Top 30 Most Shocking Game Show Scandals
Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the most shocking, head-scratching, and eyebrow-raising moments on game shows that caught viewers off guard, and promptly garnered significant media attention. Have you ever participated in any of these game shows? Tell us about your experience in the comments below.
#30: Marc Summers Is Fired
“Hollywood Squares” (1966-2004)
Veteran TV personality Marc Summers is best known as the host of the slime-filled children’s game show “Double Dare” on Nickelodeon. Following the conclusion of that show, Summers was slated to host the 1998 revival of “Hollywood Squares.” However, before the series even premiered, he was unexpectedly fired and replaced with Tom Bergeron. This decision allegedly stemmed from Summers’ public disclosure of his diagnosis with obsessive-compulsive disorder, which he shared on “The Oprah Winfrey Show.” Unfortunately, this revelation came at a time when understanding of the disorder was limited, and it fueled rumors in the industry that Summers would be difficult to work with. This seemingly led to him getting booted off the show.
#29: Disney vs. Celador
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“Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” (1999-2002; 2002-19; 2020-21)
It’s a classic tale of David vs. Goliath, with David ultimately emerging victorious. The game show “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” originated in the UK before gaining massive popularity after it was adapted for American audiences in 1999. The British version was developed by the independent production firm, Celador, which later alleged that ABC and Disney breached their contract and engaged in underhanded tactics. According to their initial agreement, Celador was entitled to half of the profits if the show succeeded. However, Disney allegedly withheld Celador’s rightful share of the profits, prompting them to take legal action against the entertainment giant. Ultimately, a jury sided with Celador, awarding them a staggering $269 million judgment against Disney.
#28: Too Risqué for TV
Top 20 Game Show Scandals
“The Newlywed Game” (1966-2013)
During its time on the air, “The Newlywed Game” gained notoriety for its risqué content, with host Bob Eubanks often steering the show into sexually charged territory. Although some of these suggestive jokes would draw little to no attention today, back in the 1960s and ‘70s, they were considered highly inappropriate. Even the word “sex” had to be replaced with “whoopee” to make it past TV censors. In one notable instance, Eubanks asked a contestant for the weirdest place they had “made whoopee,” prompting a very controversial yet unintentionally hilarious response. This answer sparked so much debate that for years, many commentators insisted that it never aired and was merely an urban legend.
#27: Game Show Smackdown
Another Top 10 Game Show Scandals
“Pictionary” (1997-98)
This may be the most politically incorrect thing to ever happen on a game show. Comedian Bill Maher got a little more than he bargained for when he appeared on an episode of “Pictionary” in 1997. During the taping, actor Erik Estrada successfully deciphered one of the categories and celebrated by throwing his hands in the air. However, Maher simultaneously leaned forward from his seat, inadvertently colliding with Estrada’s fist. The show quickly cut away, and by the time it returned, Maher was seen tending to an injury on his face. There may be no clearer indication of how much hurt was caused than Maher’s first guess at the next image – brain damage.
#26: A Litany of Problems
Top 10 Game Show Scandals
“Manhunt” (2001)
Before rising to prominence as a professional wrestler, John Cena appeared in this short-lived reality game show that was canceled amid a series of controversies. Titled “Manhunt,” the show followed 13 contestants in a remote setting trying to evade capture by actors posing as bounty hunters. Although initially purported to be filmed on location in Hawaii, an investigation later revealed that parts of the show were actually shot at Griffith Park in Los Angeles. Additionally, accusations arose that the production company, Paramount Television, had tried to manipulate the outcome in favor of a particular contestant, which was in violation of FCC regulations. “Manhunt” aired only six episodes before it swiftly received the chop.
#25: The Phone-in Scandal
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“Richard & Judy” (2001-09)
In 2007, a scandal rocked the UK when it came to light that several popular TV shows had deceived viewers through pre-selected televised competitions. The controversy originated from the show “Richard & Judy,” in particular their segment “You Say We Pay,” where callers paid £1 for a chance to participate in a game with the hosts. However, an investigation uncovered that the show had already chosen potential winners in advance, but kept the phone lines open for additional callers who stood no chance of being selected. This revelation exposed similar deceptive practices across other game shows of the time. As a result, Channel 4, which aired “Richard & Judy” received a hefty fine, and dropped the show the following year.
#24: Nick Cannon Is Fired... Then Unfired
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“Wild 'n Out” (2005-)
The MTV improv game show “Wild 'n Out” was created by Nick Cannon in 2005, who hosted the program to tremendous success. In 2020, all of that was threatened when Cannon came under fire for reportedly making hateful statements and promoting anti-Semitic conspiracy theories. Following this controversy, ViacomCBS, MTV’s parent company, publicly denounced Cannon’s behavior and fired him from the show. Cannon later issued a public apology and subsequently put in the effort to make amends for the hurt he caused. After demonstrating his commitment to educating himself, ViacomCBS recognized Cannon’s efforts and reinstated their partnership. This allowed him to resume hosting “Wild ‘n Out,” just seven months after his initial departure.
#23: The Gambling Suit-case
Top 20 Shocking Kids Show Scandals
“Deal or No Deal” (2005-19)
Like many other game shows, “Deal or No Deal” offers viewers a chance to participate and play a version of the game from the comfort of their homes. Needless to say, you’re more likely to lose than win. However, Michael and Michele Hardin, a couple from Georgia, refused to take their loss lying down… on the couch. They decided to drag the producers of the show to court, claiming that the game violated the state’s anti-gambling laws. The Hardins believed they were entitled to a refund of the money they had spent sending text messages for a chance to win on the show. Nevertheless, the Georgia Supreme Court disagreed with them and threw the case out.
#22: The Password Is Not “Password”
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“Million Dollar Money Drop” (2010-11)
The Fox game show “Million Dollar Money Drop” lasted just one season before it was canceled. Despite its short run, it managed to generate significant controversy. One notable incident involved Andrew and Patricia Murray, a couple from California, who participated as contestants and lost $580,000. Their downfall came when they were asked to provide the most common computer password, to which they confidently responded with “Password.” Much to their surprise, they were told the correct answer was “123456” and were subsequently eliminated. Upon further investigation, the couple claimed that the show’s data was sourced from a singular hacking incident, which was limited in scope. Consequently, they sued for the exact amount they had lost.
#21: Rigged Gameplay
“The Chase” (2009-)
“The Chase” is a popular game show that features a professional quizzer, known as the Chaser, competing against regular contestants in an intense, fast-paced trivia challenge. If the contestants manage to evade the Chaser, they stand a chance to win large sums of money. Hence, since its premiere, the show has been accused of rigging the game in favor of the Chaser. Some viewers believe this is achieved by either making the Chaser’s questions easier or speeding up their reading to help them score more points. Despite these claims, the show’s host, Bradley Walsh, has firmly denied any wrongdoing, stating that the game is overseen by independent lawyers, to ensure fairness.
#20: There’s No “Ton” in Wimbledon
Top 10 Dating Show Controversies & Scandals
“Jeopardy!” (1964-)
When “Jeopardy!” contestant Reid Rodgers answered “The Sporting Life for 400”, he narrowly missed the mark by just one letter. Moments after what sounded like a correct answer, host Alex Trebek announced that Rodgers mispronounced the correct answer of Wimbledon as ‘Wimbeton’. $800 was swiftly deducted from his total: $400 for getting the wrong answer, and an additional $400 subtracted from the points he had gained. At least he followed this mishap with a correct answer to the Daily Double... pronounced correctly this time.
#19: Don’t Drop the “G”
Top 20 Reality Show Controversies & Scandals
“Wheel of Fortune” (1975-)
Who knew that pronunciation mattered so much – especially on “Wheel of Fortune”? This was a hard lesson for contestant Renee Durette in 2012. Following her enthusiastic cry of, “Seven Swans A-Swimmin’,” Renee, the audience, and viewers at home were surprised to hear Pat Sajak say that her answer was incorrect. Why? Because it’s swimming, not swimmin’. While it was obvious to anyone watching what Renee was saying, dropping that G cost her the round. And, despite the uproar on social media, the show stood by its decision.
#18: Name That Tune
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“Pasapalabra” (2000-)
“Pasapalabra” is a Spanish game show wherein celebrities team up with everyday people to help them win cash and prizes. Sounds innocent enough, right? Well, a small scandal occurred when it was revealed that one of the guests, model/actress Adriana Abenia, had cheated during the show's "name that tune" segment. Abenia was on fire, but when her legs began to flash and vibrate it was revealed that she was actually using Shazam to get the answers. Her ruse busted, the scam actually went down well with the studio audience and was mostly laughed off by the show's host as well as by Abenia herself.
#17: To Flip Flop or Not to Flip Flop?
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"The Price Is Right" (1972-)
If you're going to play the game, then do it the right way. Maybe this is what host Bob Barker should've told this flip floppy cheater. A contestant named Brenton was tasked with playing "Flip Flop," a game where the aim is to uncover four digits of an item's price via a series of flipped and flopped squares. Instead of doing this, Brenton decided to just press the button that reveals the item's actual price, effectively nullifying the entire game. Barker was not amused with this, and wandered off the stage, only to return and give Brenton the prize anyway.
#16: The Lucky Letter
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"Wheel of Fortune" (1975-)
Guests on "Wheel of Fortune" usually spin the wheel a couple of times before even attempting to solve the puzzle, but it took this lucky contestant only one letter to guarantee her victory. Caitlin Burke used a number of methods to choose her answer, including a lot of home play and the knowledge that "I've" is one of the most common contractions used in a sentence. As a result, with just an “L” and an apostrophe to go by, Burke solved “I've Got a Good Feeling About This”, which proved not only to be true but also completely stunned host Pat Sajak.
#15: Modeling Woes
"The Price Is Right" (1972-)
Models and “The Price Is Right” go hand and hand... sometimes. It’s true that the beautiful ladies have been a show staple for decades, but not every model’s well-crafted smile has been genuine. There are several stories of models suing the series for various reasons: sexual harassment, weight discrimination, being fired for getting pregnant... just to name a few. Model Brandi Sherwood-Cochran famously filed a lawsuit against “The Price Is Right” after she was refused back on the show following her maternity leave in 2009. However, most of these cases were settled, dropped, or appealed, but we can’t shake the feeling that there’s some tension behind the scenes between that first “come on down” to the final Showcase.
#14: Reading the Signs
“Millionaire Hot Seat” (2009-23)
Khaled El-Katateny fancied himself an "alpha male," and was supremely confident going into his appearance on the Australian version of "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire." Katateny won a hundred thousand dollars during his appearance on "Hot Seat," despite not actually knowing any of the answers. Instead, the contestant read the body language, eyes and cadence of the show's host, Eddie McGuire. Since this isn't technically cheating, Katateny was allowed to keep his prize, a result that made this already smug Melbourne law student very happy.
#13: Getting Gonged
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“The Gong Show” (1976-80)
The Gong Show was a cult hit for NBC, but never quite gelled with network executives behind the scenes, thanks largely to the show's chaotic, "anything can happen" atmosphere. Chuck Barris hosted the classic version of "The Gong Show" from 1976 to 1980, and fit in just fine with the array of everyday people looking for their fifteen minutes of fame. It was after the daytime version of the show was canceled when Barris really let NBC know what he thought of them, however, singing "Take this Job and Shove It" during the show's finale and flipping a censored bird to the camera.
#12: Rigged for Kids
“Our Little Genius” (2010)
This game show found itself in hot water right from the get-go. "Our Little Genius" was a kids’ quiz show that was supposed to debut on Fox in 2010, with comedian Kevin Pollak serving as host. However, producer Mark Burnett had the show postponed a week before it was scheduled to air, thanks to two separate accusations of contestants being given advanced knowledge of topics. Although answers were not provided, questions and themes were reportedly discussed at length with both parents and kids, resulting in "Our Little Genius" being canceled without airing a single episode.
#11: Not-So-Smooth Criminal
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“Super Password” (1984-89)
Hiding in plain sight doesn’t exactly consist of being a contestant on a game show. In the ‘80s, Kerry Ketchum was wanted for insurance fraud, credit card fraud, and forgery. Surely, all he needed to do to elude the authorities was use a different name, right? Taking on the alias “Patrick Quinn”, he went on the show in 1988 and proceeded to win big... and was then promptly arrested when he went to pick up his money because a viewer at home recognized him and called the police. And no, he couldn’t keep the money because he won under false pretenses; this also means he most certainly did not use the winnings to pay back his debts.
#10: Misspelling Counts... Even for Kids
“Jeopardy!” (1964-)
You’d think a game show would go easy on a kid, right? In 2013, Thomas Hurley III appeared on “Kids’ Jeopardy!” and, in the final round, answered the question correctly... except he spelled it wrong. This was counted as an incorrect answer, and social media went nuts over the decision. Some viewers felt that Alex Trebek had embarrassed the 12-year-old while others applauded the show for not giving credit to a misspelled answer. At least Thomas was able to bring some money home for his second place win.
#9: Mike Richards Is Fired
“Jeopardy!” (1964-)
Following the unfortunate passing of Alex Trebek in 2020, speculation quickly arose over who would succeed him as the host of “Jeopardy!” A variety of guest hosts took turns in the subsequent weeks until it was announced that Mike Richards, the show’s executive producer, would permanently fill the position. However, Richards lasted only one week on the job before he resigned. This decision stemmed from derogatory comments he had made about women in the past. His appointment had initially sparked controversy, as some believed he had unfairly awarded himself the role over more qualified candidates. Shortly after he stepped down as host, Richards was also dismissed from his position as executive producer of the show.
#8: Marriage for Money
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“The Moment of Truth” (2008-09)
How willing would you be to answer intensely personal questions, in front of a television audience, while attached to a polygraph machine? Well, Fox gave it a go, and the results were as cringe-worthy as you'd imagine. Case in point: the marriage of Lauren and Frank Cleri, which was ruined when Lauren's ex-boyfriend Frank Nardi, Jr. came into the picture. Lauren admitted that she had cheated on her husband, and answered positively to her ex's question of "do you think I am the man you should be married to?" Adding insult to injury, Lauren's final game tally was zero.
#7: Coughing to Victory
“Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” [UK] (1998-2014)
This is exactly what it sounds like. In 2001, Charles Ingram implemented a somewhat clever and cheaty idea: he read the answers out loud and had his wife and friend cough when he said the right one. Unless you use that lifeline, audience participation isn’t part of the game. Ingram had to give back the million he won and pay a fine of 15,000 pounds. Worse still, as a result of the scam, Ingram was dismissed from his job as a Major in the British Army.
#6: No Whammies Lead to Life Whammies
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“Press Your Luck” (1983-86)
After recording episodes and studying the pattern of the board, Mike Larson appeared on “Press Your Luck” in 1984 and completely annihilated the competition by taking home over $100,000. Since it technically wasn’t cheating, Larson was free to keep his winnings. Unfortunately, not everyone knows what to do with that much money: his missteps included making a sizable withdrawal to take part in a radio game show, having $50,000 stolen from his home, and later taking part in a scheme involving a foreign lottery. His participation in the scheme put him on the run from authorities until his untimely death in 1999... the whammies of life hit Larson hard.
#5: That One Scandal Where Congress Stepped In
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“Twenty One” (1956-58; 2000)
Practically every single television show today is accused of being staged in some fashion. However, back in the 1950s, the news was so shocking that no one believed it when former contestant Herbert Stempel completely spilled the truth after his loss to Charles Van Doren. The fallout revealed that everything about the show - even Stempel’s image and backstory - had been set up and tinkered with by the producers. Meanwhile, the show was feeding answers to the contestants, and pre-deciding the show’s outcome. When it was all said and done, Congress had to step in and amend the Communications Act to declare fixing quiz shows illegal.
#4: Spotlight on a Murderer
“Bullseye” [UK] (1981-2006)
John Cooper didn't walk away from “Bullseye” a winner, but eventually his brief shot at glory was a major win for the British public. Unknown at the time, Cooper was already a two-time murderer, having killed a brother and sister in 1985, and killing Peter and Gwenda Dixon a month after his game show strike out. In 1998 Cooper was convicted of a string of robberies, and served 10 years in prison. However, soon after his release police investigated a murder cold case, which through advanced forensic science, DNA, and his “Bullseye” footage, they were able to pin on him. Cooper was arrested soon after, and convicted in 2011.
#3: The Popsicle Twins
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“The Gong Show” (1976-80)
Easily one of the most bizarre moments on "The Gong Show", the so-called Popsicle Twins were a duo of young women whose act was titled "Have You Got a Nickel.” Their segment was initially only aired on the east coast before being pulled, when it was noticed that the simple act of enjoying an ice lolly was a bit more suggestive than it first appeared. Score-wise, the act was a dud – with only Jaye P. Morgan picking up what the girls were laying down, and TV's Klinger Jamie Farr awarding it a mere two points.
#2: Which Came First: The Post-It Or The Walkman?
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“Million Dollar Money Drop” (2010-11)
When couples appear on game shows, networks are hoping for some relationship hijinks. And that’s exactly what this show got... in the worst way possible. Gabe Okoye and Brittany Mayti were well on their way to $1,000,000 until the “which came first” question came up. After bickering, Okoye went with the Post-It, and the couple watched as $800,000 fell through a trap door because they got the... right answer? Though the show’s research team had checked with 3M, Post-It’s original parent company, a slight technicality meant their information was just plain wrong. Cue the social media outrage, the show offering to bring the couple back and then... Well, the show was canceled after its debut season.
#1: The Dating Game Serial Killer
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“The Dating Game” (1965-99)
Rodney Alcala appeared as Bachelor #1 on “The Dating Game” in 1978 and managed to charm his way through the show to win the date. A decision she would have soon come to regret, Cheryl Bradshaw thankfully didn’t end up going through with it. As it turns out, Alcala had a terrifying criminal history involving multiple murders, kidnapping, and sexual assault, with his victims ranging from adult women to young girls. Moving forward, the importance of doing extensive background checks on contestants cannot be overstated. They could be cheaters. They could be frauds. They could be Rodney Alcala.
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