The Game Show Show

Love and dating game shows give viewers a safe space to be a voyeur and “play at love” while exploring America’s ever-shifting social landscape.

From singing in front of a star-studded panel to surviving on a remote island, reality competition game shows give audiences a chance to live vicariously through contestants who push the boundaries of human talent, skill and strength. With millions of eyes tuning in to see how the competition unfolds next, reality competition shows are a defining part of the American game show landscape. How these competition shows have evolved sheds new light on changes to the TV industry, as well as broader social shifts in American culture. Featured interviews include Nikki Glaser, Meredith Vieira, Howie Mandel, Claudia Jordan and more.

Guess the price, spin the wheel, take the gamble and become a millionaire. The chance to walk away with thousands ― even millions ― of dollars has cemented these game show phrases in American popular culture forever. Is the game show a path toward achieving the American dream, or is it just another scheme to get rich quick? As the game show adapts to changing norms in American society, a behind-the-scenes look at heart-wrenching moments of victory, defeat and even, at times, fraud puts a human face on the popular format. Featured interviews include Vanna White, Drew Carey, Chris Connelly, Wayne Brady and more.

Since the radio age, America’s love for the quiz show has remained constant, transcending technological innovation and surviving scandals. Today, the quiz show continues to evolve, with new formats and revivals capturing the attention of millions across the country. But the quiz show also reveals a lot about American society. Changes to the kinds of questions hosts ask and how contestants and audiences are responding provide a glimpse into the transformation of American culture and its shifting relationship with knowledge. Featured interviews include Michael Strahan, Sara Haines, Jay Leno, Mark Cuban, Sherri Shepard and more.