RANKED: 'To Tell The Truth' best incarnations of the game show

1. 1969 - 1978 (Hosts: Garry Moore, Joe Garagiola)

We've reached the number one ranked incarnation of To Tell The Truth, and it is the nine-year run from 1969 to 1978. This version featured two emcees who, at this point, already established themselves in the game show hosting circuit. For the majority of the run, 1969 to 1977, the show was hosted by comedian and longtime I've Got a Secret host, Garry Moore.

In 1977, Garry Moore decided to retire after 42 years in the broadcasting business. So, the final year of the run was hosted by frequent panelist, former MLB player, and host of the game shows He Said, She Said and the original Sale of the Century, Joe Garagiola.

Just like Bud Collyer, Garry Moore is one of the game show greats. It says something about him that he has hosted two of the big three panel shows over the course of his career. He had such a great chemistry with the panel, and it helped that, throughout most of his time as emcee of To Tell the Truth, he had many of the same personalities to work with, including the three C's, Peggy Cass, Bill Cullen and Kitty Carlisle.

When all four of them were in commission together, it was like you were watching old friends getting together and playing a fun game. Garry Moore and Bill Cullen are definitely old friends, as Cullen was a regular panelist on the original I've Got a Secret from 1952 to 1964. Other panelists that appeared throughout the years on this incarnation of To Tell The Truth include the poet laureate of television Nipsey Russell, Orson Bean, and frequent original panelist, Tom Poston.

Who could ever forget the theme song for this version of the game show? The classic "bum's" and the groovy music and lyrics you hear as the track plays is instantly recognizable by game show fans and loyal To Tell The Truth viewers. It was very catchy, and even if you just watch the opening of an episode, the theme song will get stuck in your head.

Speaking of the word groovy, that is a great way to describe the first set for this incarnation. It was psychedelic, using bright colors, flower designs and wavy lettering for the logo. It was perfect because this was the first full run of To Tell The Truth to be broadcast in color. About three years or so later, the more famous blue and yellow set was introduced with the block lettering logo. Both sets featured the iconic three men on the center stage door and behind the challengers with their fingers crossed, an identifiable feature for the series.

Just like the original version, this one also featured many interesting people who have done extraordinary things. Some challengers on this version included Caroll Spinney, the man who plays Big Bird on Sesame Street, professional popcorn maker Orville Redenbacher and William Hanna, one half of famous cartoon creating duo Hanna-Barbera.

The one big let down the show did have was that the money won by the challengers was actually less than the original 50s and 60s run. Each incorrect vote paid only $50, and if the group of challengers stumped the panel, they would split a total of $500. A very cheap cash payout, especially when comparing it to the original version payouts of $250 for each incorrect vote.

Another minor letdown was that each episode only featured two games instead of three, but that's okay because more time was used for panel questioning during both games. However, the reason for this version ultimately being ranked number one is how fondly remembered this incarnation is.

One such moment that is definitely remembered fondly involves some dog food ... yes, dog food. This is one of the funniest game show moments in television history. The panel, which included the regulars, Kitty Carlisle, Bill Cullen and Peggy Cass, as well as guest panelist, Match Game host Gene Rayburn, were given, what they thought was a plate of beef stroganoff. Well, just like when playing the game itself, the panel was being misled.

Watching Kitty Carlisle eat a piece of dog food and then spit it back onto her fork is priceless! You don't get moments like these on game shows anymore. This sole clip is one of the reasons why the 1969 to 1978 incarnation was the best.

Although Joe Garagiola's time as host only lasted one year, he did a fine job taking over for the legend that was Garry Moore. His infectious laugh and love of the game were two of his best qualities. We sadly lost Joe in 2016, but his memory thankfully lives on through To Tell The Truth reruns and YouTube videos.

So, of six incarnations and over sixty years of fun, the 1969 to 1978 incarnation of To Tell The Truth, hosted first by Garry Moore and then shortly by Joe Garagiola, is ranked number one. However, if all goes well, To Tell The Truth will be entertaining game show fans for another sixty years, and new incarnations down the line will make there way onto this ranking.

Which version of To Tell The Truth is your favorite? Any fond memories of the show? Tell us below!