The 15 Longest-Running Game Shows Of All Time

As someone who has been a lifelong fan of game shows, I can wholeheartedly say that these iconic television series have played a significant role in shaping my understanding of trivia and competition. From the thrill of trying to beat the clock on “Jeopardy!” to the excitement of dressing up in costume to get picked as a contestant on “Let’s Make a Deal,” these shows have provided endless entertainment and learning opportunities for me throughout my life.

One show, however, stands out among the rest: “It’s Academic!”. Having grown up in Washington D.C., I was fortunate enough to witness this venerable institution firsthand. Watching high school students from all walks of life compete against each other with their school bands and cheer squads in tow was truly inspiring, and I couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride as I watched young minds tackle difficult questions and outsmart their opponents.

Now, as an adult, I can appreciate even more the impact that these shows have had on shaping the lives of the contestants who appear on them. Who knows? Maybe one day I’ll be able to boast about my own stint on “It’s Academic!” or any other game show for that matter!

Oh, and by the way, have you ever tried to dress up like a giant pickle and compete on “Let’s Make a Deal”? It’s a whole lot harder than it looks!

Watching contestants display their wit and chance in a national spectacle, potentially winning a prize that could transform their lives, is both thrilling and heartwarming. This might be the reason behind the longevity of famous game shows, some of which have been broadcast for decades. Even when they go off the air, well-liked game shows are often revived for new seasons every few years. Although hosts like Bob Barker and Alex Trebek are hard to replace, their shows continue to attract viewers long after they’ve handed over the microphone.

Game shows have been a mainstay on television screens since “Truth or Consequences” transitioned from radio to TV in 1950, and many beloved series today have roots dating back to the 1960s. In an era where social media is filled with generational debates, it’s fascinating to think that our grandparents were tuning into the same game shows we enjoy today.

Determining which game shows have been active for the longest period can sometimes be complex due to factors like revivals, syndication, and missing episodes. However, regardless of how you choose to quantify it – be it by total episodes, years on air, or some other method – these are the game shows that have had the longest runs in history.

The Newlywed Game

The show “The Newlywed Game” aimed to discover how well newlyweds truly understood each other by posing questions about their preferences, opinions, and even sensitive topics like in-laws and intimate habits. Though it aired during daytime hours, it didn’t shy away from being somewhat explicit, employing subtle innuendos and the term “making whoopee” to evade censorship restrictions.

First airing in 1966 with Bob Eubanks as the host, the show continued until ABC chose to end it in 1974. The series was reintroduced in syndication in 1977, with Eubanks resuming his role, and aired sporadically through the ’80s and ’90s. Comedian Paul Rodriguez took over from Eubanks in 1988, followed by Gary Kroeger, a former SNL cast member, in 1996. Eventually, Eubanks returned to host for a few more seasons.

After an absence of ten years, starting in 1999, the game show made a comeback on the Game Show Network (GSN), airing from 2009 to 2013. While it was on GSN, the program had multiple hosts, including Carnie Wilson and Sherri Shepherd, one of the co-hosts from “The View”.

Password

The game “Password” is a fast-paced, celebrity-noncelebrity collaboration where teams of two compete in quick rounds, known as the “lightning round.” In each turn, one player from each team is given a secret word (the “password”) they can’t reveal but must help their partner guess using single words. No variations or hints on the password are allowed, and partners have just five seconds to decipher it before the game moves to the next team.

Since way back in 1961, I’ve been hooked on this game show that pops up from time to time, going through phases like “Password Plus” and “Super Password.” Unfortunately, a lot of the episodes from the 70s on ABC seem to have vanished into thin air, becoming what’s known as lost media. Over the years, it’s had quite a few hosts, including legends like Betty White and Regis Philbin. As for its latest comeback in 2022, Jimmy Fallon takes on the role of executive producer, while Keke Palmer steps up to host the show.

The Match Game

In essence, “Match Game” offered something appealing for all game show enthusiasts. It featured a large, entertaining wheel similar to those found in shows like “The Price is Right” and “Wheel of Fortune.” Additionally, it included a poll board reminiscent of “Family Feud,” and a panel of moderately famous personalities to assist contestants in finding the correct answer.

The show initially ran from 1962 to 1969, and it experienced several comebacks throughout the years. Similar to “The Newlywed Game,” its 1970s version became more daring; questions that were supposed to be G-rated were cleverly phrased in a sexually suggestive manner without violating censorship rules.

The latest version of the show aired from 2016 to 2021 under Alec Baldwin’s leadership. However, it was on the brink of being canceled right before Baldwin faced manslaughter charges due to an unfortunate accidental shooting incident that occurred during the filming of his movie “Rust.

Who Wants to Be a Millionaire

Back in 1999, “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” made quite an impact when it debuted in the US. Originally almost named “Cash Mountain,” this multiple-choice quiz show took the world by storm after its initial airing as a British series in 1998. It’s become a constant on television screens ever since, and its popularity has led to numerous international adaptations, gracing screens worldwide throughout its run. Although the US version is currently on hiatus due to the pandemic, it looks like we might see more of it with Jimmy Kimmel bringing it back for a 2024 celebrity edition revival – hinting that America might be ready for another round soon.

To take home the million-dollar reward, participants must accurately answer a sequence of 15 progressively complex questions. The harder the question, the greater the prize money. Despite its straightforward nature, it’s more difficult than expected, as evidenced by the U.S. version of “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” not crowning its first winner, John Carpenter, until three months into its broadcast. The show gained notoriety in 2001 when one of its British contestants, Charles Ingram, attempted to deceive the series and was subsequently imprisoned for his actions.

Hollywood Squares

As a longtime fan of game shows, I have always found “Hollywood Squares” to be one of the most entertaining and engaging shows out there. Having watched countless episodes over the years, I must say that the unique format of this tic-tac-toe variation sets it apart from other quiz shows. Unlike traditional game shows where contestants answer questions posed by the host, “Hollywood Squares” reverses the roles, with celebrity guests providing the answers first and the contestants deciding whether to take their responses or challenge them. This adds an element of excitement and unpredictability that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.

To play a round of “Hollywood Squares,” you will need nine celebrities, arranged in a 3×3 grid of cubes. Each cube represents a different celebrity, and their answers to the host’s questions can be either correct or incorrect. The contestants must choose which answer they believe is correct and place an “X” or “O” on the board accordingly. If their guess is correct, they earn the point for that square; if not, the opposing team gets a chance to take over and try again.

The objective of the game is simple: be the first player or team to get three symbols in a row (horizontally, vertically, or diagonally) to win the game. The added challenge lies in trusting the celebrity guests’ answers and strategizing with the contestants to maximize points and minimize losses.

Overall, “Hollywood Squares” is a fun, fast-paced, and engaging game show that appeals to both casual viewers and dedicated trivia enthusiasts alike. Its unique format, celebrity guests, and competitive nature make it a must-watch for any game show lover.

The original run of the show was between 1966 and 1980, but it has continued to make comebacks since then. These revivals include the “Hip Hop Squares” version and the country music edition hosted by Bob Saget, called “Nashville Squares.” The game show has achieved significant global popularity in over two dozen countries. The upcoming US edition, starting in January 2025, will be hosted by Drew Barrymore.

I’ve Got a Secret

In simpler terms, “I’ve Got a Secret” was a classic game show from the mid-century that was unlike other shows such as “Hollywood Squares” or “Match Game”. Unlike those shows where contestants try to guess which celebrity’s response is correct, in “I’ve Got a Secret”, the panelists aimed to uncover the secret of the contestant, which could be something funny, surprising, or truly amazing. Instead of rotating panelists, this show had a regular group consisting of a comedian, an actor, and a TV hostess. Notable guests who appeared on the show included Harpo Marx, the comedian, and Boris Karloff, famous for his portrayal of Frankenstein’s monster in the 1931 film.

The game show initially stopped airing after a 15-year run that ended in 1967. However, it has made several comebacks since then: once during syndication, again on CBS in the 1970s, and twice more on Oxygen from 2000 to 2001 and GSN in 2006.

Concentration

A television game show modeled after the traditional memory-matching game for kids called “Memory” or “Concentration” featured competitors faced with a 30-piece puzzle of tiles numbered sequentially. The objective was identical to that of the classic game, where contestants selected two tiles on each turn, which would then reveal a word (like “hair dryer” or “drapes”) or a prize symbol. If no matching pair was uncovered, the tiles were turned back over. The challenge for competitors lay in recalling the location of the words for use in subsequent rounds.

After a match, the tiles turned over to uncover a rebus challenge – an assortment of numbers, letters, and pictures that needed to be pronounced collectively – for the competitors to decipher.

Despite being over two decades since the original broadcast of “Concentration”, the show enjoyed a substantial run during its time, starting in 1958 and continuing until 1978. It was then reintroduced under the title “Classic Concentration” from 1987 to 1991, with Alex Trebek as its presenter.

What’s My Line?

In a manner reminiscent of “I’ve Got a Secret,” “What’s My Line?” was a weekly panel game show in which celebrity guests attempted to discern the occupation of the contestant. Each episode would feature a new mystery guest, who was concealed from the panelists by blindfolds during their questioning. Notable figures gracing the show with their presence ranged from Walt Disney and Colonel Sanders to Salvador Dali, Muhammad Ali, Carol Burnett, Julie Andrews, and James Stewart.

The contestants’ jobs were quite unusual, causing much amusement as panelists tried to figure out their professions. Some memorable moments from the game show featured a proprietor of a nudist camp, a retailer of men’s undergarments, and an executive from a diaper delivery service.

The show initially aired between 1950 and 1967, but later moved to syndication, airing from 1968 until 1975. There have been regular whispers about bringing it back, but so far, nothing has materialized.

Family Feud

Due to its format where participants must swiftly blurt out their answers without much thought, it’s safe to say that “Family Feud” boasts some of the funniest flubs among any game show ever produced. This entertaining show faces off two families consisting of five contestants each, as they strive to predict which answers were most frequently chosen in polls – for instance, “What is something you bring to a park?” or “What activities do people usually engage in while bathing.

Since 1976, with only brief interruptions, the “Family Feud” series has been a staple on television. It first appeared on ABC and continued through syndication until 1985. After a hiatus, it was revived by CBS from 1988 to 1995. Following another break in the late ’90s, the show returned to syndication in 1999. Over its duration, “Family Feud” has had various hosts such as Richard Dawson, Ray Combs, Louie Anderson, Ricki Lake, Al Roker, Richard Karn, John O’Hurley, and Steve Harvey. Originating from a spin-off of “Match Game,” the show has also featured special events like the “All-Star Family Feud Special” and the ongoing charity series, “Celebrity Family Feud.

Wheel of Fortune

The game show “Wheel of Fortune,” created by Merv Griffin, is a popular variation of the classic word guessing game “Hangman.” Contestants on this show spin a large prize wheel (heavier than you’d expect) while trying to decipher the puzzle words displayed in front of them. Although many Gen-Xers might recognize the show from hosts Pat Sajak and Vanna White turning tiles, its original hosts were Chuck Woolery and Susan Stafford. Throughout its history, other hosts have included former pro football player Rolf Benirschke, “Entertainment Tonight” personality Bob Goen, and, more recently, Ryan Seacrest.

For almost five decades, the game show “Wheel of Fortune” has graced our television screens, thanks to both network broadcasts and syndication. It’s been a consistent presence since 1975, airing without interruption on networks such as NBC, CBS, and ABC at different points throughout its remarkable tenure.

The Price is Right

For over five decades and thousands of episodes, “The Price is Right,” a beloved game show featuring an entertaining spinning wheel, has graced our televisions. Tracing its origins back to 1956, this long-running series was actually inspired by a precursor that aired until 1965. The show’s enduring popularity earned it a place in the National Association of Broadcasters Broadcasting Hall of Fame in 2022, cementing its status as a significant part of television history.

One enjoyable aspect of “The Price is Right” lies in its blend of multiple gameplay styles, where participants attempt to guess the retail prices of various consumer goods. Each game begins at Contestants’ Row, where competitors bid on a product aiming to be the closest to the actual price without exceeding it. The victor then progresses to the following round, which includes spinning the Big Wheel and participating in several popular games from the show such as Plinko, Flip Flop, Gas Money, and Showcase Showdown. Bob Barker hosted this series for 35 years before handing over the reins to Drew Carey in 2007.

To Tell the Truth

A show similar to “What’s My Line?” and “I’ve Got a Secret,” titled “To Tell the Truth,” challenges its four celebrity panelists to guess which of three guests matches the story presented by the host. First airing in 1956, this show has had multiple long-lasting runs and revivals over the years, with its last iteration ending in 2022. It has been broadcast on CBS, ABC, NBC, and in syndication.

In each installment, there are two pretenders and a main figure. Following the introduction of the main figure’s background, three contestants claiming to be this person emerge. The twist is that some contenders lie about their identity while others tell the truth. It falls upon a group of well-known individuals to inquire further with questions to discern who the genuine individual is and identify the imposters among the contestants.

This game show has a reputation for featuring actors and celebrities who were relatively unknown at the time they appeared on the show. One of the more memorable examples is a young Ally (Alexandra) Sheedy, then a teenager, who graced the show in 1975, not as an actor but as a published author promoting her book about Queen Elizabeth I.

Let’s Make a Deal

As a passionate gamer, let me tell you about an iconic American game show I’ve always found captivating – “Let’s Make a Deal”. This long-running series is all about the craziest costumes! Audience members dress up in the wackiest outfits, hoping to grab the host’s attention and become contestants. Once selected, they get to choose from three doors, each hiding a surprise prize.

The tradition of dressing up didn’t start as part of the show’s design; instead, it grew organically. An audience member with a clever sign reading “Roses are red, violets are blue, why can’t I make a deal with you?” managed to grab the host’s attention and became a trader. After that, more and more people started dressing up in outrageous costumes to catch the host’s eye, turning the game show into a vibrant spectacle. Monty Hall, the then-host, saw this as adding flavor to the show and decided to keep the tradition alive.

Over the years, the show has switched television networks several times, moving from NBC to ABC, then returning to NBC, and finally settling on CBS. It’s been broadcast intermittently since 1963 and is now being aired with Wayne Brady as its host.

Jeopardy

A trivia contest for the intellectually curious, “Jeopardy” is a game where participants select clues within certain topics and respond by posing questions. Notably, it’s the only game show to have received a Peabody Award, which complements its impressive collection of Daytime and Primetime Emmy Awards.

Originally hosted by Art Fleming from 1964 to 1975 and again during the 1978 revival “The All-New Jeopardy!”, the popular game show “Jeopardy” is more commonly associated with Alex Trebek, who took over in 1984. However, following a period of uncertainty after Trebek’s passing and Mayim Bialik stepping down from her temporary hosting role, Ken Jennings, a former contestant, has assumed the position as host.

It’s Academic!

While many people might not recognize “It’s Academic!”, it holds a significant place in the world record books, being acknowledged as the longest-running TV quiz show by the Guinness Book of World Records in 2003. This eight-time Emmy Award-winning series, where high school teams go head-to-head to demonstrate their intellectual prowess, has been a staple on NBC4 in Washington, D.C. since 1961. Students from various schools across the nation, accompanied by their bands and cheerleading squads, flock to the competition to showcase their academic abilities and outsmart the opposition.

Many well-known individuals have taken part in the show over the years, such as Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY), television host George Stephanopoulos, former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, and even Hollywood star Sandra Bullock, who appeared on the series back in the early ’80s as a member of her high school cheerleading team.

2024-12-29 20:31