game-show

Word family

• game show
  nounA2

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

A 'game show' is the broad, most common term for any televised competition where contestants play games, answer questions, or complete tasks for prizes. A 'quiz show' is a subtype centred on factual questions (e.g., 'Jeopardy!', 'Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?'), but excludes physical or talent-based contests. A 'competition show' covers a wider range of formats, including sports tournaments and talent contests that may not follow the quick-round, point-scoring structure typical of game shows. A 'reality contest' (e.g., 'Survivor', 'The Great British Bake Off') emphasises personal narratives, elimination processes, and often unfolds over multiple episodes rather than a single sitting. In everyday use, call a fast-paced, question-based programme a 'game show'; save 'reality contest' for shows that focus on participants' personalities and long-term journeys.

Common collocations

Etymology

The compound 'game show' came into use in the early 1950s, around the same time that television quiz programmes became a popular format in the United States and Britain. 'Game' traces back to Old English 'gamen', meaning joy or amusement, and 'show' comes from Old English 'sceawian', meaning to look at or see. The two words were combined as a noun phrase to describe a televised competition format, and by the mid-1950s the hyphenated compound 'game-show' was in regular use in broadcasting industry writing.