Best Game Shows Of All Time
TV game shows have entertained viewers for years with everything from trivia questions to reality competitions – read on for our picks of the 10 greatest game shows of all time.
Host: Allen Ludden, Tom Kennedy (Password Plus), Bert Convy (Super Password), Regis Philbin (Million Dollar Password)
Years on TV: 1961-1967; 1971-1975 (Password Plus 1979); (Super Password 1984-1989); (Million Dollar Password)
You had to love the hushed announcer revealing the secret password: “The password is…” Password offered up plenty of great celebrity appearances (C’mon! Betty White rules Password!) and a variety of dimwitted clues and answers. Here’s a great Super Password clip featuring major screw ups by Patty Duke, Rip Taylor and host Bert Convy.
Hosts: Peter Marshall (1966-1981), Jon Bauman (1983-1984), John Davidson (1986-1989), Tom Bergeron (1998-2004)
Years on TV: 1966-1981; 1983-1984; 1986-2004
Circle gets the square! It’s tic-tac-toe, celebrity style – what’s not to love? The scripted comedy on Hollywood Squares was delivered better by some than others (Hello? Paul Lynde in the center square?!) and featured regulars like Florence Henderson, Sandy Duncan, George Gobel and Joan Rivers. A 1998 revival put Whoopi Goldberg in the center square for four seasons.
Host: Howie Mandel
Years on TV: 2005 – present
Deal or No Deal put Howie Mandel back on the map – that alone has gotta be worthy of landing on our list of the 25 greatest game shows. Add Mandel’s dramatic pauses, calls from the banker and crazed contestants playing a game of chance for $1 million, and… well, we just dare you to look away. (Bonus points for sexy girls with briefcases.)
Host: Chuck Woolery (1975- 1983), Pat Sajak, (1983-present)
Years on TV: 1975 – present
It’s not the longest-running syndicated game show for nothing…Wheel of Fortune has only slightly evolved over the years though, updating the puzzle board with touch technology (hey, you don’t want Vanna White hurting herself by turning those letters!) and giving the wheel a new look over time. Question is, how much longer can Vanna do this before she’s rolling a walker in front of the puzzle board?
Hosts: Regis Philbin (1999-2002), Meredith Vieira (2002 – present)
Years on TV: 1999 – present
Who Wants to be a Millionaire revolutionized the way game shows looked and paved the way for a sexier crop of new shows. Many copycats have employed the dramatic lights and music, but few new game shows can compete with the popularity of Who Wants to be a Millionaire. Final answer.
Hosts: Gene Rayburn (1962–1969, 1973-1982, 1983-1984), Ross Shafer (1990–1991), Michael Burger (1998–2000)
Years on TV: 1962-1969; 1973-1984; 1990-1991; 1998-2000
Who didn’t love those fill in the blank questions about Dumb Dora – and the saucy answers the panel offered up? While the celebrity panelists changed over the years, there was no denying the funny that regulars Brett Somers and Charles Nelson Reilly brought to the group.
Host: Jeff Probst
Years on TV: 2000 – present
While host Jeff Probst, the challenges and Tribal Council have worn thin over the years, you can’t beat the dynamics of folks trying to outwit, outplay and outlast their competition. You can’t deny the Survivor juggernaut. Just try. We dare you.
Host: Phil Keoghan
Years on TV: 2001-present
The Amazing Race took the reality competition game show concept and turned it on its ear – sending teams around the world in a variety of challenges. Sometimes the biggest challenge is the travel logistics, while other times language barriers and driving a stick shift (duh!) slow down the teams. Factor in top notch host Phil Keoghan and you’ve got reality game show gold.
Hosts: Art Fleming (1964-1975, 1978-1979), Alex Trebek (1984–present)
Years on TV: 1964-1975; 1978-present
Let’s all hum the Final Jeopardy! thinking song, shall we? The ultimate quiz game show – but with a twist – provide your answers in the form of a question. While Art Fleming was the original Jeopardy! host, it’s really Alex Trebek who people identify with the show. Oh, Alex Trebek, how we love your smugness!
Hosts: Bull Cullen (1956-1965), Bob Barker (1972-2007), Drew Carey (2007-present)
Years on TV: 1956-1965; 1972-present
Come on down!! Host Bob Barker made The Price is Right a game show institution and Drew Carey is doing a noble job of carrying the torch. The contestant frenzy, combined with a variety of games (Plinko, anyone?) and the beautiful Price is Right models made the show a hit for the 35 years Barker hosted. 35 more with Drew Carey?
Source:http://tv.popcrunch.com/25-greatest-game-shows-of-all-time/
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