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The 55+ Best Game Shows You Can Play At Home
- 1Mike Richards, Alex Trebek, Johnny Gilbert
Jeopardy! is a staple in the world of television game shows, with its competitive trivia format and distinctive answer-question gameplay. This iconic show captivates audiences by challenging contestants and viewers alike to flex their mental muscles in categories ranging from literature to pop culture. With treasured host Alex Trebek's ability to make even the most daunting questions accessible, Jeopardy! is a cerebral delight that proves a true test of one's breadth and depth of knowledge.
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- 2Al Roker, Richard Dawson, Louie Anderson
Family Feud brilliantly showcases the dynamics of families working together to out-guess their opponents in this lively and often humorous battle of wits. Hosted by several charismatic personalities over the years, including Richard Dawson, Louie Anderson, and current host Steve Harvey, the show excels in drawing out the players' personalities. The survey-style questions provide just enough unpredictability to keep audiences on the edge of their seats, while also sparking amusing debates and banter amongst family members.
- 3Regis Philbin, Meredith Vieira, Terry Crews
Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? redefined the game show landscape when it premiered, offering contestants a shot at an incredible sum of money and infusing each question with unparalleled drama. The format masterfully employs suspense-building elements such as the iconic lifelines, escalating prize amounts, and dramatic music. Moreover, the show's various hosts, including the legendary Regis Philbin, add their personal touch to the proceedings, engaging the audience with their wit and charm.
- 4Pat Sajak, Vanna White, Charlie O'Donnell
Wheel of Fortune combines the thrill of spinning a giant wheel with the challenge of solving word puzzles, creating a unique and engaging gameplay experience. Host Pat Sajak and hostess Vanna White bring warmth and charisma to the show, fostering a sense of camaraderie and making contestants feel at ease as they navigate the complexities of deciphering mystery phrases. This game show's iconic visuals and sounds, such as the spinning wheel and the ringing of the bonus round bell, have deeply ingrained themselves into popular culture, making Wheel of Fortune a timeless classic.
More Wheel of Fortune- #80 of 203 onThe 150+ Most Popular Shows Right Now
- #4 of 132 onThe 110+ Best TV Game Shows Of All Time
- #1 of 15 onPeople Are Purposely Describing A TV Show Badly And It Is Hilarious
- 5Bob Barker, Janice Pennington, Dian Parkinson
The Price Is Right has delighted generations of viewers with its colorful set, diverse array of games, and its ebullient, long-time host Bob Barker. The show expertly balances skill-based pricing challenges with exciting, luck-based minigames to keep contestants on their toes. As audience members shout out advice and encouragement while contestants attempt to guess the correct prices, The Price Is Right engages viewers with its interactive nature and genuine enthusiasm for consumer culture.
- 6
Cash Cab
Ben BaileyCash Cab injects a new level of excitement into game shows by transforming an ordinary taxi ride into a high-stakes test of trivia knowledge. Host Ben Bailey brings humor and charm to his role as the knowledgeable cabbie, engaging passengers-turned-contestants with questions that span a wide range of topics. The added pressure of reaching the destination before running out of strikes creates nail-biting suspense, ensuring Cash Cab remains an exhilarating ride from start to finish.
More Cash Cab- #208 of 302 onThe Best TV Shows Of The Past 20 Years
- #18 of 132 onThe 110+ Best TV Game Shows Of All Time
- #23 of 746 onThe 600+ Best Reality TV Shows Of All Time
- 7Jeff Foxworthy, John Cena
Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader? is an entertaining blend of nostalgia and education, pitting adult contestants against grade-school-level questions to see if they can outsmart a group of precocious fifth graders. Hosted by comedian Jeff Foxworthy, the show highlights the importance of retaining knowledge from our formative years while providing plenty of laughs along the way. The classroom-themed set and the inclusion of real children as contestants create a delightful atmosphere that feels both familiar and unexpected, making it a joy to watch.
- #93 of 348 onThe 320+ Best Reality Competition Shows
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- 8Betty White, Patty Duke, Richard Dawson
Match Game relies on the chemistry between celebrity panelists and contestants as they attempt to match answers to fill-in-the-blank questions, uncovering humor in the most unexpected places. The show's rotating roster of celebrity panelists adds variety and spice, as their diverse personalities clash and complement each other. With a format that encourages wit and spontaneity, Match Game stands out as one of the most entertaining and unpredictable game shows ever made.
More Match Game - 9Betty White, Allen Ludden, Gene Wood
The original Password is a testament to the power of language and communication, as two teams comprised of a celebrity and a contestant race to guess secret words based on one-word clues. The show's simplicity is its greatest strength – focusing on the nuances of word association and timing, it creates an atmosphere of intense mental focus. Hosted by Allen Ludden, Password showcases the delightful interplay between celebrities and everyday people, making it a classic that still holds up today.
More Password- #8 of 132 onThe 110+ Best TV Game Shows Of All Time
- #4 of 64 onThe 60+ Best Daytime TV Shows
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- 10
The Joker's Wild
Charlie O'Donnell, Bill Cullen, Jack BarryThe original Joker's Wild takes the excitement of spinning a slot machine and combines it with the challenge of answering trivia questions across diverse categories. The element of chance is ever-present, thanks to the iconic slot machine's inclusion of jokers and devils that can drastically sway a contestant's fortunes in an instant. Hosted by the enthusiastic Jack Barry, The Joker's Wild (1972) captures the spirit of gambling and high-stakes decision-making while retaining its accessibility as a game show that rewards knowledge and strategy.
More The Joker's Wild- #17 of 132 onThe 110+ Best TV Game Shows Of All Time
- #14 of 60 onThe Best Game Shows of the 1990s
- #10 of 61 onThe Best Game Shows of the 1970s
- 11Michael Strahan
The $100,000 Pyramid elevates the concept of word association to new heights, with its high-stakes gameplay and distinctive pyramid-shaped game board. Hosted by the affable Dick Clark, the show pairs contestants with celebrity partners as they attempt to move up the pyramid by quickly and accurately describing various categories. The fast-paced, 60-second rounds and escalating prize amounts create a palpable sense of urgency, culminating in the winner's circle showdown that puts communication skills to the ultimate test.
- 12Tom Bergeron, Shadoe Stevens, Whoopi Goldberg
Hollywood Squares uniquely merges the classic game of tic-tac-toe with celebrity-driven humor and unpredictable gameplay. Host Peter Marshall navigates the chaos and hilarity within the nine-panel, three-dimensional grid occupied by stars who provide comedic answers to trivia questions. Contestants must judge whether a celebrity's response is true or a bluff, creating a delightful mix of strategy, cunning, and luck that keeps viewers engaged from start to finish.
More Hollywood Squares- #144 of 476 onThe 400+ Funniest TV Shows Ever, Ranked
- #6 of 132 onThe 110+ Best TV Game Shows Of All Time
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- 13Elizabeth Banks
Press Your Luck is a thrilling mixture of luck, strategy, and risk-taking as contestants navigate a colorful, animated game board filled with cash, prizes, and the dreaded Whammy. Host Peter Tomarken expertly builds tension as players choose whether to press their luck and continue spinning the board or pass their remaining spins to another player in hopes of avoiding the Whammy, which can wipe out their winnings. With its dynamic gameplay and whimsical, cartoonish aesthetic, Press Your Luck perpetually keeps contestants and viewers on their toes, making it a game show classic.
More Press Your Luck- #26 of 95 onThe Best ABC Shows of All Time
- #5 of 82 onThe Best TV Reboots & Revivals
- #39 of 132 onThe 110+ Best TV Game Shows Of All Time
- 14George DeWitt
Name That Tune has endured as a beloved game show because it taps into our innate love for music and challenges contestants to flex their melodic memory. The show's various incarnations have always been anchored by engaging hosts, such as Tom Kennedy and Jim Lange, who guide contestants through rounds focused on identifying songs based on snippets, lyrics, or even performed live by an orchestra. As contestants compete in fast-paced bidding wars to name tunes in the fewest possible notes, Name That Tune strikes a perfect balance between enjoyable musical entertainment and high-stakes competition.
More Name That Tune- #22 of 132 onThe 110+ Best TV Game Shows Of All Time
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- #15 of 61 onThe Best Game Shows of the 1970s
- 15Lucille Ball, Tony Randall, Steve Allen
What's My Line? is an enchanting blend of intrigue, mystery, and humor as panelists attempt to guess the occupations of guests by asking yes-or-no questions. Hosted by the urbane John Charles Daly, the show features a rotating lineup of celebrity panelists whose varied backgrounds and experiences add to the delightful unpredictability of the guessing game. Adding to the show's charm is the inclusion of a "mystery guest" segment, where panelists are blindfolded and must discern the identity of a celebrity based solely on their answers; these moments are often filled with laughter and surprise, ensuring that What's My Line? remains a timeless treasure.
More What's My Line?- #85 of 135 onThe Best TV Shows Of The '60s, Ranked
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- #1 of 52 onThe Best Game Shows of the 1960s
- 16Bradley Walsh
The Weakest Link provides a unique, cutthroat experience as contestants work together to build cash prizes while simultaneously voting off their perceived weakest teammates at the end of each round. The atmosphere of tension and suspicion is heightened by the intimidating presence of host Anne Robinson, whose pointed observations and catchphrase "You are the weakest link, goodbye" have become iconic. This game show combines elements of trivia, strategy, and social politics, resulting in a gripping experience that keeps viewers guessing until the very end.
More The Weakest Link- #27 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
- 17Wayne Brady, Jonathan Mangum, Rob Marrocco Jr.
Let's Make a Deal epitomizes the art of the deal by offering contestants the opportunity to trade in their current winnings for the possibility of even greater rewards – or potential disappointment. The show's zany atmosphere, encouraged by host Monty Hall and later Wayne Brady, invites contestants and audience members to dress up in outrageous outfits and engage in lively negotiations. The combination of risk and reward, hidden behind mysterious curtains and boxes, makes Let's Make a Deal an addictive and delightful game show with endless possibilities.
More Let's Make a Deal- #3 of 29 onThe 25+ Best Current Daytime Talk Shows
- #10 of 132 onThe 110+ Best TV Game Shows Of All Time
- #18 of 64 onThe 60+ Best Daytime TV Shows
- 18Joel McHale, Markie Post, Bob Eubanks
Card Sharks adds an element of suspense to the familiar game of high-low by incorporating oversized playing cards and big cash prizes for lucky contestants. The show has seen multiple hosts over the years, including Jim Perry and Joel McHale, who bring energy and enthusiasm to the proceedings. By utilizing a simple game mechanic with added layers of strategy through betting and predicting card outcomes, Card Sharks remains an accessible and exciting showcase of one's ability to trust their intuition and luck.
More Card Sharks- #38 of 95 onThe Best ABC Shows of All Time
- #23 of 82 onThe Best TV Reboots & Revivals
- #24 of 132 onThe 110+ Best TV Game Shows Of All Time
- 19
The upcoming revival of Lingo promises to breathe new life into the classic word-based game show centered around guessing and forming five-letter words. Although details on the format and host are still forthcoming, the 2023 version of Lingo will maintain the core elements that made the original show a hit. The combination of word-building skills, strategic gameplay, and luck through ball-drawing rounds ensures that Lingo's return will be a welcome addition to the game show landscape.
More Lingo- #64 of 83 onThe 75+ Best CBS Shows
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- 20Jimmy Fallon
The modern reboot of Password retains the essence of the original while updating the classic formula for contemporary audiences. Hosted by the quick-witted Jimmy Fallon, the show features familiar elements such as the one-word clues and secret words but also incorporates new twists and celebrity guests to keep viewers engaged. The spirited competition between the two teams and the emphasis on language make this version of Password a refreshing return to the world of cerebral game shows.
More Password- #6 of 82 onThe Best TV Reboots & Revivals
- #37 of 132 onThe 110+ Best TV Game Shows Of All Time
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- 21Howie Mandel, Sara Bronson, Lindsay Clubine
Deal or No Deal offers contestants the tantalizing chance at life-changing sums of money, all based on making decisions under pressure. Host Howie Mandel guides players through the process of choosing briefcases and negotiating with the mysterious banker, who tempts them with offers that could be higher or lower than the contents of their chosen case. With its blend of risk-taking, strategy, and sheer luck, Deal or No Deal creates an atmosphere of high-stakes tension and excitement that keeps viewers invested in every twist and turn.
More Deal or No Deal- #302 of 348 onThe 320+ Best Reality Competition Shows
- #20 of 132 onThe 110+ Best TV Game Shows Of All Time
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- 22Peyton Manning
College Bowl showcases the intellectual prowess of college students representing their schools in a battle of both discipline-specific and general knowledge. The show's format and teamwork-oriented gameplay create a sense of camaraderie among the contestants, while the academic challenges push them to the limits of their expertise. As teams vie for scholarships and bragging rights, College Bowl offers viewers an entertaining and educational glimpse into the minds of the brightest students from across the nation.
- 23Niecy Nash
Don't Forget The Lyrics tests contestants' memory of popular song lyrics across various genres, putting their knowledge of catchy tunes and musical history to the test. Hosted by the affable Wayne Brady, the show adds layers of sound and visuals to the stage, creating an engaging environment reminiscent of a live concert. The high-stakes format, including the opportunity to win large cash prizes and the suspenseful moments when contestants must recall missing lyrics on the spot, keeps viewers captivated and singing along from start to finish.
More Don't Forget The Lyrics- #22 of 181 onThe Best Newer TV Shows The Whole Family Can Enjoy
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- 24
The Chase
Bradley WalshThe Chase pits contestants in a thrilling race against a professional quizmaster, known as The Chaser, as they attempt to build cash prizes and outsmart their opponents. Hosted by Brooke Burns and with Mark Labbett as The Beast, the show blends high-stakes strategy and intense trivia competition. The format of The Chase encourages players to balance risk-taking with calculated decisions, ensuring that each episode is filled with nail-biting showdowns and unexpected outcomes.
More The Chase- #25 of 132 onThe 110+ Best TV Game Shows Of All Time
- #1 of 39 onThe Very Best British Game Shows, Ranked
- #1 of 32 onThe Very Best British Quiz Shows, Ranked
- 25Aasif Mandvi, Matt Walsh, Sabrina Jalees
Would I Lie to You? invites celebrity guests to test their bluffing skills on a panel of fellow stars as they attempt to discern fact from fiction. Hosted by Rob Brydon, the show relies on the stars' wit, storytelling ability, and intuition as they try to either support or dismantle each other's tales. The clever, often hilarious interplay between the panelists and the capacity for surprise make Would I Lie to You? a unique and engaging addition to the world of game shows.
More Would I Lie to You?- #122 of 132 onThe 110+ Best TV Game Shows Of All Time
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- 26Ryan Stiles, Colin Mochrie, Wayne Brady
Whose Line Is It Anyway? is a delightful spin on the traditional game show format, as it dives headfirst into the world of improvisational comedy. With host Drew Carey (later Aisha Tyler) and a rotating cast of talented comedians, such as Colin Mochrie, Ryan Stiles, and Wayne Brady, the show challenges performers to create scenes, songs, and characters on the spot. The unpredictability of the comedy, combined with the host's playful interactions and the points-based scoring system, makes Whose Line Is It Anyway? an endlessly entertaining and inventive gem.
More Whose Line Is It Anyway?- #31 of 302 onThe Best TV Shows Of The Past 20 Years
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- #13 of 132 onThe 110+ Best TV Game Shows Of All Time
- 27Bill Cullen, Johnny Gilbert, Geoff Edwards
Chain Reaction challenges contestants to create word chains by linking related terms and making sense of seemingly unrelated phrases. The show has seen multiple iterations and hosts, including Bill Cullen, Dylan Lane, and Mike Catherwood, who bring enthusiasm and wit to each episode. The fast-paced, strategic gameplay relies on players' ability to think on their feet and make connections between words, resulting in an engaging and mentally challenging experience for viewers.
More Chain Reaction- #36 of 132 onThe 110+ Best TV Game Shows Of All Time
- #6 of 24 onThe Best Current GSN Shows, Ranked
- #30 of 60 onThe Best Game Shows of the 1980s
- 28Chuck Woolery, Stacey Hayes
The original Lingo deftly combined elements of word-building and bingo to create an engaging and mentally stimulating game show experience. Hosted by Michael Reagan, contestants worked in pairs to guess and form five-letter words while attempting to cover their Lingo boards with correct guesses. Lingo's unique blend of language skills, teamwork, and strategy made it a standout among word-based game shows and a favorite among fans of linguistic challenges.
More Lingo- #45 of 132 onThe 110+ Best TV Game Shows Of All Time
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- 29Snoop Dogg
The 2017 reboot of The Joker's Wild offers a fresh take on the classic game show while maintaining the essence of its slot machine-themed gameplay. Host Snoop Dogg brings his unique style and humor to the proceedings, guiding contestants through categories that often focus on pop culture and Snoop's personal interests. The updated version retains the iconic spinning reels, jokers, and devils that can dramatically impact a contestant's fortunes, ensuring that The Joker's Wild (2017) continues to capture the spirit of gambling and high-stakes decision-making in an accessible and entertaining way.
- 30Jay Leno
You Bet Your Life showcases the quick wit of legendary comedian Groucho Marx as he engages contestants in humorous banter before testing their knowledge in a quiz segment. The show cleverly combines elements of comedy, trivia, and viewer participation, as contestants are selected from the studio audience. With its emphasis on humor and wordplay, You Bet Your Life remains a beloved classic that highlights Groucho Marx's incredible talent and charisma.
