BEST GAME SHOW HOSTS OF ALL TIME

An Appreciation of the Greats Who Guided Us Through Trivia, Tension, and Tacky Prizes

In honor of the release of The Luckiest Man in America, a new movie about the infamous Press Your Luck scandal from 1984—when ice cream truck driver Michael Larson cracked the code of the game’s spinning board and walked away with a record-breaking $110,000—I decided it was time to put together a list I've been wanting to do for a long time: my personal picks for the 20 greatest game show hosts of all time.

Now, the movie? Disappointing. It doesn’t do justice to the sheer wildness of that story. The much better version is the Game Show Network documentary, which is genuinely fascinating and does a great job of digging into the culture and chaos behind one of the weirdest moments in TV history.

But while watching it, I found myself thinking more about the guy at the center of the screen—not Michael Larson, but Peter Tomarken, the host of Press Your Luck. Tomarken was slick, quick, funny, and really damn good at what he did. And that got me thinking… let’s talk about game show hosts. Let’s talk about the greats.

If you know me, you know this: I absolutely love game shows. Especially old-school ones. I’m obsessed. I grew up with them, I still watch them, and honestly, nothing beats an afternoon parked on the couch binging reruns of Match Game, Password, or What’s My Line? on BUZZR or Game Show Network. I rushed home from school just to catch Match Game ’73. That’s how deep this obsession runs.

I’ve always believed that hosting a game show is a true skill. A real talent. It’s not just reading questions or announcing prizes. It’s knowing how to steer the ship with charm, with timing, with a twinkle in the eye and a finger on the buzzer. And yes, you’ve got to be a little corny—but the best ones embrace that.

They know the job and they lean into it, sometimes with a wink, sometimes with utter sincerity, and sometimes by completely disappearing into the plastic smile and cliche. And I love all of those types.

For this list, I focused on the hosts I personally love—some because they’re iconic and polished, some because they’re so "game show host-y" that they’re basically walking clichés, and some because they brought a surprising amount of wit, smarts, or weirdness to the gig.

You’ll notice some names missing—people like Pat Sajak and Bob Eubanks, for example. I’ve never been a fan. Sajak always felt like he was just going through the motions, and Eubanks? Just a little too smarmy and reasonably creepy for my taste.

My favorites lean heavily into the vintage era—the true golden age of game shows: the ’50s panel shows, the psychedelic ’70s classics, and the syndication boom of the ’80s. Some of these folks started as panelists themselves before stepping behind the podium.

Some helmed multiple game shows—some successful, some forgotten. But every one of the 20 names on my list brought something special to the table. They helped us escape for 30 minutes at a time, laugh, yell answers at the screen, and root for strangers to win cash, cars, or ceramic dalmatians.

Game shows never go out of style. They’ve had resurgences—like the Who Wants to Be a Millionaire boom in the early 2000s—and networks like ABC still use them as cheap, effective summer programming. Classic formats keep getting rebooted (Match Game, Press Your Luck, To Tell the Truth), and the hosts of today? Actors, comedians, even Oscar winners are stepping into those sparkling shoes. Alec Baldwin, Elizabeth Banks, Steve Harvey—they’ve all joined the club.

But no matter how slick the new shows get, I’ll always come back to the greats—the ones who knew how to command a stage, handle a contestant meltdown, deliver a punchline, and hype up a $300 toaster like it was a new car.

I love game shows. I love the hosts who made them what they are. And this is my tribute to the best of the best.

So, without further ado—and in the order of my own personal preference—here are my 20 favorite game show hosts of all time.

Let’s play:

1. BILL CULLEN

To me, Bill Cullen is the consummate game show host. Period. He was there at the beginning — hosting the TV version of Winner Take All in 1952 — and he remained a game show staple for decades. A trained broadcaster and genuinely likable guy, Cullen had it all: wit, charm, timing, and professionalism. He was able to adapt to any format, from cerebral trivia to goofy panel shows, and he made every contestant feel comfortable. No small feat in front of a national audience.

Cullen’s resume is ridiculous: The Price Is Right (the original version), Name That Tune, Three on a Match, Chain Reaction, Child’s Play, Hot Potato, Blockbusters, and he even filled in for Allen Ludden on Password Plus. On top of all that, he was a regular panelist on shows like To Tell the Truth and I’ve Got a Secret. With his glasses, his smile, and his ability to command any stage or set, Bill Cullen is my number one. The gold standard.

2. GENE RAYBURN

Gene Rayburn may have only had one big show — but what a show it was. Match Game became a pop culture phenomenon in the ‘70s, and Rayburn was the glue that held it all together. His long, skinny microphone is iconic. His delivery was weird and often hilarious. He’d ask the dumbest questions with such straight-faced sincerity that it made the innuendo-laden chaos around him even funnier.

Originally a stage actor, Rayburn started out as an announcer on Steve Allen’s Tonight Show, and he made the rounds on panel shows like Name’s the Same. But it was the return of Match Game in the 1970s that made him a legend. With regulars like Charles Nelson Reilly, Brett Somers, and Richard Dawson, it was a rowdy circus — and Gene Rayburn was the perfect ringleader. Funny, quirky, sometimes a little inappropriate (especially with female contestants), but always the perfect host for the wildest game show on television.

3. JOHN CHARLES DALY

Before he became a game show host, John Charles Daly was a legendary journalist. He reported the attack on Pearl Harbor, the death of FDR, and broadcasted from the frontlines during World War II. When he transitioned into television, he brought all of that gravitas with him — and it gave What’s My Line? a level of sophistication and intelligence that no other panel show ever matched.

Daly was articulate, calm, and absolutely brilliant at steering the show while allowing the wit and charm of the panelists to shine. He was always in control, and he gave the game real legitimacy. I love What’s My Line? and a huge part of that is due to Daly’s poise and professionalism. He didn’t just read questions and toss to commercial. He elevated the material. A true pro.

4. TOM KENNEDY

Tom Kennedy is another utility player like Bill Cullen. You could plug him into anything — a panel show, a word game, a physical challenge — and he would knock it out of the park. Starting with You Don’t Say! in 1963 and spanning decades of work, Kennedy was just rock-solid. A smooth, polished host who made it all look easy.

His game show credits are endless: Split Second, Name That Tune, Password Plus (filling in for Ludden), Body Language, Break the Bank, Wordplay, even a nighttime version of The Price Is Right. Kennedy was charming and smart, and he had an effortless style that made him one of the best. I always liked him, no matter what he was hosting.

5. BERT CONVY

Now here’s a guy who brought a lot of flair. Bert Convy was an actor, singer, and Broadway guy before becoming a game show staple. He was funny, stylish, and had maybe the best hair of any game show host in history. But more importantly, he brought a coolness and a warm, flirty vibe that made him instantly likable.

He’s best remembered for Tattletales — which, let’s be honest, is one of the best game shows of all time. Watching celebrity couples reveal embarrassing secrets and answer personal questions while Bert smirked and grinned his way through it? Classic. He also hosted Win, Lose or Draw, Password Plus, and more. Bert Convy was pure charm.

6. ALLEN LUDDEN

You can't talk about game shows without mentioning Allen Ludden. The man was synonymous with Password, and he brought class and calm energy to every episode. His glasses, his gestures, his sincerity — all trademarks. He made everyone feel welcome, and his chemistry with his wife Betty White (a frequent guest) was electric.

Password and Password Plus were smart, simple, and endlessly fun — and Ludden was the perfect host for both. He wasn’t flashy, but he didn’t need to be. He had command. He had heart. Ludden is the epitome of the “classic” game show host, and he belongs high on any list.

7. GROUCHO MARX

One of the funniest people to ever walk the Earth, Groucho Marx brought his legendary wit and razor-sharp timing to the game show world in You Bet Your Life. And while the game itself (say the secret word, win some money) was sort of an afterthought, it was Groucho’s interaction with the guests that made it a must-watch.

He was Groucho — brilliant, biting, silly, and always in control. He turned awkward moments into comic gold. He made double entendres sound like Shakespeare. And he proved that a game show host didn’t have to be bland or cookie-cutter. He could be a true original. And Groucho was.

8. BUD COLLYER

Bud Collyer was one of the true pioneers of broadcast entertainment. He began in radio, where he became a major presence in the early days of the medium. Most famously, he was the voice of both Clark Kent and Superman in the original radio and animated adventures—talk about range.

Beyond that, he also recorded children’s albums and Bible stories, establishing himself as a friendly, authoritative voice in American households.

But for game show fans, Collyer will always be remembered for his excellent work as the host of Beat the Clock and especially To Tell the Truth. His demeanor was warm, professional, and commanding in just the right way. He had the perfect balance of showmanship and humility, and he brought a genuine class to the shows he hosted. Collyer wasn't flashy, but he didn't have to be—he was just good, and people trusted him. A broadcasting legend who made game shows better just by showing up.

9. WINK MARTINDALE

With a name like Wink Martindale, you're pretty much born to be a game show host—and Wink absolutely lived up to it. A radio DJ, a television producer, and an all-around showbiz personality, Wink was also famously the first to play an Elvis Presley song on the radio in Memphis. The guy is literally part of rock and roll history.

As a game show host, he brought that radio polish and charm to classics like Debt, High Rollers, Gambit, and most famously Tic-Tac-Dough. He was cool, collected, told great corny jokes, and had a great rapport with contestants. He made them feel at ease and made the game exciting without ever overpowering the moment. Plus, let’s be honest—his name alone guarantees him a spot on this list. Wink Martindale is one of a kind.

10. RICHARD DAWSON

Richard Dawson will always be remembered for two things: being hilarious on Match Game and kissing every contestant on Family Feud. A charming, quick-witted Brit who had already made his name on Laugh-In and as a stand-up, Dawson became a go-to panelist for shows like Match Game, where he was so popular, contestants would always pick him for the final Super Match round.

That popularity led him to hosting Family Feud, and it was a perfect fit. He brought warmth, snark, and charisma to that gig. The kissing thing? It became a signature. But behind the scenes, he could be a handful—especially once Family Feud started out-rating Match Game, and Dawson had to stay on as a panelist to fulfill his contract. But regardless of any backstage drama, on screen, he was dynamite—a definitive host for one of the greatest game shows of all time.

11. GARRY MOORE

Garry Moore is a personal favorite of mine. He wasn’t classically handsome, but he didn’t need to be—he had wit, warmth, and an effortless charm that made him an ideal host. Always with a cigarette in hand, Moore had a casual, confident style that made him feel like your funny uncle or an old friend who always had a great story to tell.

He hosted I’ve Got a Secret and To Tell the Truth, and he was outstanding on both. He also had a successful comedy-variety series, The Garry Moore Show, and is credited with discovering Carol Burnett. He worked with kids, animals, and celebrities, and made it all look easy. He wasn’t flashy, he was just great—someone you could spend the afternoon with and never get bored. A terrific host from a very specific and wonderful era of television.

12. BOB BARKER

This might feel a little low on the list for some people, and that’s fair—but my tastes skew toward the older, more foundational guys. That said, Bob Barker is a game show titan. He hosted The Price Is Right from 1972 to 2007, making it the longest-running game show in North American history. He also hosted Truth or Consequences for nearly 20 years before that. That's a lot of game show legacy.

Barker was smooth, unflappable, and perfectly in command. He made it look effortless, whether describing a vacuum cleaner or asking someone to spin the big wheel. And let’s not forget his unforgettable cameo in Happy Gilmore, which might be one of the funniest scenes in comedy history. The guy is a legend. The studio where they still tape The Price is Right is named after him—and rightly so.

13. PETER MARSHALL

Peter Marshall is what you get when you combine Broadway charm, radio polish, and a knack for comedy. He was a singer, dancer, actor, and host, and though he dabbled in movies and theater, it was Hollywood Squares that made him an icon. He hosted that show from 1966 to 1981 and turned the job into an art form.

What made him special was how seamlessly he kept the show moving while managing the chaos of nine celebrities stacked in squares, all trying to out-joke each other. His interaction with Paul Lynde—the legendary center square—was the stuff of television magic. Marshall had presence, timing, and knew how to balance the show’s humor with the game’s structure. A true game show masterclass.

14. BEN BAILEY

Ben Bailey might be the most modern entry on this list, but he absolutely deserves his spot. As the host of Cash Cab, Bailey had to juggle an insane number of responsibilities at once: driving a cab through New York traffic, asking trivia questions, interacting with contestants, reacting to surprises, and doing it all with charm and wit. Oh, and while a producer was speaking into his earpiece the whole time.

Beyond being a top-notch trivia guy, Bailey is also a great stand-up comedian—one of the best working today, in my opinion. His material is smart, hilarious, and insightful. Cash Cab was an innovative concept and Ben Bailey made it work better than anyone else could have. He won Emmys for a reason. It’s one of the greatest modern game shows, and he’s one of the greatest modern hosts.

15. ALEX TREBEK

This might be lower than some people expect, but I stand by it. Alex Trebek was a consummate pro—cool, collected, and the face of Jeopardy! for over three decades. But people sometimes forget that he hosted a bunch of other shows before that: High Rollers, Double Dare, Classic Concentration, To Tell the Truth, and more. The man had serious game show chops.

He could be a little smug with contestants at times—especially when they got things wrong—and his Canadian pronunciation of “sorry” always made me laugh. But he was smart, classy, and a steady presence on one of the toughest quiz shows of all time. Jeopardy! wouldn’t be Jeopardy! without him. Still, for me personally, I enjoyed watching him more on High Rollers. Trebek was great—no question.

16. MONTY HALL

Okay, I have mixed feelings about Monty Hall. He absolutely has to be on this list—he’s the face of Let’s Make a Deal, a cultural institution in game show history. He also produced other shows and was an essential behind-the-scenes figure in game show development. But man, rewatching those old episodes? He could be a real smart-ass.

He had a habit of ribbing contestants in ways that didn’t always feel good-natured. Sometimes it was funny, other times it felt a little mean-spirited. That said, the sheer cultural impact of Let’s Make a Deal—and the concept of choosing between Door # 1, Door # 2, and Door # 3—is undeniable. The “Monty Hall Problem” is even a term in psychology. So yeah, not my favorite personality, but no denying his impact.

17. ART FLEMING

Art Fleming is the original face of Jeopardy! and in my opinion, still the best host the show has ever had. He had a warmth and energy that made the show feel exciting, not academic. He hosted from 1964 to 1975, and again from 1978 to 1980. And when I think of Jeopardy!, I think of Art Fleming, not Trebek.

He was an actor and a broadcaster with real charisma, and those early Jeopardy! episodes are worth revisiting. He brought a spark that made trivia feel like an event, and his delivery was sharp and engaging. A lot of people forget how good he was. To me, he’s the original Jeopardy! host and always will be.

18. JACK BARRY

Jack Barry might be most famous for being portrayed by Christopher McDonald in Quiz Show, but there’s a lot more to his story. He hosted 21 during the infamous quiz show scandal and, for a while, was basically persona non grata in television. But he came back in a big way.

His later hosting gig on The Joker’s Wild was fantastic. That show was weird and fun and full of slot machine chaos, and Barry anchored it perfectly. Behind the scenes, he was also a prolific producer with Dan Enright, creating a bunch of other game shows. He’s a complicated figure, but a historic one—and absolutely belongs on this list.

19. REGIS PHILBIN

Regis Philbin only really hosted one game show—but what a game show. Who Wants to Be a Millionaire was a phenomenon. It was on four nights a week at one point and basically revived the prime-time game show. And Regis was the heart of it. “Is that your final answer?” became a national catchphrase.

But Regis did way more than that. He was a sidekick, a talk show host, a page on The Tonight Show, and at one point held the Guinness World Record for most hours on U.S. television. He was charming, funny, and knew how to keep the tension just right. Whether it was a celebrity edition or a regular episode, Regis made Millionaire must-watch TV.

20. DICK CLARK

Okay, I was never a huge fan of Dick Clark as a game show host. As the face of The Pyramid series—$10,000, $25,000, and so on—he always seemed a little too smug for my taste. He had a tendency to second-guess contestants and toss out his own clues to prove he could’ve done it better.

That said, the guy is a broadcasting legend. American Bandstand, Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve, and countless other production credits speak for themselves. He had a great rapport with celebrities and he kept Pyramid moving, even if I found his style grating. Not my favorite, but undeniably a big-time presence in game show history.

OK, those are my choices for Best Game Show Hosts of All Time. Who did I miss? Who are some of your favorites? Let me know here: nick@nickdigilio.com

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