Game shows are famous not only for their challenges and contestants but also for their iconic props. Prize wheels, buzzers, podiums, and quirky set pieces like the “Banker’s Phone” on Deal or No Deal have become unforgettable symbols in game show history. These props do more than decorate the set; they heighten suspense, add flair, and have become symbols of thrill and fortune. Let’s dive into the fascinating backstories behind some of the most iconic game show props and discover how they became beloved fixtures in game show lore.
1. The Wheel of Fortune Prize Wheel
The Wheel of Fortune prize wheel is arguably one of the most famous props in game show history. With its vibrant colors, clicking sounds, and high-stakes spins, the wheel is the show’s centerpiece. Contestants spin the wheel, hoping to land on big prizes or avoid the dreaded “Bankrupt” space.
The original wheel was manually operated by hosts, but as technology advanced, it was updated for smoother spins and even brighter designs. The unmistakable clicking sound, produced by a peg-and-finger mechanism, was intentionally engineered to add drama. Each click builds anticipation, creating a sense of suspense with every spin.
Fun Fact: The Wheel of Fortune wheel weighs about 2,400 pounds! Despite its size, it’s balanced to allow smooth spins, though contestants often need to use a bit of strength to get it going.
2. The Jeopardy! Game Board
Jeopardy!’s blue game board has become an iconic part of television history. Each category and clue is revealed as contestants select them, creating a sense of mystery and discovery. Originally, the board was manually operated, with stagehands flipping cards to reveal answers. Today, it’s an electronic display that’s easier to update and manage.
The board’s consistent design has added a sense of continuity to the show for decades. The bold colors, straightforward grid layout, and flip-card sound effect became a fixture in viewers’ memories. Host Alex Trebek even said the board gave contestants a “canvas” to test their knowledge.
Fun Fact: The game board was redesigned in 2006 to accommodate digital technology, allowing categories and clues to be updated instantly.
3. The Price Is Right’s Big Wheel
The Big Wheel on The Price Is Right is one of the show’s standout props. Contestants spin this massive wheel to earn points, hoping to hit the “$1.00” mark without going over. The wheel’s colorful panels and hefty design make it a visually memorable prop, and the excitement as contestants watch it spin to their fate is always high.
This wheel isn’t just heavy—it requires contestants to pull it with all their strength, adding a physical element to the suspense. The click of the wheel as it rotates has become a signature sound, adding tension as it slows down, seemingly taking forever to land on a final score.
Fun Fact: The Big Wheel is so heavy that only one person is allowed to spin it at a time. It weighs about 2,000 pounds!
4. The Banker’s Phone on Deal or No Deal
Deal or No Deal introduced the “Banker’s Phone,” an old-fashioned telephone used by the mysterious Banker to communicate offers to the contestant. This prop became a symbol of suspense, as each phone call could lead to a life-changing offer or leave contestants wondering if they should push for more.
The phone, an ordinary rotary phone, was chosen to evoke a sense of classic mystery and intrigue. Every time it rang, audiences knew an important decision was about to unfold. Its presence added to the psychological drama, making it one of the show’s most recognizable symbols.
Fun Fact: The “Banker” was always hidden from view, adding to the mystique and enhancing the suspense created by the phone calls.
5. Family Feud’s Buzzer System
On Family Feud, the buzzers play a key role in building tension. Contestants from two families face off, ready to buzz in with answers to survey questions. The buzzer not only adds a competitive edge but also symbolizes the “fastest finger” approach, pushing contestants to think and act quickly.
The buzzer sound has become a cultural staple, used in parodies and referenced across popular media. The red podium and sound effect signal that it’s time to give a quick answer, or risk the opposing family taking over.
Fun Fact: Family Feud has updated its buzzers over the years to improve responsiveness, but the classic sound remains the same to keep the show’s continuity.
6. Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?’s Hot Seat
Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? is famous for its “Hot Seat”—the chair where contestants sit as they answer increasingly difficult questions. Dimmed lighting, intense music, and the host’s careful pacing add tension to the setup, making the Hot Seat a space of high stakes and drama.
The design of the chair itself, sleek and modern, creates a sense of gravitas. The placement in a dimly lit studio adds to the feeling of isolation, focusing all attention on the contestant as they tackle each question. The Hot Seat represents both pressure and opportunity, as contestants climb toward the coveted million-dollar prize.
Fun Fact: Contestants describe sitting in the Hot Seat as nerve-wracking, partly due to the intense lighting and music that make each decision feel monumental.
