2026 is looking like an excellent year for game show fans. Networks and streaming platforms have loaded their schedules with new shows, celebrity-hosted revivals, and returning favorites. Here's what you need to watch for.

New Network Premieres

Hollywood Squares (CBS, Drew Barrymore) — The legendary celebrity-panel game show returns with Drew Barrymore as host. The format remains essentially the same (tic-tac-toe with celebrity contestants), but Barrymore's energetic, improvisational hosting style brings fresh energy to the classic format. Episodes are also available on Paramount+.

Match Game (ABC, Martin Short) — The comedy-panel game show gets another reboot with SNL legend Martin Short stepping into the host's chair. The show pairs celebrities with contestants in a word-association format. Short's decades of comedic experience make him perfectly suited to manage the banter and energy that Match Game demands.

The Greatest Average American (ABC, Nate Bargatze) — Comedian Nate Bargatze hosts this new trivia game show focusing on everyday American knowledge rather than specialized expertise. The premise: questions are designed to be answerable by the "average" American. It's a fresh take on trivia, emphasizing common knowledge over obscure facts.

Returning Shows

Deal or No Deal Island (NBC) — The third season of the reality game show reboot continues, following the massive success of Season 2 (which produced the record-breaking David Genat win). The show combines strategy, luck, and reality TV drama in a tropical setting.

Wheel of Fortune (Syndicated, Ryan Seacrest) — Now into his second full season, Ryan Seacrest continues as host of the world's most-watched game show. Expect the same winning format that has sustained the show for over 40 years.

The Price Is Right (CBS, Drew Carey) — Still going strong. Drew Carey's tenure continues, and the show maintains its position as the longest-running game show in American television history (the original daytime version has aired continuously since 1972).

Jeopardy! (Syndicated, Ken Jennings) — Ken Jennings continues as host of the king of quiz shows. Expect tournament play, celebrity Jeopardy episodes, and the usual parade of champions.

Family Feud (Syndicated, Steve Harvey) — Steve Harvey's viral-moment-machine continues to dominate syndication with its simple, survey-based format.

Streaming Exclusives and Originals

Peacock — Continuing with its original content strategy, Peacock is expected to renew The Floor and commission new original game show content to compete with Netflix and Hulu. Details on new shows are still emerging as of early 2026.

Netflix — Netflix has signaled more game show investment. While specific titles haven't been announced yet, expect at least one or two new originals to premiere in 2026.

Amazon Prime Video — Amazon has been quieter on game show content, but industry analysts expect the streaming giant to enter the market more aggressively.

What Happened to Some Shows

Card Sharks (ABC) — The 2020s reboot was cancelled after a brief run. The format, while beloved by fans, struggled to find a modern audience.

Celebrity Wheel of Fortune — This celebrity-contestant spin-off of the main show had a good run but is on hiatus, with no 2026 renewal announced.

Why Game Shows Are Hot Again in 2026

Game shows have experienced a genuine renaissance. Several factors are driving this: (1) They're cheap to produce compared to scripted dramas. (2) They're endlessly rebootable — format franchises can be revived with a new host and fresh marketing. (3) They're appointment viewing — families watch together, creating communal moments increasingly rare in the streaming era. (4) They're adaptable to streaming platforms, which lack traditional "appointment viewing" but benefit from binge-friendly catalog content. (5) Celebrity hosts elevate the prestige — when an A-lister hosts a game show, it becomes an event.

The Format Trend

Notice a pattern? Many new shows blend elements from multiple formats. The Greatest Average American takes trivia but focuses on accessibility rather than expertise. Deal or No Deal Island blends reality TV survival with game show luck. The Floor combines trivia with a grid-based strategy element. Networks are experimenting with hybrid formats — game shows that don't fit neatly into the old "quiz show" or "pricing game" or "word game" boxes.

What This Means for Fans

If you're a game show enthusiast, 2026 is stacked. You'll have access to beloved classics (Wheel, Jeopardy, Family Feud, Price Is Right), recent hits (The Floor, Hollywood Squares, Deal or No Deal Island), and brand-new experiments. The streaming wars have made quality game show content a competitive advantage, so expect more investment, bigger budgets, and celebrity talent involved.

Sources: 2026 TV schedule announcements from ABC, CBS, NBC, Peacock, Netflix, and syndication databases