Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Figure It Out

Figure It Out is an children's panel produced by in which a panel of four celebrities, typically Nickelodeon stars, attempts to guess the unusual talent or achievement of a young contestant by asking yes-or-no questions and examining physical clues displayed on a large board or under plexiglass. The original incarnation of the series premiered on July 7, 1997, and was hosted by , a former gold medalist swimmer. It ran for four seasons until December 12, 1999, with episodes featuring energetic gameplay, live demonstrations of contestants' skills, prizes for the contestants, and the Nickelodeon tradition of on the panelists. In 2012, revived Figure It Out with a similar format, ordering 40 new episodes to be produced in starting that April. The revival, hosted by comedian , premiered on June 11, 2012, and concluded its run on July 16, 2013, after two seasons totaling over 70 episodes. Panelists in the revival included contemporary talents such as , and the show maintained the core elements of clue-based guessing and contestant showcases while updating production for a new generation.

Overview and Premise

Show Concept

Figure It Out is an children's produced by , in which four celebrity panelists attempt to guess the unique talent, skill, or accomplishment of a young contestant by posing yes-or-no questions and interpreting provided clues. The format emphasizes quick thinking and humor, with panelists receiving tactile, visual, or messy hints to aid their guesses, such as feeling objects related to the talent or observing brief demonstrations. Each episode spotlights two such contestants, who present their secrets in a lively studio environment designed to celebrate youthful creativity and eccentricity. The show's concept draws inspiration from classic adult panel game shows like What's My Line? and I've Got a Secret, adapting their question-based guessing mechanics into a kid-friendly spectacle that highlights children's remarkable abilities rather than professions. Created by Kevin Kay and Magda Liolis, it transforms the traditional format by incorporating Nickelodeon's signature chaotic energy, including comedic interludes and audience participation, to engage young viewers. Contestants, typically children aged 7 to 15 with unusual talents or achievements such as extreme sports feats or quirky inventions, appear alongside a non-competing adult companion, ensuring a supportive family-oriented atmosphere. Episodes follow a structured progression across three rounds, each originally limited to 60 seconds, during which the panel rapidly fires questions to uncover the secret; failure to solve it in a round awards the contestant escalating prizes like merchandise, electronic gadgets, or family trips. If the talent remains unsolved after the final round, the contestant claims a grand prize, often a substantial or shopping spree, culminating in an on-stage demonstration of their ability. Integral to the show's celebratory vibe is 's iconic sliming tradition, where successful guesses or comedic moments trigger streams of dousing panelists, hosts, or even contestants, reinforcing the network's playful branding.

Core Gameplay Mechanics

The core gameplay of Figure It Out involves a contestant presenting a unique talent or achievement, which a panel of four celebrities attempts to identify by asking yes-or-no questions across three rounds per game. Questions must be phrased to elicit only "yes" or "no" responses from the contestant, prohibiting leading or open-ended inquiries to maintain fairness and focus the guessing process. Panelists take turns asking questions, continuing their turn as long as they receive "yes" answers and passing to the next panelist on a "no" or if stumped; during rounds, they also guess individual words in the secret phrase, with correct words revealed on a board. Each round introduces a clue to assist the panel, presented through physical props that panelists can handle or examine, or other hints like sounds related to the talent. Round progression builds intensity: all three rounds originally lasted 60 seconds, with clues becoming more revealing; if the phrase is not fully solved after the third round, each panelist gets one final guess at the talent. Episodes structure two complete games, with commercial breaks following each round to sustain pacing within the standard 24- to 30-minute runtime. Prize distribution rewards partial and full success differently: for each unsolved round, the contestant receives a small prize, often Nickelodeon-branded merchandise or recreational items like sporting goods, with the prize for an unsolved third round being the major prize, usually a family vacation or trip. If the talent is solved before the end of the third round, the contestant receives only the prizes from prior unsolved rounds, accompanied by a celebratory sliming of the , , and contestant as a Nickelodeon hallmark. If unsolved after all three rounds and final guesses, the contestant keeps all accumulated prizes, including the major prize.

History and Production

Original Series Development

Figure It Out was created by Kevin Kay and Magda Liolis as a children's panel for . Development began with production for the first season starting in March 1997, leading to the series premiere on July 7, 1997. The show ran for four seasons, concluding on December 12, 1999, and produced 160 episodes in total. Filming took place at Nickelodeon Studios in Orlando, Florida, where episodes were taped in front of a live studio audience on a set featuring a signature slime pit, panelist buzzers, and interactive elements for contestants. Kevin Kay served as executive producer for the original run. The theme song, an upbeat synth-heavy track, was composed by Roy Harter. The series was timed for a summer 1997 launch to align with peak children's viewing periods and capitalize on Nickelodeon's kid-focused programming slate. Initial popularity was boosted by host , an Olympic gold medalist swimmer, and the integration of Nickelodeon's iconic as a celebratory element.

Revival Announcement and Production

On March 7, 2012, announced the revival of Figure It Out, greenlighting 40 new episodes of the game show to capitalize on nostalgia for programming. The decision was influenced by the strong ratings performance of '90s repeats on TeenNick's The '90s Are All That block, which had successfully reintroduced classic content to younger audiences. Production began in April 2012 at in , marking a shift from the original series' filming at in . The updated set incorporated modern digital graphics while preserving iconic elements like the slime pit for contestant rewards and penalties. Eileen Braun and Magda Liolis served as executive producers, overseeing the reboot's adaptation for contemporary viewers. Composer Roy Harter provided a remixed version of the original , blending familiarity with fresh production values. The premiered on June 11, 2012, and spanned two seasons and totaling 70 episodes, concluding its run on July 16, 2013. Targeted primarily at tweens aged 9-14, the series featured panels of modern celebrities to appeal to this demographic, achieving top ratings in its time slot among that audience. No additional seasons were produced, as shifted priorities toward scripted series amid evolving trends in children's television.

Cast and Crew

Hosts and Announcers

The original run of Figure It Out (1997–1999) was hosted by Summer Sanders, an Olympic gold medalist swimmer who won four medals at the 1992 Barcelona Games. Sanders, selected for her athletic background and appeal to young audiences as the network's first female game show host, introduced game rounds, moderated panel interactions, and participated in the show's signature sliming of contestants and panelists. Her energetic style aligned with Nickelodeon's kid-focused programming, drawing on her post-Olympics media experience. The original series' announcer was Jeffery "J" Dumas, who provided voice-over narration for contestant clues, prize reveals, and episode transitions across all four seasons. For the 2012–2013 revival, comedian and actor Jeff Sutphen served as host, bringing his improv comedy background, honed through early work at MTV and on Nickelodeon productions like U-Pick Live, to inject humor and physical antics into show introductions and segment transitions. Chosen for his high-energy performance style suited to contemporary youth entertainment, Sutphen moderated gameplay while emphasizing comedic elements in a format updated for modern viewers. The revival's announcer was Elle Young, whose vibrant delivery narrated clues and prizes with an upbeat tone adapted to the rebooted production. Notable host moments include Sanders leveraging her Olympic fame for post-show career advancements in sports broadcasting, such as co-hosting and Olympic commentary roles, without any major controversies during her tenure. Sutphen's revival run similarly avoided controversies, focusing on lighthearted hosting that echoed the original's fun ethos.

Regular Panelists

In the original 1997–1999 series of Figure It Out, the regular panelists consisted primarily of young Nickelodeon-affiliated performers drawn from a rotating pool of about 10–12 celebrities, with four selected per episode to provide fresh dynamics while leveraging network familiarity. The core group included All That cast members Amanda Bynes, Lori Beth Denberg, and Danny Tamberelli, alongside comedian Kevin Kopelow as a consistent adult presence; additional regulars such as Christy Knowings and Marc Weiner frequently appeared, with Irene Ng being one of the few to join Bynes, Tamberelli, and Kopelow across all four seasons. The 2012–2013 revival maintained a similar rotation system but emphasized current stars to align with the network's contemporary lineup, featuring and as the primary recurring panelists. They alternated with other young talents like from , alongside rotating appearances by performers such as and , ensuring the panel reflected active properties. Panelists in both series were tasked with buzzing in to ask yes-or-no questions aimed at uncovering contestants' secrets, often incorporating encouraged comedic banter and physical comedy to heighten the show's energetic, kid-friendly atmosphere. Selection criteria prioritized Nickelodeon alumni and rising stars for brand synergy, with panelists typically aged 12 to 25 to foster relatability with child contestants and promote cross-promotion of network shows. Notable dynamics included ' participation as an early breakout role shortly after her debut, helping launch her into broader stardom, while Lori Beth Denberg's established connection infused the panel with improvisational humor and continuity from Nickelodeon's tradition.

Format Variations

Original Series Seasons

The original series of Figure It Out spanned from July 7, 1997, to December 12, 1999, evolving its format to maintain viewer engagement while adhering to the core of guessing contestants' unique talents through clues. Season 1, airing in 1997, established the standard format with 41 episodes that emphasized diverse talents from individual child contestants, such as unusual skills or inventions, without thematic restrictions. The show maintained the basic round structure, including clues and the signature slimy reward for correct guesses. In Season 2, which premiered in 1998, producers implemented minor tweaks to improve pacing, such as streamlined clue presentations, while introducing more -based clues to enhance visual engagement for the 40-episode run. These adjustments aimed to quicken the guessing process without altering the fundamental mechanics. Season 3, titled Figure It Out: Family Style and airing in 1998, shifted to pairs or groups of related contestants, such as siblings or parent-child duos, across its 41 episodes; prizes were adjusted to accommodate group wins, often splitting rewards like merchandise or trips among family members. This format fostered collaborative family dynamics in talent demonstrations. The final Season 4, known as Figure It Out: in 1999, exclusively featured animal-related talents, including live pet demonstrations alongside human skills involving creatures, across 41 episodes. The thematic focus on added an interactive element, with props and clues often incorporating animals. Over its run, series produced 163 episodes in total, after which new productions ceased and the show transitioned to repeats on GAS starting in 2000, extending its availability to a dedicated .

Revival Series Adaptations

The revival series of Figure It Out, encompassing seasons 5 and 6 from 2012 to 2013, adapted by emphasizing faster pacing and contemporary production elements while preserving the fundamental of panelists using yes/no questions and clues to guess young contestants' unique talents or secrets. Season 5, which premiered on June 11, 2012, reverted to the show's original title and consisted of 40 episodes produced in . A notable addition was the "Word of Honor," a strategic where one key word from a contestant's secret was designated prior to the game; if a panelist guessed it, the contestant was slimed, pausing play and adding excitement to the proceedings. The series maintained the Secret Slime Action from the original but employed it more sparingly, and prizes shifted toward tech gadgets like tablets and gaming consoles to align with youth trends. In season 6, which aired starting October 15, 2012, and comprised 30 episodes, the format included a fifth seat at the desk, used in one for a child who won a summer . The overall structure featured three timed rounds per contestant, with the Word of Honor integrated for added tension, and no overarching theme variations like those in the original series.

Notable Aspects

Famous Contestants

Several contestants from the original Figure It Out series (1997–1999) went on to achieve prominence in , , and , highlighting the show's role as an early platform for young talents. Among the most notable is artist , who appeared on April 7, 1998, at age six. His talent involved playing the while singing an original song, which impressed the panel and audience during the demonstration round. Hayes later signed with and released his self-titled debut album in 2011, which topped the Country Albums chart and earned certification. Sam Roberts, now a prominent WWE announcer and podcast host, competed in season 2 during 1998–1999. At age 15, he showcased his skill of flipping quarters off his ankle, a quirky ability that stumped the panelists briefly before being guessed. Roberts has since become a key figure in 's media landscape, hosting The Sam Roberts Wrestling Podcast and contributing to programming since 2014. Another notable contestant was , a Major League Baseball pitcher, who appeared in season 3. His talent was being the youngest person to bowl two 300 games. Stroman has since played for teams including the Toronto Blue Jays and . While the series featured around 200 young contestants across its original run, several have gained later recognition in their fields, underscoring Figure It Out as a formative exposure opportunity for emerging talents beyond the slime-filled studio games.

Legacy and Broadcast History

Following its original run from 1997 to 1999, Figure It Out entered syndication with reruns on Nickelodeon Games and Sports for Kids (Nick GAS), where episodes aired regularly from 2000 until the network's discontinuation in 2007, with limited broadcasts continuing into 2009. The show later featured in TeenNick's "The '90s Are All That" block, launched in 2011 to capitalize on nostalgia for 1990s Nickelodeon programming, with episodes airing weekly from 2011 to 2012 as part of the overnight lineup celebrating era-defining series. By the early 2020s, full seasons were not consistently available on major streaming platforms like Paramount+, though select episodes could be purchased digitally on services such as Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV as of 2023. Figure It Out holds a prominent place in Nickelodeon culture, particularly as a staple of the network's slime-centric game shows that defined kid-oriented entertainment during the era. The series frequently incorporated green slime dousings for incorrect guesses or celebrations, reinforcing 's signature messy, exuberant aesthetic that permeated programs like Double Dare and became a hallmark of '90s childhood . Its revival, which produced 40 new episodes, exemplified 's strategy of rebooting popular '90s properties and paved the way for subsequent revivals, including the 2018 return of Double Dare. The show was praised for empowering young contestants by showcasing their unique talents on national television, contributing to its enduring reputation as a fun, inclusive format that highlighted kids' creativity without major awards but with strong viewership during its summer 1997 premiere. In , marking the 25th anniversary of its debut, media outlets reflected on the series' lasting impact through retrospectives on its hosts and panelists' careers, underscoring its role in Nickelodeon's of live-action programming. Clips from the original episodes remain popular on , where fan-uploaded segments and full episodes have garnered millions of views collectively, fueling ongoing fan discussions and nostalgia-driven content as of 2025. No further revivals or new seasons have been announced by through late 2025.

References

  1. [1]
    Figure It Out (TV Series 1997–2013) - IMDb
    Rating 7.1/10 (1,142) A group of four different panelists popular on Nickelodeon programs try to figure out the talents of different guests.
  2. [2]
    Figure It Out - Where to Watch and Stream - TV Guide
    A group of four different panelists popular on Nickelodeon programs try to figure out the talents of different guests.Free · Cast & Crew · Latest News
  3. [3]
    Nickelodeon Revives 1990s Game Show 'Figure It Out'
    Mar 7, 2012 · Set to begin production in April for a premiere on the network this year, Figure challenges celebrities to guess kid contestants' talents and ...
  4. [4]
    Nickelodeon Revives 1990s Game Show 'Figure It Out' With 40 ...
    Mar 7, 2012 · The cable network has ordered 40 brand new episodes of the family-friendly game show to begin production in April in Los Angeles for a premiere later this year.Missing: revival | Show results with:revival<|control11|><|separator|>
  5. [5]
    Figure It Out: Cancelled by Nickelodeon - TV Series Finale
    The series was revived in June 2012 with Sutphen and aired for two more seasons. The finale episode aired on July 16th of this year. Though Figure It Out is ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  6. [6]
    Season 5 – Figure It Out - Rotten Tomatoes
    Episode 1 video still. Episode 1 Aired Jun 11, 2012 ; Episode 2 video still. Episode 2 Aired Jun 12, 2012 ; Episode 3 video still. Episode 3 Aired Jun 13, 2012.
  7. [7]
    Figure It Out - ‎Apple TV
    FIGURE IT OUT is a kids' game show that challenges a panel of four celebrities (typically Nickelodeon stars like Victoria Justice) to guess a young contestant' ...
  8. [8]
    Figure It Out TV Review | Common Sense Media
    Rating 4.0 · Review by Andrea GrahamNov 11, 2020 · Figure It Out. TV Nickelodeon Game Shows 1997. Rate Save. Figure It Out Poster Image ... yes-or-no questions in rapid-fire succession through ...
  9. [9]
    Figure It Out: Nickelodeon Orders New Version
    Mar 7, 2012 · Every Figure It Out episode features a panel of celebrities trying to guess the unique feat or accomplishment of two kid contestants each, in ...
  10. [10]
    10 Best '90s Game Shows, Ranked - Collider
    May 18, 2025 · Figure It Out is a unique game show that aired on Nickelodeon and ... A loose adaptation of a combination of What's My Line? and I've ...
  11. [11]
    Nickelodeon Brings Back Popular 90's Game Series, Figure It Out ...
    Mar 7, 2012 · For every round the panel fails to figure it out, the contestant wins a prize. If, after three rounds, the panel can't figure out the kid's ...Missing: rules | Show results with:rules
  12. [12]
  13. [13]
    Figure It Out 1997-1999 series : Nickelodeon - Internet Archive
    Apr 30, 2022 · A group of four different panelists popular on Nickelodeon programs try to figure out the talents of different guests.
  14. [14]
    Episode Guide | Figure It Out Wiki | Fandom
    This is the first season of the series. Season 1 consists of 41 half-hour episodes on Nickelodeon. The Figure It Out ... 2012 Revival. Season 5: 2012. Figure It ...Original series (Sanders) · Season 1: 1997 · Season 2: 1998
  15. [15]
    Nickelodeon game shows and # of episodes produced
    Dec 23, 2005 · Figure It Out (including Family Style and Wild Style): 160 episodes. Double Dare 2000 (65 or 67 episodes, anyone know for sure?) Logged ...
  16. [16]
    WANT TO BE ON TV? YOU CAN FIGURE IT OUT - Orlando Sentinel
    Aug 9, 1999 · The theme park's Nickelodeon Studios has seats available in the studio audience for the taping of Nickelodeon's Figure It Out. The game show ...<|separator|>
  17. [17]
    Figure It Out (TV Series 1997–2013) - Full cast & crew - IMDb
    Kevin Kay · Kevin Kay. creator. 14 episodes • 1997–1999. Magda Liolis · Magda Liolis. creator. 14 episodes • 1997–1999. Evan Baily · Evan Baily. writer. 6 ...<|separator|>
  18. [18]
    Figure It Out Theme Song
    Nov 16, 2023 · The Figure It Out Theme Song, orchestrated by Roy Harter, was the prelude to a game show where the unexpected was the norm. The music, along ...
  19. [19]
    How Nickelodeon Mixes its Green Slime - Inverse
    Dec 16, 2015 · The secret of the infamous Nickelodeon Green Slime is vanilla pudding. It's not the biggest industry secret in television history.
  20. [20]
    Figure It Out (TV Series 1997–2013) - Filming & production - IMDb
    ... It Out (1997). Filming & production. Figure It Out. Edit. Filming locations. Paramount Studios - 5555 Melrose Avenue, Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, USA.
  21. [21]
    Ready, Set, Slime! Nickelodeon Premieres Figure It Out on Monday ...
    Figure It Out originally aired for four seasons on Nickelodeon from July 1997 to December 1999 and was hosted by Olympic gold medalist swimmer Summer Sanders.
  22. [22]
    Figure It Out (TV Series 1997–2013) - Episode list - IMDb
    E1 ∙ Pogo Stick & Maple Syrup. Mon, Jun 11, 2012. Featuring Rachel Crow ... E24 ∙ High Kicks and Bowling. Mon, Jul 16, 2012. Featuring Ryan Potter, Ciara ...
  23. [23]
    Nickelodeon Unveils Kids' Hidden Talents With The Return ... - CNBC
    Oct 4, 2012 · Since its 2012 reboot, Figure it Out ranks as the top program in its time slot with tweens 9-14 across all TV and averaging 2.1 million total ...
  24. [24]
    Nick's 'How To Rock' Cancelled After One Season - Deadline
    Aug 26, 2012 · Two weeks after the kids cable network cancelled comedy series Victorious after three seasons, it has done the same with freshman How To Rock.
  25. [25]
    Summer Sanders Bio | Food Network
    Highlights include: eight years co-hosting NBA Inside Stuff on NBC; becoming the first female game-show host on Nickelodeon as the host of Figure It Out; acting ...
  26. [26]
    Summer Sanders - IMDb
    Her passion to communicate with kids was underscored as the hip and funny host of Nickelodeon's hit game show, Figure It Out (1997). In two years at Stanford, ...
  27. [27]
    Catching Up With Summer Sanders: Olympic Champ Staying Busy
    Dec 28, 2023 · She even got to “slime” Julius Erving and Joe Namath on her Nickelodeon show, “Figure It Out.” Now in her 31st year of television, she is ...Missing: brand | Show results with:brand
  28. [28]
    Jeffery 'J' Dumas - IMDb
    Jeffery 'J' Dumas. Additional Crew: Figure It Out. Jeffery 'J' Dumas is known for Figure It Out ( ... announcer. 1997–2013. Contribute to this page.Missing: original | Show results with:original
  29. [29]
    Jeff Sutphen - IMDb
    Jeff Sutphen is known for The Awesome Hour (2008), Ryan's Mystery Playdate (2019) and U-Pick Live (2003). He has been married to Stacy Asencio Sutphen since ...
  30. [30]
    Jeff Sutphen - Nickelodeon Wiki - Fandom
    Jeffrey "Jeff" Sutphen (born October 15, 1977) is an American actor ... He became the host of Figure It Out for the two seasons following its 2012 revival.
  31. [31]
  32. [32]
    'Figure It Out' Turns 25: Where Are the Hosts & Panelists Now?
    Jul 7, 2022 · Summer Sanders hosted the 1997 version of Figure It Out, with Nick faves Lori Beth Denberg, Danny Tamberelli, Kevin Kopelow, Christy Knowings, and Amanda Bynes ...Missing: article | Show results with:article
  33. [33]
    Figure It Out - Nickelodeon Wiki - Fandom
    Figure It Out is an American children's game show hosted by Summer Sanders that aired on Nickelodeon for four seasons from July 7, 1997 to December 12, 1999
  34. [34]
    Figure It Out | Cast and Crew - Rotten Tomatoes
    In this revival of the late '90s series of the same name, four celebrity panelists -- usually from other Nickelodeon shows -- try to guess hidden talents or ...<|separator|>
  35. [35]
    Figure It Out Season 1: Where To Watch Every Episode | Reelgood
    Season 1 of Figure It Out has 41 episodes that are available for Rent or Purchase on Prime Video, Apple TV. Figure It Out Season 1 Episodes ...
  36. [36]
    Figure It Out (TV Series 1997–2013) - Episode list - IMDb
    - **Insufficient relevant content**: The provided URL content does not include episode numbers or air dates for Season 1 of the title (tt0127994).
  37. [37]
    Figure It Out (TV Series 1997–2013) - Episode list - IMDb
    "Figure It Out" featured episodes like "Champion Shoe Flinging Swinger", "Collect, Train, and Race Woolly Worms", "Invented Jet Spray Dog Washer", and " ...
  38. [38]
    Figure It Out Season 3 - watch episodes streaming online - JustWatch
    Currently available on 3 streaming services. Figure It Out - Season 3: Family Style (1998). ImDB Logo 7.1 (1.1k). TV-G. Age rating. 22min. Where to watch Watch ...
  39. [39]
    Figure It Out Season 4 - watch episodes streaming online - JustWatch
    Streaming details for Figure It Out - Season 4: Wild Style on Fandango At Home. Runtime. 28min. Quality. HD. Audio languages. English. Apple TV+. Watch similar ...
  40. [40]
    Remember When Hunter Hayes Was on Nickelodeon's 'Figure It Out'?
    Oct 23, 2018 · In 1998, a young Hunter Hayes worked to stump the panel and impress the live audience during an episode of Nickelodeon's Figure It Out.
  41. [41]
    Sam Roberts Net Worth
    As a child, Sam appeared on the Nickelodeon game show "Figure it Out", where he showed off an unusual talent for flicking coins off his ankle. He attended ...
  42. [42]
  43. [43]
  44. [44]
  45. [45]
    [PDF] Nickelodeon Takes Fans Back to the '90s with the Launch of "The ...
    "The Splat" will roar to life across all platforms on Monday, Oct. 5, launching that night on television on TeenNick from 10 p.m. - 6 a.m. (ET/PT). Celebrating ...
  46. [46]
    Figure It Out - streaming tv show online - JustWatch
    A group of four different panelists popular on Nickelodeon programs try to figure out the talents of different guests.Watch Newest Episodes · About The Tv Show · Cast
  47. [47]
    Nickelodeon's '90s game show 'Double Dare' is coming back
    Apr 25, 2018 · The revival of Double Dare is another Nickelodeon remake, after the network rebooted Figure it Out, Guts and made a movie version of Legends of ...
  48. [48]
    Nickelodeon: Figure it Out Episodes - YouTube
    Nickelodeon: Figure it Out Episodes. Home. Shorts. Library. Nickelodeon: Figure it Out Episodes.<|separator|>