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The Dating Game

The Dating Game is an American created by television producer that premiered on ABC's daytime lineup on December 20, 1965. In its classic format, a or —known as the "picker"—sat facing a partition concealing three potential dates of the opposite sex, posing playful and often suggestive questions to gauge compatibility based solely on verbal responses, before selecting one for a chaperoned outing that could include exotic trips like weekends in or . Hosted primarily by radio personality from 1965 to 1980, the show blended lighthearted romance with campy flair, featuring groovy sets, mod fashion, and innuendo-laden banter that captivated audiences during the era. The series quickly expanded beyond daytime, airing in prime time from 1966 to 1970 while maintaining its daytime run until 1973, and spawning multiple syndicated revivals, including versions from 1973–1974, 1978–1980 (with Lange returning), 1986–1989 (hosted by and Jeff MacGregor), and 1996–1999 (initially hosted by and later ). Created after Barris, then an staffer, drew inspiration from Helen Gurley Brown's amid a lull in fresh programming ideas, The Dating Game selected contestants via a rigorous referral system, screening over 1,000 applicants to feature 132 relatable singles per season. It often spotlighted emerging celebrities like and as contestants or guests, adding star power and foreshadowing its cultural footprint. Pioneering the genre of romantic reality television, The Dating Game shifted game show incentives from cash prizes to interpersonal connections, influencing modern hits like The Bachelor and proving that love could be entertaining spectacle. Its original format has endured, airing in 34 countries and evolving into variants like The Celebrity Dating Game, where celebrities select suitors from a hidden panel, maintaining the core thrill of "love is blind" . Despite occasional controversies over risqué content, the show's legacy lies in democratizing dating on screen, fostering real unions, and redefining television's approach to relationships.

Original Series

Development and Format

The Dating Game was created by in 1965 to fill a gap in for lighthearted, entertaining content centered on and romance, at a time when game shows typically focused on monetary prizes rather than interpersonal connections. The show premiered on on December 20, 1965, marking Barris's first major success as a producer and packager of television programming. At its core, the format involved a or seated on one side of a , asking a series of prepared questions to three hidden contestants of the opposite sex positioned behind individual panels on the other side; the chooser would then select one based solely on their verbal responses, without seeing them until the reveal. The prize was an arranged date funded by the show, initially a simple dinner for two but evolving in later episodes to more extravagant outings such as trips to romantic destinations like or , complete with chaperones to adhere to broadcast standards. Episodes ran for 30 minutes each and aired weekdays in ABC's daytime slot, typically featuring two such games per installment to maintain a fast-paced structure. A version premiered on October 6, 1966, airing weekly until 1970, with both versions broadcast in color thereafter. The show's initial set design was characteristically campy for the , centered around a simple partitioned stage with a large screen or wall separating the chooser from the contestants to emphasize audio-based and build . Over the course of its run through 1973, the set evolved into more elaborate configurations with updated lighting, colorful backdrops, and thematic elements reflecting the shifting aesthetics of late- and early-1970s television, while retaining the core partition for gameplay integrity. Targeted at young adults, the program leaned into humor through witty, often innuendo-laden questions—such as playful queries about personal habits or preferences—that pushed the boundaries of broadcast decorum without crossing into explicit territory, fostering a flirty yet wholesome vibe that appealed to its demographic. Hosted by from the outset, this structure laid the groundwork for the show's enduring influence on dating-themed programming.

Gameplay Mechanics

In the original series of The Dating Game, which premiered on ABC on December 20, 1965, the core gameplay centered on a single contestant—typically a —interrogating three potential suitors hidden behind a to select a date based solely on their verbal responses. The , seated in a prominent "hot seat" on a colorful, campy set, posed a series of prepared questions designed to elicit witty, flirtatious, or revealing answers that highlighted personality and compatibility, such as "If men are what they eat, which vegetable do you consider yourself?" These questions were often playful and slightly salacious but adhered to strict rules prohibiting or overt sexual references, with the host occasionally delivering a mock FCC warning to underscore the boundaries. No visual cues were provided to the choosing contestant during this phase, emphasizing auditory and verbal interaction to build intrigue and humor from mismatched or unexpected replies. The selection process began with contestant recruitment through a referral system, where applicants submitted forms—blue for and pink for —evaluated from a pool of about 1,000 candidates to select 132 for taping sessions. Once chosen, the three suitors responded in turn to each question, allowing the to compare their styles without seeing their appearances, which were revealed only after her final decision. The choice was purely subjective, with no points system or objective scoring; instead, the format thrived on the entertainment value of humorous or awkward exchanges, often amplifying the bachelorette's deliberation for dramatic effect. Later in the series, the roles occasionally reversed, with a selecting from three hidden , maintaining the same question-and-response dynamic. Upon selection, the winning pair received a date prize funded by the show, starting with simple outings like a dinner and evolving to more elaborate trips, such as weekends in Paris or Rome, accompanied by chaperones to ensure propriety. Episodes were structured as 30-minute daytime broadcasts featuring two complete games: the first with a bachelorette choosing among bachelors, followed by a reversed scenario, filling the runtime with banter enhanced by the host's engaging style. This dual-format approach, combined with commercial breaks and quick reveals, kept the pace lively while prioritizing the subjective thrill of romantic selection over competitive elements.

Hosts and Production Team

The primary host of The Dating Game during its original ABC run from 1965 to 1973 was , a selected for his tic presence and ability to ad-lib smoothly to keep the show's lighthearted momentum. Lange's engaging style, including playful gestures like blowing kisses to the audience, helped embody the era's swinging bachelor image and contributed to the format's reliance on host . Serving as the announcer was , who delivered introductions, described prizes, and maintained the show's energetic pace across its network episodes. O'Donnell's clear, versatile voicework supported the production's daily taping schedule, ensuring seamless transitions during the two games per episode. produced the series through his company, Barris Productions, where he developed the concept, scripted the suggestive yet non-explicit questions to provoke humorous responses, and oversaw overall operations to align with ABC's daytime standards. Barris implemented strict contestant screening, reviewing hundreds of applicants to select suitable participants, and addressed early production challenges like by invoking mock FCC threats during rehearsals. The supporting staff included director , who helmed most episodes from 1965 to 1970, guiding the and contestant reveals with efficient staging. Writers curated questions to maintain a flirtatious tone without crossing into overt content, often drawing from pop culture references like vegetable metaphors for personality traits. John Dorsey later directed select episodes through 1973, adapting to the show's evolving primetime specials. During the run, production incorporated chaperoned travel prizes for winning couples, while staying under ABC's network umbrella until cancellation.

Cancellation and Aftermath

The original series of The Dating Game concluded its run on ABC with the final episode airing on July 6, 1973. ABC's decision to cancel the program came amid broader shifts in during the early 1970s, where game shows faced increasing competition from expanding lineups and changing viewer demographics favoring serialized dramas. Cultural attitudes were also evolving, with the show's playful take on courtship and giving way to more explicit content in other media, contributing to its declining relevance on network TV. Producer , frustrated by the network's move, redirected his energies toward The Gong Show, which premiered in syndication in 1976 and marked a pivot to his more irreverent production style. In the immediate aftermath, the format transitioned swiftly to syndication as The New Dating Game for the 1973–1974 season, filling a similar niche while ABC replaced it in the 2:30 p.m. ET slot with The Girl in My Life, a short-lived daytime program honoring inspirational women that ran until 1974.

Revivals

1973–1974: The New Dating Game

The syndicated revival of The Dating Game, rebranded as The New Dating Game, premiered on September 10, 1973, immediately following the conclusion of the original ABC series. Produced by , the show retained as its host and was distributed to local television stations across the for daily or weekly airings in various markets. This version served as an experimental extension of the franchise into first-run , aiming to capitalize on the original's popularity while adapting to the decentralized nature of syndicated distribution. The core gameplay mechanics remained consistent with the original series, featuring a or separated by a partition from three potential dates of the opposite sex, who answered a series of prepared questions to influence the selection. Episodes were expanded to a full 30-minute runtime to accommodate more elaborate questioning segments and audience interaction, and prizes were enhanced to include luxurious trips, emphasizing experiential rewards over the simpler outings of the network era. The series aired over its single-season run, from fall 1973 through summer 1974. It concluded in July 1974 due to insufficient clearance by local stations, which limited its national reach, compounded by economic challenges in the market such as rising production costs amid the early 1970s recession. Unlike subsequent revivals, this iteration faced no significant controversies and represented a transitional effort that highlighted the difficulties of sustaining formats outside network support.

1978–1980 and 1986–1989 Revivals

The syndicated revival of The Dating Game aired daily from September 4, 1978, to September 1980, marking the show's return after a brief hiatus following its original run. Hosted by , who had led the program since its 1965 debut, this version was produced by Productions and distributed through Firestone Program Services. The format largely retained the core mechanics of the original, with a central contestant questioning three hidden potential dates of the opposite sex, but incorporated greater emphasis on co-ed scenarios where bachelors and bachelorettes alternated roles to reflect evolving social norms. Questions were drawn from an updated pool tailored to late-1970s sensibilities, often featuring celebrity guests as contestants or questioners to boost appeal. The series typically aired 260 episodes per season, for a total of approximately 520 across its two-year run, and was frequently paired in blocks with fellow Barris production .) It concluded in 1980 amid a wave of cancellations affecting multiple Barris shows, driven by advertiser concerns and public backlash related to controversies on other programs like . The show returned to syndication in 1986 as The All-New Dating Game, airing from September 15 until September 8, 1989, for a longer three-season stint that produced around 780 episodes. Initially hosted by actress and comedian for the 1986–1987 season, the program transitioned to Jeff MacGregor as host for the final two years, under production from in partnership with The Guber-Peters Company and distributed by Barris Program Sales. This revival maintained the classic structure while enhancing co-ed elements, allowing for more balanced participation between male and female leads, and refreshed its question library to align with 1980s cultural shifts, including lighter, more humorous prompts. Prizes for winning couples included vacation trips selected via a blind draw from three options, plus a $1,000 cash bonus if the chosen date matched selections in both personality and appearance rounds—a new incentive not present in earlier iterations.) The set featured a modernized with vibrant to appeal to contemporary audiences, though it preserved the partitioned screen central to the gameplay. The series ended in 1989 due to increasing in the syndicated game show market, which had become oversaturated with similar dating and relationship formats. Both revivals, under Barris oversight, emphasized broader inclusivity in contestant dynamics compared to series, with co-ed and bachelorettes becoming standard to capture diverse viewer interests. Production differences included the 1978–1980 version's tighter integration with ABC-era elements like announcer Johnny Jacobs, while the 1986–1989 run introduced more flexible syndication scheduling and evolved prize structures to sustain engagement.)) Notably, the 1978 edition gained infamy for featuring as a contestant, an event explored further in the controversies section.

1996–1999 Revival

The 1996 revival of The Dating Game premiered in on September 9, 1996, and was produced by , marking a shift away from direct involvement by original creator . The series aired daily episodes of 30 minutes, including commercials, and ran for three seasons until its conclusion in September 1999, with repeats broadcast during the 1999–2000 season. Initially hosted by for the 1996–1997 season, the show featured a modified format where the central contestant selected questions from a list of topics in advance and posed them to three hidden potential dates to learn facts about their personalities and interests before making a choice. The selected date was sponsored by the production, often including trips or other perks typical of the franchise. Occasional episodes incorporated celebrity guests as contestants or questioners to add variety. In 1997, following a return to the classic format of open-ended personality-based questioning, , known from the original series, took over as host for the final two seasons. This adjustment aimed to recapture the original's appeal amid evolving trends, though the series ended after the 1998–1999 season without a specified renewal.

2021: The Celebrity Dating Game

The Celebrity Dating Game premiered on on June 14, 2021, reviving the classic blind-date format exclusively with celebrity contestants. Hosted by actress and singer alongside musician —who also served as an executive producer—the series featured eight one-hour episodes airing through August 16, 2021. Produced by , the show modernized the original concept by incorporating humorous takes on contemporary dating culture, including nods to dating apps and celebrity lifestyles. Each episode consisted of two separate games, where a or bachelorette selected a date from a hidden panel of three suitors based solely on their responses to tailored, often provocative questions about personality, preferences, and fame-related scenarios. Notable celebrity participants included model , actor , rapper , and actor , with suitors ranging from everyday contestants to fellow entertainers. The prizes focused on romantic outings, such as dinners or trips, emphasizing lighthearted connections rather than monetary rewards. Filmed in in February 2021 amid the , production adhered to health protocols but maintained a traditional studio setup without virtual components. The series received mixed to negative reviews, with critics noting its awkward execution and reliance on dated tropes despite the star power. It held an 11% approval rating on based on audience and critic feedback, while IMDb users rated it 2.9 out of 10, citing cringeworthy moments and loose definitions of "." Viewership was low, averaging a 0.4 rating in the key 18-49 demographic for its , dropping from its lead-in program. did not renew the show for a second season, effectively canceling it after one run, with no further announcements as of 2025.

Notable Elements

Celebrity Guests and Contestants

The original run of The Dating Game from 1965 to 1973 featured several future stars as contestants seeking early television exposure, which often propelled their budding careers. Actors like appeared in 1969 as a , selecting a contestant while showcasing her charisma before her breakout role in []. Similarly, competed as a in 1967, gaining visibility that contributed to his later success in Magnum, P.I., and participated in 1973, honing her on-camera presence ahead of . Comedians and performers such as appeared in 1968 as a opposite , demonstrating his wit in a segment that highlighted his emerging stand-up style, while competed in 1967 but was not selected, an appearance that added to his pre- publicity. These pre-fame outings provided invaluable screen time for unknowns, helping transition them from bit parts to leading roles in . Revivals of the show continued to attract notable figures, blending celebrities with everyday contestants. In the 1978–1980 iteration, serial killer Rodney Alcala appeared as a bachelor and won a date, though the contestant declined to meet him due to an uneasy feeling; this incident later drew attention amid revelations of his crimes, as detailed in the controversies section. The 1996–1999 revival, hosted by , maintained the format's appeal to rising stars for lighthearted exposure. The 2021 Celebrity Dating Game reboot on emphasized high-profile participants, including singer as a bachelorette, actress , comedian , and model , with hosts and adding star power; these appearances allowed established entertainers to engage audiences in a nostalgic, playful context while promoting their personal brands. Beyond celebrities, the show's core appeal lay in ordinary contestants, with thousands participating across its various runs—estimated at over 5,000 individuals based on counts and format scale. Successful matches occasionally led to lasting relationships, such as Calvin Stevens and Nancy Nylen, who met on the show in 1971, dated for seven months, and married in 1972; the couple celebrated their 50th anniversary in 2022, crediting the program for sparking their romance. Other pairings resulted in marriages, though exact numbers are sparse, with reports suggesting around 20 couples wed from approximately 2,000 matched dates in the original series alone. For non-celebrity participants, the exposure boosted social opportunities and confidence for some, but it also raised concerns, as details shared on air could lead to unwanted public scrutiny in an era before widespread digital anonymity. Overall, these and contestant dynamics underscored the show's role in blending entertainment with real-life connections, often launching careers or forging unexpected bonds.

Theme Music and Production Cues

The original for The Dating Game was composed by and David Mook in 1965, featuring an upbeat big-band style that captured the show's playful and flirtatious tone. Performed initially by The New Regents as an instrumental track, it served as both the opening and closing from 1966 to 1974, establishing a signature sound that became synonymous with the program's branding. This was registered through Barris Music Corp. under ASCAP, ensuring its controlled licensing for broadcast and reuse across subsequent productions. Production cues played a crucial role in enhancing the show's pacing and excitement, drawing heavily from commercial recordings to underscore key moments. The entrance fanfare for male contestants (bachelors) prominently featured "Spanish Flea" by and the Tijuana Brass, a lively that built anticipation during their introductions. For female contestants (bachelorettes), "Whipped Cream" by the same ensemble provided a similarly energetic cue, while reveals often used a dramatic sting like "Lollipops and Roses" to heighten the romantic payoff. By 1973, the show's audio library had expanded to include over 20 tracks, incorporating additional hits and other popular s to maintain variety and commercial appeal in transitions and interstitials. This approach to cue selection, blending original composition with licensed pop tracks, influenced broader sound design by prioritizing recognizable, mood-setting music to engage audiences. Across revivals, the theme evolved while retaining its core identity through remixes and adaptations. The 1978–1980 and 1986–1989 versions reused the original with orchestral arrangements by the Chuck Barris Orchestra, preserving the swing-infused energy. In the 1996–1999 revival, a modern re-recording by composer Steve Kaplan introduced electronic elements, updating the sound for a contemporary audience without altering its upbeat essence. The 2021 Celebrity Dating Game featured a new main theme composed by Cheche Alara, complemented by pop-style parody performances from host Michael Bolton that echoed the original's whimsical cues during celebrity episodes. These adaptations ensured the audio elements remained a vital part of the franchise's branding, licensed consistently through ASCAP to support its enduring revival cycle.

Controversies and Incidents

One of the earliest controversies surrounding The Dating Game involved ongoing battles with network censors during its run, stemming from the show's reliance on sexual to generate entertainment value. Creator crafted questions designed to elicit salacious responses from contestants while skirting , but initial tapings in 1965 often featured crude, explicit replies that rendered episodes unbroadcastable on . To address this, Barris employed a by hiring an actor dressed as a to intimidate contestants with warnings of FCC violations and potential arrests for obscene language, effectively curbing the issue without direct confrontation from ABC standards and practices. The most infamous incident occurred in 1978, during the show's syndicated revival, when Rodney Alcala appeared as a contestant on the September 13 episode. Posing as a successful , Alcala charmed bachelorette Cheryl Bradshaw with witty, provocative answers and was selected to win the date, though she later canceled after describing him as giving off "weird vibes" backstage, a decision that likely saved her life. At the time, Alcala had already murdered at least five women and a 12-year-old girl between 1971 and 1979, though his criminal history was unknown to producers due to the era's limited capabilities. He was arrested shortly after the episode aired, in July 1979, and ultimately convicted in 2010 of five murders, with additional convictions and links to at least two more victims across states, bringing his confirmed toll to seven; authorities suspect the total may exceed 100. Alcala's appearance spotlighted significant safety risks in dating show production, prompting industry-wide reflections on contestant vetting, though specific changes like mandatory background checks were not immediately implemented due to technological constraints in the late . The incident contributed to heightened caution in subsequent revivals, which often faced short runs amid evolving concerns over participant safety and public scrutiny, as seen in the 1978–1980 and 1986–1989 versions ending prematurely without renewal. In 2024, the Netflix film , directed by and starring , dramatized Alcala's episode and Bradshaw's narrow escape, renewing public awareness of the case and underscoring the perils of unchecked contestant selection in early television formats.

International Adaptations

Key International Versions

The Dating Game format has inspired numerous international adaptations, with versions airing in over 34 countries worldwide. In the , the show was adapted as , which premiered on November 30, 1985, on and ran until May 31, 2003, hosted by . It produced 380 episodes featuring a blind selection process similar to the original, but with the addition of introductory videos from family and friends of the contestants, and prizes often including chaperoned dates to emphasize family involvement. Australia produced an early version titled from 1967 to 1970, hosted by figures such as Graham Webb and Jeremy Cordeaux, followed by a 1980s revival as , hosted by Greg Evans, which blended elements of the original format with computerized matching. France's Tournez Manège, an adaptation of the American original, premiered in September 1985 and aired through 1990, with revivals in the late 1990s, maintaining the core structure of contestants selecting dates based on verbal responses. These and other global versions share key traits with the U.S. original, such as audio-only questioning behind a dividing wall and prizes customized to local social norms, like chaperoned outings or culturally appropriate excursions. Adaptations have also aired in countries including , , , , , , , , , , , , and .

Format Variations Abroad

International adaptations of The Dating Game frequently modified the core format to reflect local cultural norms, resulting in variations that emphasized different aspects of romance and interaction. In the , the long-running (1985–2003), inspired by the original, shifted focus toward romantic potential through structured dates and post-selection outings, while incorporating light-hearted elements to suit audiences' preference for witty banter over overt humor. In Latin American versions, producers adapted elements to local traditions. Rule changes in some international editions introduced progressive elements earlier than the U.S. original. For instance, Germany's Herzblatt (1987–2005), a direct , ran for nearly two decades. Prize structures also varied by region, with European versions like those in the UK favoring experiential rewards such as trips to exotic locations. Success of these adaptations depended on cultural resonance and production strategies. Brazil's Namoro na TV (1979–1988), hosted by on SBT, achieved a decade-long run by integrating soap opera-style drama, leveraging the network's dominance to draw viewers invested in serialized romance narratives. Conversely, some conservative markets experienced failures due to censorship of flirtatious content, limiting episodes or leading to early cancellations.

Cultural Impact

Legacy in Television

The Dating Game, premiering on ABC in 1965, pioneered the interactive dating show format on American television by featuring a contestant questioning three hidden suitors to select a date, thereby establishing a competitive template that influenced the evolution of reality TV genres. This structure directly inspired later programs such as The Bachelor, which launched in and adapted the concept of romantic selection from multiple options into serialized narratives of and elimination. The show's emphasis on choice, flirtation, and public evaluation of compatibility also contributed to broader shifts in dating culture, acting as an early precursor to modern digital tools like by gamifying personal connections. The program's enduring presence in popular culture is highlighted through its portrayals in film, including the 2002 George Clooney-directed Confessions of a Dangerous Mind, a biographical account of creator Chuck Barris that recreates episodes and underscores the show's role in his career ascent. More contemporarily, the 2024 Netflix thriller Woman of the Hour, directed by and starring Anna Kendrick, dramatizes a infamous 1978 appearance by serial killer Rodney Alcala as a contestant, drawing renewed attention to the series' intersection with true crime and its cultural resonance decades later. These references illustrate how The Dating Game has been parodied and reinterpreted as a symbol of 1960s-era lighthearted yet revealing entertainment. Chuck Barris's innovations with The Dating Game earned him widespread acclaim as a transformative figure in daytime television, with lifetime achievement honors recognizing his foundational contributions to game show production during the era. The series' candid exploration of relationships amid the 1960s sexual revolution helped normalize "lowbrow" formats that prioritized authentic, often humorous contestant interactions, paving the way for more confessional styles in subsequent TV trends. As of 2025, efforts to revive the format on streaming platforms, exemplified by the short-lived 2021 The Celebrity Dating Game, have largely stalled amid shifting viewer preferences, yet the original episodes continue to hold archival significance in nostalgia-focused programming that celebrates mid-20th-century television icons.

Episode Availability and Merchandise

Episodes of the original The Dating Game from its 1965–1973 run are incompletely preserved, with only a partial surviving due to the widespread industry practice of reuse during that era, which erased many early recordings including game shows. A limited number of episodes, estimated at around 25 daytime and some additional prime-time installments, have been made publicly accessible through fan and archival efforts, though no official complete collection exists. As of 2025, fan-driven efforts on platforms like have made additional episodes available, including recent uploads of installments. These include numerous full episodes uploaded to by channels such as Classic TV Rewind, often featuring celebrity guests like and , with providing official links for some uploads. The Game Show Network (GSN) has aired surviving episodes in reruns in the past, though it is not currently part of their regular schedule as of 2025. Revival series episodes are more readily accessible, with the 1973–1974 and 1978 syndicated versions appearing sporadically on YouTube and GSN, while the 1986–1989 and 1996–1999 runs have fewer surviving installments due to similar preservation issues. The 2021 revival, The Celebrity Dating Game, consists of eight episodes that were available for streaming on Hulu following its ABC broadcast, but as of 2025, they are no longer accessible on major platforms due to expired rights. No comprehensive DVD or Blu-ray release has ever been produced for any version of the show, leaving streaming and broadcast reruns as the primary access methods. Fan-driven restorations continue to recover and digitize , with enthusiasts sharing high-quality scans of kinescopes and off-air recordings on platforms like and the , such as a 1967 episode featuring . These efforts have preserved additional content not held in official archives, though challenges persist in locating specific episodes, as evidenced by couples from the show still searching for their original tapes decades later. Merchandise tied to The Dating Game has been limited and mostly nostalgic. In the late 1960s, released three editions of a adaptation based on the original , allowing players to simulate the show's question-and-answer . Apparel from the revival era is scarce but includes vintage promotional T-shirts occasionally available through resale markets. Modern merchandise primarily consists of fan-made or retro-inspired items, such as custom T-shirts sold on featuring show logos and graphics. Chuck Barris, the show's creator, documented its production in his 1984 memoir Confessions of a Dangerous Mind: An Unauthorized Autobiography, which includes anecdotes about developing and hosting elements of the series alongside his other game shows. No official tie-in books beyond Barris's works have been published. Licensing rights to The Dating Game are currently held by Sony Pictures Television, which manages distribution and official content releases, including YouTube uploads. No new official merchandise has been produced since the 2021 revival, with Sony focusing on digital streaming rather than physical products.

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