my college degree." (00:50)
• Dan Enright: "You know the opponent wants to see you lose. Play ball with me, and you're going to make it happen." (04:06)
• Charles Van Doren: "I don't even own a television. Well, you know, it's not a bad way to make a living." (19:11)
• Herbert Stemple: "I'm just a freak with a good memory." (37:31)

Conclusion

Episode 2 of American Scandal masterfully unravels the intricate web of deceit that ensnared one of America's most admired quiz shows. Through vivid storytelling and dramatizations based on historical research, the podcast exposes the lengths to which television producers went to manipulate public perception and ensure high ratings. As the episode concludes, listeners are left anticipating the fallout of these revelations, setting the stage for further exploration of the quiz show scandals in subsequent episodes.

Further Resources

For those interested in delving deeper into the Quiz Show Scandals, the episode recommends the following resources:

• Books: Television Fraud by Kent Anderson, Prime Time and Misdemeanors by Joseph Stone and Tim Yawn.
• Documentary: PBS's American Experience: The Quiz Show Scandals.

Credits

This episode was hosted, edited, and executive produced by Lindsey Graham for Airship. Audio editing was handled by Christian Peraga, with sound design by Gabriel Gould and music by Thrum. The episode was written by Corey Metcalfe, edited by Emma Cortland, and fact-checked by Alyssa Jung Perry. Production was led by John Reed, with managing producer Joe Florentino and senior producers Andy Beckerman and Andy Herman. Development was overseen by Stephanie Jens, and executive producers included Jenny Lauer, Beckman Marshall Louie, and Aaron O'Flaherty.