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"To Tell the Truth" is a classic American television game show that has been seen in various forms on and off since 1956.
The basic premise is simple: Three contestants, each of whom claims to be the same person, are interrogated by a panel of four celebrities in an attempt to identify who is the real one and who is bluffing. The contestant in question usually holds an unusual occupation or has done something noteworthy. After each celebrity has had a turn to question the guests, they each vote as to who they think is the real person. When this is finished, the moderator says the now-famous line, "Will the real (John Doe) please stand up?" The real person stands, the other two then reveal who they really are, and money is awarded to the players based on how many incorrect votes were placed.
To Tell the Truth (or TTTT), created by Bob Stewart and produced by Goodson-Todman Productions, premiered on December 18, 1956 on CBS in prime time, and a daytime edition was introduced in 1960. Bud Collyer was the host of this version; major panelists in this era included Orson Bean, Peggy Cass, Tom Poston, and Kitty Carlisle. The theme song for the show from 1956 to 1961 is called "Peter Pan" by Dolf Van Der Linden. From 1961-1968 the show used a theme song composed by Bob Cobert. For the 1969 and later versions, the music was composed by Score Productions, except the 2000 version.
This first version of the show was cancelled in 1968, but returned only a year later in syndication; this lasted until 1978. Garry Moore hosted until 1976; regular panelists included Peggy Cass, Kitty Carlisle, and Bill Cullen, who subbed for Moore when needed. Joe Garagiola had the helm in early 1977, though Moore returned for one final episode taped in June 1977 – in which he explained his illness and announced his retirement.
The 1969 version is known by many for its original psychedelic set and its lyrical theme song; the psychedelia was ditched for a more conservative look in 1971.
To Tell the Truth returned for a brief one-year run in 1980 with Robin Ward hosting; and again for a year in 1990 with Gordon Elliott, then Lynn Swann, then finally Alex Trebek in the host's seat. (That NBC run featured an orchestral version of the 1969-1978 theme.) TTTT had a final two-year run in syndication starting in 2000 with John O'Hurley. Kitty Carlisle was again a regular panelist in 1980 and 1990, and made a guest appearance for a week in 2000. The 2000 edition made TTTT the only game show to exist in six decades — the 1950s, 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, and 2000s.
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