Deal or No Deal Premiere Episode Preview  12/13/05

DEAL OR NO DEAL --(8:00PM-9:00PM)-- (TV-14) Monday, December 19th "Episode No.1"

THE INTERNATIONAL HIT GAME SHOW 'DEAL OR NO DEAL' COMES TO NBC AS WEEK-LONG EVENT SERIES -- Actor/comedian Howie Mandel ("Hidden Howie") hosts this international game show phenomenon where contestants try their luck in a game of chance and odds to become a millionaire. 

Each night, a contestant is confronted with 26 sealed briefcases full of varying amounts of cash -- ranging from a measly penny to $1 million dollars. Without knowing the amount in each briefcase, the contestant picks one -- his to keep, if he chooses, until its unsealing at game's end. 

The game kicks into high gear when the amount of cash in each case is revealed to the contestant round-by-round - and is tempted after each round by a mysterious entity known only as "The Bank" to accept an offer of cash in exchange for what might be contained in the contestant's chosen briefcase - prompting Mandel to ask the all-important question - Deal or No Deal? Karen Van from Rancho Cucamonga, California, and Jason Vittorini from Hull, Massachusetts compete in the premiere episode.

Source: NBC Press Release