"No Hint or Help" - Episode Summary of Criminal Podcast

Podcast Information:

• Title: Criminal
• Host: Phoebe Judge
• Network: Vox Media Podcast Network
• Episode: No Hint or Help
• Release Date: May 16, 2025

Introduction: The Golden Age of Quiz Shows

In the episode "No Hint or Help," host Phoebe Judge delves into the intriguing and scandalous history of 1950s American quiz shows. These programs captivated millions, becoming a central part of American entertainment. Phoebe sets the stage by highlighting the unparalleled viewership these shows commanded, with Richard Tedlow noting, “[...] When this program was on television, there was nobody there because everybody was watching it” ([00:39]).

The Rise of "The $64,000 Question"

Phoebe introduces "The $64,000 Question," a groundbreaking quiz show that premiered on CBS in June 1955. Initially inspired by a radio format, the show dramatically increased the prize money from $64 on radio to $64,000 on television. Historian Richard Tedlow explains the significance of this jump: “If you won $64,000 in 1955 or 1956, that was not a life enhancing amount of money. It was a life changing amount of money” ([02:03]).

One of the first notable contestants was a Staten Island policeman who won $16,000 by answering questions about Shakespeare but chose to withdraw, stating he was "putting the conservatism of a father above the egotism of the scholar" ([02:24]).

Expansion and Drama: The Explosion of Quiz Shows

The success of "The $64,000 Question" ignited a craze, leading to the creation of over two dozen similar shows, including "Tic Tac Toe," "Name That Tune," and "Dotto" ([03:13]). Producers continuously sought ways to heighten drama, such as displaying questions from a bank vault guarded by armed security to emphasize their authenticity ([03:32]).

Manipulation Behind the Scenes

Richard Tedlow sheds light on the orchestrated nature of these quiz shows. Contestants were carefully selected based on their expertise in specific areas, ensuring they could perform well. For instance, Dr. Joyce Brothers was persuaded to compete in boxing-related questions despite her background in psychology, as producers believed this would captivate audiences ([06:02]).

The Fixing of "21" and Charles Van Doren

The episode transitions to another popular quiz show, "21," which initially struggled with low engagement. Enter Herbert Stempel, a meticulous contestant who was secretly instructed by producer Dan Enright to provide predetermined answers. Herbert won substantial amounts by following scripted behaviors, such as "mopping his brow" before answering ([09:46]).

Charles Van Doren, a charismatic and academically esteemed contestant, was brought in to replace Herbert in a supposedly fair competition. However, Van Doren was also provided with answers, ensuring his victory over Herbert. This arrangement was part of a deliberate strategy to boost ratings by showcasing a more appealing contestant ([12:38]).

The Unraveling of the Scandal

As both Herbert Stempel and other contestants like James Snodgrass began to suspect and expose the manipulation, the facade started to crumble. Snodgrass notably resisted following the scripted answers and even documented producer instructions, providing tangible evidence of the fraud ([30:30]).

The scandal gained momentum when a contestant from another show, "Dotto," revealed similar cheating practices. This led to widespread media coverage and heightened public suspicion, culminating in a grand jury investigation where 150 individuals testified, with 100 perjuring themselves ([25:38]).

Congressional Investigation and Aftermath

In June 1957, Herbert Stempel attempted to publicly disclose the truth but initially failed to gain traction. It wasn't until revelations from other shows that Congress took definitive action, leading to hearings in October 1959. Charles Van Doren was subpoenaed and eventually admitted to perjury, resulting in his resignation from Columbia University and dismissal from NBC ([31:44]).

Governor Eisenhower likened the scandal to the infamous Black Sox scandal, emphasizing its impact on national integrity ([32:58]).

Legacy: Shaping Modern Television

The quiz show scandals had a profound effect on television, leading to increased regulatory scrutiny and skepticism toward televised competitions. Interestingly, these scandals indirectly paved the way for the first televised presidential debates in 1960, as NBC and other networks sought to restore public trust in live broadcasts ([34:03]).

Merv Griffin later capitalized on the desire for genuine competition by creating "Jeopardy!," a show designed to avoid the pitfalls of its predecessors by requiring contestants to guess questions based on answers, thereby maintaining fairness and integrity ([35:04]).

Conclusion: Lessons from a Scandal

"No Hint or Help" serves as a compelling exploration of how the allure of television fame and fortune can lead to ethical compromises. Through the stories of Herbert Stempel and Charles Van Doren, Phoebe Judge underscores the fragile nature of trust in media and the enduring consequences of deceit in the pursuit of entertainment.

Notable Quotes:

• Richard Tedlow ([00:39]): “There’s nothing similar. Maybe the Super Bowl, but there’s nothing other than that similar in this country today.”

• Herbert Stempel ([17:41]): “I don’t want to be managed. I want to just take my chances.”

• Charles Van Doren ([21:26]): “We may have a lot of contestants in the future, but I doubt that anybody will ever display the knowledge, the fighting spirit and the courage that you have in this program.”

• Phoebe Judge ([32:03]): “Nothing in my experience prepared me for the mass perjury that took place.”

This episode of Criminal masterfully unpacks a pivotal moment in television history, revealing the intricate web of deception that captivated and ultimately betrayed millions of viewers.