Gladiators has been revealed as the UK’s most popular game show, according to new data.
New research carried out by online casino site, Playcasino.com, analysed Google Keyword Planner data to determine which TV game shows are the most popular in the UK. A list of game shows from the earliest released to most recent was devised using IMDB and analysed by combining the game show with other related terms to determine their average monthly search volume. The game show was searched on its own and combined with other terms such as {game show} game show, {game show} host, where to watch {game show} and more to determine the ranking.
The most popular game show in the UK is Gladiators with 295,738 average monthly searches. Now presented by Bradley Walsh and his son, Barney, the sports entertainment game show marked its third revival in January 2024 following its second reboot in 2008 and original series in 1992. The BBC One show soared in popularity and is the channels biggest entertainment launch for nearly a decade after reaching 10 million views in 28 days post launch. A second series of the show has been confirmed.
In second place is Channel 4’s Countdown with 90,969 monthly searches on average. Currently presented by Colin Murray and assisted by Rachel Riley, the numerical and lexical show includes contestants trying to outsmart their opponents and its popularity has only increased since its original release in 1982. 40 years later down the line, it still ranks second most popular in the country.
The third most loved game show of all time is The Chase with an average monthly search volume of 82,410. The ITV show, which premiered in 2009, is presented by Bradley Walsh in which contestants from the public answer a series of questions against a professional quiz master in the hope of winning a cash prize. The biggest ever solo prize to be won by a public competitor was £75,000 in 2022.
| Rank | Game Show | Average Monthly Search Volume |
| 1 | Gladiators | 295,738 |
| 2 | Countdown | 90.969 |
| 3 | The Chase | 82,410 |
| 4 | Deal or No Deal | 72,781 |
| 5 | Pointless | 50,218 |
| 6 | Who Wants to Be a millionaire? | 48,970 |
| 7 | Catchphrase | 41,774 |
| 8 | Tipping Point | 39,969 |
| 9 | Mastermind | 38,474 |
| 10 | University Challenge | 36,967 |
In fourth place, with 72,781 average monthly searches is Deal or No Deal. Noel Edmonds began hosting the Channel 4 hit in 2004. The 74-year-old hosted over 3,000 episodes until its cancellation in 2016. The show did make a return in late 2023 with Stephen Mulhern taking over as host and has been renewed for a second series now on ITV.
Taking fifth spot is BBC’s Pointless, which has an average monthly search volume of 50,218. The show where the lowest possible score matters aired in 2009, and to this day is still hosted by Alexander Armstrong. However, his trusty co-host and creator of the show, Richard Osmond, who had been there since the beginning, sadly left in 2022 to focus on his author career. The show is still making new episodes today and collectively has 29 public series and 17 celebrity series.
In sixth place is Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, with an average monthly search volume of 48,970. The game show originally aired in 1998 and was hosted by Chris Tarrant up until 2014. The ITV classic was rebooted in 2018 where Jeremy Clarkson took over as host in which he asks contestants a series of questions in the hope of winning them a million pounds.
Catchphrase places seventh, with an average monthly search volume of 41,774. The original series of Catchphrase was launched in 1986 and hosted by Northern Irish comedian, Roy Walker. The ‘say what you see’ ITV show changed presenters in 2000 to Nick Weir until the show finally called it a day in 2004. The show had a huge reboot in 2013 and is still going today, presented by crowd favourite, Stephen Mulhern.
In eighth place, with 39,969 average monthly searches is Tipping Point. Since its beginning in 2012, Ben Shephard has been hosting the ‘arcade-style’ game show in which contestants answer questions to win counters in the hope of a £10,000 jackpot. The ITV show has recently released a reflective spin-off ‘Tipping Point: Best Ever Finals’ which shows the most impressive wins across the entirety of the show.
In ninth place is Mastermind, with 38,474 average monthly searches. The first ever edition of Mastermind was aired on BBC One in 1972, hosted by former journalist Magnus Magnusson. Claimed as the ‘Olympics of quiz shows’, contestants pick a specialised subject to be quizzed on and all compete to win a glass bowl and the respect of the nation. 21 seasons later and now hosted by Clive Myrie; the show continues to remain a UK favourite.
Ranking as the tenth most loved game show of all time is University Challenge, with an average monthly search volume of 36,967. The BBC Two show just finished its 53rd series in April 2024 since it was introduced in 1962. Currently hosted by Amol Rajan, the show is a test of memory and knowledge where university students from on university compete against another in the UK through a series of different questions.
The UK’s least favourite game show is a A Question of Genius, with a mere 40 average monthly searches. The BBC Two show, hosted by Kirsty Wark, started in 2009 and ran for just over a year before it was set to not be renewed after two series.
Nathan Vega, head of Marketing at Playcasino.com has commented on the findings:
“It is no secret that game shows are a huge hit with the UK public and continue to provide joy and healthy competition amongst the population. Whether you have a real desire to apply for a game show yourself or just enjoy playing along at home, game shows provide the perfect balance of improving your general knowledge whilst having a good time all round.
“It’s nice to see that game shows that have been running for decades are still as popular now as they used to be when they first aired. Not only do the classics feel nostalgic for older viewers, its pleasant to see younger viewers appreciating shows from a different generation.”
