Ep 8. Ashanti, Gary Cole, Michael Ealy, Sherri Shepherd

To Tell the Truth is a popular American game show that has been entertaining audiences since the 1950s. Each episode features a panel of celebrities who are tasked with identifying the one person among a group of three contestants who is telling the truth about their unusual occupation, experience, or accomplishment.

In season 5 episode 8, the celebrity panel includes singer-songwriter Ashanti, actor Gary Cole, actor Michael Ealy, and comedian Sherri Shepherd. These four panelists bring their unique perspectives and talents to the table as they try to suss out the real contestant from the impostors.

The first contestant is a man who claims to have been a professional Santa Claus for over 40 years. He regales the panel with tales of rowdy children, demanding parents, and the joys of spreading Christmas cheer. The second contestant says she can predict the weather using nothing but her body. She explains that she has a condition called POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome) that allows her to sense changes in barometric pressure and temperature. The third contestant has a somewhat more mundane claim to fame - he is an expert on the history and cultural significance of potato chips.

As the episode progresses, the celebrities ask each contestant a series of questions designed to trip them up and reveal any inconsistencies in their stories. Ashanti is particularly adept at reading body language and picking up on subtle clues, while Gary Cole uses his dry wit and deadpan delivery to throw the contestants off balance. Michael Ealy is a calming presence on the panel, using his charm and charisma to coax the truth out of the contestants. Sherri Shepherd, meanwhile, is as irreverent and hilarious as ever, keeping the mood upbeat and entertaining even when the contestants are struggling to convince everyone that they are the real deal.

As the hour-long show draws to a close, the panelists must cast their votes for which contestant they believe is telling the truth. The contestant with the most votes is then revealed to be the real deal - or, in some cases, a convincing liar.

To Tell the Truth has endured for decades because of its timeless appeal and ability to keep audiences guessing. Even in season 5, episode 8, the show is still full of surprises and laughs. Whether you're a die-hard fan of the show or a newcomer to its charms, this episode is sure to entertain and delight.