The 28 Most Popular Game Show Hosts Through the Years

Everyone’s got their favorite. We have the classics, like Chuck Woolery and Bob Barker, the legends like Alex Trebek and Pat Sajak — and the newcomers like Anthony Anderson and Jane Lynch. Sure, contestants keep things interesting, but it’s just good old fashioned fun to see regular people win life-changing amounts of money.

And viewers are definitely into it. Game Show Network airs encores of classics, as well as new games. Originally game shows were more of a daytime thing, but tons of older game shows have sparked primetime revivals in the past few years, like Match Game, 100,000 Pyramid and Press Your Luck. And if you’re too young to remember the originals, the networks are putting current celebs like Elizabeth Banks, Joel McHale and Steve Harvey in the host spots to attract new viewers.

And that’s just the beginning. A reboot of Supermarket Sweep is starting in fall 2020, and viewers are pumped. Netflix even released 15 episodes of the classic show ahead of the reboot’s premiere. There are also versions of You Bet Your Life and Wipeout in the works. Whether you love to watch them, dream of being on them, or both, game show hosts are a big part of what draws viewers in.

Basically, game shows are all about fun. There’s definitely the nostalgia element since some of today’s shows date back to the '60s, but hosts are now putting a modern spin on these classics. And newer ones like The Wall and Ellen’s Game of Games are proof that game shows are a staple that aren’t going anywhere. We check in on original game show hosts from way back when, as well as the hosts of today’s favorites.