gameshow
Televised prize contest
A gameshow is a television program where contestants compete for prizes by answering questions, solving puzzles, or performing tasks.
The format typically involves a host, rules governing play, and escalating stakes: She won a car on a gameshow.
Also spelled as two words: game show.
Competition participant
- championTop competitor, or advocate
- winnerOne who prevails
- loserDefeated competitor
- opponentOne who contends against
rivalry · challenge · elimination · finalist · semifinals · qualifier · bracket · tournament
One receiving guests
- announcerOne who introduces programs
- catchphraseSignature line of words
- audienceGathered viewers collectively
- applauseCollective hand-clapping approval
laughter · podium · lectern · teleprompter · studio · taping · live · episode
Anxious uncertainty about outcomes
- countdownBackward enumeration to zero
- timerDuration-tracking mechanism
- buzzerElectric signaling device
- cliffhangerSuspenseful unresolved ending
edge-of-seat · anticipation · high-stakes · pressure · nervousness · lifeline · risk · uncertainty
Accumulated gambling prize
- cashReady spending funds
- carWheeled motor vehicle
- vacationLeisure time away
- cruiseLeisurely ocean voyage
electronics · appliances · luxury · winnings · reward · giveaway · sweepstakes · jewelry
Ostentatious showiness
- glamourFascinating, elegant attractiveness
- flashyShowy, often tastelessly so
- spotlightsFocused theatrical lighting
- stageRaised performance platform
confetti · fanfare · extravaganza · dazzle · theatrics · production · pageantry · showbiz
Brief informal test
- questionsRequests for information
- answersReactions to queries
- categoriesGroups of related things
- knowledgeUnderstood facts and skills
multiple-choice · facts · true-or-false · rapid-fire · brainteaser · stumper · correct · incorrect
contestant
Competition participant
opponent · rivalry · challenge · elimination · finalist · semifinals · qualifier · bracket · tournament · head-to-head
host
One receiving guests
- announcerOne who introduces programs
- catchphraseSignature line of words
- audienceGathered viewers collectively
applause · laughter · podium · lectern · teleprompter · studio · taping · live · episode · season
suspense
Anxious uncertainty about outcomes
- countdownBackward enumeration to zero
- timerDuration-tracking mechanism
- buzzerElectric signaling device
cliffhanger · edge-of-seat · anticipation · high-stakes · pressure · nervousness · lifeline · risk · uncertainty · nail-biting
jackpot
Accumulated gambling prize
cruise · electronics · appliances · luxury · winnings · reward · giveaway · sweepstakes · jewelry · furniture
glitz
Ostentatious showiness
- glamourFascinating, elegant attractiveness
- flashyShowy, often tastelessly so
- spotlightsFocused theatrical lighting
stage · confetti · fanfare · extravaganza · dazzle · theatrics · production · pageantry · showbiz · flair
quiz
Brief informal test
- questionsRequests for information
- answersReactions to queries
- categoriesGroups of related things
knowledge · multiple-choice · facts · true-or-false · rapid-fire · brainteaser · stumper · correct · incorrect · pass
gameshowdocumentary
Factual film about reality
news program · investigative journalism · educational programming · drama · hard news
gameshowhigh art
Culturally elevated creative works
literary adaptation · art house cinema · opera · theater · arthouse film