5 Shocking Secrets About Howie Mandel’s Game Show Career—Including His Two NEW 2026 Shows

Howie Mandel, the Canadian-American comedian, actor, and television personality, has cemented his legacy as one of the most recognizable faces in modern game show history. As of December 2025, his career is experiencing a massive resurgence with the announcement of not one, but two major new game show projects, proving the Deal or No Deal host is far from slowing down.

The veteran entertainer, best known for his long-running role as a judge on America's Got Talent (AGT), is currently expanding his game show empire across multiple platforms, from prime-time television to mobile streaming. His latest ventures include a major Canadian revival of an iconic franchise and a unique mobile game show from Netflix, adding fresh chapters to a career that began decades ago in the stand-up comedy scene.

Howie Mandel: Complete Biography and Profile

Howard Michael Mandel, better known simply as Howie Mandel, is an entertainment powerhouse whose career spans over four decades in comedy, acting, production, and television hosting. His distinctive voice, quick wit, and charismatic stage presence have made him a staple on North American television.

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• Full Name: Howard Michael Mandel
• Date of Birth: November 29, 1955
• Place of Birth: North York, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
• Nationality: Canadian and American
• Occupation: Comedian, Actor, Television Host, Producer, Voice Actor
• Spouse: Terry Mandel (née Soil)
• Marriage Date: March 16, 1980
• Children: Three (Jackie, Alex, Riley)
• Key Career Milestones: St. Elsewhere (Dr. Wayne Fiscus, 1982–1988), Creator of Bobby's World (1990–1998), Host of Deal or No Deal (2005–2019), Judge on America's Got Talent (2010–Present). [cite: 1, 2, 8 from step 2]
• Estimated Net Worth (2025): $60 Million USD [cite: 5, 6, 8, 10, 11 from step 1]

The Next Level: Howie Mandel’s Two Brand New Game Shows (2025/2026)

In a move that solidifies his status as a true game show titan, Howie Mandel has recently announced two major hosting roles, showcasing his versatility across traditional broadcast and cutting-edge mobile entertainment. These projects are set to launch in late 2025 and 2026, marking a significant update in his career timeline. [cite: 1, 2, 3, 7 from step 1]

1. The Price Is Right Tonight (Canadian Spinoff)

Mandel is returning to his Canadian roots to host a prime-time, evening version of the iconic game show, The Price Is Right. [cite: 1, 2, 4, 15 from step 1]

• Platform: Citytv (Canada) [cite: 2, 15 from step 1]
• Format: A reimagining of the classic format, focusing on contestants guessing the prices of merchandise. [cite: 2 from step 1]
• Significance: This marks Mandel's first time hosting the legendary show and is a major Canadian television event. He has expressed his excitement, noting he has been a fan of the show his entire life. [cite: 15 from step 1]
• Launch: Slated for "next spring" (likely 2026). [cite: 2 from step 1]

2. Best Guess Live (Netflix Mobile Game Show)

Demonstrating his ability to adapt to new media, Mandel is also co-hosting Netflix's first-ever weekday mobile game show, Best Guess Live. [cite: 3, 7 from step 1]

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• Platform: Netflix Mobile Gaming [cite: 7 from step 1]
• Format: A live, interactive mobile game show designed to "fit in your pocket," allowing users to play along directly on their phones. [cite: 7 from step 1]
• Innovation: This move positions Mandel at the forefront of the mobile gaming trend, appealing to a new generation of interactive entertainment fans. [cite: 7 from step 1]

From Stand-Up to Suitcase: Howie Mandel’s Game Show Hosting Legacy

While his judging role on AGT and his voice work on Bobby's World are famous, Howie Mandel’s true reign in the game show world began with a simple, high-stakes premise: Deal or No Deal. His unique blend of empathy, tension-building, and high-energy negotiation has defined the modern game show host. [cite: 12, 13 from step 1]

The Game Shows Hosted by Howie Mandel

Mandel's career is marked by a diverse list of hosting and major panelist roles, showcasing his range from high-drama to pure comedy.

• Make Me Laugh (1979–1980): This was one of Mandel's earliest television appearances, where he was a comedian tasked with making the contestant laugh to win money. This early exposure helped launch his career. [cite: 7 from step 2, 8 from step 3]
• Deal or No Deal (2005–2019): This is his signature role, hosting the original NBC run, the subsequent CNBC revival, the daytime syndicated version, and the Canadian version. He became synonymous with "The Banker" and the emotional rollercoaster of opening the numbered suitcases. [cite: 1, 9, 13 from step 1, 1 from step 3]
• Bullshit the Game Show (2022–Present): A Netflix original where contestants must correctly answer trivia questions or successfully deceive their opponents into believing their wrong answer is correct. Mandel hosts this series, leaning into his comedic and improvisational strengths. [cite: 10 from step 3]
• The Price Is Right Tonight (Upcoming 2026): The highly anticipated Canadian prime-time version. [cite: 1, 2, 15 from step 1]
• Best Guess Live (Upcoming 2025/2026): Netflix's new interactive mobile game show. [cite: 3, 7 from step 1]

The Untold Secrets Behind the Deal or No Deal Phenomenon

The success of Deal or No Deal was a pivotal moment for Mandel, transforming him from a stand-up comic and actor into a global game show icon. However, the story behind him taking the job is one of the most surprising secrets of his career. [cite: 14, 16 from step 1]

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1. He Initially Said NO to Hosting Deal or No Deal

Mandel was famously hesitant to take the job as host of Deal or No Deal in 2005. At the time, he primarily viewed himself as a comedian and actor, fearing that hosting a game show would damage his existing career. [cite: 14, 16 from step 1] He believed the role would be a step backward and only agreed after significant convincing, which he later admitted was one of the biggest and most surprising decisions of his life. [cite: 14 from step 1]

2. The Job Helped Him Manage His Misophonia and OCD

Mandel has been open about his struggles with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and misophonia (a hatred of certain sounds), which often manifest as a severe phobia of germs (mysophobia). [cite: 12 from step 1] He has stated that the structure and focus required for hosting a high-pressure, live-audience show like Deal or No Deal provided an unexpected therapeutic benefit, forcing him to focus on the contestants and the game rather than his anxiety. [cite: 12 from step 1]

3. His Hosting Style Was Completely Unconventional

Unlike traditional game show hosts who maintain a formal distance, Mandel became known for his intense emotional involvement with the contestants. He would hug them (despite his mysophobia), cry with them, and visibly stress over their decisions. This empathetic, high-stakes style of hosting is what made the American version of Deal or No Deal a massive, cultural phenomenon, setting a new standard for game show drama. [cite: 17, 18 from step 1]

From his early days on Make Me Laugh to his current role as a judge on America's Got Talent and his upcoming ventures with The Price Is Right Tonight and Best Guess Live, Howie Mandel’s career is a masterclass in entertainment longevity. His ability to connect with an audience, whether through a laugh, a tear, or a high-pressure negotiation with "The Banker," ensures his place as a beloved figure in television history. [cite: 1 from step 1, 10 from step 2]