In the 2010s, our TVs were full of exciting game shows. Some were old favorites that have been around for a long time, while others were new and brought fresh fun to our screens. From guessing answers in quizzes to cooking in the kitchen, these shows had something for everyone. Let’s take a trip down memory lane and see which game shows were the most popular in the 2010s.

The Chase

“The Chase” is a thrilling game show that became a big hit in the 2010s. It first started in the UK, but soon, people from all over the world were watching it, including in the United States. The show is all about testing your knowledge and racing against the clock.

Here’s how it works: Contestants try to win as much money as possible by answering questions. But there’s a twist! They have to compete against a super smart person known as the “Chaser.” The Chaser is really good at trivia and tries to stop the contestants from winning the money.

Contestants first earn some money by answering quick questions. Then, they face the Chaser in a head-to-head round. They can choose to play it safe for a smaller prize or take a big risk for more money. But if the Chaser catches them, they go home with nothing.

The final part of the show is really exciting. The contestants who made it past the Chaser work together in a fast-paced quiz. They have to answer more questions than the Chaser to take home their prize money.

“The Chase” is fun because it’s not just about knowing a lot of facts. Contestants also have to make smart choices and stay cool under pressure. It’s a mix of knowledge, strategy, and nerve that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.

Wipeout

“Wipeout” is an action-packed game show that became very popular in the 2010s. It’s known for its wild and wacky obstacle courses that contestants have to navigate through. The show is all about fun, spills, and thrills as contestants try to make it through the course as fast as they can without getting wiped out by the challenging obstacles.

The obstacle courses on “Wipeout” are like giant playgrounds but much more extreme. They include big bouncy balls, slippery slides, and all sorts of moving parts designed to knock the contestants into the water below. The contestants have to jump, dodge, and balance their way through, trying not to fall off. It’s not just about being fast; it’s also about being smart and figuring out the best way to tackle each obstacle.

Each episode of “Wipeout” has several rounds, with the courses getting tougher and the challenges getting crazier. Only the best of the contestants make it to the final round, where they face the toughest course yet for a chance to win a cash prize.

What makes “Wipeout” so much fun to watch is not just the excitement of the obstacle course but also the funny moments when contestants take unexpected spills. The show is lighthearted and doesn’t take itself too seriously, which is why it’s such a hit with families and viewers of all ages. Watching “Wipeout” is like cheering on everyday people as they take on the challenge of a lifetime, all while having a great time.

Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?

“Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?” is a game show that combines humor with a unique challenge. It puts adults in the hot seat, asking them questions taken straight from elementary school textbooks. The twist? These questions cover subjects that 5th graders are expected to know, making it a fun test to see if adults can recall their grade school knowledge.

Hosted by comedian Jeff Foxworthy, the show has a light-hearted and family-friendly atmosphere. Contestants start by choosing from various subjects like Math, Science, English, Geography, and History. As they progress, the questions get harder, and the stakes get higher.

One of the most entertaining aspects of the show is the “cheat” options. Adults can ask for help from a group of actual 5th-grade students who are part of the show. These “classmates” can provide answers, showcasing the surprising depth of their knowledge and often saving the adults from embarrassing mistakes.

The final challenge, the “million-dollar question,” tests the contestants’ bravery and trust in their grade-school knowledge. If they get it wrong, their winnings can drop dramatically, adding a thrilling risk factor to the game.

“Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?” is not just about trivia; it’s a nostalgic journey back to the classroom, reminding viewers of the basics we often forget. It celebrates the intelligence of children and offers a humorous look at how much (or how little) adults remember from their early education. This mix of education, nostalgia, and humor made the show a hit in the 2010s, appealing to viewers of all ages.

Let’s Make a Deal

“Let’s Make a Deal” is a classic game show that experienced a significant revival in the 2010s, captivating audiences with its unique blend of decision-making, luck, and outright fun. Hosted by the charismatic Wayne Brady, the show is famous for its lively atmosphere, where audience members dress up in outrageous costumes in hopes of being selected to participate. The premise is straightforward yet endlessly entertaining: contestants are given the chance to trade what they have for the possibility of winning something better, which could be hidden behind doors, inside boxes, or within envelopes.

The show thrives on the suspense and excitement of the unknown. Contestants must choose whether to keep their current prize or risk it for potentially bigger rewards, navigating deals that could lead to fantastic wins or disappointing “zonks” – joke prizes that are essentially worthless. This element of risk and reward, coupled with Brady’s engaging hosting style, keeps viewers and contestants on their toes. The interactive format, where deals are made based on the contestants’ decisions, makes every episode unpredictable. “Let’s Make a Deal” not only provides entertainment but also showcases the fascinating psychology of choice and risk-taking, making it a standout game show of the 2010s.

MasterChef and MasterChef Junior

“MasterChef” and “MasterChef Junior” are two captivating cooking competition shows that gained immense popularity in the 2010s, each serving up its own unique flavor of culinary challenges, personal drama, and inspirational moments. “MasterChef” brings together amateur chefs from various backgrounds, each hoping to turn their culinary dreams into reality. 

Under the watchful eyes of celebrity chef judges, contestants are put through a series of intense cooking challenges designed to test their skills, creativity, and resilience in the kitchen. From mystery box challenges to high-pressure team tasks and one-on-one cook-offs, the show is a thrilling journey for both the participants and the viewers, culminating in one home cook being crowned the MasterChef.

“MasterChef Junior,” on the other hand, is a delightful spin-off that showcases the incredible talents of young cooks, typically aged 8 to 13. Despite their young age, these pint-sized chefs display remarkable culinary prowess, tackling complex recipes and cooking techniques with a level of competence that astonishes the judges and audience alike. The show not only highlights the contestants’ cooking skills but also emphasizes teamwork, friendship, and the pure joy of cooking. 

The interactions between the young chefs and the usually stern judges, who adopt a more nurturing and supportive role, add a heartwarming dimension to “MasterChef Junior,” making it a family favorite. Both “MasterChef” and “MasterChef Junior” have inspired viewers to explore their culinary passions and appreciate the art of cooking, making them standout game shows of the 2010s.

Classic Game Shows That Made It to the 2010s

In addition to the new game shows of the 2010s, there were also old ones that still aired during the decade. Below are some of them:

• “Jeopardy!” – While “Jeopardy!” has been a staple of American television since its debut in 1964, its popularity continued to soar through the 2010s. The show’s timeless format, combined with the beloved host Alex Trebek, kept audiences engaged.
• “The Price Is Right” – Another enduring classic, “The Price Is Right,” continued to be a favorite among audiences, with Drew Carey taking the hosting reins since 2007. Its interactive format and exciting games kept it relevant through the decade.
• “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” – This show saw various iterations over the decade, including celebrity editions and changes in hosts. Its high-stakes trivia format remained a draw for viewers.
• “Family Feud” – Hosted by Steve Harvey starting in 2010, “Family Feud” saw a significant revival in popularity. Harvey’s charismatic hosting and the show’s humorous survey questions made it a hit.
• “Wheel of Fortune” – A classic puzzle-solving game that continued to be a prime-time favorite, with Pat Sajak and Vanna White iconic as the show’s hosts.

Conclusion

The 2010s were a great time for game shows, with something for everyone. From the brain-teasing questions of “The Chase” to the hilarious spills on “Wipeout,” and from the culinary battles of “MasterChef” to the nostalgic classroom of “Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?”, these shows brought us laughter, excitement, and even a bit of learning. They reminded us of the joy of playing along from our living rooms and the thrill of seeing ordinary people take on extraordinary challenges.