Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader? | GameShows.com
Think you're smarter than a fifth-grader? Prove it. Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader? pits adult contestants against elementary-school curriculum — geography, grammar, U.S. history, basic math, and world cultures — with a panel of actual 10- and 11-year-olds standing by to help (or outsmart) them.
Created by Mark Burnett, the original FOX version premiered on February 27, 2007 with host Jeff Foxworthy and drew 26.5 million viewers for its first episode — one of the highest-rated game-show debuts of the 2000s. The FOX primetime run aired 2007–2009, followed by a syndicated daytime continuation 2009–2011, with notable winners including Georgia State Superintendent of Schools Kathy Cox (2008, $1 million for school for the deaf/blind) and Nobel Laureate physicist George Smoot (2008). A Nickelodeon revival hosted by John Cena aired 2019–2022. Amazon Prime Video launched a new revival in 2024 with host Travis Kelce.
What makes it unique: The format doesn't test adults on grown-up material — it tests them on topics they haven't thought about since elementary school. The gap between "things adults assume they remember" and "things actual fifth-graders know cold" creates most of the show's comedy. Contestants get three cheats (Peek, Copy, Save) and a chance to save face by admitting "I am not smarter than a fifth-grader." The format has been adapted in more than 50 countries.
Quick Facts
- Hosts: Jeff Foxworthy (FOX primetime 2007–2009, syndication 2009–2011); John Cena (Nickelodeon 2019–2022); Travis Kelce (Amazon Prime Video 2024)
- Network: FOX (original); Nickelodeon (2019 revival); Amazon Prime Video (2024 revival)
- Premiere Year: 2007
- Seasons: FOX: primetime 2 seasons + syndicated 2 seasons; Nickelodeon revival: 3 seasons; Amazon Prime Video revival launched 2024
- Filming Location: Los Angeles (FOX); Burbank/Nickelodeon Studios (revival)
Relive the show’s most unforgettable wins and surprises.
Blunders, close calls, and the biggest what-ifs.
Was it pure luck or strategy? Explore the moments that blur the line in Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?!
Learn the rules and strategies to play like a pro!
Fun facts and behind-the-scenes trivia from the show’s history.
Meet the hosts — past and present.
Broadcast schedules and streaming options for your favorite show.
Get Tickets to be in the studio audience and watch in person!
Find out how to audition and compete on the show!
Think you remember grade school? Answer questions from 1st through 5th grade in our free classroom quiz!
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