This was THE game show scandal of the 80′s. While not a result of the type of rigging seen back during the quiz show scandals of the 1950′s, Larson had managed to memorize the pattern of lights used in the show’s game board to accurately predict exactly when to hit the buzzer for the best outcome.
Ironically, it was right after the film Quiz Show was released to theaters–inspired by the quiz show scandals in the 50′s–that CBS’ producers decided to take a second look at Larson’s winning streak, only to uncover the fraud. It wasn’t the first questionable scheme concocted by Larson, who was also evading the law for previous illegal offenses. In the end, he lost every dirty penny within a span of only two years.
If you run your game board on a pattern, and he’s able to see and memorize the pattern, is that actually cheating?