Of all the poker shows that have been created in the past couple of years, High Stakes Poker has definitely got to be considered one of the most successful. High Stakes has used the cash game format during its successful run along with the broadcasting skills of A.J. Benza and Gabe Kaplan to survive for five eventful seasons. The show has been so successful that the Game Show Network has decided to bring it back for a 6th season.
However, one key ingredient which won’t be returning for season 6 is A.J. Benza who was informed by Game Show Network representatives that his services will no be needed. Going even further, GSN has decided to get rid of Benza so that they can add a younger female host to go along with Kaplan. There has been no official word as to who this younger female host will be as of yet.
Regardless of whom the woman host turns out to be, Benza is definitely not happy about the decision and has let his opinion be known. Benza made a good point on his blog (where he was talking about a conversation he had with GSN suits) when he said, “if you got the best pizza in town for 5 seasons, why try and add licorice to it?” Benza’s argument is definitely a good point since him and Kaplan were an excellent announcing duo throughout the first 5 seasons of High Stakes Poker.
Now everything is up in the air for High Stakes Poker with a potentially much younger, model-like host being brought to the table. Sure GSN is banking on the move attracting a wider audience, but they could lose some of the existing audience too. If things don’t work out, then there is definitely the possibility of Benza coming back. A.J. put this into perspective when he said, “And look on the bright side: if she stinks….I might be back for HSP 7”
Tags: News, Poker Pop Culture, TV
Bad move. Benza is terrific on the show. He adds some humor and he clicks with Kaplan.
If anyone should be fired,Gabe should. He is as funny as a train wreck.
I just watched the new episode of High Stakes Poker and I had to write to express my disappointment that A.J. Benza is no longer a host.
Gabe Kaplan is not a bad host, but he is much less of one without Benza’s presence.
Benza’s absence has seriously hurt the quality of the show and I have lost a lot of respect for GSN and High Stakes Poker as a result.
I just watched the new HSP Season 6 show. It was flat compared to the first five seasons. AJ was a perfect foil for Gabe, and although Kara is better looking than AJ, the chemistry that existed between AJ and Gabe is not there. Kara’s role is too much like Tweeden from Poker After Dark. Bring AJ back or watch your ratings dip.
i just saw episode 1 season 6 and while the poker is as good as ever, the absence of AJ Benza has dramatically changed the show. not for the better. Sure Kara Scott knows how to play the game, but as a viewer, shes not credible enough. Anyone who watches Poker After Dark knows that watching Lee-Ann Tweeden is painful at best and whats with the dumb questions and patronizing introductions.I dont beleive that we need a female to interact with the players during the game. Just play poker! The players are entertaining enough at the felt. looks like they lost the hot waitresses too.disappointing.The banter between AJ ang Gabe was a big part of the show and now Gabe seemed kind of laclustre. I will continue to watch the show but ……..
Normally, I would never post a reply but maybe as fans we can let the producers know they made a mistake.
WTF!!! HS Poker sucks without AJ Benza!!! Similar to “Martin & Lewis” splitting up……adding hot chicks is cool, but not during commentary’s!!! Gabe Kaplan can’t carry the show alone….can you say, BORING!!!!
I agree with all the other comments…TERRIBLE move to get rid of AJ. I like Gabe and The 2 of them worked well together.
I have loved HSP ever since I saw episodes from season 2. AJ and Gabe were great. When I heard the producers were replacing AJ with Kara, I was sad but a lady sidekick would draw the female audience. But what the HELL!! Hiring Kara for the interviews which seem to be done after the session, unlike PAD where they do it right after the hand is over has NO EFFECT ON HAVING A.J. OR NOT HAVING A.J. IN THE BOOTH. AND LET ME SAY HSP SEASON 6 MIGHT HAVE THE BEST LINEUP EVER WHICH THE RETARDED PRODUCERS KEEP POINTING OUT. HSP SEASON 6 IS LAME AND DRY WITHOUT A.J. IN THE BOOTH TO ASK A QUESTION OR LAUGH AT GABE’S JOKES.
DEAR GSN, YOU SCREWED UP ON SEASON 6, MAKE THINGS RIGHT AND BRING A.J. BACK FOR THE SECOND HALF OF SEASON 6 OR SEASON 7. THE POKER COMMUNITY IMPLORES YOU TO SWALLOW YOUR PRIDE AND BRING A.J. BACK!!
I was surprised to find that I actually like Kara Scott as an interviewer. However, AJ needs to return. Gabe is too plain alone. AJ was the perfect foil to the humor we now miss.
unwatchable without him
it is removed from my Tivo