Play Along via Your Home HD Screen

The competitive streak is part of human nature. Winning offers a momentary high while losing, as much as you learn to deal with it, is no fun at all. But before the outcome is decided, playing along is a big part of the pleasure in entertainment. Whether you are a huge fan of the Game Show Network or you prefer football action with the NFL Sunday Ticket, there are lots of ways to satisfy your craving for competition without leaving home.

Some will scoff at game shows, but millions enjoy competing alongside the on-air contestants. In fact, the history of the genre dates back to the period before cable and satellite TV existed, when the television industry itself was just getting off the ground. After failing to attract many viewers in the 1950s, game shows became a staple in households just a decade later. The ever-popular ‘Jeopardy!’ even dates from this era, although the current host – Alex Trebek – did not take the career-defining role until 1984. In addition to surviving for more than a quarter-century, this quiz show continues to bring in viewers for special episodes including a recent competition between an IBM-created computer named Watson and human competitors from previous shows.

Another top game show that first aired in the 1960s is ‘The Newlyweds.’ Even though it has gone through many mutations over the years, the basic concept remains the same: young marriages are put to the test. Wives have to answer questions and then husbands are asked the same questions, and any matching responses equal points (or cash value in certain seasons). Then, the roles are reversed as the couples compete to win the grand prize. Syndicated episodes continue to be popular and the recent premier of a modern version drew in new cable and satellite TV viewers. The contemporary version reflects societal changes, as the language is much more direct and same-sex married couples are also given the chance to participate.

The only downside with ‘The Newlyweds’ is that the home viewer does not get much of a chance to compete. You can bet on which couple you think will win and you might get a kick out of the tiffs that develop when partners offer poor responses. Yet if you want to play alongside contestants, ‘Family Feud’ is a lot more fun to watch on your HD screen. Two families are pitted against each other. They strive to think of the most popular answers to questions, which have been previously answered by a target group. Winners get cash prizes and bonus prizes, such as cars, are given for exceptional performance.

Serious game show fans are able to enjoy hours of competition. But if you share the household with a sports fan, you might have to turn over the remote control for a few hours while the game is on. If that is the case, be sure to set up your DVR receiver to record your favorite quiz shows until the football game is over. As an added bonus, you will be able to fast-forward through commercials when you recover control of the remote.

Satisfy your competitive side with game shows and more from bestchoicetv. Check out directv special offers that will give you plenty of access to all the action.