Vegas TV Shows
April 9th, 2017 at 5:07:52 AM
permalink
Kinda seems like there was a period of time several years ago when there was an abundance of shows about Vegas on television. I felt that the Travel Channel had some of the best, and I always looked forward to the times when they would play the various episodes back to back. Sometimes for a whole week!
And of course there was Cheating Vegas, Breaking Vegas, etc. And don’t get me started on the NBC series Las Vegas about the Montecito that had actor James Caan as one of the main characters.
A couple of more “obscure” Vegas shows I enjoyed at the time were:
Man vs Vegas, which was about a young guy who had lost a bunch of money in Vegas and was trying to win it back. He would place big bets for other folks at the tables to share the wealth.
The Club, which was about a huge off-strip nightclub in Vegas (called ICE) trying to get established.
I can still find some of the various episodes YouTube (which I will go back and watch occasionally), but there just doesn’t seem to be anywhere near as much regular television programming about Vegas these days as there was in the past. Or if there is, then I’m just not finding it in my market.
Any Vegas TV shows from the past that you miss?
And of course there was Cheating Vegas, Breaking Vegas, etc. And don’t get me started on the NBC series Las Vegas about the Montecito that had actor James Caan as one of the main characters.
A couple of more “obscure” Vegas shows I enjoyed at the time were:
Man vs Vegas, which was about a young guy who had lost a bunch of money in Vegas and was trying to win it back. He would place big bets for other folks at the tables to share the wealth.
The Club, which was about a huge off-strip nightclub in Vegas (called ICE) trying to get established.
I can still find some of the various episodes YouTube (which I will go back and watch occasionally), but there just doesn’t seem to be anywhere near as much regular television programming about Vegas these days as there was in the past. Or if there is, then I’m just not finding it in my market.
Any Vegas TV shows from the past that you miss?
You serious, Clark?
April 9th, 2017 at 9:33:14 AM
permalink
Quote: blount2000Any Vegas TV shows from the past that you miss?
Does Dealer's Choice count? IIRC, the first season was taped at the Tropicana, so technically it's a "Vegas TV show." (The second season was semi-sponsored by The Mint, but taped at the Burbank Studios in California.)
Ever see The Casino? It was a Fox reality show about when Poster Financial Group bought the Golden Nugget. Actually, that should be "reality show" in quotes as quite a bit of it was controlled, if not outright scripted (look up a Fox show called The Princes of Malibu for a similar show); for example, a storyline about the owners trying to get whales to play there included scenes of the high rollers in their cars headed to Vegas, as if they knew all along what was going to happen.
How about the British series about a man who sold pretty much everything he had other than the clothes on his back, and was flown to Vegas to make one bet on roulette? I think most of the series was about his trying to find out what he would have to do if he did lose everything (e.g. where would he live?), but in the end, he won his bet.
And you can't talk about Vegas TV shows without at least mentioning Father of the Pride, an NBC CGI-animated show about a family of white tigers that worked for Seigfried & Roy - and which was nearly cancelled before its premiere after what happened to Roy Horn. It was about as popular as a "family sitcom where the family is animated tigers" would be expected to be.
If I have to choose one Vegas show, I'd go for the Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives Vegas special, which was a clip show of the previous visits to Vegas (Guy Fieri went to college at UNLV). One of these ice ages, I'm going to make it out to Those Guys Pies out near Red Rock.
April 9th, 2017 at 11:51:18 AM
permalink
Quote: blount2000Any Vegas TV shows from the past that you miss?
Vegas starring Dennis Quaid and the always awesome Michael Chiklis was about Las Vegas in the early 60s. Quaid was the sheriff and Chiklis the mobster. It only lasted 1 season but my wife and I like it.
My goal of being well informed conflicts with my goal of remaining sane.
April 9th, 2017 at 11:52:59 AM
permalink
That was not bad IMO.Quote: TumblingBonesQuote: blount2000Any Vegas TV shows from the past that you miss?
Vegas starring Dennis Quaid and the always awesome Michael Chiklis was about Las Vegas in the early 60s. Quaid was the sheriff and Chiklis the mobster. It only lasted 1 season but my wife and I like it.
♪♪Now you swear and kick and beg us That you're not a gamblin' man Then you find you're back in Vegas With a handle in your hand♪♪ Your black cards can make you money So you hide them when you're able In the land of casinos and money You must put them on the table♪♪ You go back Jack do it again roulette wheels turinin' 'round and 'round♪♪ You go back Jack do it again♪♪
April 9th, 2017 at 12:11:46 PM
permalink
I have the Las Vegas TV show on DVD. I loved
the glitz of it, the pretty naked girls by the
pools, the sometimes interesting stories. It
wasn't filmed in Vegas, who cares. The outside
shots were, but the interior casino was in
Hollywood. I liked the how they faked what
a real casino was like. They didn't care if a
player was up $100K if he wasn't cheating.
The staff was friendly to the point they would
get involved in your personal life. Just like it
isn't in real life.
the glitz of it, the pretty naked girls by the
pools, the sometimes interesting stories. It
wasn't filmed in Vegas, who cares. The outside
shots were, but the interior casino was in
Hollywood. I liked the how they faked what
a real casino was like. They didn't care if a
player was up $100K if he wasn't cheating.
The staff was friendly to the point they would
get involved in your personal life. Just like it
isn't in real life.
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
April 9th, 2017 at 1:50:11 PM
permalink
This was my favorite Vegas TV show for sure. I was quite unhappy when they cancelled it after ending the prior season on a cliffhanger.
I haven't seen some of the other shows that were mentioned above, so they are definitely on my radar now to see if I can find episodes to watch on YouTube.
I haven't seen some of the other shows that were mentioned above, so they are definitely on my radar now to see if I can find episodes to watch on YouTube.
Quote: EvenBobI have the Las Vegas TV show on DVD. I loved
the glitz of it, the pretty naked girls by the
pools, the sometimes interesting stories. It
wasn't filmed in Vegas, who cares. The outside
shots were, but the interior casino was in
Hollywood. I liked the how they faked what
a real casino was like. They didn't care if a
player was up $100K if he wasn't cheating.
The staff was friendly to the point they would
get involved in your personal life. Just like it
isn't in real life.
You serious, Clark?
April 9th, 2017 at 3:17:24 PM
permalink
Quote: ThatDonGuyEver see The Casino? It was a Fox reality show about when Poster Financial Group bought the Golden Nugget. Actually, that should be "reality show" in quotes as quite a bit of it was controlled, if not outright scripted (look up a Fox show called The Princes of Malibu for a similar show); for example, a storyline about the owners trying to get whales to play there included scenes of the high rollers in their cars headed to Vegas, as if they knew all along what was going to happen.
They did the same thing with Andy Bloch and another guy about card counting.
DUHHIIIIIIIII HEARD THAT!
April 9th, 2017 at 5:49:11 PM
permalink
Quote: Ibeatyouraces
They did the same thing with Andy Bloch and another guy about card counting.
Casinos are excruciating boring places, a TV
reality show can't even make them look exciting.
Gambling is almost like an assembly line. Slow
but sure the casino chips away at your BR.
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
April 9th, 2017 at 6:42:29 PM
permalink
"Lucky" with John Corbett was pretty funny at times, only lasted one season in 2003.
April 9th, 2017 at 7:14:12 PM
permalink
There was a Caesars 24/7 show taped at Caesars Palace for a very short time.
And while it isn't Vegas who can forget "Viva Laughlin"?
And while it isn't Vegas who can forget "Viva Laughlin"?
April 9th, 2017 at 8:23:28 PM
permalink
Quote: BozThere was a Caesars 24/7 show taped at Caesars Palace for a very short time.
Good memory, it was only on for like 2 episodes.
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
April 9th, 2017 at 8:34:22 PM
permalink
Quote: BozAnd while it isn't Vegas who can forget "Viva Laughlin"?
It lasted 2 episodes before ABC cancelled it in
2007. Here's a 2 min clip worth watching
because it has Hugh Jackman singing a
solo song.
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
April 9th, 2017 at 8:44:34 PM
permalink
Quote: EvenBobGood memory, it was only on for like 2 episodes.
"We take your money and then give it back, with any profit split with you 50/50". Almost did a spit take with that. That's not even a gambling scam, thats just a straight up no common sense scam.
Assume the worst, believe no one, and make your move only when you are certain that you are unbeatable or have, at worst, exceptionally good odds in your favor.
April 9th, 2017 at 8:50:28 PM
permalink
Quote: blount2000Man vs Vegas, which was about a young guy who had lost a bunch of money in Vegas and was trying to win it back. He would place big bets for other folks at the tables to share the wealth.
This was kind of entertaining but pointless.
He has no system or strategy for winning,
the outcome is inevitable.
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
April 9th, 2017 at 9:35:04 PM
permalink
I liked Lucky, from a few years ago.
Down and out former WSOP winner struggling in Downtown Vegas.
Let's not forget the last couple of seasons of Crime Story, about a mob controlled casino on Fremont St.
The one season had what had to be the most explosive cliffhanger in television history.
Down and out former WSOP winner struggling in Downtown Vegas.
Let's not forget the last couple of seasons of Crime Story, about a mob controlled casino on Fremont St.
The one season had what had to be the most explosive cliffhanger in television history.
The older I get, the better I recall things that never happened
April 9th, 2017 at 11:48:51 PM
permalink
*Puts on slightly geekier glasses*
Las Vegas (2003) was a breakthrough in television, one that has not been repeated since.
Not because of the setting, writing, cast or special effects.
As far as I'm aware, Las Vegas is the only scripted TV show in which a celebrity (Jean-Claude Van Damme) guest starred as himself and died.
Las Vegas (2003) was a breakthrough in television, one that has not been repeated since.
Not because of the setting, writing, cast or special effects.
As far as I'm aware, Las Vegas is the only scripted TV show in which a celebrity (Jean-Claude Van Damme) guest starred as himself and died.
April 10th, 2017 at 12:56:13 PM
permalink
Remember the Frank Rosenthal Show
April 10th, 2017 at 1:34:03 PM
permalink
Quote: noy2222
Las Vegas (2003)
Man, I looooved that show. So flashy and glamorous, tons of beautiful woman, and cool gambling story lines.
April 10th, 2017 at 1:40:03 PM
permalink
Should probably add Showtime's Gigolos to the list. Its a reality series that follows five male escorts in Las Vegas, both on the job and in their down-time. The part that amazes me is all the women who agree to be filmed having sex with these guys and then be interviewed afterwards. Not sure if its been renewed for a seventh season.
My goal of being well informed conflicts with my goal of remaining sane.
April 10th, 2017 at 1:41:23 PM
permalink
Quote: TumblingBonesShould probably add Showtime's Gigolos to the list. Its a reality series that follows five male escorts in Las Vegas, both on the job and in their down-time. The part that amazes me is all the women who agree to be filmed having sex with these guys and then be interviewed afterwards. Not sure if its been renewed for a seventh season.
Haha yes. That show is fascinating.
Ding Dong the Witch is Dead
April 10th, 2017 at 5:01:59 PM
permalink
Quote: blount2000[...There just doesn’t seem to be anywhere near as much regular television programming about Vegas these days as there was in the past. Or if there is, then I’m just not finding it in my market...
History channel has(d) some fun shows based in Las Vegas:
Pawn Stars
Counting Cars
American Restoration
There were some other ones about a house flipper, but I lost interest quickly.
No one misses the late 70's show, "Vega$" with Robert Urich as private investigator "Dan Tanna"? C'mon, he would park his convertible T-bird in his office!
Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication - Leonardo da Vinci
April 10th, 2017 at 5:07:51 PM
permalink
I love Flipping Vegas and am pissed my cable package doesn't include that channel. After seeing how they fix stuff on the super cheap, I don't know why anyone would buy anything from them.
The older I get, the better I recall things that never happened
April 10th, 2017 at 10:59:41 PM
permalink
I'm in no way touting it, saying it's good or worth watching, I'm just adding to the Vegas TV shows list.
The Real World has a few they did in Vegas. One at the Palms and one at the old Gold Spike.
The Real World has a few they did in Vegas. One at the Palms and one at the old Gold Spike.
♪♪Now you swear and kick and beg us That you're not a gamblin' man Then you find you're back in Vegas With a handle in your hand♪♪ Your black cards can make you money So you hide them when you're able In the land of casinos and money You must put them on the table♪♪ You go back Jack do it again roulette wheels turinin' 'round and 'round♪♪ You go back Jack do it again♪♪
April 11th, 2017 at 8:33:11 AM
permalink
There was a "reality show" about a tattoo shop in Vegas a number of years ago. I went there once and got a tattoo. The guy who did it was super nice and down to earth. I don't think he put up with the TV show B.S. that was going on around him, because the few times I watched the show he was barely on it.
April 11th, 2017 at 9:38:51 AM
permalink
"I Bet You" - not every show was set in Las Vegas but I believe most were.
If'n I'd a knowed you wanted to have went with me - I'd a seen that you got to get to go.
April 11th, 2017 at 12:09:37 PM
permalink
There was a show similar to NBC's Las Vegas on CBS in early 1992 called Hearts are Wild; it was set at Caesar's Palace, and lasted 10 weeks. The one episode I remember involved a high roller who wanted a comped room for his son; meanwhile, a couple with the same last name were on their honeymoon, and ended up with the room (they drove out just as the high roller's son drove in). The only other thing I remember about it was, the theme song was (I think) Kenny Rogers doing "Viva Las Vegas." (No, I am not confusing this with Father of the Pride, which had John Goodman sing it.)
April 11th, 2017 at 3:39:56 PM
permalink
For a show that was supposed to be "real", the set ups were so fake, I just couldn't suspend disbelief.Quote: Puckerbutt"I Bet You" - not every show was set in Las Vegas but I believe most were.
Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication - Leonardo da Vinci
April 11th, 2017 at 4:11:51 PM
permalink
I've never seen the show, but the people who do "Tanked" are based in Vegas. I imagine some of it has to be filmed here.
The older I get, the better I recall things that never happened
April 11th, 2017 at 4:53:06 PM
permalink
I'm thinking the show "Airline" that followed Southwest operations covered Vegas.
Golden Nugget and Green Valley Ranch have both had the fly on the wall treatment.
Location only, American Ninja Warrior.
Golden Nugget and Green Valley Ranch have both had the fly on the wall treatment.
Location only, American Ninja Warrior.
Don't forget, "FREE" is a four letter word.
April 11th, 2017 at 6:05:01 PM
permalink
Isn't there, or wasn't there a CSI based in Vegas? Never seen any of them.
The older I get, the better I recall things that never happened
April 11th, 2017 at 6:24:05 PM
permalink
billryan, you beat me to it. CSI the original was filmed in
las Vegas. I think one of the producers insisted the show be filmed in Vegas.
Once when in town. I saw them shooting a scene in front of the Plaza.
las Vegas. I think one of the producers insisted the show be filmed in Vegas.
Once when in town. I saw them shooting a scene in front of the Plaza.
April 11th, 2017 at 6:42:58 PM
permalink
Anthony Bourdain did one of his "No Reservations" shows in Vegas, and I really enjoyed it. He went to the Double Down Saloon, Beauty Bar, the Neon Graveyard, etc. He even got some deep-fried oreos down on Fremont Street.
Link to Las Vegas Episode
Link to Las Vegas Episode
You serious, Clark?
April 12th, 2017 at 5:37:37 AM
permalink
Quote: billryanIsn't there, or wasn't there a CSI based in Vegas? Never seen any of them.
I had forgotten all about CSI, maybe because it's more a show that takes place in Las Vegas than a show about Las Vegas. That's pretty evident by the fact there's also a CSI NY and a CSI Miami .
And on the topic of "only in Vegas" TV shows, anybody mention yet Naked Vegas? This was a show about a body painting studio. Despite the nudity, it only lasted 1 season.
My goal of being well informed conflicts with my goal of remaining sane.
April 12th, 2017 at 6:21:51 AM
permalink
Top Chef on Bravo did a season in Las Vegas. I remember they always visited the Whole Foods at the south end of the Strip in Town Square.
"Poker sure is an easy game to beat if you have the roll to keep rebuying."
April 12th, 2017 at 10:10:30 AM
permalink
Monster House did an episode in Vegas S1E12. IMDb just says Vegas House but it was themed something like a roman bath. The renovations were mostly around the pool including a custom painted mural on the surrounding wall. The mural included nude figures that had to be obsecured for the show. The house belonged to some friends of ours, it was close enough to the strip that on one trip we walked over for a party.
Don't forget, "FREE" is a four letter word.
April 12th, 2017 at 3:10:00 PM
permalink
I also watched several episodes of this. With this star-power line-up, it should have been a huge hit. But it never lived up to its potential. Too bad.Quote: TumblingBones
Vegas starring Dennis Quaid and the always awesome Michael Chiklis was about Las Vegas in the early 60s. Quaid was the sheriff and Chiklis the mobster. It only lasted 1 season but my wife and I like it.
I also remember a show about the start-up ( I think ) of GREEN VALLEY RANCH. One of the featured employees subsequently died of a drug overdose.
"This Dicovery Channel show is centered at Green Valley Ranch Casino, a four-diamond resort destination located just minutes away but a world apart from the hustle and bustle of the Las Vegas Strip offering the luxury amenities celebrities demand."
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0414718/
There's emptiness behind their eyes
There's dust in all their hearts
They just want to steal us all and take us all apart
September 8th, 2017 at 9:27:24 AM
permalink
Just discovered "Dice". Andrew Dice Clay lives out his post-superstardom life as a local.
It's a lot like the Louis CK show; daily off stage events of a comic (post-popular phase in this case), with a ton of profanity and lewdness, just like his act. I.e. lots of sexual content and F-bombs practically every fifth word.
What caught my eye was Treasure Island casino being used as the Tangires as his "home casino" which he is in debt to by a lot.
Lots of local location shots. I saw Frankie's Tiki Room mentioned in blount2000's TR in the second episode. Could think of it as a live action "which Casino/location" game.
Four episodes in and counting. I don't find it as brilliant as CK's work but it is entertaining (7 out of 10, maybe...)
It's a lot like the Louis CK show; daily off stage events of a comic (post-popular phase in this case), with a ton of profanity and lewdness, just like his act. I.e. lots of sexual content and F-bombs practically every fifth word.
What caught my eye was Treasure Island casino being used as the Tangires as his "home casino" which he is in debt to by a lot.
Lots of local location shots. I saw Frankie's Tiki Room mentioned in blount2000's TR in the second episode. Could think of it as a live action "which Casino/location" game.
Four episodes in and counting. I don't find it as brilliant as CK's work but it is entertaining (7 out of 10, maybe...)
September 8th, 2017 at 11:23:00 AM
permalink
Quote: HornHighYo11Just discovered "Dice". Andrew Dice Clay lives out his post-superstardom life as a local.
on Showtime
Quote:(7 out of 10, maybe...)
keep us posted
PS - the trailer on you-tube made me chuckle a couple of times, but what is this show realy about? is it reality TV style stuff?
the next time Dame Fortune toys with your heart, your soul and your wallet, raise your glass and praise her thus: “Thanks for nothing, you cold-hearted, evil, damnable, nefarious, low-life, malicious monster from Hell!” She is, after all, stone deaf. ... Arnold Snyder
