Scott Beach, who was Barris's first choice as host, was the announcer in the very early episodes of "The Newlywed Game." After Beach resigned, Barris's primary staff announcer, Johnny Jacobs, took over, continuing as the announcer for the series until the first syndicated version was canceled in 1980. Tony McClay, who was a frequent Jacobs substitute, took over from time to time on the syndicated "Newlywed Game." Rod Roddy was the announcer for the ABC specials. When "The New Newlywed Game" premiered in 1985, Bob Hilton was its announcer. He was replaced by Charlie O'Donnell, who Barris had signed away from Barry & Enright Productions, in 1986. O'Donnell continued to announce through the end of the Paul Rodriguez-hosted season, then left Barris to return to his position at "Wheel of Fortune," which he held till his death.