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On The Table Read Magazine, “the best entertainment eBook magazine UK“, these are the UK’s most popular game shows and why we love them, is yours included?
Game show lovers, we’ve got some exciting news; new data has crowned the UK’s ultimate TV game shows! The brilliant folks at Plejmo dove deep into our viewing passions, sifting through monthly search volumes for 70 British game shows – from retro gems to fresh faves – using a whopping 900 search terms to reveal the competitions we can’t stop buzzing about. Ready to find out which shows have us glued to our screens and why they’re so darn addictive? Let’s jump in and see if your top pick made the cut!
University Challenge, a BBC staple since 1962, pits teams of university students against each other in a high-stakes quiz that tests knowledge across history, science, literature, and pop culture. Two teams of four face off, answering rapid-fire starter questions (worth 10 points) and trickier bonus questions (15 points each). Hosted by the sharp-witted Amol Rajan, the show’s intense format sees teams race to buzz in first – but a wrong answer docks points, adding nail-biting tension. Imperial College London currently holds the title, proving their academic prowess.
With 19,426 monthly searches, particularly from brainy hubs like Birmingham, York, and Reading, University Challenge is a national treasure. It’s the thrill of watching young minds tackle questions that leave us stumped at home, shouting answers at the TV (and occasionally getting one right!). The show’s prestige – it’s been running for over six decades – and its no-nonsense format make it a magnet for quiz lovers. Plus, Amol Rajan’s charm keeps the energy lively, while the chance to cheer for underdog universities adds emotional stakes. Whether you’re a trivia nerd or just love a good contest, this show’s intellectual swagger keeps us coming back.
Since its 2008 debut, Only Connect has been the BBC’s go-to for puzzle enthusiasts, hosted by the endlessly witty Victoria Coren Mitchell. Teams of three compete to find connections between seemingly unrelated clues – think linking “Yellow Submarine” and “Octopus’s Garden” as Beatles songs with underwater themes. The rounds escalate in difficulty: from spotting connections in four clues to decoding missing links in sequences or solving fiendish word walls. With nearly two million viewers per episode, it’s a cerebral showdown unlike any other.
Racking up 15,159 monthly searches, with fans in Cardiff, Leeds, and Glasgow leading the charge, Only Connect is a puzzle-lover’s paradise. Its popularity lies in its brain-twisting creativity – the clues demand lateral thinking, rewarding those “aha!” moments when connections click. Victoria Coren Mitchell’s playful banter and razor-sharp intellect make every episode a delight, while the show’s niche vibe feels like a secret club for clever clogs. It’s not just a quiz; it’s a mental workout that leaves you feeling smarter (or humbly baffled), and its cult following proves we can’t resist a challenge that’s equal parts fun and fiendish.
Mock the Week, which ran from 2005 to 2022 on the BBC, was a hilarious blend of comedy and current affairs. Hosted by Dara Ó Briain, with regular panellist Hugh Dennis stealing laughs in all 245 episodes, the show featured top UK comedians riffing on news stories. Rounds like “Scenes We’d Like to See” had panellists improvising gags, while “Newsreel” saw them dubbing voices onto footage for maximum hilarity. Teams competed for points, but the real goal was landing the biggest laughs.
Even after its finale, Mock the Week pulls in 13,371 monthly searches, a testament to its enduring charm. Fans adore its razor-sharp wit and the chemistry between comedians, from stalwarts like Frankie Boyle to new faces keeping things fresh. The show’s ability to skewer politics and culture with irreverent humour made it a weekly must-watch, offering catharsis in chaotic times. Its accessibility – you didn’t need to be a news junkie to giggle – and Dara’s warm, quick-witted hosting cemented its place in our hearts. We’re still searching for clips to relive those belly-laugh moments!
ITV’s The Chase, launched in 2009, is a primetime juggernaut hosted by the ever-charismatic Bradley Walsh. Contestants team up to outsmart a quiz genius (the Chaser) in a race against time. Each player faces a head-to-head with the Chaser, answering questions to bank cash, then joins teammates for a final round to protect their prize. With 17 series, 2,390 episodes, 14 celebrity specials, and six Beat the Chasers editions, it’s a quiz empire. Chasers like Mark Labbett and Anne Hegerty are household names.
With 13,326 monthly searches, The Chase is a UK obsession. Its appeal lies in the high-stakes drama – watching contestants dodge the Chaser’s relentless pursuit feels like a game of cat-and-mouse. Bradley Walsh’s humour and knack for connecting with players add warmth, while the Chasers’ formidable knowledge (and cheeky taunts) keep us on edge. It’s a show for everyone: families play along at home, rooting for underdogs to outwit the pros. The mix of strategy, speed, and surprises – like rare moments when the team wins big – makes every episode a rollercoaster we can’t stop watching.
The Crystal Maze is a cult classic where teams navigate themed zones (Industrial, Futuristic, Medieval, Aztec) to solve physical, mental, skill, and mystery challenges. Each win earns a crystal, trading for time in the Crystal Dome, where players grab gold tickets for prizes. Originally aired in the 1990s, it was revived in 2017, keeping its chaotic charm.
With 13,130 monthly searches, The Crystal Maze thrives on nostalgia. Its quirky tasks – like untangling ropes or solving riddles under pressure – are endlessly entertaining, especially when teammates shout conflicting advice! The show’s playful energy and retro vibe make it a feel-good escape, appealing to both original fans and new viewers craving adventure.
Countdown, a Channel 4 icon since 1982, challenges contestants to create the longest words from random letters and solve maths puzzles with six numbers. Hosted by various presenters (currently Colin Murray), with Susie Dent in Dictionary Corner, it’s a daily brain-teaser for word and number nerds.
Its 11,570 monthly searches reflect its timeless appeal. Countdown is simple yet addictive – who doesn’t love yelling a seven-letter word at the screen? Its cosy, low-stakes vibe and clever banter make it a comforting ritual, while the mental challenge keeps viewers sharp.
Mastermind sees contestants face intense grilling in a specialist subject (anything from Jane Austen to Jurassic Park) and a general knowledge round, all under the iconic black chair’s spotlight. Hosted by Clive Myrie, its format is unforgiving, with silence amplifying the tension.
With 9,674 searches, Mastermind captivates with its raw intensity. The niche subjects fascinate, and the pressure cooker atmosphere makes every correct answer a triumph. It’s a celebration of dedication, drawing viewers who admire deep knowledge and steely focus.
Deal or No Deal has contestants open numbered boxes containing cash amounts, deciding whether to accept a banker’s offer or risk it all for a bigger prize. Revived in 2023 with Stephen Mulhern, it’s a psychological gamble.
Its 6,561 searches show its grip on our love for suspense. The simplicity – no trivia, just choices – makes it universal, while the emotional rollercoaster of big wins or crushing losses keeps us hooked.
Bullseye blends darts with quizzes, where pairs throw for cash and answer questions to win prizes (or the star prize: a speedboat!). Aired in the 1980s-90s, its retro kitsch lives on.
With 6,556 searches, Bullseye is pure nostalgia. Its quirky mix of pub vibes and cheesy prizes feels like a warm hug from the past, delighting fans who crave a simpler TV era.
From University Challenge’s academic thrills to The Chase’s pulse-pounding pursuits, these game shows tap into our love for competition, laughter, and nostalgia. They’re more than TV – they’re shared moments, whether we’re cheering with friends or playing along solo. So, which one’s your favourite? Let me know if yours made the list or if there’s another gem I should check out!
TV game shows have been a cornerstone of entertainment for decades, offering the perfect mix of competition, humour, and occasional frustration.
Whether playing along at home with friends and family or watching unforgettable moments, including nail-biting finales and unexpected laughs, they continue to be a beloved fixture on our screens.
With the confirmed reboot of BBC favourite Hole in the Wall, it will be exciting to see which beloved TV game shows will be next to return to our screens.
-Max Dahlquist, Senior Content Writer at Plejmo
Source: Google Keyword Planner
Methodology: The rankings were determined using monthly average search volume data from Google Keyword Planner, analysing searches over the past 12 months across 900 search terms for 70 shows.
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