Top 10 Best British Game Shows
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Nice to see you, to see you… Welcome to WatchMojo UK and today we’ll be counting down our picks for the top 10 Best British Game Shows.
For this list, we’ll be trawling through the UK’s rich history of game shows, from quizzes teeming with trivia, to testing and tiring assault courses, to determine which is the best of the best. So, are we ready?
#10: “Deal or No Deal” (2005-2016)
On the surface, a game of pure chance. But the trick is knowing when to hedge your bets and when to cash out. Hosted by Noel Edmonds and offering the opportunity to win anything from 1p to £500,000, the game sees contestants eliminate boxes filled with money, having brought their own cash prize to the table. Along the way however, the infamously cunning Banker is always looking to cut a deal, which can often leave the player out of pocket.
#9: “Mastermind” (1972-)
Cue the ominous music. An old school quiz show that dates back to the early 70s, the premise of “Mastermind” is simple; choose a specialist subject and answer as many questions as you can within an allotted time. Unlike other quiz shows, “Mastermind” is renowned for its intimidating atmosphere, which was allegedly inspired by Gestapo interrogation techniques. Yeah. But the specialist subjects are its real charm. And you can choose almost anything, from Sir Francis Bacon to WatchMojo top 10s.
#8: “Gladiators” (1992-2000)
Picture “It’s a Knockout” on steroids, and you’ve got “Gladiators”. Taking extreme assault courses to a whole new level, this TV show had contenders competing against each other and a group of burly Gladiators, from Jet to Hunter and Lightning to Wolf - aiming to win as many of the physically-demanding tasks as possible. Swinging, climbing, dodging, whacking; no matter what game it was, it was exhilarating to watch. Especially the dreaded “Eliminator” in the final round. Everything about this show was memorable, even its referee, John Anderson.
#7: “Pointless” (2009-)
To another quiz, and one where a correct answer, isn’t always good enough.”Pointless” asks contestants to give the most obscure answer possible to any given question, to better their chances of progressing. Hosted by comic duo Alexander Armstrong and Richard Osman, it’s a chirpy show, but arguably one of the hardest, due to its niche categories - from 21st Century comeback albums to films starring Sean Connery. If you think you’ve got all the answers, guess again.
#6: “The Generation Game” (1971-)
A show that united households - depending on how well your team did of course - “The Generation Game” saw family members pair up and compete to win prizes. From imitating elaborate dance routines to meticulously creating sculptures, the challenges were always whacky and incredibly difficult, leading to hilarious results. Most notably hosted by the late Bruce Forsyth, he added to the shows farcical nature with an upbeat style and a bucket full of catchphrases.
#5: “Who Wants to be a Millionaire” (1998-2014)
If you were after a serious payout, but didn’t want to leave your seat, then this is the show you’d look to. And it was simple; correctly answer up to 15 multiple choice questions and you could win £1 million. With its engrossing atmosphere, contestant lifelines and iconic music, this show was always entertaining to watch - and it was expertly orchestrated by Chris Tarrant. While other shows handed out washer/dryers, this show made you rich.
#4: “Catchphrase” (1986-)
Perhaps the most entertaining game show to play along with at home, “Catchphrase” asked contestants to say what they saw - literally. With the likes of Roy Walker and Stephen Mulhern taking the reins as presenters, and Mr. Chips leading the way as mascot, it’s pretty much guaranteed to get everyone shouting at the TV. And it’s served up its fair share of unexpected hilarity too, with rubbish answers and suspect imagery.
#3: “The Krypton Factor” (1977-2010)
For a show about colourful puzzles and fun, physical games, you’d be surprised how intense and ridiculously competitive “The Krypton Factor” could be. There was no messing around. Each game would cross-examine contestants on their agility, observational skills and general knowledge, with points awarded for each win, contributing to an overall ‘Krypton Factor’ for each player. From flight-simulators to an army assault course, reconstructing objects to numeracy tests, it was creative, tough and not for the faint hearted.
#2: “Countdown” (1982-)
Sticking with next-level stuff, it’s impossible blag your way through this game. Testing contestants numeracy and literacy skills, “Countdown” is all about quick anagrams and complicated maths puzzles. Most famously fronted by Richard Whiteley and Carol Vorderman, and backdropped by the big clock, "Countdown" has seen many celebrities try their hand at it. And although quite an intellectual show, it only takes a certain set of letters to send everyone into a laughing fit.
#1: “The Crystal Maze” (1990-95)
This is it. The ultimate in UK game shows. Crazy tasks, coveted crystals, varied zones and an eccentric host. Hopeful teams are tasked with taking on themed puzzle rooms in an attempt to win crystals, get more time in the dome and have higher hopes of scooping the grand prize. With zany presentation, frustrating brainteasers and a killer soundtrack, it’s one of the most enjoyable and memorable game shows of all time. Although also presented by the likes of Ed Tudor-Pole and Richard Ayoade, the original series with Richard O'Brien will always be our pick!
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