The 1970s was a golden age for game shows, a time when TV sets glowed with laughter, outrageous antics, and sometimes downright bizarre premises. From wacky concepts to quirky hosts, these shows were a mix of innocent fun and over-the-top creativity that reflected the era’s experimental spirit. While some became timeless classics, others were so outlandish that it’s hard to believe they ever made it to air. Let’s look back at 13 outrageous ’70s game shows that could only have existed during this uniquely wild decade.
1. “The Gong Show”
Premiering in 1976, The Gong Show was less of a talent show and more of a chaotic free-for-all. Hosted by the eccentric Chuck Barris, the show featured acts ranging from bizarre to downright terrible. Contestants would perform, often poorly, until one of the celebrity judges banged the iconic gong to mercifully end their routine. It wasn’t about finding talent; it was about reveling in the absurd.
The show’s anything-goes attitude perfectly captured the ’70s countercultural vibe. From a woman stuffing marshmallows into her mouth to a man playing “Yankee Doodle” on his armpit, The Gong Show was gleefully weird. It wasn’t about winning—it was about making people laugh, cringe, or scratch their heads. Today, it’s hard to imagine a prime-time show celebrating such delightful nonsense.
2. “Match Game”
With its double entendres and risqué humor, Match Game was a daytime TV staple in the 1970s. Hosted by Gene Rayburn, the show paired celebrity panelists with contestants to fill in the blank of a humorous sentence. The answers were often suggestive, and the audience loved the playful banter and occasional awkwardness.
What made Match Game so outrageous was its willingness to toe the line of decency, especially for daytime television. The chemistry between panelists like Charles Nelson Reilly, Brett Somers, and Richard Dawson turned every episode into a comedy showcase. It was silly, suggestive, and always entertaining—a true time capsule of ’70s humor.
3. “The Newlywed Game”
Who could forget The Newlywed Game and its legendary host, Bob Eubanks? Premiering in the late ’60s and hitting its stride in the ’70s, the show asked newly married couples personal—and often embarrassing—questions about their relationship. Answers that didn’t match led to hilarious disputes and plenty of awkward moments.
The show’s outrageousness came from its no-holds-barred questions. Who knew asking about a couple’s “whoopee habits” could lead to such comedy gold? In an era when public discussions of intimacy were still taboo, The Newlywed Game broke the mold by mixing humor with just the right amount of scandal.
4. “Truth or Consequences”
Hosted by Bob Barker before his Price Is Right fame, Truth or Consequences took contestants through a mix of trivia questions and silly stunts. If a player got the answer wrong, they had to face a “consequence,” which often involved wacky physical challenges or pranks.
The outrageous part of this show was its unpredictability. One moment, a contestant might be answering trivia; the next, they’d be in a pie-throwing contest or reunited with a long-lost relative. It was wholesome yet chaotic, embodying the anything-can-happen spirit of ’70s television.
5. “Beat the Clock”
Originally airing in the ’50s but revamped for the ’70s, Beat the Clock was a frantic race against time. Contestants performed bizarre physical challenges like balancing plates or stuffing balloons into oversized pants, all while trying to “beat the clock.”
The absurdity of the stunts made this show a hit. Watching grown adults attempt these goofy tasks while under pressure created an infectious kind of chaos. It was lighthearted fun that reflected the era’s carefree attitude and love for slapstick humor.
6. “The $10,000 Pyramid”
Hosted by Dick Clark, The $10,000 Pyramid brought a fast-paced word association game to TV screens. Contestants paired with celebrities to guess words or phrases within a time limit, climbing the “pyramid” to win cash prizes.
While it might not sound outrageous now, the high energy, buzzer-beating excitement, and occasional celebrity blunders made it a fan favorite. The frantic pace and competitive spirit captured the decade’s love for thrilling, high-stakes entertainment.
7. “Password”
This seemingly simple word-guessing game was elevated by its celebrity participants and clever gameplay. Hosted by Allen Ludden, contestants worked with celebrities to guess a secret word using one-word clues. The challenge lay in being brief yet descriptive—a tall order when the pressure was on.
The show’s appeal came from its mix of wit and unpredictability. Watching celebrities fumble over clues or come up with hilariously bad guesses made it an outrageous yet endlessly entertaining show.
8. “You’re Putting Me On”
This lesser-known gem aired in 1969 but spilled into the early ’70s. Hosted by Bill Leyden, it featured celebrities telling outlandish stories, with contestants guessing whether the tales were true or fabricated.
The outrageousness stemmed from the wild lies and over-the-top acting. It was a game of bluffing and storytelling that relied on humor and charisma, making it a uniquely entertaining experience that feels like a precursor to modern “truth or lie” games.
9. “Name That Tune”
This iconic game show tested contestants’ ability to identify songs with only a few notes played. Hosted by Tom Kennedy in the ’70s version, the show’s “Bid-a-Note” round added tension as players wagered how few notes they needed to name a song.
The show’s outrageous element was its drama-filled simplicity. The stakes felt sky-high as contestants confidently declared, “I can name that tune in three notes!” It was a perfect blend of music, strategy, and suspense that could only thrive in the ’70s.
10. “Celebrity Sweepstakes”
Imagine betting on celebrities—legally! Celebrity Sweepstakes featured contestants placing “bets” on celebrity panelists’ ability to answer trivia questions. Hosted by Jim McKrell, it turned quiz shows into a horse-race-style betting spectacle.
The bizarre premise made it one of the more unique game shows of the decade. Watching celebrities be “bet on” added a layer of absurdity, but it was all in good fun and perfectly suited to the ’70s experimental TV spirit.
11. “Split Second”
Hosted by Tom Kennedy, Split Second tested contestants’ speed and reflexes as they answered trivia questions with lightning-fast responses. The pressure of answering before the buzzer added to the excitement and occasional chaos.
Its outrageousness came from its relentless pace, leaving contestants and viewers alike breathless. It was the trivia equivalent of a caffeine jolt—a perfect match for the fast-moving ’70s.
12. “The Dating Game”
With its flirty questions and outrageous answers, The Dating Game became a cultural phenomenon. Contestants would choose a date from three unseen suitors based solely on their answers to cheeky questions. The results were often hilariously awkward.
The show’s outrageous nature lay in its risqué humor and the unpredictability of the dates. It reflected the free-spirited, experimental vibe of the ’70s while setting the stage for modern dating shows.
13. “Let’s Make a Deal”
Monty Hall’s Let’s Make a Deal was the ultimate game of risk and reward. Contestants dressed in wild costumes and bartered with Hall for mystery prizes hidden behind doors or inside boxes. The show’s chaotic energy and unpredictable outcomes made it a fan favorite.
The outrageous part was the costumes and the sheer randomness of the prizes. One minute you could win a new car; the next, you’d end up with a goat. It was pure ’70s zaniness at its best.
The game shows of the 1970s were as bold and colorful as the decade itself. They entertained us with their humor, unpredictability, and often bizarre premises. While many have faded into history, their influence lives on in today’s entertainment. Which of these outrageous game shows do you remember watching—or maybe even appearing on?
