How to host a game show night at home
A game night is good. A game show night is better: a host, teams, a scoreboard, a bit of music and a winner crowned at the end.
Here's how to plan one, with or without us.
Plan the night, step by step
- 1
Invite 6 to 16 people
Enough for two or more teams, few enough that everyone gets a turn.
- 2
Pick 3 to 5 games
Mix them: a quick warm-up, a quiz or game show, something silly, and a big finish.
- 3
Write a running order
Put the games in order with a rough time for each. About 90 minutes is plenty.
- 4
Make teams
Pick team captains, or split up couples and best friends so the teams are even.
- 5
Get prizes
A cheap trophy, a silly hat for the winner, chocolates for everyone else.
- 6
Set the house rules
The host's word is final, no phones out except for playing, and no sulking (much).
Game show ideas for your night
Our game shows are our own: survey answers, a quiz board, a word puzzle wheel, a bargain-buzzer quiz, plus party games between them.
Survey Showdown
Try to name the answers people gave in a survey. Popular answers score more. A good game for people who like talking and quick guesses.
- 2–30 players
- About 15–25 minutes
Question Quest
Pick a clue from the TV board, buzz in and answer in the form of a question. For 2 to 8 players, each playing for themself, who enjoy trivia and a little risk.
- 2–8 players
- About 20–35 minutes
Spin & Solve
Spin the wheel, find the letters and solve the hidden phrase. Good for word lovers and families.
- 2–10 players
- About 15–25 minutes
Snap It Up!
Our bargain-buzzer quiz show for 2–8 players, every man for themself: buzz in to answer quick questions, crack the Who am I?, and spend your points on bargains if you dare.
- 2–8 players
- About 12–15 minutes
Imposter
Everyone gets the same secret word, except one player: the Imposter. Find them before they fool you!
- 3–16 players
- About 5–15 minutes
- Same room only
Doodle Dash
One player draws on their phone. Everyone else races to guess what it is. The TV shows every line as it is drawn.
- 2–30 players
- About 10 minutes
Let the show run itself
In Game Shows ONLINE, a show is your running order, saved: games and quizzes one after another, with walk-on music, cartoon clips and our hosts, Arnold (the virtual host) and Lily (the virtual co-host). Press start and the night moves along by itself, and you can still pause or skip from your phone.
What is a show?
A show is your whole night, set up in advance. Put games and quizzes in a running order, and the night flows from one to the next with music and the host talking.
The points add up across every game to one big winner. One whole show counts as one play.
Read the video transcript
Arnold: A show is your whole night, set up in advance. Pick the games, then set their rules, age groups and players before the night.
Lily: Then it flows from game to game. No stopping for setup! The points add up all night, to one big winner.
Arnold: Or pick a one-off game: choose its options when you play, and its points count just for that game.
Hosting tips
- Play along. With Playing along you host and play, and the answers stay hidden from you.
- Keep it moving. Short breaks between games, and skip anything that drags.
- Make the winners feel like winners. Announce them, hand over the prize, take the photo.
- For family nights, see family game night. For big groups, see party games for adults.
Questions
How do you host a game night?
Invite 6 to 16 people, pick 3 to 5 games of different kinds, put them in a running order of about 90 minutes, make teams, and have small prizes ready.
What games are good for a game show party?
Survey games, a quiz board, a word puzzle wheel, a buzz-in quiz, and party games like Imposter and Doodle Dash between them.
Can the host play too?
Yes. Choose Playing along and the answers stay hidden from you.
Put on your own game show
Make your running order, put it on the TV, and everyone plays on their phones.
Start your trial