Sale of the Century

Sale of the Century (1971-1983)

EndedGame Show show

Sale of the Century was a UK game show based on a US game show of the same name. It was first shown on ITV from 9 October 1971 to 6 November 1983, hosted by Nicholas Parsons.

It was one of the most popular shows on the network - spawning the often-mocked catchphrase "and now, from Norwich, it's the quiz of the week".

It has been revived twice: first on Sky Channel from 1989 to 1992 hosted by Peter Marshall and then on Challenge TV from 1997 to 1998 hosted by Keith Chegwin.

The ITV version followed the rules of the original American version. Three contestants start off with £15. Questions are worth different values starting with £1, later increasing to £3, and finally £5; by the final season, the £1 questions were eliminated. The question is asked and players can buzz in at any time. Correct answers add the money to their score and incorrect answers subtract the money from their score with only one player allowed to buzz in on each question.

Streaming

Watch Now

Network
Scheduleevery Saturday (30 min)

Recent Episodes

EpisodeNameAirdate
S11E14Episode 14Nov. 6, 1983
S11E13Episode 13Okt. 30, 1983
S11E12Episode 12Okt. 23, 1983
S11E11Episode 11Okt. 16, 1983
S11E10Episode 10Okt. 9, 1983
View all episodesView all seasons

Frequently Asked Questions  Warning: Spoilers

When did Sale of the Century premiere?

Sale of the Century premiered on September 29, 1969.

Who was the original host of Sale of the Century?

Jack Kelly was the original host of Sale of the Century.

What channel originally broadcast Sale of the Century?

NBC originally broadcast Sale of the Century.

What was the format of Sale of the Century?

Sale of the Century was a game show in which contestants answered questions to earn money, which they could then use to purchase prizes.

How were the contestants selected for Sale of the Century?

Prospective contestants for Sale of the Century were selected from the studio audience.

Who was the announcer for Sale of the Century?

Jay Stewart was the announcer for Sale of the Century.

What was the theme music for Sale of the Century?

The theme music for Sale of the Century was a piece of classical music titled "M\u00e9ditation," by the French composer Jules Massenet.

What were the rules for the "Instant Bargain" segment of Sale of the Century?

During the "Instant Bargain" segment of Sale of the Century, contestants could purchase a prize at a discounted rate by playing a separate mini-game against the other contestants.

How did the "Winner's Board" work on Sale of the Century?

The "Winner's Board" on Sale of the Century was a bonus game in which the contestant had to correctly match prizes with their retail value on a board.

What were the three levels of prizes on Sale of the Century?

The three levels of prizes on Sale of the Century were "Instant Bargains," "Refrigerator Prizes," and "Major Prizes."

What was the highest-value prize ever won on Sale of the Century?

The highest-value prize ever won on Sale of the Century was a $56,394 home in California.

What was the name of the parody sketch of Sale of the Century on SCTV?

The parody sketch of Sale of the Century on SCTV was called "Half-Wits."

Cast

View all cast

Characters

View all characters

Recently Updated Shows

Recently updated shows that might be of your interest.
Elsbeth
Running

Elsbeth

Elsbeth follows Elsbeth Tascioni, an astute but unconventional attorney who utilizes her singular point of view to make unique observations and corner brilliant criminals alongside the NYPD. After leaving her successful legal career in Chicago to tackle a new investigative role in New York City, Elsbeth finds herself jockeying with the toast of the NYPD, Captain C.W. Wagner, a charismatic and revered leader. Working alongside Elsbeth is Officer Kaya Blanke, a stoic and ethical officer who quickly develops an appreciation for Elsbeth's insightful and offbeat ways.

Black Doves
Running

Black Doves

Helen Webb, politician's wife, doting mother, and professional spy, has been passing on her husband's secrets to the Black Doves, the shadowy organization for whom she works. But when her lover Jason is assassinated, Helen's life is turned upside down, and only her old friend Sam Young can keep her safe. But Sam, a suave, champagne-drinking assassin, also has problems of his own. Out of the game, since his last job went wrong, he soon realizes his past is coming back to haunt him. Together, they set off on a mission that will lead them to uncover a vast, interconnected conspiracy. One that links the murky underworld of London to a looming geopolitical crisis — and leads them to question the cost of the moral choices they've made.

The Night Agent
Running

The Night Agent

The Night Agent is a sophisticated, character-based, action-thriller centering on a low-level FBI Agent who works in the basement of the White House, manning a phone that never rings — until the night that it does, propelling him into a fast-moving and dangerous conspiracy that ultimately leads all the way to the Oval Office.

NCIS: Origins
Running

NCIS: Origins

In NCIS: Origins, young Leroy Jethro Gibbs starts his career as a newly minted special agent at the fledgling NCIS Camp Pendleton office where he forges his place on a gritty, ragtag team led by NCIS legend Mike Franks.

Last Week Tonight with John Oliver
Running

Last Week Tonight with John Oliver

On Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, John Oliver presents a satirical look at the week in news, politics and current events.

GenreComedy