#15: Truth or Consequences (1950)
Truth or Consequences was a TV gameshow that mixed silliness with sentimentality from the moment it first aired in 1950. Hosted by Ralph Edwards and, later, Bob Barker, the premise was straightforward: Answer a trivia question correctly or face a consequence (i.e., a wacky stunt).
More than any of the antics, though, it was the surprise reunions and tearful moments that set Truth or Consequences apart, a show that might have you laughing one minute and reaching for a tissue the next. Airing for decades, Truth or Consequences was one of those TV staples that became a perfect mix for American viewers.