Examines the competitors, hosts, creative inventors, and industry scandals that characterize enduring game shows while reflecting on how America is changing and honoring one of the most cherished and enduring television genres of all time.
Genre: History, Reality-TV
Cast:Guy Branum , Meredith Vieira , Patrick Gomez , Adam Nedeff , Jerry O'Connell , Sherri Shepherd , Howie Mandel , Drew Carey , Nikki Glaser , Margaret Cho , Jay Leno , Bruce Vilanch , Derrick Beckles , Shelley Herman , Chris Connelly , Bob Goen , Christian Carrion , Marianne Curan
The evolution of the quiz show provides a glimpse into the transformation of American culture, its shifting relationship with knowledge through changes to the kinds of questions hosts ask and the responses they garner.
A behind-the-scenes look at heart-wrenching moments of victory, defeat, and even fraud puts a human face on the popular format.
The evolution of reality competition shows sheds new light on changes to the TV industry, as well as broader social shifts in American culture.
How dating and relationship shows have revolutionized the game show genre while also offering a compelling reflection of society at large, helping Americans navigate changing social norms around love, sex, and gender roles.