Top 10 Game Shows That Aired During the 1970s

The 1970s in the United States was a decade characterized by a wave of cultural transformation and social unrest, political turbulence, artistic experimentation, technological advancement, and a rampant pursuit of consumerism.

These intricate and often contradictory forces molded the cultural landscape of the era, giving rise to an era of great excitement and uncertainty while also birthing some of the most iconic and unforgettable game shows of all time.

From mind-challenging quizzes to panel games, and from romantic endeavors to prize giveaways, these shows captivated viewers with their captivating and frequently amusing formats, appealing to a wide range of audiences.

Whether it was the charismatic hosts, the eccentric contestants, or the extravagant rewards, these shows never failed to provide entertainment that kept viewers tuning in week after week.

In this post, we will present the top 10 game shows of the 1970s, shedding light on their distinctive formats, hosts, and why they rightfully earned their spot on television. Whether you are a game show enthusiast or simply interested in the shows that enthralled audiences half a century ago, here are

The debut of The Price is Right game show occurred in 1956, but it wasn't until its revamp in the 1970s that it evolved into the cultural sensation we know today.

With the inimitable Bob Barker as the host, the show relied heavily on audience participation, offering a unique and interactive format. Contestants engaged in multiple rounds, competing for prizes that set this show apart from others in the game show realm.

The array of prizes, ranging from household essentials to luxury vehicles, added to the thrill and ensured viewer engagement.

To this day, The Price is Right retains its status as a beloved game show, captivating audiences for over six decades.

Match Game was a classic NBC television game show hosted by Gene Rayburn. It featured contestants attempting to match responses from a panel of celebrity participants to complete fill-in-the-blank questions.

Known for its outrageous humor and daring content, Match Game pushed boundaries within its era.

Famous celebrity panelists, such as Betty White and Richard Dawson, often delivered suggestive or irreverent replies, leading to numerous unforgettable moments.

The Gong Show, produced by Chuck Barris (who also served as the host), was a zany American television game show that aired from 1976 to 1980.

The show's simple premise was to showcase unique and peculiar talents. Three celebrity judges were tasked with watching and rating the performers. If an act was particularly dreadful, a large gong would be struck to signal the end of their performance.

The Gong Show provided a platform for musicians, comedians, magicians, and a variety of emerging talents to exhibit their skills. However, it was the show's offbeat humor that resonated with audiences and propelled it to success.

Originally hosted by Richard Dawson, Family Feud is one of the most long-standing and triumphant daytime game shows of all time.

In Family Feud, two families compete against each other, endeavoring to guess the most popular responses to a range of survey questions.

Family Feud's fast-paced format, coupled with its focus on family-centered humor, swiftly established it as a beloved classic that continues to entertain to this day. Its popularity can be attributed to its accessibility, engaging gameplay, and ability to unite people from diverse backgrounds in a fun and light-hearted manner.

Family Feud remains a true gem of 1970s television.

The Wheel of Fortune made its premiere as a primetime show in 1975 and has since maintained a continuous presence, becoming one of the most prosperous and enduring game shows of all time.

The show, initially hosted by Chuck Woolery and Susan Stafford, bounced between NBC, CBS, and ABC multiple times. It involves contestants spinning a large wheel to determine their prizes and then attempting to solve word puzzles to claim said prizes.

The Wheel of Fortune's clever blend of luck and strategy appealed to audiences at large, while its vibrant set, catchy theme music, and iconic hosts, currently Pat Sajak and Vanna White, have solidified its position as a pop culture phenomenon.

Jeopardy, a captivating quiz game show invented by Merv Griffin, has earned immense popularity by deviating from conventional norms. Instead of posing questions, contestants are presented with answers, turning the game into a riveting battle of wits. This groundbreaking show made its debut in 1964 and has since etched its name in television history, becoming an integral part of pop culture during the 1970s.

The immense success of Jeopardy has spawned a plethora of spinoff shows and adaptations that have captivated international audiences.

Jeopardy deserves a prominent place on any top 10 game show list due to its innovative format, intellectually demanding gameplay, and unwavering appeal to the masses.

Another timeless gem in the realm of American game shows is The Newlywed Game. This show, hosted by the charismatic Bob Eubanks, burst onto the scene in the 60s but truly flourished during the 1970s. Couples in the early stages of matrimony were subjected to a barrage of questions aimed at determining just how well they knew each other, delving into their likes, dislikes, and idiosyncrasies.

The sheer spontaneity and occasional moments of tension resulting from the couples' amusing or perplexing responses made The Newlywed Game an unparalleled entertainment experience.

The show's inclusion in this list is warranted by its distinctive premise, engrossing gameplay, and almost cult-classic status it achieved.

In 1963, the game show Let's Make a Deal made its debut and experienced unparalleled success throughout the 1970s, leaving an indelible mark on popular culture. The host, the inimitable Monty Hall, elevated the show's appeal. Like The Price Is Right, Let's Make a Deal featured a live studio audience and employed a unique gameplay mechanic that involved donning outlandish costumes and trading items in pursuit of coveted grand prizes.

Let's Make a Deal captured the hearts of viewers from all walks of life and all age groups, securing its status as a bona fide cultural phenomenon of the 1970s. Devoted fans religiously tuned in to marvel at the astounding costumes and await the exhilarating moment when someone would seize the coveted grand prize. Even in syndication, Let's Make a Deal continues to be a frontrunner for the title of one of the top game shows of the 1970s.

The Dating Game, a beloved game show of the 1970s, mesmerized audiences week after week. Each episode featured a bachelorette tasked with interrogating three prospective bachelors to assess their compatibility. The bachelorette's chosen suitor earned the extraordinary privilege of embarking on an all-expenses-paid date with her. What truly set this show apart and piqued the curiosity of viewers was the fact that the contestants remained hidden from each other throughout the entire process.

The Dating Game was a must-watch phenomenon during its initial run, attracting audiences with its unique brand of humor and the occasional controversy it stirred. Though eventually discontinued, the show laid the foundation for influential cultural phenomena like The Bachelor and Love Connection.

Hosted by the incomparable Allen Ludden, Password brought together two celebrity contestants in a gripping duel to unravel a secret password using a series of one-word clues. The challenges posed by Password often resulted in uproarious laughter as even esteemed celebrities, athletes, and politicians failed to decipher what seemed like elementary passwords.

Password achieved iconic status within pop culture and paved the way for shows like Password Plus and Who Wants To Be A Millionaire, forever embossing its mark on the game show landscape.