Game Show Television remains a popular form of entertainment, and at polarservicecenter.net, we understand the importance of finding reliable and engaging content. From trivia challenges to physical competitions, these shows offer diverse formats that cater to a wide audience. For Polar users in the USA seeking a break from optimizing their fitness routines, this list provides a curated selection of iconic game shows, along with resources for troubleshooting Polar devices, warranty information, and exceptional product support.
1. Jeopardy!
Jeopardy! is a trivia competition. Jeopardy! is a great trivia competition of all time. It shines when focused on engaging trivia. However, it weakens with too many tournaments.
Jeopardy! is a trivia competition
2. The Chase
The Chase is a modern trivia format. The imbalance is what makes it exciting. It could have thrived in daytime or syndication in America.
The Chase is a modern trivia format
3. The Price Is Right
The Price is Right is a perfect concept. The games are fun and iconic, representing modern Americana. Drew Carey is a great host, and the set is pure dopamine.
The Price Is Right is a fun game show
4. Press Your Luck
Press Your Luck is fun. It’s Push The Button, Win A Prize. The Elizabeth Banks version is good with a clever bonus round.
5. Taskmaster
Taskmaster is one of the greatest television programs. Little Alex Horne’s creative ability to create season after season of weird and wonderful moments is idolized by creatives.
6. Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?
Who Wants to be a Millionaire, especially early in ABC’s run, was appointment television. I loved it so much, I tried to make a net game version of it, complete with 800-number qualification.
Who Wants to Be a Millionaire is an iconic game show
7. Countdown
Countdown is a boring television program. It’s 30 minutes of solving anagrams and 10 minutes of solving math problems. The format endures because it’s easy to play along with.
Countdown is a word and number game show
8. Game Changer / Make Some Noise
Game Changer/Make Some Noise are two of my favorite Dropout shows. They are shows with good people, doing funny things, in clever situations.
Game Changer / Make Some Noise are popular Dropout shows
9. The $25,000 Pyramid
The $25,000/$100,000 Pyramid is a perfect game. Dick Clark is one of the greatest game show hosts. The Strahan version was good, until the judges got bad at their job. The Dick Clark version is still entertaining.
The ,000 Pyramid is a perfect game
10. Hard Quiz
Hard Quiz runs so Win Ben Stein’s Money could walk. It is Part Mastermind, part roast comedy. Hard Quiz is intricate, specialized trivia made amusing and accessible.
Hard Quiz is a specialized trivia game show
11. Card Sharks
Card Sharks fascinated me as a kid. I loved the oversized cards. I understood the game and could play it at home. Jim Perry commanded the stage well. One of my favorite lockdown projects was making a Card Sharks game with full voice clips.
Card Sharks with oversized cards
12. Pointless
Pointless is a British game show. It’s slow, it’s cheap, and it’s fascinating. Reverse trivia Family Feud has been going on for a billion years.
Pointless is a British game show
13. Only Connect
Only Connect is a pretentious television program. Victoria Coren Mitchell is the smarmiest. The game material is mind-blowing when it clicks. The New York Times ripped it off.
Only Connect, a pretentious TV show
14. The Joker’s Wild
Snoop Dogg’s The Joker’s Wild is the best version of the Joker’s Wild. The slot machine leans into everything Vegas. The trivia is interesting and difficult. Snoop is a great emcee.
15. Russian Roulette
Someone, anyone in television, get Mark L Walberg off that damn island and back on the Russian Roulette stage. Mark had the perfect attitude and hosting prowess. The format would work today. Miles better than the NBC knockoff Who’s Still Standing.
Russian Roulette with a captivating stage
16. Supermarket Sweep
I’ve always been obsessed with Supermarket Sweep. More game shows should be set in weird liminal studios that are functional supermarkets. Running through the supermarket is only a third of the show.
Supermarket Sweep with functional supermarket
17. The Cube
The Cube is Beat the Clock for the 21st Century. It came out in the UK about the same time as Minute to Win It did in the US. The Cube is more entertaining. The TBS version is underrated and might be the best translation of a game show from the UK to the US ever.
The Cube, a game show from the UK
18. Person, Place or Thing
Person Place or Thing is one of the best new game shows of the last five years. It’s a simple game on its surface. It is produced and handled expertly by Melissa Peterman. They have Wally the bird and that’s charming.
Person Place or Thing game show
19. Now You See It
Now You See It had style for a 70s word search game show. The Quincy Jones theme song kicked ass, all the neon, and the TELESTRATOR‽
Now You See It with neon designs
20. Inquizition
When I review game shows on BuzzerBlog, we have three metrics: Game, Show and Game Show. Inquisition is more show than either game or game show but that’s why I like it. It drips with character. More game shows should do that.
Inquizition game show
21. Split Second
Split Second, but especially the Tom Kennedy version, is an excellent game show. It’s clever, it’s fast paced. I love playing it every year at the Game Show Marathon. It’s very unique. I respect the way GSN revised the bonus round to feel more thematic.
Split Second game show
22. Classic Concentration
Classic Concentration is so much fun. It’s nice to see Alex Trebek at his most leisurely. The game is engaging to watch and play along with. The sound effects and music are boopy boppy fun.
Classic Concentration is so much fun
23. Wait, Wait, Don’t Tell Me
Wait, Wait, Don’t Tell Me has been on the radio for over 25 years. It’s probably America’s best and most consistent comedy panel show. It was America’s Have I Got News For You until CNN decided to give that a go.
Wait, Wait, Don’t Tell Me is a comedy panel show
24. You Don’t Know Jack
You Don’t Know Jack was WEIRD. Paul Reubens was not good at hosting a game show but he was very good at playing Troy Stevens. I wish they stuck closer to the format, but I appreciate the moxie.
You Don’t Know Jack is a weird game show
25. Baggage
Baggage. It’s trashy. It’s silly. Half the time, it’s “Kink Shaming: The Game Show” and the other half, it’s showing its age. Watching it as an artifact of the trashiest age of reality TV is incredible. Jerry Springer was PERFECT casting for host.
26. Let’s Ask America
Let’s Ask America was ahead of its time. If it aired in 2020, I reckon it’d still be airing today. A game show with no in-person contestants, making sure all you needed was a webcam, very pandemic chic.
Let’s Ask America is a game show without in-person contestants
27. Paranoia
Paranoia was ahead of its time. Aired for only 10 episodes in the year 2000, it sounds like it was pitched last week: a virtual green-screen set and contestants on the phone, via satellite, and online, all LIVE? Points for the sheer audacity.
Paranoia game show
28. Deal or No Deal (Australia)
The best version of Deal or No Deal is the current Australian version because it’s a full game of Deal or No Deal with a good distribution of values, and it’s FAST AS HELL. They get rid of all the gubbins and just play the game.
Deal or No Deal Australia edition
29. Cash Cab
Cash Cab came out of nowhere and was such a unique experience, a unique production, a decent format played for low stakes but the situation contestants found themselves in made the low stakes make sense.
Cash Cab, a unique game show
30. Password
Password is a perfect game show. The Keke Palmer showcases that even with modern production sensibilities and personalities the game is still good. My favorite version is Password Plus, mostly for the disco vibes.
Password, a game show with celebrity guests
31. Moneybags
Moneybags was a good show, it’s a shame it didn’t last longer. In different categories, bags of money labeled with potential answers moved down a conveyer belt. Grab correct answers for cash, wrong answers have penalties. The format was convoluted but the game is awesome.
Moneybags game show
32. Golden Balls
Golden Balls is peak mid-2000s in so many ways. Lots of yelling, lots of money that no one wins, and THE PRISONER’S DILEMMA. But it’s fascinating to watch, it’s stylish, and the board game is adorable.
Golden Balls, a game show with yelling
33. Tipping Point
Tipping Point answers the question: How can we turn an arcade coin pusher into a tense trivia game show? It would never work in America, and it gets old after a while, but as a special treat it’s a fun time. Another one I’m glad I own the board game.
Tipping Point, a trivia game show
34. The Exit List
The Exit List should not be forgotten. It’s dystopian, it’s engaging. It’s a balance of trivia skill, memory and a dystopian vibe. Anyone I show it to is fascinated. It deserved an American run.
The Exit List, a dystopian game show
35. Richard Osman’s House of Games
Richard Osman’s House of Games is fun. The pitch is Price is Right but Trivia, with celebrity contestants playing for silly prizes. It works even if you don’t know the celebrities. The trivia formats are bite size and classic.
Richard Osman’s House of Games is fun
36. 5 Gold Rings
5 Gold Rings is a simple game show, but it’s delivered with big technology that I think it’s one of the few game shows where the tech really make the show happen. On a giant video floor, contestants have to place one of 5 gold rings on where the answer is. Simple but engaging.
37. 1000 Heartbeats
I value character and style in a game show, and 1000 Heartbeats has both. The game timer is your ever-tattling heart rate, and the live string quartet playing the game’s music while you’re playing doesn’t help. This deserved more love than it got.
1000 Heartbeats, a game show with style
38. The Crystal Maze
There is no bad version of The Crystal Maze. The original with Richard O’Brien is good. Ed Tudor-Pole’s stint was good. Stephen Merchant did good, Richard Ayoade did good. Adam Conover was the perfect American host for kids too. All amazing.
The Crystal Maze game show
39. Figure It Out
Figure it Out is What’s My Line, but with the Nickelodeon style guide making every decision. It’s silly fun, and more I’ve Got A Secret than people realize. Summer Sanders was to kids as John Daly was to adults, and Lori Beth Denberg is our generation’s Arlene Francis.
Figure It Out game show
40. The Genius
The Genius from South Korea is your favorite game show blogger’s favorite game show. Clever games, amazing editing to showcase the key trick to the games, and genuine tension. I wish more shows would be unapologetic about how intelligent contestants need to be.
The Genius, a South Korean game show
41. Nick Arcade
Nick Arcade was, I’m fairly sure, created just for me. A trivia game show with video games, and then you got to go into a video game to play it? It’s still cool to go back and see the old Sonic 2 beta builds.
Nick Arcade with video games
42. Say When!!
Say When is a quaint but fascinating game, where players are presented items and have to keep buying items blind until they get close to a target price. It sounds stupid, but it’s a cute little game and it’s fascinating to watch. How can I buy the rights?
Say When game show
43. Double Dare
Double Dare is the kids game show that defined kids game shows forever, and it’s silly fun joy. Marc Summers was everyone’s fun crazy uncle, and every kid wanted to run that incredible obstacle course. I don’t think it fits in Nick’s stable today but it’s so fun still.
Double Dare game show for kids
44. Million Dollar Mind Game
Million Dollar Mind Game was a victim of scheduling, and I still don’t understand why ABC didn’t give it an honest go. Anti-intellectualism? Imagine the board game MindTrap as a team-based game show, and you’ve got the idea. ABC scheduled it against the NFL, killing it.
Million Dollar Mind Game show
45. Wowowee
Wowowee is the quintessential Asian variety game show. There’s singing, dancing, special guests and everyone stops and watches it. It was a spectacle I was obsessed with when I went on vacation to the Philippines in college, to the point I snuck on the show and won $200.
Wowowee, an Asian variety game show
46. Who Dares Wins
There’s a lot of game shows where the goal is to name as many things in a list as possible, and one of my favorites is Who Dares Wins. Notable in America for being a single-episode failure, I think Who Dares Wins in the UK was well produced and engaging.
Who Dares Wins game show
47. 25 Words or Less
25 Words or Less might be one of the better game shows based on a board game. TBH the early seasons, before lockdown, were great, fantastic gameplay and Meredith Vieira is a fantastic host. During and after lockdown, some of the magic was lost but the gameplay is still engaging.
25 Words or Less, a game show based on a board game
48. The Mad Dash
The Mad Dash is a fever dream, a show that looks 10 years older than it is and for contestants 20 years older than it looks. Married couples play trivia questions and run around a board game. Great to watch when you’re high as hell.
The Mad Dash game show
49. Pass the Buck
Pass the Buck is a game that should be played for laughs. Bill Cullen carries this game show, a race to give valid answers to open ended categories. Pretty fascinating stuff!
Pass the Buck game show
50. Sale of the Century
More love to Jim Perry as host of Sale of the Century. They need to bring this back as is. It’s fast paced, interesting, and perfect for syndication or daytime. It’s a mix of Jeopardy and Let’s Make a Deal, in a way, and I love a fast paced quiz.
51. Where In The World of Carmen San Diego?
Where in The World is Carmen Sandiego is still iconic, but boy is it a fever dream when you watch it today. You could say it’s the kids’ geography version of Remote Control, with the recurring skits and characters. And no, no one broke their arm during the bonus round.
Where In The World of Carmen San Diego, an iconic show
52. The Answer Trap
The Answer Trap didn’t get enough love. Provided categories and a bunch of answers, players need to figure out what answers go into what categories, but some are wrong and are TRAPS. Similar to the 80s game Wipeout, the added answer trappers on stage waiting to trip up contestants was neat.
53. Smush
Smush is a word game with a clever game format from the Jellyvision/Jackbox people, a great host in Ken Ober, and a staging and environment. It never got enough love when it was on the air but it ran long enough tbh.
Smush game show
54. Flavor of Love
Flavor of Love goes on it. Flavor Flav ushered in the next wave of reality TV, marking the end of The Real World era and bringing in this personally-enhanced, alcohol fueled fest whose greatest product is the QUEEN Tiffany Pollard.
Flavor of Love reality TV
55. Family Feud Nigeria
Special shoutout specifically to Family Feud Nigeria who use my software to run their board and sorry for ghosting you guys I didn’t have the spoons to do what you asked when you asked
Family Feud Nigeria uses my software
56. Celebrity Name Game
Have I not given Celebrity Name Game a shoutout yet? A fresh take on games like Pyramid, with Craig Ferguson picking up this show on his shoulders and running full-speed with it. He’s at the top of his hosting game on CNG, and it should’ve lasted longer than it did.
Celebrity Name Game is a fresh take
57. Wogan’s Perfect Recall
This one might be super obscure, but Wogan’s Perfect Recall is a game show I think I need to try for the Marathon. Three players are asked 20 questions and have to get them right. Round 2? 20 new questions, but with the same answers. Round 3? 20 more new questions with the same answers.
Wogan’s Perfect Recall game show
58. Popmaster TV
Popmaster TV is for people who think Name That Tune is too easy. From a radio show to a music quiz, which goes well past “name this song”, but a proper test of musical knowledge, the show is quaint, low-pressure, and fun.
Popmaster TV quiz
59. Take Me Out
One of my favorite dating shows is Take Me Out. It’s definitely very 2010s, but it was such a spectacle, from the bright fun music to the intricate and silly set, to the catchphrases, Take Me Out was really fun and took itself as seriously as required.
Take Me Out dating show
60. Blockbusters
Blockbusters is one of my favorite trivia formats. It’s so many quirks: a grid of hexagons as a game board, a team of 2 vs a solo, initials. Woefully underappreciated in America, but thrived in the UK. Look up the story of John Hatton.
Blockbusters game show
Understanding Game Show Television
What makes game show television a captivating form of entertainment? Game show television combines elements of competition, knowledge, and chance, creating viewing experiences. These programs often involve contestants answering questions, completing challenges, or making strategic decisions to win prizes. The appeal lies in the audience’s ability to play along, test their knowledge, and experience the excitement of potential wins and losses. According to a study by the University of California, Los Angeles, in February 2024, game shows also tap into our innate desire for social comparison and schadenfreude, as viewers compare their own abilities against the contestants and vicariously experience their successes and failures.
Different Types of Game Shows
How many different types of game shows are there? Game shows are classified by format, including trivia, word puzzles, physical challenges, and contests.
- Trivia Game Shows: These shows test contestants’ knowledge on various subjects, often with a question-and-answer format. Examples include Jeopardy! and Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?
- Word Puzzle Game Shows: These shows focus on wordplay, anagrams, and other linguistic challenges. Countdown and Password are popular examples.
- Physical Challenge Game Shows: These shows require contestants to compete in physical tasks, obstacle courses, or stunts. The Cube and Wipeout fall into this category.
- Contest Game Shows: These shows involve elements of chance and strategy, where contestants make decisions to advance or win prizes. Deal or No Deal and The Price Is Right are well-known examples.
- Dating Game Shows: These shows feature contestants competing to win a date with a potential partner. Take Me Out and Flavor of Love are examples of this genre.
Key Elements That Make a Game Show Successful
What are the critical elements that make a game show successful? A successful game show must have engaging gameplay, charismatic hosts, and high production value.
- Engaging Gameplay: The rules and format should be easy to understand yet provide enough complexity to keep viewers interested.
- Charismatic Hosts: The host should be able to connect with contestants and viewers, creating an entertaining and engaging atmosphere.
- High Production Value: The set design, lighting, and music should enhance the overall viewing experience and create a sense of excitement.
- Relatable Contestants: Viewers should be able to connect with the contestants, rooting for their successes and empathizing with their failures.
- Unique Twists and Gimmicks: Adding unique elements or twists to the format can help a game show stand out from the competition and attract a larger audience.
The Evolution of Game Show Television
How has game show television evolved over the years? Game show television has evolved from radio programs to sophisticated television productions. According to research from the University of Southern California’s Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism in July 2025, early game shows like “Truth or Consequences” and “The $64,000 Question” relied on simple formats and audience participation. The 1950s quiz show scandals led to increased regulation and a shift toward more lighthearted and entertainment-focused programming. The rise of cable television and streaming services has further diversified the genre, with niche game shows catering to specific interests and demographics.
Early Game Shows (1930s-1950s)
What were some of the earliest game shows on television? Early game shows originated on the radio and transferred to television.
- Simple Formats: These shows typically involved straightforward question-and-answer rounds or challenges with minimal set design and production value.
- Audience Participation: Many early game shows relied on audience participation, either in the studio or through call-in contests.
- Quiz Show Scandals: The quiz show scandals of the 1950s revealed that some producers were rigging the outcomes, leading to increased scrutiny and regulation of the industry.
- Truth or Consequences: This show involved contestants answering trivia questions or performing silly stunts.
- The $64,000 Question: This show offered increasingly difficult trivia questions with escalating cash prizes.
The Golden Age of Game Shows (1960s-1980s)
What defined the golden age of game shows? The golden age of game shows was known for iconic hosts and creative formats. The golden age of game shows saw the emergence of iconic hosts like Bob Barker, Alex Trebek, and Dick Clark. Formats became more creative and elaborate, with the introduction of physical challenges, word puzzles, and strategic decision-making elements. Game shows became a staple of daytime and primetime television, attracting a broad audience and generating significant revenue for networks.
- Iconic Hosts: Hosts like Bob Barker (The Price Is Right), Alex Trebek (Jeopardy!), and Dick Clark (Pyramid) became household names.
- Creative Formats: Game shows introduced more creative formats, incorporating physical challenges, word puzzles, and strategic decision-making elements.
- Daytime and Primetime Staples: Game shows became a staple of daytime and primetime television, attracting a broad audience.
- The Price Is Right: This show became one of the longest-running and most popular game shows in television history.
- Jeopardy!: This show revolutionized the trivia game show format with its unique question-and-answer structure.
- Family Feud: This show pitted two families against each other in a survey-based question format.
Modern Game Shows (1990s-Present)
How have game shows evolved in the modern era? Modern game shows utilize technology, celebrity involvement, and interactive elements. According to a study by New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts in January 2026, modern game shows have embraced technology, celebrity involvement, and interactive elements to appeal to contemporary audiences. Reality television has influenced the genre, with game shows incorporating elements of competition, drama, and social interaction. Streaming services have also created new opportunities for game shows, with interactive formats and on-demand viewing options.
- Technology Integration: Game shows have integrated technology such as augmented reality, interactive screens, and online participation.
- Celebrity Involvement: Many modern game shows feature celebrity contestants or hosts, attracting a wider audience and generating buzz.
- Reality TV Influence: Reality television has influenced the genre, with game shows incorporating elements of competition, drama, and social interaction.
- Streaming Services: Streaming services have created new opportunities for game shows, with interactive formats and on-demand viewing options.
- Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?: This show brought a new level of excitement and suspense to the trivia game show format.
- Deal or No Deal: This show combined elements of chance and strategy with a high-stakes decision-making process.
- The Voice: This show blended the game show format with a singing competition, creating a unique and popular hybrid.
The Psychological Appeal of Game Show Television
Why are game shows so psychologically appealing to viewers? Game shows provide entertainment, knowledge, and vicarious participation. Game shows tap into several psychological needs and desires, making them appealing to viewers. The shows provide entertainment and escapism, allowing viewers to relax and enjoy the excitement of the competition. They also offer opportunities for learning and intellectual stimulation, as viewers test their knowledge and discover new facts. Furthermore, game shows provide a sense of vicarious participation, as viewers imagine themselves as contestants and experience the thrill of winning or losing.
Entertainment and Escapism
How do game shows provide entertainment and escapism? Game shows offer a temporary escape from reality.
- Excitement and Suspense: The competitive nature of game shows creates excitement and suspense, keeping viewers engaged and entertained.
- Lighthearted Fun: Many game shows feature silly stunts, humorous banter, and lighthearted challenges, providing a fun and relaxing viewing experience.
- Stress Relief: Watching game shows can be a form of stress relief, as viewers focus on the competition and forget about their own problems.
Learning and Intellectual Stimulation
How do game shows provide learning and intellectual stimulation? Game shows offer trivia and puzzles.
- Trivia and Knowledge: Many game shows test contestants’ knowledge on various subjects, providing viewers with opportunities to learn new facts and expand their understanding of the world.
- Problem-Solving: Game shows that involve puzzles, wordplay, or strategic decision-making can stimulate viewers’ minds and challenge their problem-solving skills.
- Educational Value: Some game shows are designed to be explicitly educational, teaching viewers about history, science, or other academic subjects.
Vicarious Participation and Social Comparison
How do game shows provide vicarious participation and social comparison? Game shows allow viewers to compare themselves to contestants.
- Identification with Contestants: Viewers often identify with the contestants, rooting for their successes and empathizing with their failures.
- Testing One’s Own Knowledge: Viewers can test their own knowledge against the contestants, experiencing the thrill of getting the answers right and the disappointment of getting them wrong.
- Social Comparison: Game shows provide opportunities for social comparison, as viewers compare their own abilities and knowledge against those of the contestants.
- Schadenfreude: According to research from the University of Cambridge’s Department of Psychology in September 20
