‘WinTuition’ and ‘Lingo’ put some originality into network

Amid all the Emmys, critical accolades and ratings breakthroughs for shows such as “The Sopranos” and “Six Feet Under,” it’s easy to forget that once upon a time HBO was merely a niche cable experiment eking out a precarious existence in the long shadow of the broadcast networks.

But now with even onetime cable afterthoughts such as FX striking original-series gold with “The Shield,” everyone wants to get into the act. And that includes the Game Show Network.

Yeah, you can still see all the “classic” reruns of chestnuts such as “Family Feud” and “Match Game,” but beginning tonight at 5:30 you can also see a couple of fun original shows that are part of this same emboldened attitude of the non-network world.

A new gamer, the goofily entertaining “WinTuition,” kicks off the hour by giving three contestants a chance to win $50,000 toward their higher education (in an oddball gimmick, the prize money is paid into an IRS 520 Plan that allows the winner to draw out the money for educational expenses). It’s a general-knowledge format that spices up the action with curlicues such as impromptu pizza deliveries and Letterman-esque recurring characters. Marc Summers (“Double Dare”) hosts, and Henry Winkler is among the executive producers.

Following at 6 is “Lingo,” the network’s top-rated show back for its second season. Hosted by “Love Connection” main man Chuck Woolery, this is a word-guessing game that blends elements of “Wheel of Fortune” and bingo. The vibe is a bit more staid than “WinTuition,” but the game, pairing teams of two against each other for $5,000 and travel packages, is pretty addicting.

The “Lingo” concept originated in Holland more than a decade ago, and even the uninitiated should, early on, get the hang of it and “WinTuition.”