Top 10 Game Show Shockers That Had Everyone Talking!

Game shows have waddled their way into our hearts and living rooms, much like an overenthusiastic pet in need of a bath. This beloved staple transitioned from radio waves to the flickering screen, blossoming into a nearly century-long affair that still captivates audiences today. The allure is simple yet irresistible: anyone has the chance to strike it rich with just a dash of luck and a sprinkle of charm—at least, that’s the fairy tale we all bought into.

Ah, but beneath that glossy veneer lies a history of mischief, scandal, and the occasional rude awakening. Ever since game shows made their colorful debut, there have been enough smarmy host antics, contestant missteps, and outright cheating to fill a few hefty tomes. Indeed, only a select few scandals rise to the top, the crème de la crème of controversy, if you will. So, let’s dive into the ten most eyebrow-raising moments in game show history—ranked from “slightly awkward” to “I need a lawyer!”

First up is the moment when Whoopi Goldberg graced the final episode of Hollywood Squares in 2002. With hearts heavy and tissues at the ready, viewers tuned in for what was supposed to be an emotional farewell. Instead, what unfolded sparked a firestorm. Asked about President George W. Bush's biggest mishap, Whoopi didn’t sugarcoat her response: “Going to war with Iraq.” Cue the collective gasp, especially since the show was known for its wholesome family fun. After all, who knew politics could be as polarizing as a pineapple on pizza? While her words resonated with some, NBC took the high road, opting not to take action. After all, she was on her way out, and much like the late-night pizza you regret ordering, the controversy quickly faded from memory.

Moving along, we revisit the ever-dapper Jeopardy! host, Alex Trebek, who, after a stellar run on television, found himself in a bit of a pickle in 2016. During a segment, he introduced contestant Susan Cole, prompting her to describe her favorite genre of music. After Susan enthusiastically elaborated on nerdcore hip-hop, Trebek couldn’t help but interject with a cheeky “Losers, in other words.” The atmosphere shifted from jovial to palpably tense faster than you can say “not-so-friendly banter.” His comment sparked mixed reactions—was it humor or a thoughtless jab? Trebek, brushing it off, maintained that it was all in good fun. Ah, Alex, master of games and perhaps master of the eyebrow-raise as well!

Next, we have the unforgettable moment from Family Feud, where contestant Christie managed to turn a fun question about qualities that describe zombies into pure chaos by answering “black.” The look on Steve Harvey's face was priceless—a mix of shock and “did she really just say that?” As uncomfortable laughter rippled through the studio, Harvey reprimanded her with a rather direct “Shut up, lady!” The awkwardness hung thick in the air like an overcooked Thanksgiving turkey, and unsurprisingly, “black” wasn’t even a survey answer. Lesson learned here? Think before you buzz in!

Meanwhile, over on the British side of the pond, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire saw contestant Major Charles Ingram win £1 million. But hold your applause! It seemed his good fortune stemmed from his not-so-subtle cough-inducing cheer squad in the audience. As his wife and a friend orchestrated coughs in response to the correct answers, their ruse was ultimately unveiled, leading to consequences that made the Major’s military career resemble a sinking ship. Talk about taking a gamble that didn’t pay off!

Then there’s Kerry Ketchem, who pulled off one of the most brazen acts of deception on Super Password in 1988. Winning a staggering $58,000 while on the lam from multiple charges, he became a contestant who quite literally let nothing stand in his way. Alas, his moment of fame turned into infamy when an eagle-eyed viewer recognized him, leading to his downfall as he was intercepted by the Secret Service. Talk about a dramatic twist worthy of a late-night soap opera!

We can’t forget about the clever Michael Larson, who cracked the code of the Press Your Luck Big Board to pocket an unprecedented $110,237 in 1984. CBS, realizing they had been outsmarted but not technically cheated, scrambled to adjust the game’s mechanics before Larson could set off a new trend in winning. The man held the keys to a game show revolution, all while making his brilliant yet slightly shady play!

A moment that sparked immense outrage involved Renee Durette on Wheel of Fortune, who confidently claimed, “seven swans a-swimmin’” without pronouncing the “g.” To the disbelief of many, host Pat Sajak couldn’t accept her answer—it felt like being told you can’t have dessert after eating your vegetables. The uproar on social media was swift, as opponents rallied to Durette’s side, claiming she had been thoroughly cheated out of her prize! Even the eventual winner felt the sting of injustice. Sorry, Pat, this is one episode that left a sour taste in viewers’ mouths.

And let us not forget young Thomas Hurley, who faced a similar fate on Jeopardy! when his correct but misspelled answer—“emancipation” with an extra “t”—was deemed incorrect.