Rachel: Wheel Of Fortune. God knows why! I think it’s because I had a Nintendo game of WOF and I probably left the “start” screen playing in the background a lot.
The Price is Right. This is one of the shows that I used to watch as a kid while I was home sick. It seemed to go on forever. Was it only one hour, or was it four?
Who Wants To Be A Millionaire. It’s modern, annoying, and filled with cheesy synthesizer. The music, coupled with the flashing lights around the stage, is likely to cause a seizure. Plus, that little descending 3-note sequence right before the correct answer is revealed causes me to clench my jaw in terror.
Chuck: Oh, geez. I am such a game show nut, that’s going to be a tough one. Let’s see:
Match Game – Just the very first one that came to mind, but one of my favorite game shows too.
To Tell the Truth (’70s version) – Loved that theme song, and one of the few with actual lyrics (and I adore Kitty Carlisle and Peggy Cass)
What’s My Line? (’70s version) – The classic black and white show is one of my all-time favorite game shows, the ’70s version was a little more simplified but I loved that theme song too (and Arlene Francis).
I bet you’ll get some Family Feud votes, but I don’t consider that a true theme song because it was music that was used on The Price is Right (usually for “A NEW CAR!”) long before the Feud hit the airwaves!
Michael: Chuck … I completely dig that track. Reminds me of the ’50s / ’60s tunes on that funky Palm Springs station I tune into each time I’m out that way. It’s Lounge-O-Rific!
Kim: Match Game ‘73. Although from before my time, I’m somewhat of a recovering Game Show Network junkie and that show was the king of all game shows in my book. Once that funky theme song came on and the “regular” celebrities were introduced (many of which holding funny cards poking fun at each other), I knew I was in for a treat.
$25,000 (or $100,000) Pyramid. It’s impossible not to be in a good mood when you hear the incredibly upbeat Pyramid theme song and see Dick Clark’s smiling face waiting to help you win a whole lot of money as you make your way to the top of the pyramid.
(Tara: Kim, I completely agree. Catchy tune!)
Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego? While most people are probably going to go with Jeopardy!, Family Feud or The Price is Right and I can’t argue that those aren’t probably the most instantly recognizable game show themes, nothing jazzed me up more as a kid than hearing the familiar strains of Rockapella’s Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego? Geography was never made cooler than on this nerdy show! The only other kid’s game show theme that might have put me in a better mood was Nickelodeon’s Guts because I always secretly wanted to take home a piece of the Aggrocrag!
Bob: Jeopardy!, Wheel of Fortune, and seriously I’m struggling for a third — does America’s Funniest Home Videos count? Who Wants to be a Millionaire? Jeopardy! goes without saying. I mean, if anyone has any other show as their top answer, I would be shocked.
Keith: Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, Wheel Of Fortune, The Price Is Right (wow I’m dating myself). Because I’m an old fart and those are the last game shows I can recall having watched!
Michael: Well, I’ve got to say: Each and every one of the above themes is glorious in its own right. And I’d be willing to bet dollars to donuts our readers can add plenty more. Like, say, for instance … The Gong Show … !!!
Clacked by Tara Shrodes
on Jun 08, 2012 @ 13:14 EST5EDT
Loved the Match Game..for the one liners. Didn’t really watch Family Feud too much. Loved Dawson in Hogan’s Heroes and can remember him on a season of Laugh-In. Hmmm…songs..the ones which stick out in my mind the most was Beat the Clock (there is an oldie)..and not sure if it is considered “game”…but the Gong Show.
Great post! Oooh, I forgot about Where In The World Is Carmen Sandiego? DO IT ROCKAPELLA!
Loved Richard Dawson, Match Game, Family Feud, Hogan’s Heroes, and all of the implied but never said naughtiness that was part of TV censorship in that day.
But there will never be another game show theme song like Jeopardy. Without words, we all still find ourselves singing it.
The Crystal Maze is my absolute favourite (did that ever air in the US?). Closely followed by Jeopardy (which was the first that came to mind) and Rockapella’s Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego (thank you, Kim for reminding me about that one!).
It was really sad to hear about the death of Richard Dawson. He, Brett, Charles and Gene must be doing a show in heaven right. They were all so funny together. That was the reason to watch the show. Why can’t there be shows like that now?
Regarding TV game show themes, I really can only remember Jeopardy. Use it every time I am waiting for someone.
You can’t hardly watch Family Fued now it is just so dang vulgar. I am sorry but I just think that guy on there now is too nasty and even some of the questions are a little over the line for me too.
I remember watching Hogan’s Hero’s and I loved Richard Dawson in it and on Laugh In.
I still sing the Carmen Sandiego Song can’t help it will be just driving down the road and it will pop in my head, heck it is there now I will be hearing it all day now!!! lol
6/14/2012 Did they take off Match Game? The game has been shown in Baltimore on the Game Show Network for quite a while. My favorite TV show next to Baseball. Best Game show on TV. I’m very disappointed.
Please put Match Game back on TV. Thank you. Charlotte Lawrence, Baltimore, MD