Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune are a staple of the evening television habits of my family, and of many other American viewers as well. These two game shows, among few others, have had a continuing presence on television for decades. Game shows are relatively cheap to produce, so we see many debut and fail after a season or two. The best game shows may not span generations like Family Feud and The Price is Right, but many are able to at least grab the attention of viewers year after year. As a regular game show watcher, I know there are certain aspects of game shows that make them entertaining. So, I’m looking at my favorite game shows that are currently on the air.
I am defining a game show as a television series where each episode features contestants competing for a cash prize. Shows like Survivor and Project Runway may be considered game shows to some (I don’t know who), but to me those are reality competition shows where a set of contestants compete and are eliminated in pursuit of a cash prize. That can be a whole separate list too.
I would also like to clarify that Google suggested Whose Line is it Anyway? to me as a suggestion for “game show.” It would be top of the list if I was including it, but I consider it an improv show. The comedians are competing for points, but as viewers know “everything’s made up and the points don’t matter,” so it’s a no for today.
10. Press Your Luck
Press Your Luck was first released in 1983 and ran for three years before being revived in 2019 with new host Elizabeth Banks. Mostly its the host that puts this show on my list, and also that I think it would be pretty easy to win money playing it. Elizabeth Banks is a likable, upbeat host that brings the humor to what would probably be a pretty boring show without her. The element of landing on a “Whammy” and losing your money creates some tension. I wouldn’t necessarily pick to watch it while flipping through the channels, but occasionally I’ll check it out.
9. The Price is Right
Drew Carey absolutely fits the vibe of The Price is Right. Something about Drew Carey says “I belong here hosting this rowdy game show.” It’s a very loud, chaotic environment for guessing the prices of things. People are excited to win money and prizes, and the gag is what draws the entertainment. It would be such a boring show without all the yelling and dancing and hoping to get picked. I forget its still on the air sometimes, but when I do watch it I’m almost in a trance.
8. The Chase
Trivia is a big part of many game shows and draws a big audience from viewers like me, who like to test their random fact knowledge. The Chase was adapted from a British version where Brooke Burns hosted. Mark Labbett, known as the “The Beast,” hosts the US version. Three contestants gather money in a fast money round and then compete individually against Labbett to obtain a spot in the final round, where the remaining contestants compete against him collectively for the right to split the final pot of money. Labbett was a dominant opponent. He rarely answered incorrectly, and many contestants left emptyhanded. Both Burnes and Labbett have left the show and now the “chasers” consist of ex-Jeopardy champions that seem like a less formidable opponent than “The Beast.”
7. The Cube
The Cube was also adapted from a British version of the same name. The premise of the show wins points for originality because many game shows are not as physical. A pair of contestants compete together to complete physical and mental tasks that allow them to level-up and risk more money. The US version includes Dwyane Wade, who can be used as a lifeline to help the contestant complete a level. The game can be tense and stressful, even for me while watching from the couch. Contestants get so close to succeeding only for the slightest miscalculation or misstep to result in them losing one of their nine lives. I respect Wade’s skill, and I think his inclusion in the US version adds a fun element. But even professional athletes miss free throws. He’s a lifeline, but he isn’t guaranteed to save you, which irks me because it adds to the discussion of the game plan, which often drags out game shows.
6. Wipeout
The original US version with John Anderson and John Hanson was big hit in 2008. I had a Nintendo DS game based on the show. The contestants were wacky and had so much confidence till they hit the first obstacle. The physical comedy topped with humor from the commentating booth from both Johns, who made jokes at the battered contestants’ expense, sold the show. The current version with Nicole Byer and John Cena comes close to recreating the same allure Wipeout once had. The contestant are a little less whacked out, but Byer and Cena fill the Johns’ hosting shoes well.
5. Weakest Link
Another trivia game show makes the list because I can’t get enough. Contestants have to work together to answer questions, build up money and save it to the bank during each round. Contestants are judged based on how many questions they get right in the round and how much money they save to the bank. Players that lack in these two areas are deemed the weakest link and voted out. This is the strategy for the first few rounds. As weaker contestants get eliminated, other contestants may try to vote out the stronger links in order to secure their own respective position and win. Jane Lynch has a knack for hosting game shows, and her dry humor ties this show together.
4. The Floor
I do realize that The Floor plays out as one game across one entire season and would fit with my definition of a reality competition show, but it feels more like a game show to me. It is 81 contestants competing for a larger prize at the end of the season, but contestants also win cash prizes after each episode for holding the most floor space. The gameplay mixes long-term and short-term prizes, so I’m giving it a loophole. The “trivia” element of naming things within a category is more relatable to the average viewer. I also put it this high on the list because I think I’d be able to do really well on it.
3. Wheel of Fortune
Wheel of Fortune, Pat Sajak and Vanna White are all classics. The game is a classic that is recognizable to viewers of all ages. The producers perfected the show’s formula, adapting as it continued on-air and increasing prize money along the way. Vanna stuns while revealing letters and never wears the same outfit twice. Sajak is friendly with guests and sometimes lays out a subtle dig that’ll go over a contestant’s head, but will have you laughing from home. I normally don’t tale to self-proclamations, but Wheel’s “We’re America’s game” has some truth to it. It’s lasted 41 seasons, always giving away trips and large cash prizes usually reaching five figures and guaranteed to get at least $1,000. It has too many iconic elements to not top the game show list. Ryan Seacrest might ruin all that though.
2. Family Feud
Family Feud hasn’t been on as long as Wheel of Fortune, but still has 25 seasons and thousands of episodes under its belt. Many people of different ages have their favorite hosts of Family Feud, but today’s host Steve Harvey has become a main figure of Family Feud’s current era. The contestants’ wild guesses while desperately trying to knock answers off the board are funny enough already, but the host is integral on Feud. There are dozens of compilations from the show on Youtube, and the host is more often than not increasing the hilarity. Harvey’s disbelief and shocked reactions to the craziest answers are gold. Sometimes it may be overdone, but when the comedic timing is right its getting clipped up on Youtube.
1. Jeopardy!
There’s no doubt in my mind that Jeopardy! is the best game show on air. It’s challenging trivia, but the clues are written in a fun way and will have you trying to guess in the form of a question. Like Wheel of Fortune, the producers of Jeopardy! have the formula of the show down to a science. The novelty of it all comes from longtime host and iconic Jeopardy! figure Alex Trebek, nerdy contestants collecting large sums of money and the theme music everyone hums along to. It can be more serious competition, but funny, memorable moments have come organically to the show. Ken Jennings took the helm after Trebek’s passing as a fitting successor and has, so far, successfully filled those big shoes.
Networks will continue to churn out game shows as long as there is a market for them. Many will not stay long and contain little excitement, but a few may last. No other show may ever achieve the same level of success Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy! have, but I also don’t see Jeopardy!, Wheel of Fortune, Family Feud, etc. dying out any time soon.