The Greatest TV Game Shows of All Time, Ranked

From Password to Press Your Luck: our ranking of the most fun, most rewatchable classic game shows, and why each one earned its spot.

A group of people standing on a stage

Game shows are the most "rewatchable" kind of TV there is: the questions are new to you every time. We ranked the classics by how fun they are to watch today, how well you can play along, and how much they shaped TV.

1. Match Game

Six celebrities, one fill-in-the-blank question and a lot of laughter. The 1970s version is famous for its jokes and friendly chaos. Play-along score: high — guess the answer before the celebrities reveal theirs.

2. The Price Is Right

Bright colors, huge prizes and "Come on down!" Its pricing games are simple to understand and exciting to watch. Play-along score: high — everyone has an opinion on the price of a toaster.

A silver vintage microphone on a stand against a blue background
A silver vintage microphone on a stand against a blue background · Photo: Unsplash

3. Jeopardy!

Answers in the form of a question. The ultimate test of trivia knowledge. Play-along score: very high — a family favorite for competitive viewers.

4. Family Feud

Guess what "100 people surveyed" said. It's funny, it's fast, and families fight over it at home too. Play-along score: very high.

5. Password

Partners give one-word clues to guess a secret word. Simple, smart and elegant. Play-along score: high — great for two players on the couch.

6. The $10,000 Pyramid

Fast word-association clues against the clock, with a nail-biting final round.

7. Wheel of Fortune

Spin, buy a vowel, solve the puzzle. Relaxing and easy for all ages.

8. Hollywood Squares

Tic-tac-toe with celebrities in a giant grid, full of one-liners.

9. Press Your Luck

"No Whammies!" The flashing board makes every spin a thrill.

10. What's My Line?

A classy black-and-white panel show where celebrities guess people's jobs. A fascinating time capsule.

Honorable mentions

Card Sharks, To Tell the Truth, Let's Make a Deal, The Newlywed Game and Concentration.

Where to watch them

Many of these play on the Buzzr network and on free streaming channels. See our guide: where to watch classic game shows.

Frequently asked questions

The Price Is Right, Jeopardy!, Wheel of Fortune and Family Feud are among the longest-running and most-watched.

Which classic game show is best to play along with?

Jeopardy!, Family Feud and Password are the easiest to play along with at home.

Are classic game show episodes available to stream?

Many are, on the Buzzr channel and free apps like Pluto TV, but availability changes.

Why are old game shows so fun to watch?

The questions are new every time, the prizes are fun, and the fashion and sets are a trip back in time.

RT

Written by the Retro Tube Editors

Our small team of lifelong classic TV fans watches, checks and updates every guide. Read more about us and our editorial policy.