The Best Game Shows of the 1960s
In the 1960s, television was still relatively new, and there wasn’t much in the way of programming. The concept of games on television began in the 1950s, so many of the oldesst game shows aired during the '60s as well. The Price Is Right, Truth or Consequences, Queen for a Day, and Concentration had all aired in the '50s and '60s. This list of the best 1960s game shows includes shows that aired between 1960 and 1969 and has been ranked by your votes.
Some of the world’s most famous game shows got their start in the 60s, such as The Dating Game, Jeopardy, and The Newlywed Game. Not all the game shows that aired in the '60s had a long shelf life. Shows like PDQ, Dream House, and The Generation Gap were short-lived but enjoyed by audiences nonetheless. Many 1960s game shows have been revived or rebooted, including Password and College Bowl.
What are the best 1960s game shows? Did the game shows you think were the best make this list? Vote up the '60s game shows you think are the best of the decade.
- February 2, 1950
- Actors: Lucille Ball, Tony Randall, Steve Allen, Joey Bishop, Ernie Kovacs
A classic mystery guest game where celebrity panelists posed questions to determine the occupation or claim to fame of contestants. The suspense and witty banter that ensued kept audiences entertained and guessing along with the stars.
- 1984
- Actors: Mike Richards, Alex Trebek, Johnny Gilbert, Jimmy McGuire
A test of knowledge and quick thinking, with contestants required to come up with the question rather than the answer. A true battle of wits as players raced against time and each other to amass cash winnings.
- October 2, 1961
- Actors: Betty White, Allen Ludden, Gene Wood, Jack Clark
This exciting word association game had teams, typically made up of one celebrity and one contestant, competing against each other. While one member of the team tried to guess the secret word, the other provided a one-word clue, making for an intense and fun experience for both players and viewers.
- Actors: Tom Bergeron, Shadoe Stevens, Whoopi Goldberg
Featuring a giant tic-tac-toe board full of celebrity faces, this show mixed humor and trivia to deliver a one-of-a-kind game. Contestants had to choose a celeb to answer a question, then decide whether to agree or disagree as they attempted to form a winning line.
- Actors: Bob Barker, Janice Pennington, Dian Parkinson
A show that truly tested contestants' attention to detail; they were required to guess the prices of common household items without going over. The thrill of watching everyday folks win big prizes created an engaging experience full of anticipation and excitement.
- 1962
- Actors: Betty White, Patty Duke, Richard Dawson, Marcia Wallace, David Doyle
Participants attempted to match their answers to fill-in-the-blank questions with those of a panel of celebrities. A perfect combination of humor and suspense, the show left the audience in stitches and on the edge of their seats.