Article image

The Best Game Show Catchphrases of All Time

There is something irresistible about watching everyday people like ourselves compete for the chance to win big on game shows. We love to play along and imagine how we would fare if given the chance. The hosts become familiar and cherished figures, and we join in as they call out their famous catchphrases.

It’s a beloved tradition that started in the 1920s, when TIME magazine aired a radio show called The Pop Question Game, in which contestants were quizzed on current events. It was the first game show ever, and others soon followed, expanding on the theme. In 1937, a show called Professor Quiz became the first game show to pay out cash prizes to the contestants as well as people at home who submitted answers to the questions posed on the air. It was an instant success.

When television came along, game shows made the transition easily. The sets were simple, the contestants were eager, and live audiences added to the excitement on stage. In the 1950s, game shows were some of the most highly rated programs on television.

Then, as camera equipment became more transportable, the genre stepped off the sound stage and into the real world, bringing us shows such as Survivor and The Amazing Race. Over the decades, hundreds of game shows have aired with varying degrees of success, and though there are always critics eager to proclaim the genre is dying, new shows are premiering all the time.

In honor of the grand tradition of game shows, we’ve collected a few of our favorite catchphrases from hit programs through the years. If you pause for a moment, you can almost hear each show’s theme music and see the cheering crowds.

Come on down!
“The Price Is Right”

Share Quote

You are the weakest link. Goodbye.
“Weakest Link”

Share Quote

The tribe has spoken.
“Survivor”

Share Quote

Deal, or no deal.
“Deal or No Deal”

Share Quote

Is that your final answer?
“Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?”

Share Quote

Let’s make a deal!
“Let’s Make a Deal”

Share Quote

Shut that door!
“BBC Generation Game TV”

Share Quote

This is Jeopardy!
“Jeopardy!”

Share Quote

Good luck. Travel safe. GO!
“The Amazing Race”

Share Quote

Let’s find out, are you smarter than a 5th grader?
“Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?”

Share Quote

Survey says…
“Family Feud”

Share Quote

Featured image credit: shaunl/ iStock

Author image
About the Author
April Dávila
April Dávila is a lover of words. Her debut novel "142 Ostriches" was released in 2020.
Play more header background
Play more icon
Daily Question
Who said, "We tell ourselves stories in order to live"?

More Inspiration

happiness theme icon

The chief danger in life is that you may take too many precautions.

separator icon
Alfred Adler
motivation theme icon

There is always light, if only we're brave enough to see it. If only we're brave enough to be it.

separator icon
Amanda Gorman
hope theme icon

The truth is the light and light is the truth.

separator icon
Ralph Ellison
love theme icon

Success isn’t about how your life looks to others; it’s about how it feels to you.

separator icon
Michelle Obama
wisdom theme icon

The time to make up your mind about people, is never.

separator icon
Philip Barry
happiness theme icon

'Tis never too late to be wise.

separator icon
Daniel Defoe
motivation theme icon

Love yourself first and everything else falls into line.

separator icon
Lucille Ball
hope theme icon

Peace requires us to surrender our illusions of control.

separator icon
Jack Kornfield
love theme icon

Experience is the name everyone gives to their mistakes.

separator icon
Oscar Wilde
wisdom theme icon

Maybe happiness isn’t what you believe, but who you believe.

separator icon
Phoebe Waller-Bridge
happiness theme icon

The most important thing in communication is hearing what isn't said.

separator icon
Peter Drucker