Long before reality TV became synonymous with dramatic eliminations and exotic locales, there was the game show. These original reality TV programs captivated audiences with their blend of wit, luck, and everyday people competing for exciting prizes. Forget survival challenges and relationship dramas; game shows offered the pure thrill of watching contestants outsmart, outplay, and outlast each other in mental and sometimes physical contests. In this Tv Guide List, we celebrate the best of this genre, highlighting the top game shows that have truly defined the game.
- Jeopardy!
Answer: This quiz show, in all its iterations from Art Fleming to the iconic Alex Trebek era, has consistently respected the intelligence of its viewers. Question: What is Jeopardy!? Even if you’re not a trivia master like Ken Jennings, the answer to this game show staple is instantly recognizable. Jeopardy!‘s unique format, where answers are presented and contestants must phrase their responses as questions, has made it a beloved intellectual challenge for generations and a top pick in any tv guide list.
- Wheel of Fortune
Another brainchild of Merv Griffin, Wheel of Fortune truly began to spin into pop culture dominance in the early 1980s. That’s when the dynamic duo of host Pat Sajak and letter-turner extraordinaire Vanna White took over, transforming the simple act of revealing letters into a nightly ritual for millions. The combination of word puzzles, spinning wheels, and the chance to win big prizes has cemented Wheel of Fortune‘s place as a timeless classic and a must-watch on any tv guide list.
- Family Feud
Survey says: Family Feud is a guaranteed hit, regardless of who’s leading the charge. From the famously kiss-happy Richard Dawson to the current comedic stylings of Steve Harvey, and the memorable hosts in between like Louie Anderson, John O’Hurley, Richard Karn, and Ray Combs, Family Feud hosts have always felt like welcome guests in our living rooms. The simple premise of guessing the most popular survey answers combined with family rivalries makes Family Feud a consistently entertaining choice in any tv guide list.
- Match Game
When Gene Rayburn, with his iconic long microphone, launched into hilarious double entendres about Dumb Dora or Donald, alongside witty panelists like Brett Somers and Charles Nelson Reilly, Match Game became synonymous with laugh-out-loud television. The suggestive fill-in-the-blank questions and the unpredictable celebrity panel made Match Game a unique and unforgettable entry in the game show hall of fame, and a highlight in any tv guide list.
- The Price Is Right
“Come on down!” The call to action for The Price Is Right is instantly recognizable. From playing Plinko to spinning the Big Wheel and aiming for the Showcase Showdown, The Price Is Right delivers non-stop excitement. And let’s not forget Bob Barker’s passionate plea to “spay and neuter your pets!” While Drew Carey has carried the torch admirably, for many, Bob Barker will always be Mr. Right, and The Price Is Right remains a daytime TV staple and a strong contender in any tv guide list.
- Who Wants to Be a Millionaire
Game shows were supposedly fading, but then came Regis Philbin and Who Wants to Be a Millionaire. This primetime phenomenon, adapted from a UK format, ignited a new wave of game show popularity. While Regis eventually moved on, the daytime version has thrived, thanks to hosts like Meredith Vieira and Cedric the Entertainer. The escalating tension of the questions, the lifelines, and the potential for a life-changing million-dollar prize made Who Wants to Be a Millionaire a global sensation and a prominent entry in any tv guide list.
- The Hollywood Squares
Let’s erase the memory of the less successful 90s revival with Whoopi Goldberg and celebrate the original Hollywood Squares from the swinging 60s and 70s. Hosted by Peter Marshall and featuring comedic personalities like Rose Marie, Charley Weaver, and the brilliantly witty Paul Lynde in the center square, this version was pure comedic gold. Back then, being Squares was genuinely hip, and Hollywood Squares offered a unique blend of trivia and celebrity humor, securing its place in tv guide lists of classic game shows.
- Password
The password is… romance. Password holds a special place in television history as the set where host Allen Ludden met his future wife, Betty White. This clue-driven contest, simple yet engaging, proved to be a lasting format. After Ludden’s passing in 1981, the Password legacy continued with Tom Kennedy (Password Plus), Bert Convy (Super Password), and even Regis Philbin (Million Dollar Password), proving its enduring appeal and consistent presence in tv guide lists.
- What’s My Line?
The concept of What’s My Line? was elegantly simple: a panel of celebrities would question a guest to guess their occupation. However, it was the sharp wit and personalities of panelists like Bennett Cerf, Dorothy Kilgallen, and Arlene Francis that elevated the show to classic status. What’s My Line? enjoyed an impressive 25-season run, demonstrating the enduring appeal of intelligent and engaging panel shows, and earning its spot in tv guide lists of all-time greats.
- The Newlywed Game
Chuck Barris, the mastermind behind The Dating Game and The Gong Show, brought his signature touch of kitsch and cheeky humor to The Newlywed Game. This show delved into the often hilarious and sometimes cringe-worthy aspects of newly married life. And yes, the legendary “Where’s the weirdest place you’ve ever gotten the urge to make whoopee?” question is indeed a real part of Newlywed Game lore, solidifying its place as a memorable and often outrageous entry in tv guide lists.
More Game Show Classics:
- Almost Anything Goes
- Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?
- Battle of the Network Stars
- Beat the Clock
- Blockbusters
- Card Sharks
- Cash Cab
- Concentration
- The Dating Game
- Deal or No Deal
- Don Adams’ Screen Test
- Double Dare
- Gambit
- G.E. College Bowl
- The Gong Show
- High Rollers
- It’s Academic
- I’ve Got a Secret
- The Joker’s Wild
- Let’s Make a Deal
- Liars Club
- Love Connection
- Make Me Laugh
- Masquerade Party
- Name That Tune
- Pantomime Quiz
- People Are Funny
- Press Your Luck
- Pyramid
- Queen for a Day
- Remote Control
- Sale of the Century
- Scrabble
- The $64,000 Question
- Studs
- Supermarket Sweep
- Tattletales
- Tic Tac Dough
- To Tell the Truth
- Treasure Hunt
- Truth or Consequences
- Twenty One
- Weakest Link
- Who Do You Trust?
- Whose Line Is It Anyway?
- Win Ben Stein’s Money
- Wipeout
- Win, Lose or Draw
- You Bet Your Life
- You Don’t Say!
