Big Moments in Let's Make a Deal

Let's Make a Deal has produced countless unforgettable moments since its debut in 1963, ranging from incredible prize wins to dramatic reversals of fortune. The show's unpredictable nature and Monty Hall's legendary hosting created a perfect storm for memorable television.

Historic Prize Victories

One of the most talked-about moments in the Brady-era version of Let's Make a Deal involved a contestant who took a calculated risk and chose to trade their money for a chance at the Big Deal. After declining several offers and keeping their nerve through multiple rounds of negotiations, they walked away with a car—a rare and coveted prize that many contestants hope for but few achieve. Over the show's many years, Big Deal wins have included a vehicle worth $23,002, as well as multiple instances where contestants traded up and won an entirely different car than they started with.

Incredible Winning Streaks

During the week of May 6-10, 2013, the show featured an unprecedented promotional offer from Publisher's Clearing House, with $20,000 available each day. What made this week historic was that every single contestant—five in all—won the full $20,000 amount, including a contestant who won in the "Smash For Cash" game on Monday. This remarkable streak demonstrated both the show's generous prizes and the contestants' ability to make winning decisions.

Precision Moments in Games

On June 7, 2013, a contestant playing "Car Pong" achieved a feat so unlikely that it created instant legend. Not only did he land his first toss in the car cup on his opening throw, but he also managed to sink a second ball in the same cup. This rare display of accuracy under pressure exemplified the moments that make Let's Make a Deal thrilling—where skill, luck, and nerves converge in seconds.

The Supernatural Finale

The final episode of the original 1971-1977 syndicated run of Let's Make a Deal ended with a truly remarkable occurrence: a Big Deal win with no Zonks anywhere in sight. Every contestant who participated in that historic final episode was guaranteed to win something, creating a perfect capstone to the show's run and ensuring that fans remembered it with universal celebration.