I've Got a Secret vs. What's My Line

Attribute	I've Got a Secret	What's My Line
Host	Garry Moore	John Charles Daly
Panels	4 regular panelists	4 regular panelists
Format	Contestants reveal a secret about themselves	Contestants try to guess the occupation of a mystery guest
Duration	1952-1967	1950-1967

Format and Structure

I've Got a Secret and What's My Line were both popular game shows that aired in the mid-20th century. While both shows followed a similar format of having celebrity panelists guess a contestant's secret, there were some key differences in their structure. I've Got a Secret typically featured one contestant per episode, who would reveal their secret to the host and panelists. The panelists would then ask yes or no questions to try and guess the secret. In contrast, What's My Line had multiple contestants per episode, each with a different occupation that the panelists had to guess.

Panelists

One of the main differences between I've Got a Secret and What's My Line was the makeup of the celebrity panelists. I've Got a Secret featured a rotating cast of panelists, including celebrities like Lucille Ball, Henry Morgan, and Bill Cullen. These panelists brought their own unique personalities and humor to the show, making for entertaining interactions with the contestants. On the other hand, What's My Line had a more consistent panel, with regulars like Arlene Francis, Dorothy Kilgallen, and Bennett Cerf. This stability in the panelists added a sense of familiarity for viewers.

Contestants

Another difference between I've Got a Secret and What's My Line was the type of contestants featured on each show. I've Got a Secret often had everyday people with quirky or unusual secrets, such as owning a pet alligator or being a professional yo-yo player. These secrets were meant to surprise and entertain the panelists and audience. In contrast, What's My Line featured contestants with more straightforward occupations, such as a firefighter or a ballet dancer. The challenge for the panelists was to guess the contestant's occupation based on yes or no questions.

Hosts

Both I've Got a Secret and What's My Line had charismatic hosts who played a key role in the success of the shows. I've Got a Secret was hosted by Garry Moore, whose warm and friendly demeanor made contestants feel at ease while revealing their secrets. Moore also had a quick wit that added to the humor of the show. What's My Line was hosted by John Charles Daly, who brought a sense of sophistication and elegance to the show. Daly's smooth delivery and rapport with the panelists helped to create a sense of camaraderie among the cast.

Legacy

Despite their differences, both I've Got a Secret and What's My Line left a lasting impact on the world of television game shows. I've Got a Secret was known for its lighthearted and comedic approach to revealing secrets, while What's My Line was praised for its intellectual challenge and sophistication. Both shows have been referenced and parodied in popular culture, demonstrating their enduring influence. While I've Got a Secret and What's My Line may have had their own unique attributes, they both hold a special place in the history of television game shows.