National Archives of Game Show History Archive

By Adam Nedeff, researcher for the National Archives of Game Show History
In October 2021, the National Archives of Game Show History began recording interviews for our Oral Histories series. Chatting with important figures from game shows past and picking their brains about their experiences, we have attempted to tell the rich story of game shows through the thoughts and memories of these very talented people.
In the month of September, we are honored to present one of our most extraordinary oral […]

Continue Reading about Success and Scandal: The Barry & Enright Story Published on:
August 30, 2023

By Adam Nedeff, researcher for the National Archives of Game Show History
There’s still some time left to get some summer reading done. BearManor Media, which specializes in pop culture titles, has just released two ebook adaptations of biographies of game show legends.
Okay? Okay! Dennis James’ Lifetime of Firsts chronicles the unique life and career of Dennis James, a prolific broadcaster best known as a game show host, with credits including Haggis Baggis, PDQ, and Name That Tune. Although primarily known […]

Continue Reading about Get the Full Story on Two Game Show Legends Published on:
July 26, 2023

We’ve all heard the quotation, “In the future, everyone will be world-famous for 15 minutes.” Often misattributed to artist Andy Warhol (when in fact it was devised by two Swedish museum professionals preparing for a Warhol exhibition), the notion of “15 minutes of fame” has permeated popular culture for more than half a century. These days, just about anyone can be famous, even for a little while. So, how would the average person go about achieving their “15 minutes?” You […]

Continue Reading about Game Show Legends: Bernard and Claire Boiko Published on:
July 14, 2023

By Adam Nedeff, researcher for the National Archives of Game Show History
As you’re strolling through The Strong’s new Hasbro Game Park, you’ll see a 14-foot-long replica of the Scottie dog token from the classic Monopoly board game. A short walk away, there’s a 9 ½-foot long replica of the race car token. There’s also a 7-foot-tall hotel and a 6 ½-foot house. There’s even a Get Out of Jail Free area, bars included.
If you’ve ever played Monopoly, it’s only natural […]

Continue Reading about Monopoly: From Board Game to Prime Time TV Published on:
July 6, 2023

By Adam Nedeff, researcher for the National Archives of Game Show History
The Strong’s latest expansion—opening June 30, 2023—includes the world’s largest, playable Donkey Kong arcade game. Using a motherboard from an original Donkey Kong cabinet, this monolithic version stands nearly 20 feet tall. In honor of this new addition to The Strong, the National Archives of Game Show History is flashing back 40 years to a short-lived but much-loved game show that starred Donkey Kong, Pac-Man, the Mario Brothers, and […]

Continue Reading about A Donkey Kong Game Show? Starcade Provided Video Gaming Star Power Published on:
May 24, 2023

By Adam Nedeff, researcher for the National Archives of Game Show History
Here at the National Archives of Game Show history, we like to explore the history and culture of game shows. Happily, we are not alone. Beginning on May 10, 2023, ABC will devote four Wednesday evenings to exploring and celebrating the genre with “The Game Show Show,” a documentary miniseries. (Two of the people involved with the National Archives of Game Show History will be featured on the show!)
Opening […]

Continue Reading about The Game Show…Show Published on:
April 24, 2023

By Adam Nedeff, researcher for the National Archives of Game Show History
This year, Game Show Network is treating fans to a blast from the past—the channel is launching a revival of Split Second, a tough Q&A game that enjoyed a three-year run on ABC with host Tom Kennedy in the 1970s. Split Second returned in the 1980s with executive producer Monty Hall pulling double duty as host. While it ran for only one season in first-run broadcasts, Hall’s version […]

Continue Reading about From Backstage to the Spotlight Published on:
March 27, 2023

By Adam Nedeff, researcher for the National Archives of Game Show History
For the month of February, the National Archives of Game Show History commemorates Presidents’ Day with a look back at one of the most extraordinary segments on an American game show.
On February 9, 1956, Garry Moore dashed into the wings of the I’ve Got a Secret stage and walked out with frail, bandaged, cane-toting, 96-year-old Samuel Seymour. Seymour got three rounds of applause before the game even started. One […]

Continue Reading about President Lincoln’s TV Game Show Moment Published on:
January 17, 2023

By Adam Nedeff, researcher for the National Archives of Game Show History
We are deeply grateful to the estate of Betty White and Allen Ludden for their donations to the National Archives of Game Show History. “Hollywood’s Happiest Couple” left behind a personal treasure trove of relics from their long and memorable association with TV game shows. Among them—a history-making Emmy Award given to Betty White for her work on Just Men!—now loaned from the estate for display at The […]

Continue Reading about Betty White Made Game Show History Published on:
December 21, 2022