Game Show Network: Difference between revisions
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{{Short description|American | {{Short description|American pay television channel}} | ||
{{Infobox television channel | {{Infobox television channel | ||
| name = Game Show Network | | name = Game Show Network | ||
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'''Game Show Network''' ('''GSN''') is an American [[Cable television in the United States#Basic cable|basic cable]] channel owned by the [[Sony Pictures Television#Sony Pictures Television Networks|television network division]] of [[Sony Pictures Television]].<ref name="sony.com">{{cite web| url=https://www.sonypictures.com/tv/networks| title=U.S. Networks |website=Sony Pictures Television}}</ref> The channel's programming is primarily dedicated to [[game show]]s, including reruns of acquired game shows, along with new, first-run original and [[Revival (television)|revived]] game shows. The network has also previously aired [[reality competition]] series and [[Poker on television|televised poker]]. | '''Game Show Network''' ('''GSN''') is an American [[Cable television in the United States#Basic cable|basic cable]] channel owned by the [[Sony Pictures Television#Sony Pictures Television Networks|television network division]] of [[Sony Pictures Television]].<ref name="sony.com">{{cite web| url=https://www.sonypictures.com/tv/networks| title=U.S. Networks |website=Sony Pictures Television}}</ref> The channel's programming is primarily dedicated to [[game show]]s, including reruns of acquired game shows, along with new, first-run original and [[Revival (television)|revived]] game shows. The network has also previously aired [[reality competition]] series and [[Poker on television|televised poker]]. | ||
As of October 2019, Game Show Network claimed that it was available to "nearly 75 million" American households, primarily through traditional [[Cable television|cable]] and [[Satellite television|satellite]] services.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwtv/article/Game-Show-Network-Announces-GET-A-CLUE-Hosted-by-Actor-Rob-Belushi-20191002#:~:text=Game%20Show%20Network%2C%20the%20leader%20in%20game%20shows,early%202020%20and%20will%20air%20Monday%20through%20Friday.| title=Game Show Network Announces GET A CLUE Hosted by Actor Rob Belushi| first=Kaitlin| last=Milligan| date=October 2, 2019| website=Broadway World| access-date=July 12, 2023}}</ref> The network and its original programming are also available on [[Streaming television|streaming and Internet television]] services, including [[Frndly TV]], [[YouTube TV]], [[Philo (company)|Philo]], [[fuboTV]], [[Sling TV]], and [[Plex (software)|Plex]].<ref>{{cite web| url=https://flixed.io/watch-game-show-network-without-cable/ |title=How to Watch the Game Show Network Live Without Cable 2020 – Top 4 Options| website=Flixed}}</ref> | As of October 2019, Game Show Network claimed that it was available to "nearly 75 million" American households, primarily through traditional [[Cable television|cable]] and [[Satellite television|satellite]] services.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwtv/article/Game-Show-Network-Announces-GET-A-CLUE-Hosted-by-Actor-Rob-Belushi-20191002#:~:text=Game%20Show%20Network%2C%20the%20leader%20in%20game%20shows,early%202020%20and%20will%20air%20Monday%20through%20Friday.| title=Game Show Network Announces GET A CLUE Hosted by Actor Rob Belushi| first=Kaitlin| last=Milligan| date=October 2, 2019| website=Broadway World| access-date=July 12, 2023}}</ref> The network and its original programming are also available on [[Streaming television|streaming and Internet television]] services, including [[Frndly TV]], [[YouTube TV]], [[Philo (company)|Philo]], [[fuboTV]], [[Sling TV]], and [[Plex (software)|Plex]].<ref>{{cite web| url=https://flixed.io/watch-game-show-network-without-cable/ |title=How to Watch the Game Show Network Live Without Cable 2020 – Top 4 Options| website=Flixed}}</ref> | ||
A spinoff network, '''Game Show Central''', was launched by Sony Pictures Television Networks | A spinoff network, '''Game Show Central''', was launched by Sony Pictures Television Networks on March 28, 2020, as a digital [[free ad-supported streaming television|ad-supported streaming]] channel offering Game Show Network original series and a limited selection of acquired game shows also featured on the cable channel. In February 2025, Sony began distributing Game Show Central as an over-the-air [[digital subchannel|multicast network]] (primarily on stations owned by the [[E. W. Scripps Company]] and [[Inyo Broadcast Holdings]]), featuring a separate schedule consisting exclusively of reruns of Game Show Network's original series, incorporating programs not carried on either the streaming or cable channels. | ||
==History== | ==History== | ||
===1994–2004: | ===1994–2004: as "Game Show Network"=== | ||
On May 7, 1992, [[Sony Pictures|Sony Pictures Entertainment]] joined forces with the [[Gemstar-TV Guide International|United Video Satellite Group]] to launch the Game Show Channel, which was set | On May 7, 1992, [[Sony Pictures|Sony Pictures Entertainment]] joined forces with the [[Gemstar-TV Guide International|United Video Satellite Group]] to launch the Game Show Channel, which was set for a 1993 launch.<ref>{{cite press release |title=Sony Pictures Television Launches Game Show Network's 'Common Knowledge' On Fox Stations This August |publisher=Sony Pictures Entertainment |url=https://www.sonypictures.com/corp/press_releases/2020/0727 |date=July 27, 2020 |access-date=2023-07-12}}</ref> The announcement of the channel was made by SPE president Mel Harris.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.nytimes.com/1992/05/04/business/the-media-business-sony-venture-to-start-game-show-channel.html| title=THE MEDIA BUSINESS; Sony Venture to Start Game Show Channel| first=Geraldine| last=Fabricant| newspaper=[[The New York Times]]| date=May 7, 1992| access-date=July 12, 2023| url-access=subscription}}</ref> | ||
On December 2, 1992, Sony Pictures Entertainment made a deal to acquire the Barry & Enright game show library, and in a separate deal, struck a 10-year licensing agreement for the rights to the [[Mark Goodson]] game show library of more than 20,000 episodes including among others, ''[[What's My Line?]]'', ''[[Family Feud]]'', and ''[[To Tell the Truth]]''. Upon the deal, Sony said it would sell an equity stake in the network to Mark Goodson Productions, including the production of new original series by [[Jonathan Goodson|Jonathan Goodson Productions]].<ref>{{cite news| url=https://variety.com/1992/tv/news/sony-makes-a-deal-for-gameshow-libraries-101753/| title=Sony makes a deal for gameshow libraries| first=Jennifer| last=Pendleton| magazine=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]| date=December 7, 1992| access-date=July 12, 2023}}</ref> Both deals were completed on December 7, 1992, eleven days before Mark Goodson's death.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-13539468.html| title=Sony Pictures' secret: Goodson's price is right. (Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc.'s licensing deal with Mark Goodson Productions)| first=Kim| last=Mitchell| magazine=[[Multichannel News]]| date=December 7, 1992| access-date=July 12, 2023| archive-date=June 11, 2014| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140611025717/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-13539468.html| url-status=dead}}</ref> On June 6, 1994, Mark Goodson Productions | On December 2, 1992, Sony Pictures Entertainment made a deal to acquire the Barry & Enright game show library, and in a separate deal, struck a 10-year licensing agreement for the rights to the [[Mark Goodson]] game show library of more than 20,000 episodes including among others, ''[[What's My Line?]]'', ''[[Family Feud]]'', and ''[[To Tell the Truth]]''. Upon the deal, Sony said it would sell an equity stake in the network to Mark Goodson Productions, including the production of new original series by [[Jonathan Goodson|Jonathan Goodson Productions]].<ref>{{cite news| url=https://variety.com/1992/tv/news/sony-makes-a-deal-for-gameshow-libraries-101753/| title=Sony makes a deal for gameshow libraries| first=Jennifer| last=Pendleton| magazine=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]| date=December 7, 1992| access-date=July 12, 2023}}</ref> Both deals were completed on December 7, 1992, eleven days before Mark Goodson's death.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-13539468.html| title=Sony Pictures' secret: Goodson's price is right. (Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc.'s licensing deal with Mark Goodson Productions)| first=Kim| last=Mitchell| magazine=[[Multichannel News]]| date=December 7, 1992| access-date=July 12, 2023| archive-date=June 11, 2014| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140611025717/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-13539468.html| url-status=dead}}</ref> On June 6, 1994, Mark Goodson Productions withdrew from the venture.<ref>{{cite news |title=COMPANY TOWN ANNEX |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1994-07-27-fi-20432-story.html |newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]] |access-date=February 16, 2022 |date=July 27, 1994 |url-access=subscription}}</ref> GSN's launch time was intended to be at 10:00 p.m. ET, but at the time, it was instead set for three hours earlier to 7:00 p.m. ET. | ||
Game Show Network launched at 7:00 p.m. on December 1, 1994.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://corp.gsn.com/corporate-info| title=GSN Corporate| website=GSN| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100309104932/http://corp.gsn.com/corporate-info| archive-date=March 9, 2010}}</ref> The first aired game show to | Game Show Network launched at 7:00 p.m. on December 1, 1994.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://corp.gsn.com/corporate-info| title=GSN Corporate| website=GSN| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100309104932/http://corp.gsn.com/corporate-info| archive-date=March 9, 2010}}</ref> The first aired game show to air on GSN was ''[[What's My Line?]]''.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.facebook.com/gsn/posts/10153235986710227?comment_id=48314711&offset=0&total_comments=36|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140707103213/https://www.facebook.com/gsn/posts/10153235986710227?comment_id=48314711&offset=0&total_comments=36| url-status=dead| archive-date=July 7, 2014| website=Facebook| title=GSN Official| date=August 29, 2013| access-date=May 7, 2014}}</ref> By the launch date, the network had acquired rights to over 40,000 episodes from the libraries of several game show production companies and corporate parent Sony. The initial lineup was exclusively acquired programming such as ''[[Match Game]]'', ''[[Family Feud]]'', ''[[The Newlywed Game]]'', ''[[Jeopardy!]]'', and ''[[Wheel of Fortune (American game show)|Wheel of Fortune]]''. Over time, Game Show Network acquired the rights to ''[[The Price Is Right]]'', ''[[The $10,000 Pyramid]]'', ''[[Let's Make a Deal]]'', ''[[Hollywood Squares]]'', ''[[Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?]]'' and other libraries, putting them on the schedule at various times throughout the network's history. The network eventually began producing original game shows such as ''[[Lingo (American game show)|Lingo]]'', ''Burt Luddin's Love Buffet'', ''[[Whammy! The All-New Press Your Luck|Whammy!]]'', ''[[Inquizition]]'', and ''[[The Gong Show#Later incarnations|Extreme Gong]]''.<ref>{{cite book |last=Nedeff |first=Adam |date=April 1, 2014 |title=This Day in Game Show History - 365 Commemorations and Celebrations, Vol. 4: October Through December |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=RJmeDwAAQBAJ&dq=game+show+network+history&pg=PT296|publisher=BearManor Media |page=December 1, 1994 - Game Show Network Launches |isbn=978-1-5939-3572-6}}</ref> One program to air on GSN was ''Faux Pause,'' which aired in 1998, and was co-hosted by Mary Gallagher and Sean Donnellan. ''Pause'' consisted of jokes and skits done while watching certain episodes of [[game show]]s, in a similar fashion to ''[[Mystery Science Theater 3000]]''. | ||
In 2001, a massive change in both leadership and programming at the network took place when [[Liberty Media]] acquired a 50% stake. Both president Michael Fleming and vice president Jake Tauber departed, and former [[Freeform (TV channel)|ABC Family/Fox Family Channel]] president [[Rich Cronin (executive)|Rich Cronin]] was hired to | In 2001, a massive change in both leadership and programming at the network took place when [[Liberty Media]] acquired a 50% stake. Both president Michael Fleming and vice president Jake Tauber departed, and former [[Freeform (TV channel)|ABC Family/Fox Family Channel]] president [[Rich Cronin (executive)|Rich Cronin]] was hired to lead the network.<ref>{{cite news| last1=Umstead| first1=R. Thomas| title=Game Show Lands Cronin| url=https://www.nexttv.com/news/game-show-lands-cronin-132113| access-date=February 16, 2022| magazine=[[Multichannel News]]| date=May 6, 2001}}</ref> | ||
===2004–18: | ===2004–18: as "GSN"=== | ||
[[File:GSN logo.svg|thumb|left|150px|GSN logo used from November 6, 2008 to June 2, 2015]] | [[File:GSN logo.svg|thumb|left|150px|GSN logo used from November 6, 2008 to June 2, 2015]] | ||
[[File:GSN logo 2015.svg|thumb|left|150px|GSN logo used from June 3, 2015 to September 30, 2018]] | [[File:GSN logo 2015.svg|thumb|left|150px|GSN logo used from June 3, 2015 to September 30, 2018]] | ||
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[[David Goldhill]] succeeded Rich Cronin as GSN president on August 1, 2007.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Moss |first1=Linda |title=Goldhill Succeeds Cronin Atop GSN |url=https://www.nexttv.com/news/goldhill-succeeds-cronin-atop-gsn-369714 |access-date=February 16, 2022 |magazine=Multichannel News |date=July 25, 2007}}</ref> A [[High-definition television|high definition]] [[simulcast]] feed of the network was launched on September 15, 2010.<ref>{{cite press release |url=http://corp.gsn.com/press/releases/gsn-s-new-hd-service-launches-time-warner-cable-new-york-city-bright-house-networks-a |title=GSN's New HD Service Launches on Time Warner Cable New York City, Brighthouse Networks and Service Electric Cablevision Systems |date= December 3, 2010 |access-date=July 12, 2023 |publisher=GSN |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110727111325/http://corp.gsn.com/press/releases/gsn-s-new-hd-service-launches-Time-Warner-Cable-new-york-city-bright-house-networks-a |archive-date=July 27, 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> | [[David Goldhill]] succeeded Rich Cronin as GSN president on August 1, 2007.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Moss |first1=Linda |title=Goldhill Succeeds Cronin Atop GSN |url=https://www.nexttv.com/news/goldhill-succeeds-cronin-atop-gsn-369714 |access-date=February 16, 2022 |magazine=Multichannel News |date=July 25, 2007}}</ref> A [[High-definition television|high definition]] [[simulcast]] feed of the network was launched on September 15, 2010.<ref>{{cite press release |url=http://corp.gsn.com/press/releases/gsn-s-new-hd-service-launches-time-warner-cable-new-york-city-bright-house-networks-a |title=GSN's New HD Service Launches on Time Warner Cable New York City, Brighthouse Networks and Service Electric Cablevision Systems |date= December 3, 2010 |access-date=July 12, 2023 |publisher=GSN |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110727111325/http://corp.gsn.com/press/releases/gsn-s-new-hd-service-launches-Time-Warner-Cable-new-york-city-bright-house-networks-a |archive-date=July 27, 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> | ||
Some notable acquisitions for the network included ''[[Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?]]''<ref>{{cite press release |publisher=GSN |url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news/2005/04/18/gsn-renews-and-expands-its-who-wants-to-be-a-millionaire-inventory-and-acquires-super-millionaire-series-18212/20050418gsn01/ |title=GSN Renews and Expands Its 'Who Wants to Be a Millionaire' Inventory and Acquires 'Super Millionaire' Series |date=April 18, 2005 |via=The Futon Critic |access-date=July 12, 2023}}</ref> and the [[Steve Harvey]]-hosted ''[[Family Feud]]'',<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nexttv.com/news/gsn-acquires-another-cycle-fmnas-family-feud-112995 |title=GSN Acquires Another Cycle of FMNA's 'Family Feud' |date=March 14, 2012 |first=Paige |last=Albiniak |magazine=Broadcasting & Cable |access-date=July 12, 2023}}</ref> both of which would headline the network's prime time lineup. Notable original game shows produced during this time were ''[[Catch 21]]'' (which would be revived in 2019), ''[[Baggage (American game show)|Baggage]]'' (hosted by [[Jerry Springer]]), the first U.S. incarnation of ''[[The Chase (American game show)|The Chase]]'',<ref>{{cite press release |url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news/2008/07/07/gsn-premieres-catch-21-on-july-21-2008--28049/20080707gsn01/ |title=GSN Premieres 'Catch 21' on July 21, 2008 |date=July 8, 2008 |publisher=GSN |via=The Futon Critic |access-date=July 12, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv-movies/jerry-springer-hosts-new-dating-game-series-baggage-debut-month-game-show-network-article-1.176783 |title=Jerry Springer hosts new dating game series, 'Baggage,' to debut next month on Game Show Network |newspaper=[[New York Daily News]] |agency=[[Associated Press]] |date=March 23, 2010 |access-date=December 31, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://variety.com/2013/tv/news/gsn-renews-the-chase-before-its-season-one-debut-1200503573/ |title=GSN Renews 'The Chase' Before Its Season One Debut |date=July 1, 2013 |first=AJ |last=Marechal |magazine=Variety |access-date=July 12, 2023}}</ref> ''[[American Bible Challenge]]'' (the premiere of which drew an audience of nearly two million viewers),<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nexttv.com/news/gsn-sets-ratings-record-bible-challenge-debut-63904 |title=GSN Sets Ratings Record With 'Bible Challenge' Debut |date=August 25, 2012 |first=R. Thomas |last=Umstead |magazine=Broadcasting & Cable |access-date=December 31, 2020}}</ref> and ''[[Skin Wars]]'' | Some notable acquisitions for the network included ''[[Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?]]''<ref>{{cite press release |publisher=GSN |url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news/2005/04/18/gsn-renews-and-expands-its-who-wants-to-be-a-millionaire-inventory-and-acquires-super-millionaire-series-18212/20050418gsn01/ |title=GSN Renews and Expands Its 'Who Wants to Be a Millionaire' Inventory and Acquires 'Super Millionaire' Series |date=April 18, 2005 |via=The Futon Critic |access-date=July 12, 2023}}</ref> and the [[Steve Harvey]]-hosted ''[[Family Feud]]'',<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nexttv.com/news/gsn-acquires-another-cycle-fmnas-family-feud-112995 |title=GSN Acquires Another Cycle of FMNA's 'Family Feud' |date=March 14, 2012 |first=Paige |last=Albiniak |magazine=Broadcasting & Cable |access-date=July 12, 2023}}</ref> both of which would headline the network's prime time lineup. Notable original game shows produced during this time were ''[[Catch 21]]'' (which would be revived in 2019), ''[[Baggage (American game show)|Baggage]]'' (hosted by [[Jerry Springer]]), the first U.S. incarnation of ''[[The Chase (American game show)|The Chase]]'',<ref>{{cite press release |url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news/2008/07/07/gsn-premieres-catch-21-on-july-21-2008--28049/20080707gsn01/ |title=GSN Premieres 'Catch 21' on July 21, 2008 |date=July 8, 2008 |publisher=GSN |via=The Futon Critic |access-date=July 12, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv-movies/jerry-springer-hosts-new-dating-game-series-baggage-debut-month-game-show-network-article-1.176783 |title=Jerry Springer hosts new dating game series, 'Baggage,' to debut next month on Game Show Network |newspaper=[[New York Daily News]] |agency=[[Associated Press]] |date=March 23, 2010 |access-date=December 31, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://variety.com/2013/tv/news/gsn-renews-the-chase-before-its-season-one-debut-1200503573/ |title=GSN Renews 'The Chase' Before Its Season One Debut |date=July 1, 2013 |first=AJ |last=Marechal |magazine=Variety |access-date=July 12, 2023}}</ref> ''[[American Bible Challenge]]'' (the premiere of which drew an audience of nearly two million viewers),<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nexttv.com/news/gsn-sets-ratings-record-bible-challenge-debut-63904 |title=GSN Sets Ratings Record With 'Bible Challenge' Debut |date=August 25, 2012 |first=R. Thomas |last=Umstead |magazine=Broadcasting & Cable |access-date=December 31, 2020}}</ref> and ''[[Skin Wars]]''.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/gsns-body-painting-competition-skin-wars-launch-an-aftershow-723440/ |title=GSN's Body-Painting Competition 'Skin Wars' to Launch an Aftershow (Exclusive) |magazine=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |first=Philiana |last=Ng |access-date=February 16, 2022 |date=August 5, 2014}}</ref> The network produced interactive program blocks, such as ''[[GSN Live]]'' and ''[[Playmania]]''.<ref>{{cite web |title=GSN Live |url=https://twitter.com/gsnlive?lang=en |website=Twitter |access-date=December 31, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=GSN: Playmania Times Six |url=https://www.nexttv.com/news/gsn-playmania-times-six-370494 |magazine=Multichannel News |date=September 25, 2006 |access-date=December 31, 2020}}</ref> | ||
In March 2011, [[DirecTV]] (which by this point had | In March 2011, [[DirecTV]] (which by this point had acquired Liberty Media's then-65% stake in the network) sold a 5% stake in the network back to [[Sony Pictures|Sony Pictures Entertainment]]. Although DirecTV nominally remained the majority owner, Sony begin taking control of the network, and had the right to force Sony to increase its stake in GSN to 58%.<ref name=mp-gsnsony40%>{{cite news |last=Goetzl |first=David |title=Sony Gains Control of GSN Even With Minority Stake |url=https://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/153425/sony-gains-control-of-gsn-even-with-minority-stake.html |access-date=June 30, 2011 |newspaper=TVBlog |date=June 30, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111229020356/http://www.mediapost.com/publications/?fa=Articles.showArticle |archive-date=December 29, 2011 |url-status=dead |url-access=subscription}}</ref> On November 8, 2012, DirecTV sold an 18% interest in GSN to Sony.<ref>[https://my.insideview.com/iv/launchReferredArticle.do?aid=_7561097217 "Update: DirecTV sells 18% stake in GSN to Sony"]. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160406160137/https://my.insideview.com/iv/launchReferredArticle.do?aid=_7561097217 |date=April 6, 2016}}. ''[[InsideView]]''. Retrieved on November 28, 2012.</ref> GSN partnered with Vubiquity to launch "GSN On Demand" on August 15, 2013.<ref>{{cite press release |url=http://www.vubiquity.com/node/290 |title=GSN Gets In The VOD Game With Vubiquity| website=Vubiquity |date=August 13, 2015 |access-date=September 26, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130928074311/http://www.vubiquity.com/node/290 |archive-date=September 28, 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref> | ||
=== 2017–present: Return to "Game Show Network" === | === 2017–present: Return to "Game Show Network" === | ||
In April 2017, David Goldhill | In April 2017, David Goldhill resigned as president of the network after nearly 10 years. He was succeeded by Mark Feldman in August 2017.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Goldberg |first1=Lesley |title=GSN Promotes Mark Feldman to CEO |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/gsn-promotes-mark-feldman-ceo-1026513/ |access-date=February 16, 2022 |magazine=The Hollywood Reporter |date=August 3, 2017}}</ref> Later that year, the network would begin to refer to itself in promos by its full name.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OvmigD1NeiE "Saturday Night Classics!"]. ''GSN''. December 22, 2017.</ref> On October 1, 2018, the network's programming returned to focus on traditional game show formats, culminating in a rebranding that restored the network's full name.<ref>{{cite tweet |user=gameshownetwork |author=Game Show Network |number=1046799403120349185 |date=October 1, 2018 |title=It's the first day of our new logo! We're going back to our roots to celebrate our favorite thing: game shows. All-day, every day! What do you think?}}</ref> | ||
The network's daily schedule would consist almost entirely of original programming, including new shows | The network's daily schedule would consist almost entirely of original programming, including new shows such as ''[[America Says]]'', ''[[Common Knowledge (game show)|Common Knowledge]]'', and ''[[People Puzzler]]''.<ref>{{cite news |title=Game Show Network Adds, Renews Series |url=https://www.nexttv.com/news/game-show-network-adds-renews-series |access-date=December 31, 2020 |work=[[Multichannel News]] |date=April 5, 2019}}</ref> In April 2020, Game Show Network premiered ''[[Master Minds (game show)|Master Minds]]'', a retool of a 2019 original show called ''Best Ever Trivia Show'' featuring ''[[Jeopardy!]]'' champion and host [[Ken Jennings]], and now hosted by [[Brooke Burns]], who hosted the GSN version of ''[[The Chase (American game show)|The Chase]]''.<ref>{{cite press release |url=https://press.gsntv.com/resources/press-releases/game-show-networks-new-expert-trivia-game-show-master-minds-hosted-by-brooke-burns-premieres-april-6-at-4-pm-et |title=Game Show Network's New Expert Trivia Game Show, 'MASTER MINDS' Hosted by Brooke Burns Premieres April 6 at 4 PM ET |date=March 10, 2020 |publisher=Game Show Network |access-date=December 31, 2020}}</ref> | ||
DirecTV's stake in Game Show Network would move to [[AT&T]] when it acquired the service in 2015.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://otp.tools.investis.com/clients/us/atnt2/sec/sec-show.aspx?Type=html&FilingId=12972266&CIK=0000732717&Index=10000 |title=AT&T INC. filed this 8-K on Sep 21, 2018 |date=September 21, 2018 |website=Securities and Exchange Commission |access-date=December 31, 2020}}</ref> On November 18, 2019, it was announced that Sony had acquired AT&T's 42% stake and thus resumed full ownership of GSN.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://deadline.com/2019/11/sony-acquires-atts-42-game-show-network-stake-in-deal-worth-500m-1202789119/|title=Sony Acquires AT&T's 42% Game Show Network Stake In Deal Worth $500M |last=Hayes |first=Dade |date=November 18, 2019 |website=Deadline Hollywood |access-date=November 18, 2019}}</ref> A list of 2020 [[Nielsen Media Research|Nielsen]] ratings published by ''[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]'' indicated that Game Show Network averaged 432,000 viewers in prime time, up 6% from the 2019 average.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Schneider |first1=Michael |title=Year in Review: Most-Watched Television Networks — Ranking 2020's Winners and Losers |url=https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/network-ratings-2020-top-channels-fox-news-cnn-msnbc-cbs-1234866801/ |access-date=December 31, 2020 |magazine=Variety |date=December 28, 2020}}</ref> | DirecTV's stake in Game Show Network would move to [[AT&T]] when it acquired the service in 2015.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://otp.tools.investis.com/clients/us/atnt2/sec/sec-show.aspx?Type=html&FilingId=12972266&CIK=0000732717&Index=10000 |title=AT&T INC. filed this 8-K on Sep 21, 2018 |date=September 21, 2018 |website=Securities and Exchange Commission |access-date=December 31, 2020}}</ref> On November 18, 2019, it was announced that Sony had acquired AT&T's 42% stake and thus resumed full ownership of GSN.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://deadline.com/2019/11/sony-acquires-atts-42-game-show-network-stake-in-deal-worth-500m-1202789119/|title=Sony Acquires AT&T's 42% Game Show Network Stake In Deal Worth $500M |last=Hayes |first=Dade |date=November 18, 2019 |website=Deadline Hollywood |access-date=November 18, 2019}}</ref> A list of 2020 [[Nielsen Media Research|Nielsen]] ratings published by ''[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]'' indicated that Game Show Network averaged 432,000 viewers in prime time, up 6% from the 2019 average.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Schneider |first1=Michael |title=Year in Review: Most-Watched Television Networks — Ranking 2020's Winners and Losers |url=https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/network-ratings-2020-top-channels-fox-news-cnn-msnbc-cbs-1234866801/ |access-date=December 31, 2020 |magazine=Variety |date=December 28, 2020}}</ref> | ||
In December 2021, Mark Feldman resigned after four years as Game Show Network president, to join the video game firm [[Scopely]] amid the gaming unit sale from Sony. He was succeeded by longtime executive John Zaccario.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Hayes |first1=Dade |date=December 7, 2021 |title=Sony-Owned GSN Ups Longtime Exec John Zaccario To President, Succeeding Mark Feldman Amid Mobile Gaming Unit Sale |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |url=https://deadline.com/2021/12/sony-gsn-john-zaccario-president-network-1234886624/ |access-date=December 7, 2021}}</ref> | In December 2021, Mark Feldman resigned after four years as Game Show Network president, to join the video game firm [[Scopely]] amid the gaming unit sale from Sony. He was succeeded by longtime executive John Zaccario.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Hayes |first1=Dade |date=December 7, 2021 |title=Sony-Owned GSN Ups Longtime Exec John Zaccario To President, Succeeding Mark Feldman Amid Mobile Gaming Unit Sale |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |url=https://deadline.com/2021/12/sony-gsn-john-zaccario-president-network-1234886624/ |access-date=December 7, 2021}}</ref> | ||
On September 7, 2022, [[Dish Network]] and [[Sling TV]] removed Game Show Network from their lineups, after failing to reach a renewal agreement with owner Sony Pictures Television.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Spangler |first1=Todd |title=Game Show Network Goes Dark on Dish, Sling TV Over Contract Fight |url=https://variety.com/2022/tv/news/game-show-network-blackout-dish-sling-tv-1235362533/ |magazine=Variety |date=September 7, 2022 |access-date=September 7, 2022}}</ref> The network returned to both services on September 27, 2022.<ref>{{cite news |last=Spangler |first=Todd |title=Game Show Network Restored to Dish, Sling TV After Three-Week Blackout |url=https://variety.com/2022/tv/news/game-show-network-restored-dish-sling-tv-agreement-1235386277/ |magazine=Variety |date=September 27, 2022 |access-date=September 28, 2022}}</ref> | On September 7, 2022, [[Dish Network]] and [[Sling TV]] removed Game Show Network from their lineups, after failing to reach a renewal agreement with owner Sony Pictures Television.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Spangler |first1=Todd |title=Game Show Network Goes Dark on Dish, Sling TV Over Contract Fight |url=https://variety.com/2022/tv/news/game-show-network-blackout-dish-sling-tv-1235362533/ |magazine=Variety |date=September 7, 2022 |access-date=September 7, 2022}}</ref> The network returned to both services on September 27, 2022.<ref>{{cite news |last=Spangler |first=Todd |title=Game Show Network Restored to Dish, Sling TV After Three-Week Blackout |url=https://variety.com/2022/tv/news/game-show-network-restored-dish-sling-tv-agreement-1235386277/ |magazine=Variety |date=September 27, 2022 |access-date=September 28, 2022}}</ref> | ||
| Line 65: | Line 64: | ||
==Programming== | ==Programming== | ||
{{Main|List of programs broadcast by Game Show Network}} | {{Main|List of programs broadcast by Game Show Network}} | ||
Current original programming, as of | Current original programming, as of November 2025 includes ''[[Bingo Blitz (game show)|Bingo Blitz]]'', ''[[Tic-Tac-Dough]]'' (hosted by [[Brooke Burns]]), and ''Beat the Bridge''. Reruns of former original shows airing on the network include ''[[America Says]]'', ''[[Catch 21]]'', ''[[Master Minds (game show)|Master Minds]]'', ''Switch'', ''[[Chain Reaction (game show)|Chain Reaction]] ''(both Dylan Lane-hosted incarnations), and ''[[Split Second (game show)|Split Second]]'' (Higgins version). | ||
GSN's acquired slate includes ''[[Match Game]]'' ( | In October 2025, the network announced that it was developing a new original game show titled ''[[100 Choices]]''.<ref>{{cite web|last=White | ||
|first=Peter|title=Game Show Network Plans to Make '100 Choices' |url=https://deadline.com/2025/10/game-show-network-100-choices-development-1236591651/ |website=Deadline Hollywood|publisher=Penske Media Corporation|date=October 19, 2025|access-date=October 20, 2025}}</ref> | |||
GSN's acquired slate includes ''[[Match Game]]'' (1973–82 version hosted by [[Gene Rayburn]]), ''[[Family Feud]]'' (hosted by [[Steve Harvey]]), ''Family Feud Favorites'', ''Flip Side'', ''[[Deal or No Deal (American game show)|Deal or No Deal]]'' (NBC and CNBC versions), ''[[Jeopardy!]]'' (hosted by [[Ken Jennings]]), ''[[25 Words or Less (game show)|25 Words or Less]]'', ''[[Cash Cab (American game show)|Cash Cab]]'' (hosted by [[Ben Bailey]]), ''[[Who Wants to Be a Millionaire (American game show)|Who Wants to Be a Millionaire]]'' (original ABC primetime run hosted by [[Regis Philbin]]), ''[[Press Your Luck]]'' (ABC revival hosted by [[Elizabeth Banks]]), ''[[Wheel of Fortune (American game show)|Wheel of Fortune]]'' (hosted by [[Pat Sajak]] and [[Vanna White]]), ''[[The Wall (American game show)|The Wall]]'', ''[[The Chase (American game show)|The Chase]]'' (ABC revival hosted by [[Sara Haines]]), ''The Perfect Line'', and the 2016 version of ''[[Pyramid (franchise)|The $100,000 Pyramid]]''.<ref>{{cite web |title=Where to find your favorite game shows |url=https://www.newsday.com/entertainment/tv/classic-game-shows-buzzr-gsn-1.45023573 |access-date=December 31, 2020 |newspaper=Newsday |location=Melville, New York |archive-date=June 26, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200626190528/https://www.newsday.com/entertainment/tv/classic-game-shows-buzzr-gsn-1.45023573 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |title=Popular Game Shows "Deal Or No Deal" and "1 VS. 100" to Debut on Gsn, June 1 and June 6 |url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news/2009/05/12/popular-game-shows-deal-or-no-deal-and-1-vs-100-to-debut-on-gsn-june-1-and-june-6-31320/20090512gsn01/ |date=May 12, 2009 |access-date=July 12, 2023 |publisher=Game Show Network |via=The Futon Critic}}</ref> | |||
===Syndication=== | ===Syndication=== | ||
GSN began [[broadcast syndication|syndicating]] some of its original programming to other channels in the early 2010s. On June 24, 2013, the channel entered into an agreement with [[Bounce TV]], giving it the broadcast rights to ''[[The Newlywed Game]]'', ''[[Catch 21]]'', and ''[[The American Bible Challenge]]''.<ref>{{cite news |first=C. Daniel |last=Baker |magazine=[[Black Enterprise]] |url=http://www.blackenterprise.com/lifestyle/bounce-tv-adds-shows/ |title=Bounce TV Acquires Broadcast Rights To American Bible Challenge & The Newlywed Game |date=June 24, 2013 |access-date=July 12, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |via=PR Newswire |url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bounce-tv-acquires-broadcast-network-rights-to-the-american-bible-challenge-and-catch-21-212778321.html |title=Bounce TV Acquires Broadcast Network Rights To The American Bible Challenge and Catch 21 |publisher=Bounce TV |date=June 24, 2013 |access-date=July 12, 2023}}</ref> ''The American Bible Challenge'' aired in reruns on [[Up | GSN began [[broadcast syndication|syndicating]] some of its original programming to other channels in the early 2010s. On June 24, 2013, the channel entered into an agreement with [[Bounce TV]], giving it the broadcast rights to ''[[The Newlywed Game]]'', ''[[Catch 21]]'', and ''[[The American Bible Challenge]]''.<ref>{{cite news |first=C. Daniel |last=Baker |magazine=[[Black Enterprise]] |url=http://www.blackenterprise.com/lifestyle/bounce-tv-adds-shows/ |title=Bounce TV Acquires Broadcast Rights To American Bible Challenge & The Newlywed Game |date=June 24, 2013 |access-date=July 12, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |via=PR Newswire |url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bounce-tv-acquires-broadcast-network-rights-to-the-american-bible-challenge-and-catch-21-212778321.html |title=Bounce TV Acquires Broadcast Network Rights To The American Bible Challenge and Catch 21 |publisher=Bounce TV |date=June 24, 2013 |access-date=July 12, 2023}}</ref> ''The American Bible Challenge'' aired in reruns on [[Up TV|UP]] in fall 2013 and again in spring 2015. ''[[Drew Carey's Improv-A-Ganza]]'' aired on [[Laff (TV network)|Laff]] in 2015.<ref>{{cite web |title=LAFF Launch Schedule and Acquires Spin City; Season 4 of Orange Is the New Black Coming to Netflix |url=https://blog.sitcomsonline.com/2015/04/laff-launch-schedule-and-acquires-spin.html?m=0 |website=Sitcoms Online |access-date=December 31, 2020}}</ref> Reruns of ''[[America Says]]'' aired in syndication during the 2019–20 season.<ref>{{cite news |last=Porter |first=Rick |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/Sony-Game-Show-Network-take-America-Says-syndication-1217538 |title=Sony, Game Show Network Take 'America Says' to Syndication |magazine=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |date=June 12, 2019 |access-date=March 7, 2020}}</ref> Reruns of ''[[People Puzzler]]'' began airing in syndication for the 2023–24 television season.<ref name=studioscooling>{{Cite web|url=https://tvnewscheck.com/programming/article/with-major-studios-cooling-on-syndication-stations-seek-program-alternatives/|title=With Major Studios Cooling On Syndication, Stations Seek Program Alternatives|first=Mark|last=Miller|date=August 23, 2023|website=TV News Check}}</ref> | ||
===Game Show Central=== | ===Game Show Central=== | ||
{{Infobox television channel | {{Infobox television channel | ||
| name = Game Show Central | | name = Game Show Central | ||
| logo = | | logo = Game_Show_Central.svg | ||
| logo_size = | | logo_size = 250px | ||
| logo_caption = Game Show Central logo used since March 2020 | | logo_caption = Game Show Central logo used since March 28, 2020 | ||
| founder = | | founder = | ||
| launch_date = {{Plainlist| | | launch_date = {{Plainlist| | ||
* {{Start date and age|2020|3|28}} (as an AVOD streaming channel) | * {{Start date and age|2020|3|28}} (as an AVOD streaming channel) | ||
| Line 96: | Line 98: | ||
| sister_channels = [[Crunchyroll Channel]] | | sister_channels = [[Crunchyroll Channel]] | ||
| founded = | | founded = | ||
| former_names = | | former_names = | ||
| website = {{URL|http://www.gameshowcentral.com/}} | | website = {{URL|http://www.gameshowcentral.com/}} | ||
| terr_serv_1 = [[Digital terrestrial television]] | | terr_serv_1 = [[Digital terrestrial television]] | ||
| terr_chan_1 = Available in select markets | | terr_chan_1 = Available in select markets | ||
| online_serv_1 = [[Internet Protocol television]] | | online_serv_1 = [[Internet Protocol television]] | ||
| online_chan_1 = [[ | | online_chan_1 = Anoki LiveTVx, [[FuboTV]], [[Google TV (interface)|Google TV]], [[Amazon Prime Video|Prime Video Live TV]], [[LG (company)|LG Channels]], [[Peacock (streaming service)|Peacock]], [[Plex (software)|Plex]], [[Philo (company)|Philo]], [[Pluto TV]], [[Samsung TV Plus]], [[Sling Freestream]], [[TCL Electronics|TCL TV+]], [[The CW|The CW app]], [[The Roku Channel]], [[Tubi]], [[Vizio|Vizio Watch Free+]], [[Xumo|Xumo Play]] | ||
}} | }} | ||
On March 28, 2020, the network launched Game Show Central, a digital [[free ad-supported streaming television|streaming channel]] broadcasting archived GSN original programming. The network is currently available on [[Samsung]] and [[Vizio]] [[Smart TV|smart television sets]] and [[Paramount | On March 28, 2020, the network launched Game Show Central, a digital [[free ad-supported streaming television|streaming channel]] broadcasting archived GSN original programming. The network is currently available on [[Samsung]] and [[Vizio]] [[Smart TV|smart television sets]] and [[Paramount Skydance]]-owned AVOD platform [[Pluto TV]] (which also carries rival network [[Buzzr]]). Game Show Central features both current/recent Game Show Network originals like ''[[America Says]]'' and older shows such as ''[[Cram (game show)|Cram]]'', ''[[Friend or Foe? (game show)|Friend or Foe?]]'', ''[[Minute to Win It (American game show)|Minute To Win It]]'', and ''[[Baggage (American game show)|Baggage]]''.<ref>{{cite web |last=Davis |first=Alex |url=http://buzzerblog.com/2020/03/28/so-game-show-network-stealth-dropped-a-digital-network-and-were-completely-on-board/ |title=So Game Show Network Stealth Dropped a Digital Network and We're Completely On Board |website=BuzzerBlog |date=March 28, 2020 |access-date=May 2, 2020}}</ref> By 2023, a limited selection of syndicated shows originally acquired for Game Show Network's schedule (including ''25 Words or Less'' and the Steve Harvey version of ''Family Feud'') were incorporated into the schedule. The service became available on [[Roku, Inc.#The Roku Channel|The Roku Channel]] (with a somewhat different schedule and shows compared to the Pluto TV stream) later in 2020.<ref>{{cite web |title=Game Show Central |url=https://therokuchannel.roku.com/details/3241c85298d253a380f4284f23b71fa9/game-show-central |website=The Roku Channel |access-date=December 21, 2020}}</ref> The service was made available globally via [[Plex (software)|Plex]] in late July 2020.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Barnes |first1=Jess |title=Plex Adds Live TV Service with Over 80 Channels |url=https://www.cordcuttersnews.com/plex-adds-live-tv-service-with-over-80-channels/ |website=Cord Cutters News |access-date=February 16, 2022 |date=July 23, 2020}}</ref> | ||
On October 10, 2023, GSN partnered with sister company [[Crunchyroll LLC|Crunchyroll, LLC]] to launch a [[Crunchyroll#Crunchyroll Channel|Crunchyroll]]-branded [[Free ad-supported streaming television|FAST]] channel dedicated to [[anime]] and related programming. The Crunchyroll channel initially launched on October 11, 2023 on [[The Roku Channel]], [[LG]] Channels, and [[Vizio]] WatchFree+ platforms.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Hayes |first1=Dade |title=Sony's Crunchyroll And GSN Team To Launch Anime Streaming Channel |url=https://deadline.com/2023/10/crunchyroll-anime-sony-gsn-launch-streaming-channel-1235569795/ |work=Deadline |date=11 October 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Pluto TV Will Add Five New Free Live TV Channels In February 2024|url=https://www.cordcuttersnews.com/pluto-tv-will-add-5-new-free-live-tv-channels-in-feburary-2024/ |website=Cord Cutters News|date=January 31, 2024|last=Bouma|first=Luke|access-date=February 6, 2024}}</ref> | On October 10, 2023, GSN partnered with sister company [[Crunchyroll LLC|Crunchyroll, LLC]] to launch a [[Crunchyroll#Crunchyroll Channel|Crunchyroll]]-branded [[Free ad-supported streaming television|FAST]] channel dedicated to [[anime]] and related programming. The Crunchyroll channel initially launched on October 11, 2023, on [[The Roku Channel]], [[LG]] Channels, and [[Vizio]] WatchFree+ platforms.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Hayes |first1=Dade |title=Sony's Crunchyroll And GSN Team To Launch Anime Streaming Channel |url=https://deadline.com/2023/10/crunchyroll-anime-sony-gsn-launch-streaming-channel-1235569795/ |work=Deadline |date=11 October 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Pluto TV Will Add Five New Free Live TV Channels In February 2024|url=https://www.cordcuttersnews.com/pluto-tv-will-add-5-new-free-live-tv-channels-in-feburary-2024/ |website=Cord Cutters News|date=January 31, 2024|last=Bouma|first=Luke|access-date=February 6, 2024}}</ref> | ||
Beginning on February 17, 2025, Game Show Central would also be offered as an over-the-air digital subchannel network, distributed in a hybrid OTA and cable/streaming model similar to that of [[Oxygen (TV network)|Oxygen]]. At launch, it was primarily carried on | Beginning on February 17, 2025, Game Show Central would also be offered as an over-the-air digital subchannel network, distributed in a hybrid OTA and cable/streaming model similar to that of [[Oxygen (TV network)|Oxygen]]. At launch, it was primarily carried on stations (many of them being [[Ion Television]] affiliates) owned by the [[E. W. Scripps Company]] and [[Inyo Broadcast Holdings]], replacing Sony-owned classic television network [[Get (TV network)|Get]] (which temporarily replaced [[Scripps News]] on their stations following that network's November 2024 conversion into a streaming-only service) on the majority of its charter affiliates. The broadcast feed maintains a separate schedule, incorporating additional archived Game Show Network originals not carried on the cable and streaming channels, including some previously featured on the streaming feed, such as ''[[The Newlywed Game]]'' ([[Sherri Shepherd]] and [[Carnie Wilson]] versions), ''Blank Slate'', ''[[Master Minds (American game show)|Best Ever Trivia Show]]'', ''[[Winsanity]]'' and ''[[Lingo (American game show)|Lingo]]'' ([[Bill Engvall]] version). | ||
==Online gaming== | ==Online gaming== | ||
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, GSN's website at GSN.com offered [[Flash games]] based on | In the late 1990s and early 2000s, GSN's website at GSN.com offered [[Flash games]] based on GSN shows. | ||
In 2007, Liberty Media acquired the Toronto-based [[FUN Technologies]], operator of the popular online [[tournament]] [[casual game]] website [[WorldWinner]]. Following the acquisition, Liberty began to [[Brand extension|extend]] the GSN brand into online gaming by | In 2007, Liberty Media acquired the Toronto-based [[FUN Technologies]], operator of the popular online [[tournament]] [[casual game]] website [[WorldWinner]]. Following the acquisition, Liberty began to [[Brand extension|extend]] the GSN brand into online gaming by rebranding WorldWinner as a GSN service.<ref>{{cite web |last=Viscarolosaga |first=Efrain |title=WorldWinner's parent plans a whole new game |url=http://www.masshightech.com/stories/2008/06/09/weekly8-WorldWinners-parent-plans-a-whole-new-game.html |website=Mass High Tech |access-date=February 5, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110829135743/http://www.masshightech.com/stories/2008/06/09/weekly8-WorldWinners-parent-plans-a-whole-new-game.html |archive-date=August 29, 2011}}</ref> GSN also launched a [[social network game|social gaming]] app on [[Facebook]], now known as GSN Casino, featuring skill and casino games along with competitive tournaments. By October 2010, GSN Casino had over 8 million active users. GSN also developed a ''Wheel of Fortune'' app for Facebook, released in 2010.<ref name="mesmo-gsn">{{cite web |last=Morrison |first=Chris |title=GSN Quietly Grows Large on Facebook With Game Shows and Tournaments |url=http://www.insidesocialgames.com/2010/10/05/gsn-quietly-grows-large-on-facebook-with-game-shows-and-tournaments/ |website=Inside Social Games |access-date=February 5, 2012}}</ref> | ||
GSN also published GSN Casino [[mobile app]]s, featuring various slot machine and bingo games in 2013, ''GSN Casino'' was the 10th highest-grossing app for [[iPad]] on the [[App Store (iOS)|App Store]]. In January 2014, GSN acquired Bitrhymes Inc., developers of the social and mobile games ''Bingo Bash'' and ''Slots Bash'', for an undisclosed amount. GSN had sued Bitrhymes in November 2013 following its prior offer to acquire the company, arguing that it had attempted to | GSN also published GSN Casino [[mobile app]]s, featuring various slot machine and bingo games in 2013, ''GSN Casino'' was the 10th highest-grossing app for [[iPad]] on the [[App Store (iOS)|App Store]]. In January 2014, GSN acquired Bitrhymes Inc., developers of the social and mobile games ''Bingo Bash'' and ''Slots Bash'', for an undisclosed amount. GSN had sued Bitrhymes in November 2013 following its prior offer to acquire the company, arguing that it had attempted to withdraw its offer and accept a different one during GSN's exclusive negotiation period.<ref name=thr-gsnsue>{{cite news |title=Game Show Network Sues After Gaming Company Cancels Acquisition |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/game-show-network-sues-gaming-655855/ |first=Alex Ben |last=Block |date=November 13, 2013 |magazine=The Hollywood Reporter |access-date=February 16, 2022}}</ref><ref name=recode-gsnbingo>{{cite web |title=That's a Bingo: GSN Gobbles Up Bash Gaming, Ending Lawsuit |url=http://recode.net/2014/02/25/thats-a-bingo-gsn-gobbles-up-bash-gaming-mid-lawsuit/ |website=Re/code |date=February 25, 2014 |access-date=February 26, 2014}}</ref> | ||
In November 2014, the network announced that a show based on ''Bingo Bash'' was in development for Game Show Network's 2015 slate of original programming.<ref name=gsn-2015originals>{{cite press release |title=GSN Builds On 2014 Success With New Development For 2015 |url=https://press.gsntv.com/resources/press-releases/gsn-builds-on-2014-success-with-new-development-for-2015 |website=Game Show Network Corporate |date=November 18, 2014 |access-date=July 12, 2023}}</ref> | In November 2014, the network announced that a show based on ''Bingo Bash'' was in development for Game Show Network's 2015 slate of original programming.<ref name=gsn-2015originals>{{cite press release |title=GSN Builds On 2014 Success With New Development For 2015 |url=https://press.gsntv.com/resources/press-releases/gsn-builds-on-2014-success-with-new-development-for-2015 |website=Game Show Network Corporate |date=November 18, 2014 |access-date=July 12, 2023}}</ref> | ||
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[[Category:Television networks in the United States]] | [[Category:Television networks in the United States]] | ||
[[Category:Sony Pictures Television]] | [[Category:Sony Pictures Television]] | ||
[[Category:Television channels and stations established in 1994]] | [[Category:Television channels and stations established in 1994]] | ||
[[Category:English-language television stations in the United States]] | [[Category:English-language television stations in the United States]] | ||
Latest revision as of 23:38, 18 November 2025
Template:Short description Template:Main other Script error: No such module "Infobox".Template:Template otherTemplate:Main otherScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
Game Show Network (GSN) is an American basic cable channel owned by the television network division of Sony Pictures Television.[1] The channel's programming is primarily dedicated to game shows, including reruns of acquired game shows, along with new, first-run original and revived game shows. The network has also previously aired reality competition series and televised poker.
As of October 2019, Game Show Network claimed that it was available to "nearly 75 million" American households, primarily through traditional cable and satellite services.[2] The network and its original programming are also available on streaming and Internet television services, including Frndly TV, YouTube TV, Philo, fuboTV, Sling TV, and Plex.[3]
A spinoff network, Game Show Central, was launched by Sony Pictures Television Networks on March 28, 2020, as a digital ad-supported streaming channel offering Game Show Network original series and a limited selection of acquired game shows also featured on the cable channel. In February 2025, Sony began distributing Game Show Central as an over-the-air multicast network (primarily on stations owned by the E. W. Scripps Company and Inyo Broadcast Holdings), featuring a separate schedule consisting exclusively of reruns of Game Show Network's original series, incorporating programs not carried on either the streaming or cable channels.
History
1994–2004: as "Game Show Network"
On May 7, 1992, Sony Pictures Entertainment joined forces with the United Video Satellite Group to launch the Game Show Channel, which was set for a 1993 launch.[4] The announcement of the channel was made by SPE president Mel Harris.[5]
On December 2, 1992, Sony Pictures Entertainment made a deal to acquire the Barry & Enright game show library, and in a separate deal, struck a 10-year licensing agreement for the rights to the Mark Goodson game show library of more than 20,000 episodes including among others, What's My Line?, Family Feud, and To Tell the Truth. Upon the deal, Sony said it would sell an equity stake in the network to Mark Goodson Productions, including the production of new original series by Jonathan Goodson Productions.[6] Both deals were completed on December 7, 1992, eleven days before Mark Goodson's death.[7] On June 6, 1994, Mark Goodson Productions withdrew from the venture.[8] GSN's launch time was intended to be at 10:00 p.m. ET, but at the time, it was instead set for three hours earlier to 7:00 p.m. ET.
Game Show Network launched at 7:00 p.m. on December 1, 1994.[9] The first aired game show to air on GSN was What's My Line?.[10] By the launch date, the network had acquired rights to over 40,000 episodes from the libraries of several game show production companies and corporate parent Sony. The initial lineup was exclusively acquired programming such as Match Game, Family Feud, The Newlywed Game, Jeopardy!, and Wheel of Fortune. Over time, Game Show Network acquired the rights to The Price Is Right, The $10,000 Pyramid, Let's Make a Deal, Hollywood Squares, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? and other libraries, putting them on the schedule at various times throughout the network's history. The network eventually began producing original game shows such as Lingo, Burt Luddin's Love Buffet, Whammy!, Inquizition, and Extreme Gong.[11] One program to air on GSN was Faux Pause, which aired in 1998, and was co-hosted by Mary Gallagher and Sean Donnellan. Pause consisted of jokes and skits done while watching certain episodes of game shows, in a similar fashion to Mystery Science Theater 3000.
In 2001, a massive change in both leadership and programming at the network took place when Liberty Media acquired a 50% stake. Both president Michael Fleming and vice president Jake Tauber departed, and former ABC Family/Fox Family Channel president Rich Cronin was hired to lead the network.[12]
2004–18: as "GSN"
On March 15, 2004, Game Show Network began using the abbreviation "GSN" and introduced the tagline "The Network for Games." GSN began expanding its programming to include reality television games and various competition-based programs.[13][14][15] GSN would also air reruns of reality competitions (for example, Spy TV and The Mole).[16] Along with its new format, GSN would continue to produce traditional game shows, including new seasons of Lingo and a revival of Chain Reaction.[17][18]
David Goldhill succeeded Rich Cronin as GSN president on August 1, 2007.[19] A high definition simulcast feed of the network was launched on September 15, 2010.[20]
Some notable acquisitions for the network included Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?[21] and the Steve Harvey-hosted Family Feud,[22] both of which would headline the network's prime time lineup. Notable original game shows produced during this time were Catch 21 (which would be revived in 2019), Baggage (hosted by Jerry Springer), the first U.S. incarnation of The Chase,[23][24][25] American Bible Challenge (the premiere of which drew an audience of nearly two million viewers),[26] and Skin Wars.[27] The network produced interactive program blocks, such as GSN Live and Playmania.[28][29]
In March 2011, DirecTV (which by this point had acquired Liberty Media's then-65% stake in the network) sold a 5% stake in the network back to Sony Pictures Entertainment. Although DirecTV nominally remained the majority owner, Sony begin taking control of the network, and had the right to force Sony to increase its stake in GSN to 58%.[30] On November 8, 2012, DirecTV sold an 18% interest in GSN to Sony.[31] GSN partnered with Vubiquity to launch "GSN On Demand" on August 15, 2013.[32]
2017–present: Return to "Game Show Network"
In April 2017, David Goldhill resigned as president of the network after nearly 10 years. He was succeeded by Mark Feldman in August 2017.[33] Later that year, the network would begin to refer to itself in promos by its full name.[34] On October 1, 2018, the network's programming returned to focus on traditional game show formats, culminating in a rebranding that restored the network's full name.[35]
The network's daily schedule would consist almost entirely of original programming, including new shows such as America Says, Common Knowledge, and People Puzzler.[36] In April 2020, Game Show Network premiered Master Minds, a retool of a 2019 original show called Best Ever Trivia Show featuring Jeopardy! champion and host Ken Jennings, and now hosted by Brooke Burns, who hosted the GSN version of The Chase.[37]
DirecTV's stake in Game Show Network would move to AT&T when it acquired the service in 2015.[38] On November 18, 2019, it was announced that Sony had acquired AT&T's 42% stake and thus resumed full ownership of GSN.[39] A list of 2020 Nielsen ratings published by Variety indicated that Game Show Network averaged 432,000 viewers in prime time, up 6% from the 2019 average.[40]
In December 2021, Mark Feldman resigned after four years as Game Show Network president, to join the video game firm Scopely amid the gaming unit sale from Sony. He was succeeded by longtime executive John Zaccario.[41]
On September 7, 2022, Dish Network and Sling TV removed Game Show Network from their lineups, after failing to reach a renewal agreement with owner Sony Pictures Television.[42] The network returned to both services on September 27, 2022.[43]
Programming
Script error: No such module "Labelled list hatnote". Current original programming, as of November 2025 includes Bingo Blitz, Tic-Tac-Dough (hosted by Brooke Burns), and Beat the Bridge. Reruns of former original shows airing on the network include America Says, Catch 21, Master Minds, Switch, Chain Reaction (both Dylan Lane-hosted incarnations), and Split Second (Higgins version).
In October 2025, the network announced that it was developing a new original game show titled 100 Choices.[44]
GSN's acquired slate includes Match Game (1973–82 version hosted by Gene Rayburn), Family Feud (hosted by Steve Harvey), Family Feud Favorites, Flip Side, Deal or No Deal (NBC and CNBC versions), Jeopardy! (hosted by Ken Jennings), 25 Words or Less, Cash Cab (hosted by Ben Bailey), Who Wants to Be a Millionaire (original ABC primetime run hosted by Regis Philbin), Press Your Luck (ABC revival hosted by Elizabeth Banks), Wheel of Fortune (hosted by Pat Sajak and Vanna White), The Wall, The Chase (ABC revival hosted by Sara Haines), The Perfect Line, and the 2016 version of The $100,000 Pyramid.[45][46]
Syndication
GSN began syndicating some of its original programming to other channels in the early 2010s. On June 24, 2013, the channel entered into an agreement with Bounce TV, giving it the broadcast rights to The Newlywed Game, Catch 21, and The American Bible Challenge.[47][48] The American Bible Challenge aired in reruns on UP in fall 2013 and again in spring 2015. Drew Carey's Improv-A-Ganza aired on Laff in 2015.[49] Reruns of America Says aired in syndication during the 2019–20 season.[50] Reruns of People Puzzler began airing in syndication for the 2023–24 television season.[51]
Game Show Central
Template:Main other Script error: No such module "Infobox".Template:Template otherTemplate:Main otherScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". On March 28, 2020, the network launched Game Show Central, a digital streaming channel broadcasting archived GSN original programming. The network is currently available on Samsung and Vizio smart television sets and Paramount Skydance-owned AVOD platform Pluto TV (which also carries rival network Buzzr). Game Show Central features both current/recent Game Show Network originals like America Says and older shows such as Cram, Friend or Foe?, Minute To Win It, and Baggage.[52] By 2023, a limited selection of syndicated shows originally acquired for Game Show Network's schedule (including 25 Words or Less and the Steve Harvey version of Family Feud) were incorporated into the schedule. The service became available on The Roku Channel (with a somewhat different schedule and shows compared to the Pluto TV stream) later in 2020.[53] The service was made available globally via Plex in late July 2020.[54]
On October 10, 2023, GSN partnered with sister company Crunchyroll, LLC to launch a Crunchyroll-branded FAST channel dedicated to anime and related programming. The Crunchyroll channel initially launched on October 11, 2023, on The Roku Channel, LG Channels, and Vizio WatchFree+ platforms.[55][56]
Beginning on February 17, 2025, Game Show Central would also be offered as an over-the-air digital subchannel network, distributed in a hybrid OTA and cable/streaming model similar to that of Oxygen. At launch, it was primarily carried on stations (many of them being Ion Television affiliates) owned by the E. W. Scripps Company and Inyo Broadcast Holdings, replacing Sony-owned classic television network Get (which temporarily replaced Scripps News on their stations following that network's November 2024 conversion into a streaming-only service) on the majority of its charter affiliates. The broadcast feed maintains a separate schedule, incorporating additional archived Game Show Network originals not carried on the cable and streaming channels, including some previously featured on the streaming feed, such as The Newlywed Game (Sherri Shepherd and Carnie Wilson versions), Blank Slate, Best Ever Trivia Show, Winsanity and Lingo (Bill Engvall version).
Online gaming
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, GSN's website at GSN.com offered Flash games based on GSN shows.
In 2007, Liberty Media acquired the Toronto-based FUN Technologies, operator of the popular online tournament casual game website WorldWinner. Following the acquisition, Liberty began to extend the GSN brand into online gaming by rebranding WorldWinner as a GSN service.[57] GSN also launched a social gaming app on Facebook, now known as GSN Casino, featuring skill and casino games along with competitive tournaments. By October 2010, GSN Casino had over 8 million active users. GSN also developed a Wheel of Fortune app for Facebook, released in 2010.[58]
GSN also published GSN Casino mobile apps, featuring various slot machine and bingo games in 2013, GSN Casino was the 10th highest-grossing app for iPad on the App Store. In January 2014, GSN acquired Bitrhymes Inc., developers of the social and mobile games Bingo Bash and Slots Bash, for an undisclosed amount. GSN had sued Bitrhymes in November 2013 following its prior offer to acquire the company, arguing that it had attempted to withdraw its offer and accept a different one during GSN's exclusive negotiation period.[59][60]
In November 2014, the network announced that a show based on Bingo Bash was in development for Game Show Network's 2015 slate of original programming.[61]
In October 2021, Sony sold the GSN Games subsidiary to mobile game developer Scopely in a $1 billion cash and stock deal. Sony then took a minority stake in Scopely.[62][63]
See also
- Buzzr – a digital multicast network showcasing vintage game shows.
- Challenge – a British channel devoted to airing game shows and competition-based programs.
- GameTV – a Canadian channel that airs game shows and general entertainment programming.
- Nickelodeon Games and Sports for Kids – a now-defunct channel that aired Nickelodeon-produced game shows.
- The Game Channel – a Philippine channel focused on family game shows and reality shows.
References
External links
Template:Game Show Network Template:Sony Pictures
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