You Bet Your Life is an American comedy quiz series that has aired on both radio and television. The original version was hosted by Groucho Marx of the Marx Brothers, with announcer and assistant George Fenneman. The show debuted on ABC Radio on October 27, 1947, moved to CBS Radio debuting October 5, 1949, and went to NBC-TV and NBC Radio on October 4, 1950. Because of its simple format, it was possible to broadcast the show on both radio and television but not simultaneously. Many of the laughs on the television show were evoked by Groucho's facial reactions and other visual gimmicks; the two versions were slightly different. The last episode in a radio format aired on June 10, 1960. The series continued on television for another year, recording a season on September 22, 1960 with a new title, The Groucho Show.
Title card from Groucho Marx era (seen on The Best of Groucho reruns)
Original host Groucho Marx
Buddy Hackett, host of 1980–81 version
Bill Cosby, host of 1992–93 version
A game show is a genre of broadcast viewing entertainment where contestants compete for rewards. The shows are typically directed by a host, who explains the rules of the game as well as commentating and narrating where necessary. The history of the game shows dates back to the late 1930s when both radio and television game shows were broadcast. The genre became popular in the United States in the 1950s, becoming a regular feature of daytime television.
United States Armed Forces participate in Wheel of Fortune with Pat Sajak.
1938 radio quiz show Whiz Kids on WHN Radio in New York
Note For Note, a New Zealand game show from around 1960
Tupla tai kuitti (1958–1988), a Finnish game show with show host Kirsti Rautiainen (left) and competitor Markku Kivekäs (right) in 1965.