Game Of Shows are more than just entertainment; they are a cultural phenomenon that brings people together. At polarservicecenter.net, we understand the importance of quality entertainment, just as we prioritize quality service for your Polar products. Whether you’re seeking fun trivia, exciting competitions, or engaging formats, this list has something for everyone. Explore these iconic shows and discover new favorites, ensuring you always have top-notch entertainment at your fingertips. Thinking about enhancing your viewing experience? Remember to check out polarservicecenter.net for reliable support and services for your Polar devices, ensuring you don’t miss a moment of the action. You’ll find support, warranty details, and repair services.
1. Jeopardy!
Alex Trebek hosting Jeopardy! during a show.
Jeopardy! is undoubtedly one of the greatest trivia competitions ever created. Its strength lies in its focus on high-quality, engaging trivia. Jeopardy!’s appeal comes from its challenging questions and the intellectual satisfaction of knowing the answers. While tournaments and bar leagues are interesting, the core appeal remains the intelligently crafted trivia that tests and entertains viewers.
2. The Chase
Mark L Walberg hosting Russian Roulette with contestants on stage.
The Chase stands out as one of the best modern trivia formats due to its inherent imbalance, which creates excitement. The Chase keeps viewers on the edge of their seats as contestants face off against trivia experts. Had it been a daily show in America, it could have thrived in daytime or syndication.
3. The Price Is Right
A wide shot of the stage for The Price Is Right with Drew Carey at the front.
The Price Is Right is a nearly perfect concept in the realm of game shows because its games are fun and iconic. The Price Is Right embodies modern Americana at its finest, providing pure dopamine through its vibrant set and engaging games. Drew Carey excels as the host, making the show a delightful experience for all.
4. Press Your Luck
Elizabeth Banks hosting a vibrant episode of Press Your Luck.
Press Your Luck is an incredibly fun game show centered around the simple yet thrilling premise of pushing a button to win a prize. The show’s excitement is infectious, making it a favorite among viewers. The Elizabeth Banks version is particularly clever, with a super engaging bonus round that adds to the fun.
5. Taskmaster
Taskmaster is one of the greatest television programs ever made because of its consistent creativity and unique challenges. Little Alex Horne’s ability to create season after season of weird, wonderful, and wild moments is truly awe-inspiring. As a creative endeavor, Taskmaster serves as a benchmark for originality and inventive entertainment.
6. Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?
A shot of the set of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?
Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, particularly during its early run on ABC, was appointment television. It might have been the last major appointment television event. The show’s premise of answering trivia questions to win increasing amounts of money captivated audiences nationwide.
7. Countdown
Two contestants standing behind the desk on Countdown during a letters round.
Countdown, despite being the most boring television program in the world, endures due to its simplicity and engaging nature. At its best, it’s 30 minutes of people solving anagrams and 10 minutes of people solving math problems. The format’s ease makes it fun to play along with at home, ensuring its lasting appeal.
8. Game Changer / Make Some Noise
Game Changer/Make Some Noise are two of the best Dropout shows due to their emphasis on good people doing funny things in clever and well-crafted situations. The appeal of these shows lies in their combination of humor, creativity, and positive interactions. Dropout offers quality entertainment that consistently delivers laughs and engaging content.
9. The $25,000 Pyramid
Dick Clark hosting The $25,000 Pyramid.
The $25,000/$100,000 Pyramid is possibly a perfect game because of its straightforward rules and engaging gameplay. Dick Clark, one of the greatest game show hosts of all time, elevated the show with his charisma and skill. The Strahan version was good, until the judges got a little too bad at their job. But the Dick Clark version still is entertaining to watch to this day.
10. Hard Quiz
Tom Gleeson looking right into the camera as he’s hosting Hard Quiz.
Hard Quiz is a fascinating blend of Mastermind and roast comedy because it combines intricate, specialized trivia with wildly amusing commentary. The show’s unique format makes it surprisingly accessible and entertaining. Australia truly excelled with this production.
11. Card Sharks
Jim Perry hosting Card Sharks with giant playing cards in the background.
Card Sharks fascinated viewers with its oversized cards and easy-to-understand gameplay. Jim Perry’s firm and commanding stage presence added to the show’s appeal. Creating a Card Sharks game with full voice clips during lockdown was a testament to the show’s enduring popularity.
12. Pointless
Alexander Armstrong and Richard Osman standing on the set for Pointless.
Pointless is a quintessentially British game show characterized by its slow pace, low budget, and fascinating premise. The concept of reverse trivia Family Feud has been successful for years and will likely continue to be so. The show’s simplicity and unique approach make it a long-lasting favorite.
13. Only Connect
Victoria Coren Mitchell hosting Only Connect, surrounded by walls of symbols.
Only Connect is the most pretentious television program because it’s pitch-perfect in its intellectual challenge and presentation. Victoria Coren Mitchell’s smarmy demeanor adds to the show’s unique charm. The game material is mind-blowing when it clicks, making it a captivating experience.
14. The Joker’s Wild
Snoop Dogg’s The Joker’s Wild is the best version because it fully embraces everything Vegas, offering interesting and sometimes genuinely difficult trivia. Snoop Dogg proves to be a great emcee, enhancing the show’s entertainment value. His natural charisma and engaging style make the show a standout.
15. Russian Roulette
Mark L Walberg hosting Russian Roulette with contestants on stage.
Russian Roulette is a show that needs Mark L Walberg back on stage because he possesses the perfect attitude and hosting prowess for the format. Mark had (and def still has) the perfect attitude and hosting prowess, and the format would work today. The format would be successful even in today’s television landscape.
16. Supermarket Sweep
RuPaul hosting Supermarket Sweep, with a contestant running down an aisle.
Supermarket Sweep has always been captivating due to its unique setting in a functional supermarket. More game shows should be set in weird liminal studios that are functional supermarkets. Despite being iconic, the actual supermarket sweep is only about a third of the show.
17. The Cube
Dwayne Wade hosting The Cube with a contestant trying to complete a task.
The Cube is essentially Beat the Clock for the 21st Century because it presents physical challenges in a sleek, modern format. The TBS version is vastly underrated. It might be the best translation of a game show from the UK to the US ever.
18. Person, Place or Thing
Melissa Peterman hosting Person Place or Thing, with Wally the bird on set.
Person Place or Thing is one of the best new game shows because it’s a stupidly simple game handled expertly by Melissa Peterman. The inclusion of Wally the bird adds to the show’s charm. The show’s simplicity, combined with Peterman’s hosting skills, makes it a standout.
19. Now You See It
A brightly lit set from Now You See It.
Now You See It had way too much style for a 70s word search game show. The Quincy Jones theme song, neon lights, and the TELESTRATOR all contributed to its unique appeal. The show’s aesthetic elements elevated it beyond a typical word search game.
20. Inquizition
A clip from the show Inquizition.
Inquizition is a show that leans more towards spectacle than traditional game play, making it highly entertaining. It drips with character, and more game shows should do that. The show’s emphasis on personality and flair sets it apart from more conventional formats.
21. Split Second
Tom Kennedy hosting Split Second with three contestants sitting at their podiums.
Split Second, especially the Tom Kennedy version, is an excellent game show because of its clever and fast-paced nature. Playing it at the Game Show Marathon each year is a testament to its enduring appeal. The unique format and thematic bonus round revisions by GSN are particularly commendable.
22. Classic Concentration
Alex Trebek hosting Classic Concentration in a suit and tie.
Classic Concentration is so much fun because it’s enjoyable to see Alex Trebek at his most leisurely. The game is engaging and fun to watch and play along with, and the sound effects and music are boopy boppy fun. Its engaging gameplay and Trebek’s relaxed demeanor make it a favorite.
23. Wait, Wait, Don’t Tell Me
Peter Sagal hosting a live show of Wait, Wait, Don’t Tell Me.
Wait, Wait, Don’t Tell Me has been on the radio for over 25 years and is still going strong because it remains 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. Its consistent quality and comedic brilliance have ensured its longevity.
24. You Don’t Know Jack
Paul Reubens hosting You Don’t Know Jack as Troy Stevens.
You Don’t Know Jack was so fucking WEIRD, making it a fascinating show to revisit. Paul Reubens was not good at hosting a game show but he was very good at playing Troy Stevens. Its unique and offbeat style sets it apart from other game shows.
25. Baggage
Baggage is so trashy and silly, yet it’s fascinating to watch as an artifact of the trashiest age of reality TV. Half the time, it’s “Kink Shaming: The Game Show” and the other half, it’s showing its age in the worst way. Jerry Springer was PERFECT casting for host. The show’s outrageousness and Springer’s hosting make it incredibly watchable.
26. Let’s Ask America
A wide shot of the set for Let’s Ask America with a live feed of the contestants.
Let’s Ask America was so far ahead of its time because it could easily air successfully today with its format requiring only a webcam. A game show with no in-person contestants? Making sure all you needed was a webcam? Very pandemic chic. The show’s innovative approach made it a precursor to modern remote television.
27. Paranoia
A shot of the futuristic green screen set from Paranoia.
Paranoia was way too ahead of its time because it featured a virtual green-screen set and contestants on the phone, via satellite, and online, all LIVE. 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. The show’s innovative use of technology made it a visionary production.
28. Deal Or No Deal (Australia)
A host stands in front of the cases from Deal Or No Deal Australia.
The current Australian version of Deal or No Deal is the best because it focuses on playing the game quickly with a good distribution of values. The show gets rid of all the gubbins and just plays the fucking game. Its streamlined approach makes it an engaging and fast-paced experience.
29. Cash Cab
Ben Bailey hosting Cash Cab as he drives around the city.
Cash Cab was a unique experience because it combined a decent format with low stakes in a situation that contestants found themselves in, making the low stakes make sense. Cash Cab was one of those shows that kinda came out of nowhere and was such a unique experience, a unique production, a decent format played for low, silly stakes but the situation contestants found themselves in (yea yea it was mostly staged whatever) made the low stakes make sense. The show’s unexpected quizzes in a taxi cab created memorable moments.
30. Password
Keke Palmer hosting Password with Jimmy Fallon as a contestant.
Password is another perfect game show at its very core. The Keke Palmer showcases that even with modern production sensibilities and personalities the game is still good. Password Plus, mostly for the disco vibes. Its simplicity and adaptability have allowed it to remain a classic.
31. Moneybags
A conveyor belt with money bags on Moneybags.
Moneybags was such a good show. It’s a shame it didn’t last longer because of its innovative format where bags of money labeled with potential answers moved down a conveyor belt. 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 a little convoluted but the game is awesome. The show’s unique gameplay made it a standout, despite its short run.
32. Golden Balls
Jasbinder and Nick about to choose between the Golden Balls on Golden Balls.
Golden Balls is peak mid-2000s because of its yelling, large sums of money that no one wins, and the inclusion of THE PRISONER’S DILEMMA. But it’s fascinating to watch, it’s super duper stylish, and the board game is adorable and I’m glad I own it. The show’s dramatic tension and stylish presentation make it a captivating watch.
33. Tipping Point
Ben Shephard hosting Tipping Point with the giant Tipping Point machine in the background.
Tipping Point answers the question of how to turn an arcade coin pusher into a tense and exciting trivia game show. It would never work in America, and it gets old after a while, but as a special treat it’s really a fun time. Another one I’m glad I own the board game. Its unique concept and exciting gameplay make it an enjoyable treat.
34. The Exit List
The host of The Exit List stands behind the contestants.
The Exit List should not be forgotten because of its dystopian vibe and engaging balance of trivia skill and memory. Anyone I show it to is immediately fascinated. It deserved an American run. The show’s unique blend of challenges and atmosphere made it a standout.
35. Richard Osman’s House of Games
Richard Osman hosting Richard Osman’s House of Games.
Richard Osman’s House of Games is such a fun show because it’s “Price is Right but Trivia, with the same celebrity contestants all week playing for silly stupid prizes.” and it works so well, even if you don’t know the celebrities, the trivia formats are bite size and classic. The show’s combination of trivia and celebrity guests makes it highly entertaining.
36. 5 Gold Rings
5 Gold Rings is simple but delivered with such big, bold technology that the tech really makes 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. The show’s innovative use of technology enhances its engaging gameplay.
37. 1000 Heartbeats
Vernon Kay hosting 1000 Heartbeats with a contestant on the stage.
I really value character and style in a game show, and 1000 Heartbeats has both in droves. 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 way more love than it got. The show’s unique blend of style and tension made it a standout.
38. The Crystal Maze
Richard O’Brien hosting The Crystal Maze in the Aztec Zone.
There is absolutely 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 show’s consistent quality and engaging challenges make it a favorite across different versions.
39. Figure It Out
Summer Sanders hosting Figure It Out with a panel of kid judges.
Figure it Out is really just What’s My Line, but with the Nickelodeon style guide making every possible 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. The show’s silly fun and Nickelodeon style make it a memorable kids’ game show.
40. The Genius
Jang Dong-min thinking intently on 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 really wish more shows would be unapologetic about how intelligent contestants need to be. The show’s clever games and high intellectual demands make it a standout.
41. Nick Arcade
Phil Moore standing in front of the Nick Arcade screen with two kid contestants.
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. The show’s unique combination of trivia and video games made it a dream for gamers.
42. Say When!!
Art James hosting Say When with a prize display in the background.
Say When is such 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. I know, it sounds stupid, but it’s such a cute little game and it’s fascinating to watch. How can I buy the rights? The show’s simple yet engaging gameplay makes it surprisingly captivating.
43. Double Dare
Marc Summers hosting Double Dare with a kid contestant covered in slime.
Double Dare is the kids game show that defined kids game shows forever, and it’s such 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. The show’s silly fun and iconic obstacle course made it a defining kids’ game show.
44. Million Dollar Mind Game
A team of contestants working together on Million Dollar Mind Game.
Million Dollar Mind Game was a victim of the world’s worst scheduling, and I still don’t understand why ABC didn’t give it an honest go. Anti-intellectualism? Idk. 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. The show’s team-based challenges and intellectual gameplay were undermined by poor scheduling.
45. Wowowee
The hosts of Wowowee leading a dance on stage.
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. The show’s combination of singing, dancing, and special guests makes it a captivating spectacle.
46. Who Dares Wins
Nick Knowles hosting Who Dares Wins as contestants line up on stage.
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. The show’s well-produced and engaging format makes it a standout in the UK.
47. 25 Words or Less
Meredith Vieira hosting 25 Words or Less with contestants behind the podium.
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. The show’s engaging gameplay and Meredith Vieira’s hosting made it a standout, especially in its early seasons.
48. The Mad Dash
Allen Ludden hosting The Mad Dash with contestants running through the course.
The Mad Dash is a fucking fever dream, a show that looks 10 years older than it is and for contestants 20 years older than it looks. Married couples play stupid trivia questions and run around a giant board game. Great to watch when you’re high as hell. The show’s bizarre and feverish quality makes it a unique viewing experience.
49. Pass The Buck
Bill Cullen hosting Pass the Buck with a contestant and his “buck.”
Pass the Buck is a game that should be played for laughs, which is why I adapted it during lockdown as a comedy game show. Bill Cullen carries this game show, a race to give valid answers to sometimes-too open ended categories. Pretty fascinating stuff! The show’s comedic potential and Bill Cullen’s hosting made it a fascinating watch.
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. The show’s fast-paced nature and mix of trivia and deal-making make it perfect for daytime television.
51. Where In The World of Carmen San Diego?
Greg Lee hosting Where in the World is Carmen San Diego as Lynne Thigpen sings in the background.
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. The show’s iconic status and unique blend of geography and skits make it a memorable kids’ 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. The show’s unique format and added element of answer traps make it an engaging watch.
53. Smush
Ken Ober hosting Smush with two contestants behind their podiums.
Smush is a very silly word game with a clever game format from the Jellyvision/Jackbox people, a great host in Ken Ober, and a wild staging and environment. It never got enough love when it was on the air but it ran long enough tbh, I’m not craving for more but I love seeing people discover it. The show’s silly word game format, great host, and wild staging make it a unique discovery.
54. Flavor of Love
Flavor Flav sitting on his throne on Flavor of Love.
It’s my fucking list, so Flavor of Love goes on it. Flavor Flav inadvertently ushered in the next wave of reality TV, marking the end of The Real World era and bringing in this personally-enhanced, alcohol fueled, asshole fest whose greatest product is the QUEEN Tiffany Pollard. The show’s trashy and entertaining nature makes it a notable artifact of reality TV.
55. Family Feud Nigeria
The host of Family Feud Nigeria stands on the show set.
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
56. Celebrity Name Game
Craig Ferguson hosting 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. The show’s fresh take on classic games and Craig Ferguson’s hosting make it a standout.
57. Wogan’s Perfect Recall
Terry Wogan hosting 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. The show’s unique format and challenging memory requirements make it a fascinating obscure gem.
58. Popmaster TV
Ken Bruce hosting Popmaster TV with a contestant on the show.
Popmaster TV is for people who think Name That Tune is too fucking easy. From a simple radio show to a full-featured, engaging and varied music quiz, which goes well past “name this song”, but a proper test of musical knowledge, the show is quaint, low-pressure, and fun. The show’s challenging music trivia and quaint charm make it a standout for music lovers.
59. Take Me Out
Paddy McGuinness hosting 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 (that I co opt often) to the intricate and silly set, to the overdosing on catchphrases, Take Me Out was really fun and took itself as seriously as required. The show’s over-the-top spectacle and fun music make it a memorable dating show.
60. Blockbusters
Bob Holness hosting Blockbusters with two contestants.
Damn how did I miss Blockbusters? Blockbusters is personally probably one of my favorite trivia formats ever. 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. The show’s unique trivia format and quirky elements make it a standout, especially in the UK.
Understanding Game Of Shows: Key Aspects
What Qualities Make a Game Of Shows Iconic?
Iconic Game Of Shows possess originality, engaging gameplay, and cultural impact. Memorable hosts, unique formats, and the ability to connect with a wide audience are essential. Shows like Jeopardy! and The Price Is Right have stood the test of time due to their timeless appeal and consistent quality.
What Is The Cultural Impact Of Game Of Shows?
Game Of Shows significantly influence popular culture by shaping trends, language, and social interactions. They provide a shared experience that brings families and communities together. Shows often reflect societal values and norms, influencing viewers’ perceptions and behaviors.
How Do Game Of Shows Evolve Over Time?
Game Of Shows evolve through format updates, technological advancements, and adaptation to changing audience preferences. Modern shows often incorporate interactive elements, celebrity participation, and social media integration. Successful shows balance innovation with the core elements that made them popular.
What Role Does Technology Play In Modern Game Of Shows?
Technology enhances Game Of Shows through interactive displays, real-time data analysis, and online participation. Advanced graphics, virtual reality, and mobile apps create immersive experiences for viewers and contestants. Technology also enables broader audience engagement and data-driven improvements in show formats.
Are Game Of Shows Still Relevant In The Age Of Streaming?
Yes, Game Of Shows remain relevant by adapting to streaming platforms and offering on-demand content. Streaming services provide new avenues for distribution, allowing shows to reach wider and more diverse audiences. Many shows also incorporate elements of streaming culture, such as binge-worthy formats and interactive content.
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