The popular series ran for eight years (January 16, 1971 to September 1978). Each week two-person teams competed in best ball games: each team member would take a shot on their own lane. If neither hit a strike, then whomever rolled the worse shot would try to pick up a spare on their partner's lane. Winning teams garnered prizes for audience members both present and sitting at home. Hilarity usually came in two flavors: celebs that took their game waaaay too seriously; and lighthearted joking aimed at a partner or opponent. And, of course, some people had a better sense of humor than others.