The Best Game Shows of the 1980s
By: Long Live The 1980s
Ah, the 1980s. A time of neon lights, big hair, synthesizers, and the golden age of game shows. Before streaming services and endless TikTok scrolling, there was something special about gathering around the TV at just the right time (remote in hand, wearing acid-washed jeans, of course) to watch strangers win vacations to Honolulu, microwaves the size of a Buick, or $10,000 in cold, hard cash.
Let’s rewind the VHS and celebrate the best game shows of the 1980s — the ones that made us laugh, cheer, shout answers at the screen, and wish we could spin that wheel “just one time!”
🎉 1. Wheel of Fortune
Debut: 1975 (But hit its prime in the '80s)
Host(s): Pat Sajak & Vanna White
Why It Ruled:
What do you get when you combine hangman with giant spinning wheels and glamorous evening gowns? TV gold. “Wheel of Fortune” hit its stride in the 1980s, becoming a family-room staple. Contestants spun their way to fabulous prizes while America collectively screamed, “Buy a vowel!” Vanna White became a national icon simply by touching letters — now that is power.
💰 2. The Price Is Right
Debut: 1972 (Still going strong, baby!)
Host: Bob Barker (with a mic longer than a fishing pole)
Why It Ruled:
Come on down! “The Price Is Right” in the ‘80s was everything we wanted: Plinko, Showcase Showdowns, and a chance to guess the cost of Rice-A-Roni with the intensity of a Jeopardy final round. Bob Barker’s charm, the spinning wheel, and that upbeat theme music made this show a weekday morning ritual. Plus, where else could you win a Pontiac AND a hot tub in the same episode?
🧠3. Jeopardy!
Debut (revival): 1984
Host: Alex Trebek (the GOAT of quiz show hosts)
Why It Ruled:
If “Wheel of Fortune” was the fun uncle, “Jeopardy!” was the intellectual aunt with a dry wit and a bookshelf that reached the ceiling. The show’s 1984 reboot brought us Alex Trebek and his majestic mustache, and the rest is trivia history. The 1980s version gave smart people their moment to shine — and occasionally sweat bullets when a Daily Double hit at the wrong time.
🕵️ 4. Press Your Luck
Debut: 1983
Host: Peter Tomarken
Why It Ruled:
No Whammies! “Press Your Luck” gave us the most hyperactive game board ever created. Contestants slammed their buzzers to stop the light-up board in hopes of landing big money — and avoiding those mischievous little Whammies who'd dance across the screen and snatch their winnings. The animations were hilarious, the stakes felt sky-high, and the catchphrases became legendary.
🧱 5. Double Dare
Debut: 1986
Host: Marc Summers
Why It Ruled:
Slime. Giant nose-picking. Obstacle courses. Need we say more? Nickelodeon’s “Double Dare” turned the game show genre on its head — and then dumped green goo all over it. Geared toward kids but loved by everyone with a sense of humor, this messy, silly, obstacle-stuffed show made getting dirty look like the greatest thing ever. “Double Dare” was an adrenaline shot of ‘80s fun and rebellious chaos.
🎤 6. Name That Tune
Debut: 1950s, but had a glitzy revival in the '80s
Host(s): Jim Lange
Why It Ruled:
The challenge? Name a song in as few notes as possible. Sometimes, just one note. ONE. Talk about pressure. “Name That Tune” in the ‘80s brought back the classic format with shoulder pads and synths. Contestants battled with lightning-fast music recognition and the prize money wasn’t bad either. For every armchair DJ at home, this was a must-watch.
🧠7. Sale of the Century
Debut: 1969 (revived in 1983)
Host: Jim Perry
Why It Ruled:
“Sale of the Century” felt like a shopping spree crossed with “Jeopardy!” Contestants answered trivia questions to earn money, then used it to “buy” luxury items at deep discounts — right on the show! You could score a $5,000 diamond necklace for $7 if you answered fast enough. Flashy, fast-paced, and filled with ‘80s glitz, it made being smart and thrifty look cool.
💼 8. Classic Concentration
Debut: 1987
Host: Alex Trebek (again!)
Why It Ruled:
This combo of memory matching and rebus puzzles (you know, those quirky picture riddles) was pure brainy joy. It made you feel smart even if you weren’t — especially when you cracked a cryptic phrase before the contestants. Add Alex Trebek's signature poise and it became another Trebek treasure in the decade's game show vault.
🎠9. Hollywood Squares
Debut: Original run ended in 1981, revival from 1986
Host: John Davidson
Why It Ruled:
Nine celebs in a giant tic-tac-toe board? Yes, please. The ‘80s version kept the laughs rolling with stars delivering witty one-liners and the occasional surprisingly useful trivia answer. The banter was often the best part — a mix of comedy and knowledge that brought old-school Hollywood charm and goofy charisma into your living room.
👨👩👧 10. Family Feud
Debut: 1976 (but very much alive in the '80s)
Host: Richard Dawson (aka “Mr. Kiss-Kiss”)
Why It Ruled:
Survey says… “Family Feud” was peak family chaos. Richard Dawson's flirty hosting style and endless cheek kisses somehow worked perfectly. The show thrived on awkward answers, buzzer fails, and hilarious guesses (like that one guy who said “Turkey” for every question). There was something so relatable about watching another family flounder in a fast money round.
Honorable Mentions:
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Tic Tac Dough – Like tic-tac-toe, but with trivia and a lot more pressure.
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Card Sharks – Giant playing cards, tense “higher or lower” calls.
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Remote Control (MTV) – A weirdo ‘80s cult hit that broke all the rules.
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Super Password – Brainy teamwork and lots of ‘80s sweaters.
Why We Loved Them
What made these shows so great wasn’t just the prizes or the gameplay — it was the personality. The ‘80s game shows had flair, fun, and just the right amount of ridiculousness. They were colorful, over-the-top, and made stars out of hosts and contestants alike. Watching them wasn’t just entertainment — it was an experience, part of the cultural fabric of the time.
Let's Play… YOUR Turn!
Did we miss one of your favorites? Were you a die-hard fan of “Tic Tac Dough”? Did “Remote Control” change your view of MTV forever? Or maybe your dream was to face off in the “Double Dare” obstacle course. Whatever your favorite may be…
👇 Leave a comment below and let us know what game shows YOU think defined the 1980s! 👇
Let’s keep the conversation (and the nostalgia) going. Because here at Long Live The 1980s, we believe everything was better with a game show theme song and a bucket of slime.
Long live buzzers. Long live Whammies. Long live the '80s!
Stay tuned for our next post — and don’t forget to set your VCR!
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