1. The Dating Game
Few shows screamed “swinging ’60s” quite like The Dating Game. Hosted by Jim Lange, it turned the simple act of matchmaking into a flirty, funny spectacle that millions tuned in for. One contestant would ask three unseen suitors silly, suggestive questions, and pick a winner based solely on their answers. It was innocent fun wrapped in a cheeky, flower-powered package that perfectly captured the decade’s social energy.
Debuting in 1965, it made instant stars out of its guests—some of whom went on to huge fame, like Farrah Fawcett and Steve Martin. The setup is timeless, and with dating apps now ruling modern romance, a revival would practically write itself. Imagine contestants answering prompts from each other’s profiles while keeping that classic curtain reveal—it’d be nostalgic and relevant all at once.
2. Password
Password was a game show that proved you didn’t need flashing lights or big prizes to keep viewers hooked. Hosted by Allen Ludden, it paired celebrities with contestants in a battle of words, where one-word clues led to guessing secret passwords. The suspense built with every wrong guess, and Ludden’s calm, polite energy made it strangely soothing to watch.
It debuted in 1961 and ran through much of the decade, spawning several successful revivals in later years. Still, there’s something special about the elegant simplicity of the original. A new version could thrive with today’s love for brainy competition, bringing back the charm of language and teamwork in an era of trivia overload.
3. To Tell the Truth
To Tell the Truth was one of those shows that made you question everything you thought you knew about people. Three contestants would claim to be the same person, and a celebrity panel had to guess who was telling the truth. The impostors were often so convincing that even viewers at home were torn.
The show first aired in 1956 but really hit its stride during the ’60s. It blended humor, mystery, and charm, often featuring fascinating real-life figures. A modern revival could easily thrive with today’s social media personalities and viral stories. It’s still one of the most watchable formats in game show history, and it deserves another go.
4. I’ve Got a Secret
There was always something irresistibly cozy about I’ve Got a Secret. Hosted by Garry Moore, it followed a panel of celebrities trying to guess a contestant’s secret—often something funny, weird, or completely unexpected. It was simple, genuine, and full of laughs that came naturally rather than from forced gimmicks.
Running through much of the ’50s and ’60s, it was the kind of show that felt like having friends over for a guessing game. The beauty of it was its warmth, even when the secrets got a little out there. A new version could easily bring that feeling back, especially with modern secrets that reflect today’s culture and internet quirks.
5. The Newlywed Game
If The Dating Game showed love before marriage, The Newlywed Game captured what came after. Hosted by Bob Eubanks, it was all about putting young married couples on the spot with personal, often embarrassing questions. The charm came from the unscripted, hilarious answers that revealed just how differently people remember the same event.
Debuting in 1966, it became an instant hit and a pop-culture touchstone for relationship humor. The format would be even more fun today, given how social media loves relationship mishaps. A streaming revival could invite couples to play remotely, combining nostalgia with the chaos of modern love.
6. Concentration
Concentration was one of TV’s smartest game shows, blending puzzles, memory, and logic. Contestants flipped panels to reveal prizes and hidden rebus puzzles, which they had to solve before time ran out. It required skill and strategy, but it was also endlessly satisfying to watch someone finally crack the code.
Hosted by Hugh Downs, it ran for nearly 15 years starting in 1958. Its visual gameplay and problem-solving spirit feel tailor-made for a modern reboot. Imagine an updated version with touchscreen puzzles, graphics, and AI-driven clues—it’d be a hit with both nostalgic fans and new audiences.
7. What’s My Line?
What’s My Line? was pure sophistication, wrapped in charm and wit. A celebrity panel tried to guess a guest’s occupation through clever yes-or-no questions, often leading to hilarious misunderstandings. The mystery guests—often famous stars themselves—made it even more entertaining.
Running until 1967, the show became a Sunday-night tradition for families. Its appeal was in its civility and brainy humor, a refreshing contrast to louder game shows. A modern revival could easily work with today’s professions and influencers, keeping the same refined format but adding a 21st-century twist.
8. The Match Game
Before it became a bawdy ’70s sensation, The Match Game began in the early ’60s as a clever word-association show. Contestants filled in the blanks on phrases while trying to match the answers of a celebrity panel. It was simple, funny, and endlessly watchable—especially as the questions got wilder.
The 1962 version was much tamer than its later revival, but its quick wit and celebrity energy were already there. A new edition could blend both eras, keeping the original’s charm with the cheeky humor fans love. It’s one of those formats that never really goes out of style.
9. Dream House
Dream House was the ultimate wish-fulfillment show of the ’60s, giving everyday couples the chance to win a brand-new home. Hosted by Mike Darrow, it wasn’t about trivia or wordplay but about making one of life’s biggest dreams come true. The contestants competed in a series of questions and challenges to build points toward their dream home, and the suspense of whether they’d win it all kept viewers glued to the screen.
It first aired in 1968, offering an aspirational escape during a time when homeownership was a major goal for many families. A revival today could tap into that same emotional appeal, especially with housing prices skyrocketing and “dream home” TV booming. Watching couples compete for their forever home would be as satisfying now as it was then, especially with modern twists like virtual tours or home-makeover bonuses.
10. Supermarket Sweep
Before its famous ’90s revival, Supermarket Sweep got its start in 1965 as a black-and-white shopping frenzy. Contestants raced through real grocery store aisles grabbing items to build the highest total, mixing everyday life with game-show excitement. It was relatable, fast, and oddly thrilling to watch people chase down coffee cans and detergent bottles.
The original version captured mid-century consumer culture perfectly. A revival could bring back that nostalgia while modernizing it for today’s world of inflation and coupon apps. Viewers would love a fresh take that lets them relive the chaos of grocery shopping glory days.
11. The Price Is Right
Long before Drew Carey took the reins, The Price Is Right had its original run starting in 1956, hosted by Bill Cullen. The show had a slightly more subdued energy in the ’60s, but the premise—guessing retail prices—was just as fun. It reflected the booming postwar consumer era and America’s fascination with everyday products.
A revival of the classic ’60s style would be pure nostalgia. Imagine retro sets, vintage music, and prizes like station wagons and color TVs. It would remind audiences of the show’s humble beginnings while celebrating the golden age of television shopping.
12. Queen for a Day
Queen for a Day was unlike any other game show—it was emotional, raw, and sometimes controversial. Contestants were everyday women who shared their personal hardships, and the audience would vote by applause to decide who deserved to be “queen.” The winner received prizes to help her family and a literal crown and robe.
It began on radio before becoming a TV staple in the ’50s and ’60s. While some criticized it for exploiting pain, it also gave visibility to real struggles at a time when few shows did. A revival could take a more empowering approach, celebrating women’s resilience instead of pity.
13. The Hollywood Squares
Though most remember it for the ’70s, The Hollywood Squares actually debuted in 1966 and became an instant favorite. Celebrities filled a giant tic-tac-toe board, answering questions that were part trivia, part comedy. It was unpredictable, packed with laughter, and felt like a party you wanted to join.
Peter Marshall’s hosting tied it all together, and the stars’ quick one-liners made it must-watch TV. A reboot could easily capture that same spirit with today’s comedians and social-media personalities. The grid format alone feels made for the digital age.
14. Beat the Clock
Beat the Clock was pure energy from start to finish. Contestants faced wacky physical challenges—like balancing eggs or racing with balloons—before time ran out. It was the blueprint for every silly stunt show that followed, and audiences loved watching people fumble under pressure.
Originally airing in the ’50s, it kept going strong through the ’60s thanks to its fast pace and endless creativity. A modern version could lean into that nostalgic fun, mixing everyday chaos with humor. With the right host, it could easily reclaim its spot as TV’s most delightfully frantic competition.
