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National Game Show Day is celebrated on June 1st, and when I saw it on the calendar, I immediately smiled. There is just something comforting about game shows. They have been bringing families together for generations, filling living rooms with laughter, cheering, and the occasional shout at the television when someone gives the wrong answer that you just knew was right.

Game shows actually have quite a long history. The very first television game show, “Spelling Bee,” aired on the BBC in London back in May of 1938. It originally began as a radio broadcast before making its way to television, although it only lasted for five episodes. A few years later came “Truth or Consequences,” which first aired on radio and later became one of the earliest commercially licensed television game shows in America.

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Of course, game shows have not always had a perfectly smooth history. In the 1950s, controversy surrounded programs like “The $64,000 Question” and “Twenty-One” after accusations surfaced that contestants had been coached behind the scenes. The scandal became so large that Congress eventually amended the Communications Act of 1934, making it illegal to rig quiz shows. Thankfully, game shows recovered over the years and returned to what most of us think of them as today — simple, wholesome entertainment.

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And honestly, I still think they are some of the most enjoyable programs on television.

There are so many fun little facts about game shows too:

• “The Price is Right” is the longest-running game show and has been on television since 1972. (CBS.com)

• “Family Feud” has had six hosts over the years, including Richard Dawson, Louie Anderson, Richard Karn, and Steve Harvey. (liveabout.com)

• Ken Jennings remains the highest-winning contestant in “Jeopardy!” history and now serves as one of the show’s hosts. (https://www.jeopardy.com/track/leaderboard-of-legends)

• Vanna White has been turning letters on “Wheel of Fortune” since 1982. That is a whole lot of letters! (abc.com)

I have always loved watching game shows, especially “The Price is Right,” “Family Feud,” and the occasional “Wheel of Fortune.” The hosts may have changed over the years, but the heart of the shows has mostly stayed the same. They simply update a little with the times while keeping the familiar fun we all grew up with.

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When my brother and I were kids home on summer break, we never missed “Press Your Luck.” We would sit there chanting right along with the contestants — “No whammies, no whammies!” Those are the kinds of little memories that stick with you forever.

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Over the last year, game shows have taken on an even more special meaning for me.

I have been spending a lot more time with my mom as her health has declined some this past year. She lives in Florida, so every month I hop on a quick flight and go spend time with her. We end up watching quite a bit of television together, and somewhere along the way, game shows became one of her favorite things to watch.

And can you guess which ones she loves most?

Yep — “The Price is Right” and “Wheel of Fortune.” She also enjoys “Let’s Make a Deal” and “Jeopardy!” too. Truthfully, I think they have been good for her. They keep her mind active, keep her thinking, and most importantly, they give us something fun to enjoy together.

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I also get such a kick out of seeing the contestants these days. The wild costumes, matching shirts, homemade signs, and funny antics make the shows even more entertaining. People have become incredibly creative over the years.

Game shows really are one of those simple pleasures in life. They remind us of slower days, family evenings together, and cheering for complete strangers from the comfort of our living rooms.

And if you want to make your next family game show night even more fun, why not whip up a batch of homemade caramel corn to enjoy while you watch?

Easy Homemade Caramel Corn

Recipe courtesy of twosisterscrafting.com

Yield: 10 cups
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Additional Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

This Easy Homemade Caramel Corn is sweet, salty, buttery, and absolutely delicious. Best of all, it is simple to make and does not require corn syrup.

Ingredients

• 10 cups popped popcorn

• Salt to taste

• 1 cup butter

• 1 cup packed light brown sugar

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Instructions

Pop 10 cups of popcorn and remove any unpopped kernels. Sprinkle lightly with salt.

In a medium saucepan over low to medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the brown sugar until completely combined. Continue stirring until the mixture is smooth and no separated butter remains on top.

Increase the heat slightly until the mixture comes to a gentle boil. Once bubbling, stop stirring and allow it to boil for 4 minutes.

Add the vanilla extract and stir. Let it cook for 1 more minute.

Remove from heat and stir in the baking soda. The caramel will foam up slightly — that is exactly what you want, as it helps create a lighter, smoother caramel coating.

Slowly drizzle the caramel over the popcorn, gently folding until all the popcorn is coated.

Spread the caramel corn onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and allow it to cool before serving.

If your family is anything like ours, it probably will not last very long!