12 Forgotten TV Game Shows from the ’90s
The '90s was a treasure trove of forgotten game shows, where wacky stunts, bizarre concepts, and high-energy trivia made for some of the most entertaining (and overlooked) TV moments of the decade!
- Alyana Aguja
- 4 min read
The ’90s were a halcyon age for game shows, filled with wacky ideas, outlandish challenges, and iconic hosts—but many of them have vanished into the ether. From shopping mall races to virtual mazes and sidesplitting comedy standoffs, these forgotten treasures added innovative spins that made them stand out from the popular sensations. Whether they were ahead of their time or simply too offbeat for mass popularity, these shows are worth a second glance for their sheer ’90s appeal and entertainment value.
1. Debt (1996–1998, Lifetime)
Image from Wikipedia
Hosted by Wink Martindale, Debt allowed contestants to win cash to settle their debts. Players responded to trivia questions with a twist of irony—they needed to word their responses as false answers. The offbeat concept and witty wordplay were appealing but never gained mainstream popularity.
2. Shop ‘Til You Drop (1991–2005, various networks)
Image from IMDb
This quiz show, which featured a mock shopping mall, combined trivia and physical obstacles. Teams competed to finish zany tasks. Contestants needed to guess products, execute stunts, and finally shoplift their way through a prize-filled shopping spree. Although it ran for more than a decade, it’s usually overshadowed by copycat programs like Supermarket Sweep.
3. Caesars Challenge (1993–1994, NBC)
Image from IMDb
Hosted by Ahmad Rashad and a gigantic speaking Roman head called “Julius,” this word game series was played against the glitzy Las Vegas backdrop of Caesars Palace. Contestants unraveled anagram games, with successful solutions revealing letters in a concealed word. However, despite its offbeat Vegas theme, it didn’t last longer than one season.
4. The Big Date (1996–1999, USA Network)
Image from Game Shows Wiki - Fandom
Hosted by Mark L. Walberg (of Temptation Island notoriety), this dating game show had contestants responding to personal questions to determine whether they were a good romantic match. The prize was to get a “big date,” but the cringe-worthy chemistry and over-the-top rejections made it more entertaining than romantic. It was just one of several ’90s dating shows that were lost to time.
5. Legends of the Hidden Temple (1993–1995, Nickelodeon)
Image from IMDb
Though not entirely out of mind, this children’s adventure game program is underrated as opposed to Double Dare. Tandems faced trivia and activity challenges to remove artifacts from an enormous, booby-trapped temple without catching the “temple guards.” Its combination of history, drama, and that iconic stone talking head, Olmec, made it a cult favorite.
6. Trashed (1994, MTV)
Image from Game Shows Wiki - Fandom
This quirky MTV game show had contestants solve pop culture trivia questions or have their personal items literally destroyed. Hosted by Chris Hardwick, it used a giant trash compactor and other radical destruction machines. Its outrageous stunts were in keeping with the ’90s MTV style but were not long-running enough.
7. Video Power (1990–1992, Syndicated)
Image from Wikipedia
Half game show, half video game review program, this program allowed children to win video games by competing in obstacle courses and trivia. The ultimate round was a wild shopping spree, where winners loaded as many games as possible into a Velcro suit. Though brief, it was a dream come true for children of the time who played video games.
8. The Joker’s Wild (1990–1991, Syndicated)
Image from Barry & Enright Wiki - Fandom
This remake of the original ’70s game show used Barry Glazer and a slot-machine game board. Players responded to trivia questions based on the symbols that showed up when they “spun the wheel.” It tried to update the format but failed to gain the popularity of the original.
9. Masters of the Maze (1994–1996, The Family Channel)
Image from Wikipedia
A futuristic game show in which children explored a maze of the future with high-tech puzzles and VR-like challenges. Hosted by J.D. Roth, the show’s sci-fi look and digital effects were cutting-edge for its time. Although its concept was new and exciting, it never received the same popularity as Nick Arcade.
10. Couch Potatoes (1989–1990, Syndicated)
Image from TV Tropes
Technically started in 1989 but aired in 1990, this TV-themed trivia game show tested contestants’ knowledge of classic television. Hosted by Marc Summers (of Double Dare), it had the novel “channel surfing” format where players responded to questions on antiquated sitcoms and dramas. Although brief, it was a fantasy show for television enthusiasts.
11. Make Me Laugh (1997–1998, Comedy Central)
Image from IMDb
Contestants had to suppress laughing as comedians attempted to destroy them with blistering fast one-liners and silly skits. The program included up-and-coming comedians such as Frank Caliendo and possessed an entertaining, improv-like feel. For all of its silly, straightforward concept, it only aired for a single season.
12. Illinois Instant Riches (1994–1998, Syndicated)
Image from YouTube
A local lottery game show broadcasted in Illinois, this program allowed ordinary individuals to win large cash amounts by way of carnival-themed challenges. It was hosted by ex-Jeopardy! champion Mark Labbett combined luck-based and skill-based games. While it gained popularity in the state, it never made the cut at the national level.