Back in Time Today
Game shows have entertained audiences for decades, offering not just excitement and drama but also moments of sheer absurdity. Some of these incidents were so bizarre that they left viewers questioning how they were allowed to happen. Here, we explore the wildest and most inexplicable moments in game show history that defied logic and, in some cases, common sense.
1. The “Price Is Right” Contestant Who Won… Then Lost Everything
Terry Kniess shocked audiences on The Price Is Right in 2008, when he perfectly bid on a showcase by memorizing item prices. His near-perfect guessing led producers to accuse him of cheating. Despite there being no rules against memorization, they initially withheld his prizes. Public outrage ensued, pressuring producers to eventually award him his winnings. This incident prompted the show to revise its rules, banning price memorization tactics. Kniess’s strategy, while legal, exposed a loophole that fundamentally changed the game. It remains a testament to how far contestants will go to secure a win.
2. “Wheel of Fortune” Contestant Who Couldn’t Spell “Fleece” (But Won Anyway)
In 2014, Julian Batts had viewers of Wheel of Fortune in disbelief. During the puzzle “What Are You Wearing?” the answer was “Fleece,” yet he stumbled over its spelling. Pat Sajak, the host, was visibly taken aback, and the audience was equally puzzled. Despite the slip-up, the rules don’t require contestants to spell words correctly, only to state them. Batts won, but his moment of confusion became internet lore. This incident highlights how game show rules can lead to unexpected outcomes, leaving both contestants and viewers scratching their heads.
3. “Family Feud” Contestant Who Answered “P*y” on Live TV
In a 2016 episode of Family Feud, a contestant was asked to name something you squeeze, and his answer, “P*y,” shocked everyone, especially host Steve Harvey. Harvey’s reaction, dropping to the floor in disbelief, quickly went viral. The answer, though bleeped, was technically accepted as the show’s guidelines didn’t ban such responses. This moment, while humorous to some, sparked discussions about the boundaries of acceptable answers on television. It remains a memorable reminder of how live TV can go unpredictably awry, much to audiences’ amusement.
4. “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” Coughing Scandal
The 2001 coughing scandal on the UK version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire involved contestant Charles Ingram. He and a co-conspirator used strategic coughs to signal correct answers, allowing him to win £1 million. Although initially successful, producers suspected foul play after reviewing the footage, leading to a lawsuit and Ingram’s conviction for fraud. This elaborate scheme demonstrated the lengths some will go for a fortune and led to closer scrutiny of contestant behavior. The scandal remains one of the most infamous in game show history.
5. “Double Dare” Contestant Who Got Stuck in a Giant Ear
During a particularly chaotic episode of Nickelodeon’s Double Dare, a young contestant became trapped inside a giant foam ear. The physical challenge, intended to be humorous, turned into a rescue operation as the crew had to cut the child free. The 1990s was a time of wild and often unsupervised children’s programming, with few safety regulations. This incident, while light-hearted, highlighted the lack of precautions in place. It’s a nostalgic reminder of a time when game shows prioritized entertainment over safety, resulting in unforgettable live TV moments.
6. “The Weakest Link” Contestant Who Called the Host a “B****”
A fiery exchange on The Weakest Link UK occurred when a disgruntled contestant called host Anne Robinson a “b****” after being voted off. Robinson’s sharp retort, “And you’re an unemployed b**,” was kept in the broadcast, boosting the show’s ratings. This moment illustrated the intense emotions that game shows can evoke and the dramatic flair Robinson was known for. It’s a classic example of TV drama that entertained viewers and kept them talking long after the episode aired, showcasing the unpredictable nature of live television.
7. “Jeopardy!” Contestant Who Wrote “Weird Al” Lyrics as His Final Answer
In 2014, a Jeopardy! contestant added a touch of humor by writing “Weird Al” as his final answer for the song “Eat It.” Although everyone knew he meant Weird Al Yankovic, the show’s strict rules required a full name, leading to his loss. Alex Trebek, the host, maintained his usual stoic demeanor despite the amusing mistake. This incident underscored the unforgiving nature of Jeopardy!’s rules, which can turn a seemingly lighthearted moment into a costly error. The clip remains a fan favorite for its blend of humor and frustration.
8. “Fear Factor” Contestant Who Drank a Gallon of Donkey Semen
An unaired 2012 episode of Fear Factor pushed boundaries when contestants were challenged to drink a gallon of donkey semen. The daring dare was so extreme that NBC decided not to broadcast it, though leaked footage confirmed the event. This stunt tested the limits of what’s acceptable for entertainment, prompting widespread disbelief and debate. It served as a stark reminder of the sometimes absurd lengths reality shows go to for shock value and ratings. The incident remains infamous for its audacious and controversial nature.
9. “Press Your Luck” Contestant Who Broke the Game
In 1984, Michael Larson captivated viewers by exploiting a pattern in Press Your Luck’s game board. By memorizing the board’s sequences, he won an unprecedented $110,237 in cash and prizes, forcing CBS to pay despite attempts to contest his victory. Larson’s strategy revealed vulnerabilities in the game’s design, prompting changes to prevent future exploitation. His triumph is celebrated as a legendary moment in game show history, showcasing ingenuity and the potential to outsmart even the most well-guarded systems. Larson’s story remains a testament to strategic brilliance.
10. “The Dating Game” Serial Killer Contestant
In 1978, The Dating Game aired an episode with contestant Rodney Alcala, who was later discovered to be a serial killer. Bachelorette Cheryl Bradshaw chose Alcala, unaware of his dark past. This chilling episode aired months after his arrest, highlighting the lack of background checks at the time. Alcala’s appearance on the show remains one of the most disturbing episodes in TV history. It serves as a grim reminder of the unknown dangers that can lurk behind a charming smile, forever marking the show’s legacy with infamy.