Game shows, in a wide variety of formats (quiz shows, word games, funny contests, team competitions) attract large audiences, especially during daytime TV. Many shows are very product-oriented, with the prizes provided by sponsoring advertisers, plugs and promos, all designed to stimulate the audiences' interest and desire.

Disclosure laws now require these programs to indicate that such "promotional considerations" were furnished by the sponsors. But, some critics believe that this vague language isn't clearly understood and the phrasing needs to be clarified: "These prizes were given to us free..."

Quiz shows (such as the "$64,000 Question") were very popular during TV's early days in the 1950s, until the infamous "fix" scandal which led to their disappearance for almost 50 years. Surprisingly, in the new century, "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?" and "The Weakest Link" attracted huge audiences, which led to their revival. (The prize money given away is a relatively small sum in comparison to production cost and advertising revenues.)

Following that fad, "Reality shows," such as the various matchmaking and adventure games were popular, featuring "real" people ("plain folks") a very cheap way to produce shows. Variations included "American Idol," and "You're the One That I Want" (auditions for 'Grease') and ,Donald Trump's "The Apprentice."