#12: Jeopardy! (1964)
Jeopardy! is technically a game show, sure, but it’s also a cultural institution. Debuting in 1964 and going strong for 36 years under the stewardship of its late host Alex Trebek, the show has managed to define itself as something other than a mere contest of trivia. Rather than contestants being asked questions, they’re asked to provide answers phrased as questions. It’s a format that has bested and befuddled millions in the half-century since its debut.
The show appealed to many not just because it was brainy but thanks to Alex Trebek’s charm. Jeopardy! was as much a living-room staple as any other program in US households for decades. If you like to test your trivia skills—or just enjoy a good brain teaser—Jeopardy! has always been the show that makes it cool to be smart.