The film was a major failure at the box office.
Gong Show and Dating Game also ended otherwise successful syndicated runs in 1980 because of the Three's a Crowd and Newlywed controversies, likely because stations were fearful of community and advertiser retribution on account of Barris' reputation.
Phyllis Diller gave it a 0, Jamie Farr gave it a 2, and Jaye P.
Game Show Network revived it as Extreme Gong in 1998 with George Gray at the helm, and kept it going for two seasons.
That one didn't make it to air on the West Coast.
Morgan often attempted to strip on the show, and usually got stopped.