You Grew Up Watching These Game Shows, But Do You Know What Happened Behind the Scenes?

Before the rise of streaming giants and on-demand entertainment, American audiences were glued to their couches for a different reason: cable television game shows. Game shows were cultural events in many households, with generation after generation tuning in to test their trivia knowledge, guess hidden secrets, or cheer for lucky contestants who hoped to win it all.

247 Tempo brings you a list of TV game shows spanning nearly a century, chronicling everything from the pioneering broadcasts of the 1930s to well-known modern classics. But don't forget: many of these game shows endured controversies as well as revivals, proving just how deeply embedded they are in American culture.

To compile this list, we reviewed broadcast records, network archives, and media history sources, including the Museum of Broadcast Communications, Television Academy Foundation, and Variety. Each slide highlights a notable game show, its original air date, legacy, and, when applicable, the behind-the-scenes drama you just might remember.

This post was updated on July 28th, 2025, to reflect additional information.

• Debuted on August 16, 1999
• Aired on ABC
• Hosted by Regis Philbin during the original series
• During its syndication run, hosts included Meredith Vieira, Cedric the Entertainer, Terry Crew, Chris Harrison and Jimmy Kimmel

• Debuted on September 7, 1987
• Aired on NBC
• Ran through August 31, 1990
• Hosted by Bert Convy during its original run
• Vicki Lawrence hosted its time in syndication

• Debuted on September 24, 1984
• Aired on NBC
• Hosted by Bert Convy
• Ran till 1989

• Debuted on September 19, 1983
• Aired on CBS
• Originally hosted by Peter Tomarken
• Contestant Michael Larson was accused by the network of cheating
• He memorized the pattern of the game board andwon $110,237
• Show has enjoyed several revivals since its original debut

• Debuted on April 24, 1978
• Aired on NBC
• Originally hosted by Jim Perry and ran till 1981
• Has enjoyed several revivals since

• Debuted on January 6, 1975
• Originally aired on NBC
• Originally hosted by Chuck Woolery and Susan Stafford
• Since 1981, has been hosted by Pat Sajak
• In 1982, Vanna White replaced Susan Stafford
• Ryan Seacrest replace Pat Sajak, who retired after 40 years

• Debuted on July 12, 1976
• Aired on ABC
• Originally hosted by Richard Dawson
• Additional hosts have included Ray Combs, Louie Anderson, Richard Karn, John O'Hurley and Steve Harvey

• Debuted on September 4, 1972
• Aired on CBS
• Hosted by Bob Barker for 35 years
• Drew Carey has hosted since 2007

• Debuted on July 11, 1966
• Aired on ABC
• Hosted by Bob Eubanks
• Known for its catchphrase "making whoopee"
• Final episode aired on February 14, 2013

• Debuted on October 17, 1966
• Aired on NBC
• Originally hosted by Peter Marshall
• Additional hosts include John Davidson and Tom Bergeron
• Has enjoyed several revivals and will be revived again in 2025 and hosted by Drew Barrymore

• Debuted on December 20, 1965
• Aired on ABC through July 6, 1973
• Hosted by Jim Lange
• Picked up in syndication and was revived several times in different formats
• Cancelled for good in April 2022

• Debuted on March 30, 1964
• Aired on NBC, originally hosted by Art Fleming
• Alex Trebek began hosting during its syndication run starting in 1984
• Currently hosted by all-time winningest Jeopardy contestant Ken Jennings

• Debuted on December 31, 1962
• Aired on NBC
• Hosted by Gene Rayburn
• Ran until 1969 but has been revived several times since

1961: American television host Hugh Downs posing with his arms crossed on the set of the NBC game show 'Concentration,' which he hosted. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

• Debuted on August 25, 1958
• Aired on NBC
• First hosted by Hugh Downs
• Ran until 1973

• Debuted on December 18, 1956
• Aired on CBS
• Hosted by Bud Collyer from 1956-68
• Garry Moore hosted the syndication run from 1969-1978

• Debuted on June 19, 1952
• Aired on CBS
• Began in black and white and switched to color in 1966
• Three hosts during its run were Garry Moore, Steve Allen and Bill Cullen
• Final episode was April 3, 1967

• Debuted on February 2, 1950
• Aired on CBS
• Hosted by John Daly
• Won Emmy and Golden Globe Awards
• Final episode aired in 1967

• Aired on June 7, 1955
• The show was determined to be "rigged" to boost ratings
• Final episode aired on November 2, 1958

• Debuted September 12, 1956
• Aired on NBC
• Hosted by Jack Barry
• Endured a cheating scandal in 1957 when Charles Von Doren (pictured at right) admitted to being provided answers from show producers
• Ended in 1958

• Debuted on TV on October 4, 1950
• Had previously been a radio game show
• Aired on NBC
• Hosted by Groucho Marx
• Ended in 1961

• Debuted on September 7, 1950
• Was first a CBS Radio show and later was on NBC TV
• Hosts during its run included Ralph Edwards, Jack Bailey, Bob Barker, Bob Hilton, and Larry Anderson
• Final episode aired in 1988

• Debuted on July 2, 1941
• Aired on CBS
• Hosted by Gil Fates
• Frances Buss (pictured in 2007) kept score
• Final episode was January 7, 1943

• Debuted on May 31, 1938
• The very first television game show to appear on American TV
• Transmitted via BBC Television
• Hosted by Freddie Grisewood (pictured, right)
• Adapted from U.S. school spelling bees
• Final episode aired on September 1, 1938