Big Moments in Password

Password has been a cornerstone of American game show history since 1961, and over six decades it has produced countless memorable victories and breakthrough moments. From historic Emmy recognition to record-breaking prize wins, the show's legacy is built on brilliant competitive moments.

Emmy-Making Excellence

One of Password's most significant big moments was historical rather than financial: the show became instrumental in legitimizing game shows as worthy television. Host Allen Ludden's iconic presence and the show's intelligent format led directly to game shows being recognized at the inaugural Daytime Emmy Awards, where Password won Outstanding Game Show. This recognition transformed how the television industry viewed game shows, proving they could be prestigious programming worthy of industry accolades. This was a watershed moment not just for Password, but for all game shows that followed.

The Color Revolution

On September 12, 1966, Password made broadcasting history by becoming one of the early game shows to air in full color. Host Allen Ludden famously celebrated the moment on air, saying "We're in color! Look at us—we're in color!" This excited announcement captured the genuine enthusiasm of moving into television's new era and became one of the show's most quoted moments.

The $50,000 Victory

During the Super Password era, a memorable moment occurred when celebrity Sally Struthers and her contestant partner celebrated winning an impressive $50,000 in the bonus round. This was a significant prize for the era and represented a moment when the show's bonus game delivered spectacularly.

The Kerry Ketchem Controversy

One of Password's most unusual big moments involved contestant Kerry Ketchem, who appeared on Super Password under the assumed name "Patrick Quinn." His record-tying $55,000 bonus round win made headlines, but the story took an unexpected turn when his appearance on television led to his apprehension on fraud charges. A bank manager in Anchorage, Alaska recognized him from his broadcast and contacted the United States Secret Service, turning a game show victory into a legal matter that added unexpected notoriety to his win.

Historic Final Episodes

The last episode of Password on ABC in 1975 featured a particularly unusual final game where four Goodson-Todman production staffers played as contestants. Neither team reached the standard 50-point winning goal, creating an atypical ending to the show's run on the network. Later, the final episode of Super Password in 1989 featured the legendary "Magic Toaster II" incident, which became part of game show folklore.