Watching game shows is a common past time for many people around the world. Throughout the history of television, an assortment of game shows have come and gone. Some of these shows flop, while others stand out above the rest and become a world-wide craze.

This list enumerates the top ten game shows that have excited the audience and made them crave for more. From the family-oriented era of the 1960s, to the individualistic approach of today, game shows are definitely here to stay. To find out the top ten best game shows of all time, read the list below.

1) Who Wants to be a Millionaire?

The biggest game show of all time, “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” is a television game show known for offering huge amounts of money. The top prize, originally one million pounds, is won after the contestant has answered a series of multiple-choice questions. Each right answer rewards the contestant with more money, but each is more difficult than the last. Originally from Britain, the game has had many international versions that offer large amounts of money in the local currency. It first aired on UK television in 1998, and have been popular ever since.

2) Wheel of Fortune

“Wheel of Fortune” was debuted on daytime television in 1975 and was the most popular game show on TV until 1984, making it one of the longest running in the history of American television. The show became popular with its simple, yet entertaining format that captured the American dream. Wheel of Fortune has been shown all over the world, and some countries have their own version.

3) Press Your Luck

“Press Your Luck” is one of the most original shows ever created. The show introduced a cute little cartoon named Whammy to add an entertaining twist. Whammy is an important part of the game. Every time a contestant is unlucky enough to pick it, it would come onto the screen and do anything from dancing to telling jokes before taking the contestant’s money. Contestants are so absorbed in avoiding Whammy that they repeatedly cheer "No Whammy! No Whammy! No Whammy!" The show currently has many international versions.

4) Family Feud

“Family Feud” is a game show that pits two families against each other in a contest that has them guess people’s responses to surveys. The show originated in the United States and has had many international versions, such as “Family Fortunes” in the United Kingdom, and “Bert’s Family Feud” in Australia. One of the most memorable game show tag lines come from Family Feud. This is when the hosts bellows, “Survey says..” before checking the top answers.

5) Let’s Make A Deal

“Let’s Make A Deal” is one of the longest running game shows of all time. It was introduced by NBC on December 30, 1963, and is still aired today. Like other hit game shows, it has had many international versions. The show format required intuition, quick decision-making, and a whole lot of luck. With all the fun and crazy costumes worn in the studio of “Let’s Make A Deal”, it has been called America’s market place.

6) Jeopardy!

“Jeopardy!” is one of the most beloved game shows ever aired on television. Unlike other game shows, “Jeopardy!” actually requires brains to win. Since its debut in 1984, “Jeopardy!” has received 27 Daytime Emmy Awards, which is far more than any other game show. For all the cash prizes given out by the show, the highest cumulative amount ever won by a Jeopardy! Contestant is $3,255,102 in cold hard cash. The show owns the trademark to the tag line, “America’s Favorite Quiz Show”.

7) The Price Is Right

“The Price is Right” is a game show that has received considerable success. A staple of both daytime and nighttime television, “The Price Is Right” has spawned many international versions. In the United States, “The Price Is Right” is one of the longest running game shows. It was introduced in 1956, (although it was not shown from 1965 until 1972), and is currently on its 36th season. The objective of the show is for the contestants to guess the retail price of certain items. The contestant whose guess is nearest to the actual value of the object wins the prize, and whoever has the highest accumulated value of guesses will return to play on the following episode.

8) Deal Or No Deal

“Deal or No Deal” is a new show that has taken the world by storm. Originally from Denmark, the show has many international versions. The game’s rules are quite complicated, although the objective to guess and pick the briefcase that you think has the highest value. Only one contestant plays at a time, unlike other game shows where several contestants vie for the win. After a specific number of cases have been opened, a banker will offer the contestant a certain amount of money—if the contestant accepts one of the banker’s offers, the game will end and the player will receive the amount offered. The contestant has the option to refuse the banker’s offer and stick with what is inside the first (or last, if switched) briefcase.

9) The Weakest Link

”The Weakest Link” is a television game show that originated in the United Kingdom. It was first shown on BBC Two in August 2000. Fintan Coyle, a doctor and comedy writer, and Cathy Dunning, a comedian, developed the show for television. With all the drama and emotions involved in the show, it has been called a reality game show by many. “The Weakest Link” has had many international versions, with some countries still running them.

10) Pyramid

“Pyramid” is a television game show that originated in the United States. The object of the game is for contestants to correctly guess words or phrases based on the descriptions given by their teammates. “Pyramid” won nine Daytime Emmy Awards, including ‘Outstanding Game Show’. Pyramid became the basis for many other game shows in the United States and all over the world.

Whether you are a fan of game shows or not, watching one is surely a break from the harsh reality that is usually shown on television. This list is only a mere fraction of the many game shows that have enthralled TV audiences.

 

Seeing the predicaments of game show contestants as they struggle on the spot can be very, very addicting. But if your addiction to TV is the question, nothing beats the Top Ten Addictive TV Series when it comes to catering to your needs.