It's Academic
It's Academic is a high school version of quiz bowl, in the Washington, D.C area, with shows in Central Virginia, and Baltimore, Maryland. It is also the longest continously running game show in history, according to the Guinness Book of Records. The show has been on the air since 1961. The host, Mac McGarry, has held the job in Washington since the begining. The show features three local high school teams, of three players each, competing for scholarship money. Over the years Giant Food has been the sponsor, over $2,000,000 has been given out. The show's format is as follows:
- First round: Toss up. The questions are thematic. Questions are worth 10 points up or down.
- Second Round: Individual questions, directed at the teams. All questions are worth 20 points.
- Third Round: Visual round. Each of the questions has a coresponding image. All questions are worth 20 points up or down.
- Fourth Round: Eight individual questions. All questions are worth 20 points and a 25 point bonus is awarded for answering all of them correctly.
- Fifth Round: "Grab bag, free-for-all." The number of questions are limited only by the time left in the game. Questions are worth 20 points up or down, however, Every eighth question is worth 30 points up or down.
The TV tournament is a single elimination tournament featuring 81 schools. The final round, also known as the "Super Bowl" is between the winners in Washington, Central Virginia, and Baltimore.
Notable figures who have competed on "It's Academic" have been Hillary Clinton, Charles Schumer, Angus King, Donald Graham, Bruce Cohen, and George Stephanopoulos. Sandra Bullock appeared on the show as a chearleader.
