The Best Game Shows of the 1980s
Many of the best 1980s game shows had already been favorites in earlier decades What do you look for in a good game show? Is it an enjoyable host, who is charismatic, friendly, and funny? Do you enjoy watching people making fools of themselves? Or maybe it’s the challenge of the game that keeps you glued to the screen? Whatever your reason for watching game shows, the '80s had plenty of amazing game shows. This list of the best game 1980s shows includes TV game shows that aired during the 1980s, and has been ranked by your votes.
Old game shows like The Price Is Right and Family Feud had begun before the '80s but still ran strong throughout the entire decade, exciting new audiences every year. However, many of the best game shows of the decade were uniquely '80s, such as Tic-Tac-Dough and Everything Goes. 1980s game shows often relied on celebrity panels, like in Hollywood Squares, where people got to interact with their favorite celebrities while trying to win prizes.
What are the best 1980s gameshows? Were the best the shows that included celebrities or ones that focused on the average guy? Did the game shows you think were the best make this list? Vote up the '80s game shows you think are the best of the decade.
- 1
- Actors: Bob Barker, Janice Pennington, Dian Parkinson
The Price Is Right, hosted by the legendary Bob Barker, was a classic '80s game show that had contestants guessing product prices, winning luxury cars, and taking their chances with the iconic Big Wheel. The combination of relatable tasks and big-ticket rewards struck a chord with the vibrant '80s audience and ensured that The Price Is Right remained popular throughout the decade.
- 21983
- Actors: Peter Tomarken, Savage Steve Holland, Charlie O'Donnell, Rod Roddy
Press Your Luck was a thrilling hit in the '80s, as contestants tried to avoid the dreaded "Whammies" while accumulating cash and prizes. The entertaining game, hosted by Peter Tomarken, combined luck, strategy, and a tinge of slapstick humor with the adorable Whammies, making it a unique and entertaining game show.
- 31976
- Actors: Al Roker, Richard Dawson, Louie Anderson, Gene Wood, Burton Richardson
In the fast-paced and fun-filled Family Feud, two families faced off against each other in a battle of wits, answering survey questions posed to the delightfully humorous host, Richard Dawson. As families tried to guess the top answers to these questions, hilarious moments often ensued, making the show a staple in '80s pop culture.
- 41984
- Actors: Mike Richards, Alex Trebek, Johnny Gilbert, Jimmy McGuire
Jeopardy! was an intellectual treat for '80s viewers captivated by the razor-sharp wit and encyclopedic knowledge of host Alex Trebek and contestants who duked it out for cash prizes. As Trebek recited snappy questions (or technically, answers), contestants faced the unique challenge of formulating their responses in the form of a question, adding a cerebral twist to the game format.
- 51975
- Actors: Pat Sajak, Vanna White, Charlie O'Donnell
The drama and excitement of spinning the wheel for cash prizes in Wheel of Fortune, hosted by Pat Sajak, struck a chord with '80s audiences. Participants solved hangman-style word puzzles, adding a puzzle-solving thrill that meshed well with the excitement of spinning the wheel and, of course, the ever-gracious Vanna White revealing letters on the board.
- 61973
- Actors: Betty White, Dick Clark, Dara Torres, John Davidson, Bob Hilton
Pyramid, hosted by Dick Clark, was an engaging word-association game featuring celebrities and contestants working together to guess words or phrases based on special clues. The fast-paced gameplay, coupled with the charm of Dick Clark and a generous prize pool, helped the show build up a fervent fan base in the '80s.
