1

Wheel of Fortune

Image: See page for author, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Created in 1975 and still on the air, Wheel of Fortune features three contestants competing to solve a word puzzle, in a manner similar to Hangman , to win money and prizes. For 41 years, it was hosted by Pat Sajak and Vanna White to great ratings success. In 2024, Sajak announced his retirement and was replaced by presenter and producer Ryan Seacrest.

Throughout the years, Wheel of Fortune has had many international adaptations and is currently the longest-running syndicated game show in U.S. television history.

2

Family Feud

Image: RDNE Stock project

And the survey says... Family Feud is hilarious! For most of the past 45 years, this game show has offered us fun and innocent entertainment. Family Feud has had different hosts, such as Richard Dawson and Steve Harvey, and has introduced us to some of the most curious American families and some of the most unexpected answers in television history.

Winner of several Emmy Awards and exported to over 50 international markets, we hope to have Family Feud for many more years!

3

Press Your Luck

Image: g

Remember The Whammy? This show's mascot, an animated devil, was the one thing to avoid at all costs to win the most money in Press Your Luck . And answer a few questions correctly, of course!

Press Your Luck first aired in 1983 . It was discontinued and resurrected many times since, but in 2019, it came back to stay. Nowadays, it airs on ABC and is hosted by actress, director, and producer Elizabeth Banks.

4

The Price is Right

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In a 2007 article, TV Guide selected The Price is Right as "the best quiz show of all time". Do you agree? It's the longest-running daytime game show in North American television history, so it makes sense. The original version ran from 1956 to 1965 on NBC, while the current version has been running since 1972 on CBS.

Bob Barker, who hosted The Price is Right for 35 years, turned this show in which contestants must guess the exact price of different products, into an all-time institution. We will forever remember his voice uttering the famous catchphrase "Coooome on down!"

5

Card Sharks

Image: Amanda Jones

There have been four different versions of Card Sharks from 1978 to 2021, presented by famous hosts like Jim Perry, Bob Eubanks, and Joel McHale.

The show is based on some random but funny survey questions contestants must answer to control a row of oversized playing cards. Will the next card be higher or lower? Place your bets!

6

Who Wants to Be a Millionaire

Image: Anete Lusina

Phone a friend or ask the audience: Is Who Wants to Be a Millionaire one of the best game shows TV has ever given us? We certainly think so, and that's our final answer!

Unlike most of the programs listed in this article, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire is not a native American show but rather a British format. Yet, U.S. audiences seem to have embraced it with open arms. Because, let's be honest, who would turn down the chance to win a million dollars?

7

Hollywood Squares

Image: NBC Television, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

During the years it remained on the air, many celebrities took up the squares of this sort of human tic-tac-toe. Personalities like Vincent Price, Joan Rivers, Kathy Griffin, and Whoopi Goldberg, among others, not only made this show fun but also legendary.

Hollywood Squares aired from 1966 to 2004 with a couple of interruptions in between and was presented by different hosts. However, that didn't stop it from winning several Emmy awards and being regarded as one of the greatest game shows ever.

8

The Dating Game

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We are so used to the many dating shows now on the air that we take them for granted. However, The Dating Game , which first premiered in 1965, was a true pioneer. Since its release and until 2021, the show was revived several times with different variants but the same appeal.

The format was very simple: a single man or woman would ask questions to three unseen candidates. At the end of the episode, he or she would choose one to go on an all-expenses-paid date. The Dating Game is also known for having featured many stars before they became famous, like Burt Reynolds, Farrah Fawcett, Steve Martin, Suzanne Somers, and Arnold Schwarzenegger, among others.

9

Deal or no Deal

Image: Giorgio Trovato

This show doesn't have a long history on television, but those mysterious silver suitcases that may —or may not— hide lots of cash deserve a place on this list.

Deal or No Deal is, in fact, an American version of a Dutch game show that first premiered on NBC in 2005. It was hosted by Canadian comedian and TV personality Howie Mandel. Despite its ratings success, it was eventually discontinued in 2019.

10

Jeopardy!

Image: Possessed Photography

Did you know that the original name intended for this show was What's the Question ? Luckily, a skeptical executive who was not convinced by the game's concept said, "It doesn't have enough jeopardy". And the rest is history!

A quiz competition with a twist, Jeopardy! is one of the most beloved game shows in America. The first version of this iconic TV program aired on NBC from 1964 to 1975. In 1984, Jeopardy! returned to the small screen as a daily syndicated series —hosted by the legendary Alex Trebek and narrated by Johnny Gilbert— and is still on the air today.

1

Boring, Oregon – "The Most Exciting Place to Live"

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With a name like Boring, Oregon, you’d expect residents to have a sense of humor. Their slogan flips that expectation, proudly calling Boring the most exciting place to live.

The town has even partnered with Dull, Scotland, to form an "International League of Dull Places."

2

Hell, Michigan – "Go to Hell"

Image: Brad Switzer

Hell, Michigan, has turned its unusual name into a marketing goldmine . The slogan "Go to Hell" is proudly displayed on signs, T-shirts, and souvenirs, attracting thousands of curious visitors each year.

Locals have fun with it, running events like Halloween festivals and themed shops.

3

Normal, Illinois – "Everything is just as it seems!"

Image: Zander Betterton

The city of Normal, Illinois, proudly uses the slogan "Everything is just as it seems!" as its official motto, playfully referencing the town’s unusual name .

The name Normal has historical roots: it comes from the French phrase école normale , which described a type of school for training teachers.

4

Peculiar, Missouri – "Where the ‘odds’ are with you"

Image: Brittney Butler

A town with a name that is the exact opposite of the previous entry, Peculiar, Missouri, has also decided to embrace its unusual identity with the slogan "Where the ‘odds’ are with you," adding a playful touch to it

The oddball branding draws curious travelers, and the town celebrates its peculiarity with local events and merchandise.

5

Nothing, Arizona – "All for Nothing"

Image: Christoph von Gellhorn

Nothing, Arizona, an unincorporated community with an ironic name, became known for the phrase "All for Nothing." While not an official slogan, it reflects the determination of residents who built lives in a place with almost no amenities.

The phrase captures both humor and grit, giving the tiny settlement an identity that can be hard to forget.

6

Superior, Wisconsin – "Living up to our name"

Image: Tom Barrett

Superior, Wisconsin, sits on the western tip of Lake Superior, and its slogan, "Living up to our name," highlights both geography and civic pride .

It’s a confident statement that sticks in visitors’ minds. The town blends natural beauty with historical significance, and the slogan reinforces that it considers itself a cut above the rest.

7

Happy, Texas – "The town without a frown"

Image: Daniel Lloyd Blunk-Fernández

Happy, Texas, took its cheerful name and ran with it . Its slogan, "The Town Without a Frown," spreads positivity and conveys a sense of friendliness throughout the community.

The motto has become a source of local pride, turning a small Panhandle town into a feel-good stop that lives up to its sunny reputation.

8

Gas, Kansas – "Don’t pass gas, stop and enjoy it"

Image: Farhodjon Chinberdiev

Gas, Kansas, leans fully into its unusual name with a slogan that makes travelers laugh every time . Located in Allen County, this small town has become a roadside favorite thanks to its cheeky pun.

Rather than shy away from the obvious joke, Gas celebrates it, featuring the motto on signs and even postcards.

9

Lake City, Iowa: "Everything but a lake"

Image: Shawn Schroeder

Lake City, Iowa, proudly uses the slogan "Everything but a Lake." The phrase humorously acknowledges the irony behind the town’s name, since there’s no actual lake within its limits . Despite this, the motto highlights that Lake City has plenty to offer in other ways.

The town’s name was inspired by another town in Illinois, yet Lake City has successfully carved out its own character.

10

Show Low, Arizona - "Named by the turn of a card"

Image: Gerard Albanell

Show Low owes its unusual name to a high-stakes poker game played between two ranchers who couldn’t agree on who would claim the land. The decision came down to a single rule: whoever drew the lowest card would win, and from that moment, the town became known as Show Low.

Even today, Show Low highlights its origin story in tourism and branding, proudly using the phrase "Named by the turn of a card."

1

122 S. Michigan Ave.

Image: Allen Boguslavsky

Why not start the trip at the place where it all began? For Route 66, the beginning is right in the heart of Chicago , at 122 S. Michigan Ave. Look for the iconic pylon near the intersection of South Michigan Avenue and East Adams Street.

Fun fact: the Mother Road didn’t always start there. Back in 1926, Jackson Boulevard at Michigan Avenue was the official launch point for travelers!

2

Gateway Arch

Image: Intricate Explorer

Follow your adventure in St. Louis with the Gateway Arch, a towering 630-foot tribute to westward expansion. This stainless-steel beauty isn’t just a landmark, it’s an experience in itself.

Ride the tram to the top for jaw-dropping views of the Mississippi River and the city skyline. It’s the perfect way to set the tone for the rest of your journey.

3

Route 66 Drive-In Theater

Image: Tim Mossholder

Ready for some vintage vibes? Swing by the Route 66 Drive-In Theater in Carthage, Missouri. This blast from the past offers double features under the stars , just like in the good old days.

Opened in 1949, closed in 1985, and re-opened in 1998, this drive-in theatre has functioned ever since and plays two movies from Friday to Sunday every single week. Bring your lawn chairs and a cooler, or cozy up in your car for the full retro experience.

4

The Golden Driller

Image: Jametlene Reskp

Now it’s time to meet the Golden Driller, a 76-foot-tall oil worker who’s been standing proud in Tulsa, Oklahoma, since the 1960s.

It’s one of the largest freestanding statues in the country and a nod to Oklahoma’s rich oil history. At the base, there’s a sign that reads: "The Golden Driller, a symbol of the International Petroleum Exposition. Dedicated to the men of the petroleum industry who, by their vision and daring, have created from God’s abundance a better life for mankind." Strike a pose with this gentle giant, and you’ll feel downright tiny.

5

Route 66 Museum

Image: Carol Highsmith's America

For the following stop, you can take a break to explore the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum in Clinton. In it, you’ll be able to see artifacts, photos, and exhibits celebrating the history of the Mother Road.

Wander through rooms themed by decade, and you’ll feel like you’re traveling through time. From the Dust Bowl to the heyday of diners, this museum paints quite a vivid picture of Route 66’s golden era. And, of course, you can go by the gift shop to get a road trip memento.

6

Cadillac Ranch

Image: Heidi Kaden

If you’ve ever wanted to graffiti a Cadillac, this is your chance. Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas, features 10 half-buried cars sticking nose-first out of the ground. It’s an open-air art installation that’s as weird as it is wonderful.

Grab a can of spray paint (provided by friendly locals or your fellow travelers) and leave your mark. Just be warned, it might only last a day before someone else paints over it!

7

Route 66 Halfway Point

Image: Vicky McLain

Welcome to Adrian, Texas, the official halfway point of Route 66! You’re 1,139 miles from both Chicago and Los Angeles, so take a breath and celebrate!

The MidPoint Café is famous for its "ugly crust" pies. Don’t trust the name; they are actually delicious! It’s a perfect pit stop to recharge and think about the fact that you’ve conquered half of the Mother Road. Only halfway to go!

8

Meteor Crater

Image: John Ballem - a collection of personal photos

Arizona is home to some magical attractions, and Meteor Crater is no exception. This massive impact site, located near Meteor City, was created by a meteorite over 50,000 years ago . Standing on the rim and peering into the 560-foot-deep crater, you’ll feel like a tiny speck in the universe. The visitor center has some cool exhibits on space and meteors, which is perfect for science lovers or anyone who likes their roadside stops with a side of awe.

9

Old Trails Bridge

Image: Jimmy Whitson

Crossing the Colorado River into Arizona, the Old Trails Bridge in Topock is a picturesque reminder of Route 66’s early days. Though it’s no longer open to traffic , it’s a popular photo spot for travelers.

The rusted steel beams and sweeping desert views will give you a beautiful moment. Pause here, take in the history, and imagine the countless cars that once went across its span.

10

Burger Hut

Image: Haseeb Jamil

Needless, California, may be small, but it’s big on charm, especially at Burger Hut. This unassuming little eatery is beloved for its old-school burgers, fries, and milkshakes. It’s the kind of place where the food is made with love , and the portions are hearty. Don’t take our word for it; just go try it!

After hours on the road, there’s nothing better than a juicy burger and a chance to stretch your legs. This spot is a gem along Route 66!

11

Hollywood sign

Image: Scott Greer

As you approach the end of Route 66, why not take a detour to see the world-famous Hollywood Sign? Perched on the hills overlooking Los Angeles, it’s a symbol of dreams and stardom .

Take a hike to the best viewpoints for some exercise (and epic photos, of course). Sure, it’s a bit off the beaten path, but what’s a road trip without a side quest?

12

Santa Monica Pier

Image: Joel Mott

You’ve made it! The Santa Monica Pier marks the official end of Route 66 . With its iconic Ferris wheel, arcade games, and ocean views, it’s the perfect spot to celebrate completing your journey.

Now you’re done, dip your toes in the Pacific, grab a cone of soft-serve, and reflect on all the memories you’ve made along the way. The Mother Road may end here, but the stories you’ve collected will last a lifetime.