The Very Best British Quiz Shows, Ranked
Copy link
- 1
The Chase
Bradley WalshThe Chase, hosted by the affable Bradley Walsh, is a thrilling game show that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. Contestants must work together as a team to outrun a professional quizzer, known as the Chaser, and bag a hefty cash prize. The show's blend of nail-biting tension and camaraderie has made it a firm favourite among quiz show aficionados.
More The Chase
- #26 of 132 onThe 110+ Best TV Game Shows Of All Time
- #1 of 39 onThe Very Best British Game Shows, Ranked
- #23 of 69 onThe 55+ Best Game Shows You Can Play At Home
- 2Rachel Riley, Des O'Connor, Des Lynam
Countdown, the quintessential British word and number puzzle game, has been delighting audiences since its inception. With the congenial Nick Hewer at the helm and the brilliant Rachel Riley working her arithmetic magic, this show has become synonymous with teatime television, offering a daily dose of cerebral stimulation.
- 3Alexander Armstrong
Pointless, hosted by the dynamic duo of Alexander Armstrong and Richard Osman, offers a unique twist on the classic quiz format. Contestants must find the most obscure answers to questions, with the ultimate goal of scoring as few points as possible. It's the perfect blend of brain-teasing trivia and quirky humour, leaving viewers shouting answers at the telly.
More Pointless- #203 of 203 onThe 150+ Most Popular Shows Right Now
- #6 of 39 onThe Very Best British Game Shows, Ranked
- #53 of 69 onThe 55+ Best Game Shows You Can Play At Home
- 4Chris Tarrant, Jeremy Clarkson
Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, a classic game show presented by the inimitable Chris Tarrant, and now Jeremy Clarkson, has enthralled audiences for decades. With its iconic lifelines and escalating questions, the show has spawned a slew of catchphrases and even inspired a hit film, Slumdog Millionaire. No one can resist the allure of potentially bagging a cool million!
- #198 of 298 on285+ Smart TV Shows That Only Intellectuals Appreciate
- #48 of 348 onThe 320+ Best Reality Competition Shows
- #12 of 132 onThe 110+ Best TV Game Shows Of All Time
- 5Victoria Coren
Only Connect, hosted by the enigmatic Victoria Coren Mitchell, is a brain-bending quiz show that challenges contestants to find obscure connections between seemingly unrelated clues. Its cryptic questions and fiendishly difficult puzzles have made it a must-watch for puzzle enthusiasts and masochists alike.
- 6Angus Deayton, Bamber Gascoigne
University Challenge, presided over by the stern Jeremy Paxman, is a highbrow contest that pits teams of university students against one another. This long-running show has become a staple of British television and a rite of passage for the nation's brightest minds. It's not just a quiz show; it's an institution.
- 7Greg Davies, Alex Horne, Kerry Godliman
Taskmaster, helmed by the hilarious Greg Davies and Alex Horne, is a riotous comedy game show that sets bizarre and hilarious tasks for a rotating roster of comedians. From painting a horse while riding a horse to creating the best ventriloquist act, the show's offbeat challenges have made it a cult favourite among comedy fans.
More Taskmaster- #55 of 135 onReality Shows That Involve Actual Skill
- #2 of 39 onThe Very Best British Game Shows, Ranked
- #1 of 41 onThe Very Best British Panel Shows, Ranked
- 8Andrew O'Connor, Roy Walker
Catchphrase, presented by the charming Stephen Mulhern, is a light-hearted game show that challenges contestants to identify popular phrases based on animated clues. Its blend of humour, visual gags, and high-stakes gameplay has made it a long-standing fixture on British television screens.
- 9
Tenable
Tenable, fronted by the entertaining Warwick Davis, challenges contestants to complete top-10 lists on a wide range of subjects. The show's blend of general knowledge trivia and engaging gameplay has made it a popular addition to the British quiz show landscape.
- 10Anne Robinson
The Weakest Link, with the acerbic Anne Robinson at the helm, was a high-pressure game show that saw contestants eliminating each other based on their quiz performance. The show's blend of general knowledge and cutthroat strategy, combined with Robinson's icy demeanour, made it an irresistible watch.
More The Weakest Link- #28 of 132 onThe 110+ Best TV Game Shows Of All Time
- #22 of 86 onThe 80+ Best British Reality Shows
- #12 of 39 onThe Very Best British Game Shows, Ranked
- 11Kevin Ashman, Christopher Hughes, Judith Keppel
Eggheads, presided over by the genial Jeremy Vine, sees teams of challengers attempting to defeat a panel of quiz experts in a battle of wits. This long-running show continues to captivate viewers with its combination of general knowledge, strategy, and high-stakes gameplay.
- 12
The £100K Drop
The £100K Drop, helmed by the captivating Davina McCall, is a high-stakes game show that sees contestants risking large sums of cash as they tackle a series of general knowledge questions. The dramatic format and nail-biting decisions have made this show a heart-pounding hit.
- 13Ian Hislop, Paul Merton, Angus Deayton
Have I Got News for You, a long-running satirical panel show hosted by a revolving roster of celebrity guests, takes a humorous look at the week's news. Regular team captains Ian Hislop and Paul Merton provide biting commentary and witty banter, making this show a must-watch for those seeking a comedic take on current events.
- 14William G. Stewart
Fifteen to One, a nail-biting contest hosted by the knowledgeable Sandi Toksvig, sees contestants whittled down through a series of tough general knowledge questions. This high-pressure quiz show has become a staple of British television, leaving viewers holding their breath as they root for their favourite contestant.
- 15Tony Green, Jim Bowen, Declan Donnelly
Bullseye, a classic darts-based game show hosted by the late Jim Bowen, combined general knowledge questions with traditional pub games. Its unique format and nostalgic charm have made it a firm favourite among British viewers.
- 16Liza Tarbuck, Bob Holness, Michael Aspel
Blockbusters, a classic show that gained a new lease of life with Dara Ó Briain's hosting, sees two teams of students competing to complete a crossword-style grid. With its iconic hexagonal board and memorable catchphrase "Can I have a P, please?", this game show has endeared itself to generations of viewers.
- 17
Nevermind the Buzzcocks
Carol Vorderman, Jeremy Clarkson, Bill BaileyNever Mind the Buzzcocks, a raucous music-themed panel show, was a riotous hit that featured an array of celebrity guests and a rotating cast of comedians. The show's irreverent humour and hilarious challenges, combined with its loving tribute to the world of pop music, made it a must-watch for fans of comedy and music alike.
- 18Russell Brand, Lily Allen, Sharon Osbourne
The Big Fat Quiz of the Year, hosted by the quick-witted Jimmy Carr, is an annual comedy panel show that tests celebrities on their knowledge of the past twelve months. With its blend of topical humour and irreverent banter, this show has become a much-anticipated highlight of the festive season.
- 19Matt Lucas, Johnny Vegas, Mark Lamarr
Shooting Stars, a surreal comedy panel show hosted by the inimitable Vic Reeves and Bob Mortimer, was a wild ride that combined bizarre challenges with off-the-wall humour. This cult classic defied description and delighted viewers with its unique brand of absurdity.
- 20Henry Kelly, John Suchet, Dean Wilson
Going for Gold, a classic quiz show helmed by the charismatic Henry Kelly, was a pan-European battle of wits that tested contestants on their general knowledge. This fondly remembered show was a thrilling watch that fostered a spirit of international camaraderie.
- 21Richard McCourt, Dominic Wood
Are You Smarter than a 10 Year Old?, hosted by the engaging Noel Edmonds, saw adult contestants tackling questions based on the primary school curriculum. This cleverly formatted show was a delightful reminder of our schooldays and provided plenty of opportunities for viewers to yell answers at the screen.
- 22
The Million Pound Drop Live
Davina McCall, Phil Spencer, Alan CarrThe Million Pound Drop Live, presented by the dynamic Davina McCall, was a high-stakes game show that saw contestants risking huge sums of money on multiple-choice questions. The live format and dramatic gameplay made it an adrenaline-fuelled hit with viewers.
- 23Mike Read
Pop Quiz, hosted by the knowledgeable Mike Read, was a music-based game show that tested contestants on their knowledge of pop music trivia. This fan-favourite show was a nostalgic delight that celebrated our love of chart-topping tunes.
- 24Wayne Brady
Don't Forget the Lyrics!, helmed by the energetic Shane Richie, tested contestants on their knowledge of popular song lyrics. This toe-tapping game show was a delightful reminder of our favourite tunes and provided ample opportunity for viewers to sing along.
More Don't Forget the Lyrics!- #291 of 348 onThe 320+ Best Reality Competition Shows
- #77 of 132 onThe 110+ Best TV Game Shows Of All Time
- #13 of 16 on'00s Shows That Are Coming Back
- 25
Take It Or Leave It
Richard ArnoldTake It or Leave It, presented by the affable Chris Tarrant, was a high-stakes game show that saw contestants risking cash prizes on a series of multiple-choice questions. The show's blend of strategy and nerve-wracking decisions made it a captivating watch.
- 26Annabel Raftery
Cash Cab, a unique quiz show set in a London taxi, saw unsuspecting passengers answering questions to win cash prizes. This innovative format and charming host, John Moody, made it a delightful addition to the British quiz show landscape.
Unsuspecting taxi passengers get a chance to win cash when they step into John Moody's Cash Cab. - 27
101 Ways to Leave a Gameshow
101 Ways to Leave a Gameshow, presented by the amusing Steve Jones, was a unique game show that combined general knowledge questions with a series of wacky and explosive eliminations. This show's blend of trivia and slapstick comedy made it a thrilling watch.
- 28
Battle Of The Brains
Paddy O'ConnellBattle of the Brains, hosted by the knowledgeable Paddy O'Connell, saw teams of contestants competing in a series of general knowledge challenges. This show's blend of trivia and teamwork made it a compelling watch for quiz show fans.
- 29
Playing For Time
Eamonn HolmesPlaying for Time, presented by the charismatic Les Dennis, was a game show that tested contestants' knowledge of TV trivia. This nostalgic romp through television history was a delightful watch for fans of classic television.
- 30Kirsty Wark
A Question of Genius, hosted by the erudite Kirsty Wark, tested contestants on their general knowledge in a bid to win a cash prize. With its challenging questions and cerebral format, this show was a hit with quiz show enthusiasts.
- 31
Cheat, an intriguing game show, invited contestants to use deception and cunning to outwit their opponents. This fascinating show was a thrilling exploration of strategy, bluffing, and the darker side of human nature.
More Cheat- #125 of 132 onThe 110+ Best TV Game Shows Of All Time
- #38 of 39 onThe Very Best British Game Shows, Ranked
- #69 of 69 onThe 55+ Best Game Shows You Can Play At Home
- 32
Secret Fortune
Nick KnowlesSecret Fortune, helmed by the charming Nick Knowles, was a tense game show that saw contestants risking cash prizes by answering multiple-choice questions. The show's dramatic format and nail-biting decisions made it a hit with viewers.
