Winning the Spotlight

khongjennifer07
Apr 6
3 min read

By Ariel Lee April 2, 2025

Under the bright, buzzing glow of studio lights, a contestant wipes a bead of sweat from their brow, heart pounding as they lock eyes with the host. The audience holds its breath. A single answer, a spin of the wheel, a final wager: victory or defeat hangs in the balance. For decades, game shows have turned everyday people into instant celebrities, dangling life-changing prizes just beyond their reach. From the early days of “Truth or Consequences” to the modern-day spectacle of “Survivor,” game shows have evolved alongside our culture, reflecting our ambitions, fears and relentless pursuit of a thrilling win.

Game shows first captivated audiences in the early days of television with their blend of unpredictability and spectacle. One of the earliest, “Truth or Consequences,” debuted in 1941, challenging contestants to either answer trivia questions correctly or risk being forced to perform humorous and often embarrassing stunts. This formula hooked viewers, offering both entertainment and the novelty of seeing everyday people put on the spot. “Truth or Consequences” ran from 1940 to 1988 across radio and television with over 3,500 episodes produced.

Similarly, “The Price Is Right,” which first aired in 1956, encouraged audience participation and showcased the excitement of everyday consumerism—an approach that still makes it a staple of daytime television. These early successes revealed a common thread: game shows offered a mix of competition, suspense and reward that viewers found irresistible. Game shows have also become more inclusive in recent years, with greater diversity among hosts and contestants.

“‘Family Feud’ has become one of the top game shows today, especially after hiring Steve Harvey to host in 2010. His attitude and personality have revolutionized modern game shows. We have also started seeing people from other countries brought on as contestants for shows like ‘Cupcake Wars,’ my favorite baking show. Inclusivity has completely altered the game show experience for the better,” Sophomore Anika Tandon said.

Over the decades, game shows have branched into new and varied genres, each appealing to different audiences. The 1970s and ’80s saw a rise in dating shows like “The Dating Game,” tapping into the universal fascination with romance and human connection. The late ’90s and early 2000s introduced high-stakes survival and strategy-based shows like “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire,” a quiz competition with a top prize of $1 million bringing intense, interpersonal drama to prime time. Additionally, in “Survivor,” participants are forced to form a society as they adapt to their physical and social surroundings, competing to be the last one standing—redefining reality competition with its mix of endurance, alliances and deception. Meanwhile, children’s game shows like “Double Dare” and “Legends of the Hidden Temple” have turned playground-style challenges into thrilling television, giving young audiences a dream of participating one day as well.

Part of the enduring appeal of game shows lies in their ability to turn ordinary people into temporary celebrities. Contestants step into the spotlight, sometimes returning multiple times, driven by a mix of ambition, curiosity and the allure of cash prizes. Speech Therapist Nick Day, who appeared on “Wheel of Fortune,” recalled the surreal feeling of spinning the iconic wheel after competing in 2023.

“It was a mix of nerves and adrenaline—watching at home is one thing, but being up there is completely different. For many, game shows offer a fleeting moment of fame, a chance to test their skills and the opportunity to connect with a national audience,” Day said.

However, not all aspects of game shows have been met with universal praise. Certain genres, particularly dating shows and survival-based competitions, have faced criticism for their sometimes exploitative nature. Dating shows like “The Bachelor” have been called out for their lack of diversity and tendency to manufacture drama, while survival shows have been accused of fostering cutthroat behavior in the name of entertainment. Yet, in response to shifting cultural expectations, many shows have evolved—introducing more diverse casts, more inclusive narratives and, in some cases, even modifying their formats to be more ethically responsible.

“Game shows like ‘Survivor’ and ‘The Bachelor’ influence culture by shaping social norms, trends and behavior. For example, survival shows promote competition and strategy while dating shows influence perceptions of love and relationships. Game shows have also adapted by updating formats to reflect modern values; they now explore themes like teamwork and ethics, making them more relevant to today’s audiences,” Junior Siya Shah said.

As cable television declines and streaming platforms rise, game shows have adapted to new viewing habits. Traditional network staples still draw loyal audiences, but streaming services now offer interactive and on-demand experiences, with features like live voting and second-screen engagement. Social media has also amplified their reach, turning contestants into viral sensations. Despite shifting formats, game shows continue to evolve, proving that the excitement of competition remains timeless.