Shubhabrata DuttaA game show is any type of radio, television, or stage show in which contestants, individually or as teams, play a game, which may include answering questions or solving puzzles, usually for prizes such as cash, funded trips, and goods and services provided by the show’s sponsor prize suppliers. Initially beginning to appear on radio and television in the late 1930s, the genre of game shows established itself through broadcasts of Spelling Bees and quiz shows.
Over the last 40 years, the model of the game show has gone through constant evolution, incorporating various additional facets to its model. Today, game shows range from survival series to cook-off challenges. The American media streaming giant Netflix has essentially redefined the medium of television, offering online streaming of a massive library of films and television programs.
24. Holey Moley (2019- )
Created by Chris Culvenor, ‘Holey Moley’ has the mini-golf contestants compete in a series of matchups set on a miniature mini-golf obstacle course, and the winner gets a cash prize. With different kinds of challenges involving themed holes, the contestants have to apply their mental and physical skills to pass the rounds to win the grand prize. ‘Holey Moley’ is a family-friendly game show that offers fun-filled entertainment underscored by a competitive spirit. You can stream it here.
23. The Devil’s Plan (2023- )
A South Korean reality game show, ‘The Devil’s Plan’ is created by Jung Jong-yeon and is a test of wits and strategy to their limits. In the game, 12 contestants compete to win a cash prize. The games include board games, social deduction games, card games, and more. To speak in more detail, the twelve people are stuck for a week inside a huge rectangle, which is their living space. Each of them is given “pieces” that can be used as currency to purchase items, bargain, and negotiate.
The ones with the most “pieces” make it to the last round, which decides the winner—the cash prize, beginning with zero, increases based on how the participants play their cards. Nominated for the Best Entertainment Program award at the 2024 Blue Dragon Series Awards, ‘The Devil’s Plan’ can be streamed here.
22. Bullsh*t: The Game Show (2022)
Created by Jonty Nash and Christopher Potts and hosted by Howie Mandel, ‘Bullsh*t: The Game Show’ is all about lying and convincing your co-participants that you are telling the truth. The trivia questions asked can either be answered correctly, or if you do not know the right answer, you have to proudly explain the wrong answer so that three other players believe you. If even one of them believes it, you move to the next round. If none of the three believe it, you are out of the game. Sounds interesting? You can stream it here.
21. The Mole (2022- )
‘The Mole’ was originally broadcast from 2001 to 2008 on ABC and was reintroduced by Netflix. The format involves 12 contestants who have to work as a team to put as much money as they can win in the pot. The catch is that there is a mole among them, introduced by the producers of the show, whose aim is to sabotage the plans of the team. At the end of each episode, a multiple-choice quiz determines the contestant who knows the least about this mole person and is eliminated. The contestant who survives till the end wins the game and the prize money in the pot. The game takes place in different natural habitats across Australia. You can stream the show here.
20. American Ninja Warrior (2009-)
This sports entertainment reality show is based on the Japanese reality show ‘Sasuke.’ Hosted by Matt Iseman and Akbar Gbaja-Biamila, the show follows the contestants, selected based on a set of requirements, who have to cross different obstacle courses, including the final one, which is called Mount Midoriyama (set at the Las Vegas Strip). The contestant who conquers the courses in the shortest time wins $1,000,000. Directed by Patrick McManus and Jay Hunter, ‘American Ninja Warrior’ can be streamed here.
19. Physical 100 (2023)
Created by Jang Ho-gi, ‘Physical 100’ is a South Korean competitive reality series wherein one hundred bodybuilders/athletes undergo a series of large-scale immersive challenges until one remains who becomes the winner. These challenges test the participants’ agility, strength, willpower, and balance, among other things. Visceral and entertaining, ‘Physical 100’ can be streamed right here.
18. Metal Shop Masters (2021- )
‘Metal Shop Masters’ is a competitive reality show that showcases metal-based sculpting by highly skilled metalworkers. The show begins with seven contestants who compete against each other by showing off their skills and making beautiful pieces of art that include but aren’t limited to barbeques, mobiles, and musical instruments. Based on their art pieces, they are judged. Stephanie Hoffman and David Madero serve as the judges and stand-up comedian Jo Koy is the host. The winner gets to go home with $50,000. You can watch the series here.
17. Wipeout (2008–2014)
This popular game show was created by Matt Kunitz and Scott Larsen and follows 24 contestants as they try to make their way through an obstacle course to win a huge cash prize. Considered the world’s largest obstacle course, the show features obstacles that have now become iconic, like the Sucker Punch or the Dreadmill, or the Sweeper. Perhaps one of the most entertaining and popular game shows of all time, ‘Wipeout’ can be streamed right here.
16. Too Hot to Handle (2020)
Created by Laura Gibson and Charlie Bennett, ‘Too Hot to Handle’ is a reality show wherein 10 “hot” single adults are pinned against each other in a game of love. The winner will receive a grand monetary prize, but as enticing as the tasks involved are, the participants will have to give up the one thing that makes the show what it is, i.e., sex. So they can get engaged with each other, but they will have to do it while remaining abstinent. They will have to maintain this for four weeks. How tough can this be? To find out, you can stream the show here.
15. Survivor (2000-)
‘Survivor’ is a long-running reality TV show that tests contestants’ physical and strategic abilities in a remote, desolate location. Created by Charlie Parsons, the series is famously hosted by Jeff Probst. Contestants form alliances and compete in various challenges, with one player voted off each week until a sole survivor remains. The show, known for its unpredictable twists and alliances, offers a grand prize of one million dollars. A cultural phenomenon, ‘Survivor’ has continued to captivate audiences for over two decades, highlighting human endurance, cunning gameplay, and the art of surviving in the wild. You can stream it right here.
14. School of Chocolate (2021 -)
Netflix’s reality competition series, ‘School of Chocolate,’ is led by the renowned Swiss-French pastry chef, artist, and chocolatier Amaury Guichon. In this delectable contest, eight skilled contestants face off in a series of innovative cooking challenges, showcasing their talents by crafting intricate chocolate sculptures. Their ultimate goal is to secure the title of ‘best in the class’ and a substantial cash prize of $50,000. With Amaury Guichon’s guidance, the show delves into the world of chocolate artistry, blending creativity, precision, and passion in a delicious battle for culinary supremacy. You can watch the series here.
13. Forged in Fire (2015 -)
For enthusiasts and collectors of weaponry, the allure of adding unique pieces to their collections is a passion, while some opt to take the creative path and personally craft the arms they admire. Directed by Alfonso Trinidad and Michael Pearlman, ‘Forged In Fire’ has garnered acclaim for its contestants’ exceptional abilities in executing the challenging tasks assigned by the hosts. These tasks involve crafting blades, which are meticulously assessed for their quality through rigorous tests, including slicing through a selected subject to gauge lethality and assessing their overall durability. The ultimate victor of this competition is not only crowned ‘Forged in Fire Champion’ but also awarded a substantial prize of $10,000, underscoring the show’s celebration of craftsmanship and skill in the realm of weapon forging. Feel free to check out the series here.
12. Alone (2015 -)
‘Alone’ is an immersive survival competition series that documents the daily trials and tribulations of ten individuals striving to endure in the wilderness using minimal survival gear. These participants, isolated from all human contact except for medical check-ins, endeavor to outlast one another in their quest for survival. They have the option to ‘tap out’ whenever they choose or may be withdrawn due to medical concerns. The contestant who perseveres the longest stands to claim the coveted grand prize of $500,000 (USD), making ‘Alone’ a true test of human resilience and wilderness prowess. You can check out the show here.
11. Is It Cake? (2022-)
‘Is It Cake?’ is a captivating game show-style cooking competition series brought to life by creators Dan Cutforth and Jane Lipsitz, with the charming Mikey Day as its host. In this unique culinary contest, talented contestants craft cakes meticulously designed to replicate everyday objects, aiming to deceive a panel of celebrity judges. The victors of each episode not only claim a $5,000 prize but also face an enticing challenge – distinguishing genuine cash from cake cash for an opportunity to win even more money. The series draws inspiration from the viral internet meme, offering a delectable blend of creativity, confectionery, and cash. You can watch ‘Is It Cake?’ here.
10. Flinch (2019 – 2023)
Hosted by comedians Desiree Burch, Lloyd Griffith, and Seann Walsh, the series challenges brave contestants to face their deepest fears and maintain their composure. Set in the remote countryside, participants endure a series of terrifying and hilarious stunts, testing their nerves and determination. The catch? If they flinch, their heart rate spikes, or they react, there are consequences. From being doused in freezing water to enduring startling surprises, contestants navigate a barrage of unexpected challenges to win the cash prize. Combining adrenaline-pumping moments with humor, ‘Flinch’ offers a unique blend of fear and fun that you can experience right here.
9. Blown Away (2019 -)
‘Blown Away’ is an exciting reality TV show that immerses viewers in the captivating world of glassblowing. The premise revolves around fierce competition among skilled glass artists, challenging them to create breathtaking glass sculptures and intricate art pieces. Throughout the series, participants face intense challenges, pushing their creative boundaries and technical abilities to the limit. With molten glass as their medium, they craft intricate designs, sculptures, and installations, ultimately showcasing their passion and talent in this mesmerizing art form. The show’s blend of creativity, craftsmanship, and competition has made it a must-watch for art enthusiasts and reality TV fans alike. You may watch ‘Blown Away’ here.
8. Nailed It! (2018-)
‘Nailed It!’ is a delightful reality TV show that has become a popular sensation on Netflix. The premise revolves around amateur bakers attempting to recreate intricate cake designs and confectionery masterpieces. Hosted by the charismatic Nicole Byer and acclaimed pastry chef Jacques Torres, the show embraces the humorous side of baking mishaps. Contestants, often with limited baking skills, tackle challenging projects with the hopes of winning the coveted ‘Nailed It!’ trophy and a cash prize. The twist lies in the comical and often disastrous results, as the contestants’ creations frequently fall short of the original designs, leading to laughter-filled moments. You can stream the show here.
7. Awake: The Million Dollar Game (2019)
Presented by James Davis, ‘Awake: The Million Dollar Game’ is a television game show directed by Rich Kim. The series invites participants willing to take the daunting task of going without sleep for 24 hours straight to stand a chance of winning $1 million. Unfortunately, their road to financial freedom is not that straightforward, as the real challenge starts once they are in a sleep-deprived state. Then, they are tasked to complete several physical and mental challenges that push them to their limits. While they may seem simplistic to the viewers, the added burden of going sleepless makes the most straightforward task far more complicated than it should be. You may watch the show here.
6. Sing On! (2020)
Featuring the well-known singer Tituss Burgess, ‘Sing On!’ is a reality game show streaming television series. The show follows groups of contestants tasked to perform five songs for which they are assigned different individual and team scores. The entire team’s performance determines the prize money they stand to win; however, individual eliminations take place based on the point system. The contestants that last till the later stages of the competition participate against one another in different singing challenges in which they stand a chance of earning thousands of dollars for their performance. You can watch the series here.
5. Floor Is Lava (2020)
Created by Megan McGrath and Irad Eyal, ‘Floor Is Lava’ is a reality television game show inspired by a children’s game of the same name. The series stars Rutledge Wood as host and follows a group of contestants who compete against one another to make it through a complicated obstacle course filled with bright red goop that could simulate hot lava. The contestants who do their best and survive till the end will have a final competition against one another. The winners receive US$10,000 and a lava lamp as a trophy for their efforts. Feel free to check out the series here.
4. Busted! (2018-)
‘Busted!’ is a Netflix Original variety show produced in association with SangSang, a Korean production company that was responsible for the shows ‘X-Man,’ ‘Running Man,’ and ‘Family Outing.’ Marking Netflix’s first original program to showcase an all-Korean cast, the show follows seven celebrity sleuths as they discover that they are part of an operation called Project D, in which they are implanted with a chip containing the DNA of famous detectives throughout history.
Led by South Korean actor Ahn Nae-sang, known as “K” on the show, the contestants are recruited as private detectives and given a new case in each episode. Simultaneously, the seven contestants try to figure out the mystery behind Project D and its inception. Guest celebrities are featured in each episode, with many of them playing their namesake characters who are directly or indirectly involved with the murder mystery in each episode. You can check out the show here.
3. Ultimate Beastmaster (2017-)
‘Ultimate Beastmaster’ is an American competition reality show in which each episode features a total of twelve contestants (two from each country) who run a new obstacle course known as “The Beast.” The winner of each episode is crowned “Beastmaster.” These “Beastmasters” from the nine episodes go forward to a final course to become the Ultimate Beastmaster.
From Season 3 onwards, each episode featured nine contestants, with one from each country in the competition. The two competitors with the highest score in the final stage move on to one of the two semi-finals. Finally, the top three from each semi-final move to the final episode to be crowned “Ultimate Beastmaster.” With each country having its own set of hosts, the international flavor of the game show is maintained. Blockbuster movie star Sylvester Stallone hosted season 1 of ‘Ultimate Beastmaster.’ You can watch it here.
2. The Big Family Cooking Showdown (2017-)
‘The Big Family Cooking Showdown’ is a BBC team cooking competition. Each week, two teams of three family members compete in three challenges, judged by Michelin Star chef Giorgio Locatelli and cookery teacher Rosemary Shrager. Winners of each of the eight heats move on to a series of further competitions until a winner is decided. Presenter and Celebrity Masterchef winner Angelica Bell joins Michelin star head chef Tommy Banks to co-host and judge the second season, comprising 14 episodes. You may stream it here.
1. The Circle (2020 -)
Presented by Michelle Buteau, ‘The Circle‘ is a reality competition series that pits contestants in a strategic game against one another. All participants must live in separate apartments and are prohibited from directly interacting with each other. But instead of regular means of interaction, they are given a social platform where they are free to manipulate others’ perceptions of them so that they are rated higher. People with better strategic choices become influencers, while the ones with poor ratings risk getting eliminated. You may watch ‘The Circle’ here.
Read More: Best Reality Shows on HBO Max
