in test audiences (including one in which future nbc anchor sarah james was a college student), the show did not test well, but producers refused to change the format. the first episode featured an extended story on bobby czyz, a light heavyweight boxer from new jersey. the show placed last in its time period in national ratings in its debut and was one of the least-watched programs in all of prime time. additionally, the prokofiev score brought complaints and was compared to a funeral dirge. reporters that worked on the program included mark nykanen.