6 Controversial 70s Game Shows That Would Be Canceled Today

The 1970s gave us some iconic game shows that were just as wild as the era itself. But in today’s climate, some of these shows would likely face serious backlash for their themes and antics. Here are six ’70s game shows that wouldn’t fly on modern television.

1. “The Dating Game” (1973-1974 Revival)

“The Dating Game” brought single contestants together for blind dates with questions that often got a little too bold. The suggestive nature of the questions made for awkward situations on live TV, and some contestant responses pushed the boundaries of what was considered appropriate.

The show’s casual approach to pairing people up could easily feel unsettling in today’s world, with stricter expectations for on-screen behavior and respect between contestants. Safety concerns would also be a major factor now, given revelations about some questionable contestants on the show.

2. “The Gong Show” (1976-1980)

“The Gong Show” was a talent show where anything went, and odd or controversial acts were welcome. Contestants would perform, hoping to avoid being “gonged” by a panel of celebrity judges. Acts often ventured into strange or risqué territory, making it a chaotic and unpredictable spectacle.

Chuck Barris, the host, encouraged outrageous antics, creating an atmosphere that some loved but others found distasteful. Today’s audiences might find the show uncomfortable or inappropriate, with acts that wouldn’t meet current standards for TV content.

3. “Three’s a Crowd” (1979)

“Three’s a Crowd” stirred up drama by pitting husbands, wives, and their secretaries against each other to find out who knew the man best. The show hinted at potential affairs and played up romantic tension, which created jealousy and raised serious questions about relationship boundaries.

Audiences at the time felt uneasy about the show’s impact on marriages, with many calling it exploitative. In today’s world, such a show would likely face immediate backlash for crossing lines around privacy and respecting personal relationships.

4. “The Newlywed Game” (1966-1974, ’70s Episodes)

“The Newlywed Game” continued into the ’70s with newly married couples asked to answer questions about their relationships. While it produced humorous moments, some of the questions probed into very private territory, which made the couples visibly uncomfortable at times.

In today’s culture, the show’s sometimes prying nature would likely be seen as invasive. The premise might still work with modifications, but audiences would expect more sensitivity to contestants’ comfort and privacy.

5. “Match Game” (1973-1979)

“Match Game” was a classic ’70s hit, with celebrities filling in the blanks of suggestive phrases, and contestants trying to match their answers. The humor leaned on innuendo, making it a fun but often risqué show. Some of the jokes and double meanings left little to the imagination.

While the show was lighthearted, its humor would feel dated or inappropriate to many viewers today. Modern game shows usually avoid overtly suggestive jokes, especially ones that might make contestants or audiences uncomfortable.

6. “TattleTales” (1974-1978)

“TattleTales” had celebrity couples answering questions about each other, with audiences betting on their answers. Some questions brought out tension between couples, leading to awkward or embarrassing moments. The show’s format often exposed personal conflicts for laughs.

Though it was a hit, “TattleTales” likely wouldn’t work today without major changes. The show’s approach to exploring private matters for entertainment could feel uncomfortable now, especially since audiences today expect more respectful portrayals of relationships on TV.