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Red & Ted’s Road Show (Williams, 1994)

Released by Williams in 1994, Red & Ted’s Road Show was designed by Pat Lawlor as a follow-up in spirit to his earlier hit Funhouse. Incorporating talking heads, complex playfield toys, and a cross-country travel theme, the game captured the essence of 1990s Williams pinball at its most creative. It blended humor, deep rules, and mechanical innovation into a machine that remains a standout of the WPC (Williams Pinball Controller) era.

The playfield features four flippers—two at the traditional bottom, and two midway up the field—along with two manual plungers (a traditional plunger for skill shots and an automatic bulldozer plunger for game modes). Central to gameplay are the animated, talking heads of Red and Ted, which move and open their mouths to “eat” balls during lock sequences. Players travel across a map of the United States by hitting city shots, activating modes themed around various locations. A rising bulldozer blade blocks shots during certain modes, adding a physical challenge. Multiball is a major focus, with ball locks achieved through precise shooting into the mouths of Red and Ted. Completing enough cities and challenges leads to the game's wizard mode, "Super Payday," where players cash in huge jackpots from their journey.

The artwork by John Youssi captures the spirit of a chaotic American road trip, with vivid, cartoonish designs and colorful landscapes filling the cabinet and playfield. The heads of Red and Ted dominate the lower playfield, moving and speaking throughout gameplay. The sound package features dozens of voice clips, with Red voiced by country singer Carlene Carter and Ted by sound designer Chris Granner, creating a lively and comedic atmosphere. Upbeat country and rock-style music keeps the pace brisk as players crisscross the nation.

Approximately 6,259 units of Red & Ted’s Road Show were produced. While it didn't achieve the blockbuster commercial success of The Addams Family or Twilight Zone, it developed a strong following thanks to its humor, ambitious mechanical design, and deep, goal-oriented gameplay.

Today, Red & Ted’s Road Show is appreciated for its humor, mechanical toys, and its immersive, narrative-driven structure. It remains a favorite among players who enjoy Pat Lawlor's signature mix of challenging shot layouts, inventive toys, and layered rule sets.