High Stakes Poker Axed By GSN
December 8, 2011 3:36 pmThe once popular poker series known as ‘High Stakes Poker’ has now been axed from GSN’s 2012 schedule, after a run on TV lasting from its first broadcast date of January 16, 2006.
The poker cash game series was originally hosted by Gabe Kaplan and AJ Benza and quickly built up a big following amongst hardcore poker fans, with its entertaining presentation style and insightful poker analysis.
Over the years the show had many of the top poker players in the world lining-up for a place at its high-stake cash game, including Phil Ivey, Tom Dwan, Daniel Negreanu, Doyle Brunson, Jennifer Harman, Patrik Antonius, David Benyamine, Eli Elezra, Sam Farha, Barry Greenstein, Mike Matusow and Phil Hellmuth Jr.
It was later confirmed by Daniel Negreanu in season one that all the players received $1,250 per hour for taking part in the show, with each season edited from 24 hours of actual play.
‘High Stakes Poker’ is also responsible for some of the most memorable moments in TV poker history, such as Gus Hansen winning $575,000 with four fives against Daniel Negreanu’s full house. Or Brad Booth’s memorable $300,000 bluff with 4-2 on a 3-6-7 flop against Phil Ivey with pocket kings.
However, the show began to unravel in 2010 after Season six premiered without AJ Benza, followed by Gabe Kaplan being replaced by Norm Macdonald in 2011 for Season seven.
The new format received a wave of criticism from fans who felt the show no longer had the same appeal as earlier seasons. Furthermore, comedian Norm Macdonald seemed to have been an unusual choice for the role of poker presenter, given his lack of insightful analysis as well as his track record in being involved with shelved TV show. These have included The Norm Show, A Minute with Stan Hooper and ‘Sports Show with Norm Macdonald.’
High Stakes Poker’s woes were further compounded after Full Tilt Poker pulled out of the show, followed by new sponsors PokerStars as part of the Black Friday indictments.
It now remains to be seen whether another network will express interest in the show after its last GSN airing effective Jan. 2, 2012.