Game Show Confidential: The Story of an American Obsession

Former Jeopardy! winner Hadleigh (Scandals, Secrets, and Swan Songs) traces the trajectory of game shows from their radio origins to television. He divides them into the categories of tests of knowledge, physical-challenge bouts, and guessing contests. While the author mentions famous incidents, such as the quiz-show scandals of the 1950s, he also documents behind-the-scenes misconduct and uncovers the obscure. For example, not everyone knows that To Tell the Truth imposters get pre-game information to appear genuine. The book pays tribute to professional game-show panelists, such as Peggy Cass, Kitty Carlisle, Orson Bean, Steve Allen, and Rose Marie. It also honors quintessential hosts (Groucho Marx, Allen Ludden, Gene Rayburn, Chuck Barris, Bob Barker, and Bill Cullen, who hosted a record 23 different game shows). Pioneers Arlene Francis and Betty White were early, short-termed women hosts, while Meredith Vieira became the longest-serving woman emcee. Intended for general readers, the book references iconic programs like Password, Match Game, Family Feud, Truth or Consequences, Let’s Make a Deal, What’s My Line?, Wheel of Fortune, and Who Wants To Be a Millionaire??