The Greatest Game Shows of All Time
What are the greatest game shows of all time? If there's one staple of American television, it's the game show. Over the decades, TV game shows have evolved with the times. Today, some of them combine elements of reality televison, while others stick to their guns and keep their original formats. Shows like Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune are good examples of this. They're popular for a reason: People love to play along at home, which is why there are new game shows every year. Which TV game show is the best ever? That's for you to decide here, with your votes. Vote up your favorites and of course, vote down any game shows you can't stand.
Almost everyone loves a good television game show. We enjoy rooting for the contestants as they try to answer questions correctly, estimate prices of items (no going over, Price is Right players!), wheel and deal with hosts to pick the best prizes (Let's Make a Deal) and navigate extremely tricky obstacle courses to win big money (Wipeout). Are you a viewer who pulls for the underdog? You probably aren't alone.
Dating-based game shows have been popular for years, going back to Match Game, The Dating Game and The Newlywed Game. Trivia game shows will forever be a favorite, as contestants try to answer questions correctly to win cash and prizes. As far as prizes go, we've come a long way from buying that tacky ceramic Dalmatian on Wheel of Fortune. Cash prizes for game shows now are easily in the tens of thousands, possibly more. Bigger prizes make for bigger competition!
Enjoy this list of the greatest game shows in television history and don't forget to vote. Also, feel free to add any of your favorite shows that are missing, and rerank them into your own list!
Check out more lists like Game Show Fails and The Best Game Shows to Play Along at Home.
- 1Mike Richards, Alex Trebek, Johnny Gilbert
- Premiered: September 10, 1984
A test of knowledge, wit, and quick thinking, contestants answer trivia in the form of a question to accumulate winnings. The iconic catchphrase "What is," adds an extra special touch to this beloved, long-running game show.
- 2Al Roker, Richard Dawson, Louie Anderson
- Premiered: 1976
Watch as families go head-to-head, attempting to guess the most popular responses to survey questions. Hilarity ensues as players are put on the spot, oftentimes providing outrageous answers.
- 3Bob Barker, Janice Pennington, Dian Parkinson
- Premiered: September 4, 1972
Contestants are urged to "come on down" and play an assortment of pricing games for their shot at winning fabulous prizes. This game show's appeal lies in its perfect blend of strategic thinking and fun activities.
- 4Pat Sajak, Vanna White, Charlie O'Donnell
- Premiered: January 6, 1975
In this addictive word-guessing game, players spin a gigantic wheel to win cash and prizes while solving hangman-style puzzles. Good fortune may turn in an instant, leaving audiences at the edge of their seats.
- 5Betty White, Patty Duke, Richard Dawson
- Premiered: July 2, 1973
Players fill in the blanks, aiming to match their answers with those of celebrity panelists. The offbeat questions, occasional innuendos, and witty banter create a lighthearted environment ripe for laughter.
- 6Betty White, Allen Ludden, Gene Wood
- Premiered: October 2, 1961
A test of vocabulary skills, two teams give one-word clues to coax their partners into guessing the secret word. There's a certain thrill in watching contestants try to narrow down the possibilities and make that final, winning guess.
