Ep 1. Episode 1

In Card Sharks season 1 episode 1, appropriately titled "Episode 1," the classic game show is back with a brand new format and host. Joel McHale takes on the role of the master of ceremonies, guiding contestants through a series of high-stakes card games with potentially life-changing payouts.

The show begins as McHale introduces the audience to the game and its rules. Two contestants are brought onto the stage, each hoping to take home the big prize. The contestants each stand behind a podium with a deck of oversized playing cards displayed in front of them, ready to be shuffled and dealt.

The first round begins with a question posed to the contestants, who must guess how many people out of a hundred gave a specific answer. For example, they may be asked, "What percentage of people think they are better drivers than their significant other?" The contestants must give their best guess, and the one who gets closest to the actual answer wins control of the game.

The player in control then has the option to "play" or "pass" the upcoming set of cards. If they choose to play, they must guess if the next card in the deck will be higher or lower than the previous one. If they are correct, they can continue guessing until they make an incorrect guess, at which point they lose control and it's the other player's turn. If they choose to pass, the other contestant takes on the card-guessing responsibilities.

The goal of the game is to make it through all seven cards in the deck, known as a "run," without making a single incorrect guess. If a player manages to do so, they win a bonus cash prize along with the money they accumulated during the game. The first player to win two games moves on to the final round.

In the final round, the winning contestant has a chance to walk away with even more money by betting on their ability to guess whether the upcoming card will be higher or lower than the one displayed on the board. A correct guess doubles their winnings, and if they can make it through the entire deck without making a mistake, they win a jackpot worth tens of thousands of dollars.

Throughout the episode, McHale keeps the energy high with his quick wit and banter with the contestants, never letting the tension of the game simmer down. He also provides a bit of comedic relief, joking about the absurdity of some of the survey questions and offering humorous commentary on the contestants' card-guessing strategies.

Overall, Card Sharks season 1 episode 1 is a fun, fast-paced game show that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats. With the exciting new format and Joel McHale at the helm, it's clear that Card Sharks is here to stay.