The 1970s were a wild time for television, and nowhere was that more evident than in game shows. These programs combined over-the-top antics, wacky concepts, and sometimes downright bizarre challenges to create unforgettable viewing experiences. Long before the sleek and polished formats we see today, ’70s game shows reveled in their unpredictability and campy charm. Let’s take a look back at 15 ’70s TV game shows that were totally bonkers.
1. The Gong Show (1976–1980)
Part talent show, part comedy chaos, The Gong Show was a showcase of bizarre acts judged by a panel of celebrities. Contestants ranged from genuinely talented performers to outright oddballs, with judges banging a giant gong to end particularly cringe-worthy routines.
Hosted by the eccentric Chuck Barris, the show became infamous for its anything-goes atmosphere, including Barris’s off-the-wall antics. It was a trainwreck you couldn’t look away from, making it a true ’70s gem.
2. Match Game (1973–1982)
Match Game paired contestants with a panel of celebrities in a fill-in-the-blank word game that often resulted in hilariously risqué answers. Host Gene Rayburn kept the energy high as celebs like Richard Dawson and Betty White cracked jokes and delivered double entendres.
The combination of wild humor and borderline inappropriate innuendos made it a fan favorite, capturing the freewheeling spirit of the decade.
3. The Newlywed Game (1966–1974)
While technically starting in the ’60s, The Newlywed Game hit its stride in the ’70s with its awkward, hilarious, and sometimes embarrassing moments. Couples answered questions about each other, often revealing just how little they knew—or how much they overshared—about their partners.
Host Bob Eubanks’s deadpan delivery made the most of every cringe-worthy answer, cementing the show’s reputation for outrageous humor.
4. Let’s Make a Deal (1963–1977)
Monty Hall’s iconic game show was a ’70s staple, with contestants dressing in crazy costumes to catch his attention and win a chance to trade for mystery prizes. The excitement came from deciding whether to keep your prize or gamble on what was behind a curtain or inside a box.
The “zonks”—ridiculous joke prizes like live animals or useless junk—added an extra layer of chaos that made the show unforgettable.
5. Name That Tune (1953–1985)
Name That Tune challenged contestants to identify songs based on a few notes, with dramatic moments where they’d wager how few notes they needed to recognize a tune. The game’s tension and quirky challenges like “Bid-a-Note” made it a ’70s sensation.
The sheer variety of musical styles tested contestants’ knowledge, while the rapid pace kept viewers on the edge of their seats.
6. The $1.98 Beauty Show (1978–1980)
This parody of beauty pageants, hosted by Rip Taylor, celebrated kitsch and hilarity. Contestants competed in absurd challenges like ridiculous talent performances, all for the grand prize of $1.98 in cash.
The show’s intentionally tacky vibe and Taylor’s over-the-top hosting style made it a cult favorite, proving that not all competition needed to be taken seriously.
7. Password (1961–1975)
Password was deceptively simple but incredibly engaging, pairing celebrities with contestants who tried to guess a word based on one-word clues. The tension of the game often led to hilarious misunderstandings and epic fails.
The show’s quieter format was a sharp contrast to the zaniness of other ’70s game shows, but its clever wordplay and celebrity banter made it a hit.
8. Truth or Consequences (1950–1978)
Hosted by Bob Barker during its final years, this game show was a mix of trivia and outrageous stunts. Contestants who failed to answer questions correctly faced wacky “consequences,” ranging from silly dares to elaborate pranks.
The unpredictable nature of the show made it a must-watch, blending comedy and competition in equal measure.
9. Beat the Clock (1950–1974)
Beat the Clock tasked contestants with completing bizarre physical challenges against the clock. From balancing acts to awkward stunts involving balloons or water, the games were hilariously chaotic.
The absurdity of the challenges and the tension of the ticking clock created some of the decade’s most memorable game show moments.
10. The Hollywood Squares (1966–1981)
This tic-tac-toe game show featured a panel of celebrities in each square, answering trivia questions with a mix of wit and humor. Contestants had to determine if the stars were giving real answers or just joking around.
The show’s campy vibe and the sharp banter from stars like Paul Lynde made it a quintessential ’70s program.
11. Jackpot (1974–1975)
Jackpot had contestants answering riddles to win cash prizes, with a complex game structure that often left viewers scratching their heads. The host, Geoff Edwards, kept things lively as contestants vied for the titular “jackpot” prize.
Though it was short-lived, the show’s mix of riddles and suspense made it stand out in the crowded game show landscape.
12. Treasure Hunt (1973–1977)
Treasure Hunt combined trivia with the thrill of opening mystery boxes, some of which contained fabulous prizes and others ridiculous gags. Contestants had to choose carefully, as the show loved to fake them out with dramatic reveals.
The anticipation of whether a contestant would strike gold—or get stuck with a dud—kept viewers hooked.
13. High Rollers (1974–1980)
This dice-based game show, hosted by Alex Trebek, involved giant dice and a game board full of prizes. Contestants answered trivia questions to earn rolls, with the goal of clearing numbers from the board to win big.
The oversized dice and Trebek’s charming hosting made the show feel larger than life, even if the premise was relatively simple.
14. You Don’t Say! (1975–1978)
This word association game was like a more relaxed version of Password, with contestants giving clues to help their partners guess a famous person’s name. The game’s casual pace allowed for plenty of banter and funny moments.
Though it didn’t have the longevity of other game shows, its clever format earned it a loyal fanbase during its run.
15. Celebrity Sweepstakes (1974–1976)
Contestants bet on celebrities answering trivia questions, turning the game into a hilarious mix of gambling and celebrity banter. The show’s Las Vegas-style set and playful atmosphere made it a standout.
The unpredictable nature of the celebrities’ answers and the gambling element added a level of excitement that kept viewers tuning in.
The game shows of the 1970s were as wild and unpredictable as the decade itself. With their wacky premises and anything-goes attitude, they entertained audiences in ways that modern shows rarely replicate. These bonkers programs remain a nostalgic reminder of when television embraced the absurd.
