gameshow

A gameshow is a television or radio program in which contestants compete in games, quizzes, or challenge-based activities to win prizes. They are typically hosted by a presenter and governed by defined rules, scoring systems, and sometimes audience participation or lifelines. The format often centers on knowledge, wordplay, puzzle solving, or physical stunts, with segments arranged in rounds that advance or eliminate contestants.

Common elements include a host, contestants, a studio set, and a predefined prize structure. Formats may emphasize quiz questions, word puzzles, problem solving, or performance tasks. Some shows rely on audience surveys, timed rounds, or interactive elements, and prizes can range from cash and cars to holidays or merchandise. Licensing and format sales enable programs to be produced in multiple countries.

History and influence: The genre originated in radio and early television, expanding significantly in the mid-20th century. The 1950s saw widespread popularity but also scandals related to quiz formats, which spurred regulatory changes. The following decades produced enduring formats such as Jeopardy! (debuting in 1964, with a highly popular revival in 1984), Wheel of Fortune (began in 1975), and long-running pricing and survey-based shows like The Price Is Right and Family Feud. Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? introduced a global, lifeline-based quiz format in the late 1990s. International versions proliferate, and contemporary platforms continue to adapt gameshows for streaming and online participation.

Impact and variations: Gameshows attract broad audiences through engaging pacing, prizes, and accessible formats. They have influenced popular culture and spurred format licensing worldwide. Critics sometimes address fairness, pacing, manipulation concerns, and the ethics of prize levels and contestant treatment.