Great Temptation

Great Temptation was an Australian game show, produced by Reg Grundy Productions Pty. Ltd., that aired on the Seven Network from 1970 until 1974. It was hosted by Tony Barber and co-hosted by Barbara Rodgers.

In addition to the day time series known simply as (New World) Temptation, an hour-long prime time version titled $25,000 Great Temptation premiered on 5 July 1971. It initially aired once a week, but later expanded to airing twice a week in 1972 and five nights a week in 1973 and 1974.[1]

The format was a quiz show with three contestants who gained a dollar amount for each correct answer. At regular times during the show, the leading contestant was able to “buy” a valuable prize for a small nominal amount that was deducted from their score.  That prize remained theirs regardless of their success on the show.

The winner of each episode was able to return the next day or take a major prize and leave.  The major prizes at the end of each show accumulated but were lost if the contestant was beaten on a subsequent show.

According to Barber, a contestant died during the taping of a 1970s' episode of Great Temptation. Barber congratulated her on winning the game; she then slumped over and they cleared the studio and called paramedics.[2] The episode was not broadcast.