He Was America's Favorite TV Star... UNTIL // The Charles Van Doren Cheating Scandal

Charles Van Doren was a brilliant, charismatic Columbia University instructor who became a national celebrity in 1956 by winning on the popular television quiz show Twenty-One. His clean-cut, intellectual charm captivated millions of Americans, landing him on the cover of Time magazine and earning him a lucrative regular commentary spot on NBC’s Today show. However, the triumph turned to scandal in 1959 when a congressional investigation revealed that the show’s producers had systematically rigged the program, providing Van Doren with the answers and scripts in advance to boost viewer ratings.