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It's Academic

It's Academic is a high school version of quiz bowl, in the Washington, D.C area, with shows in Central Virginia, and Baltimore, Maryland. It is also the longest continously running game show in history, according to the Guinness Book of Records. The show has been on the air since 1961. The host, Mac McGarry, has held the job in Washington since the begining. The show features three local high school teams, of three players each, competing for scholarship money. Over the years Giant Food has been the sponsor, over $2,000,000 has been given out. The show's format is as follows:

The schools have other tournaments which they compete in through out the year, however, none are as prestigous as the TV tournament. These tournaments are not affiliated with the TV show, and many times they use different formats. Most tournaments have a round robin round, and then a single elimination playoff.

The TV tournament is a single elimination tournament featuring 81 schools. The final round, also known as the "Super Bowl" is between the winners in Washington, Central Virginia, and Baltimore.

Notable figures who have competed on "It's Academic" have been Hillary Clinton, Charles Schumer, Angus King, Donald Graham, Bruce Cohen, and George Stephanopoulos. Sandra Bullock appeared on the show as a chearleader.

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