Game shows are known for their excitement, unique challenges, and of course, the prizes. But not all prizes are cash or cars. Over the years, some game shows have taken prize-giving to a whole new level, offering winners truly bizarre rewards. From unconventional travel experiences to lifetime supplies of surprising items, game show prizes can range from the lavish to the downright puzzling. Here’s a look at some of the strangest prizes ever awarded in game shows worldwide, proving that when it comes to TV, anything can happen!
1. A Lifetime Supply of Canned Goods
One of the quirkiest game show prizes awarded has to be a lifetime supply of canned goods. Imagine winning not cash or vacations, but shelves full of canned soup, vegetables, or beans. Some contestants walked away with enough canned goods to last for years, filling their pantries and making meal planning a breeze… or maybe a little too monotonous!
Why It’s Weird: While practical, a lifetime supply of canned food isn’t exactly the dream prize most people envision. Still, for some lucky winners, it meant free meals for a long, long time.
2. Exotic Pets as Prizes
A few game shows have awarded exotic animals as prizes, including tropical birds or even baby alligators. Though unusual and eye-catching, these prizes require a significant amount of care, leaving contestants with a new and unexpected responsibility. Not surprisingly, this type of prize was eventually discontinued on most shows due to ethical concerns and practicality.
Why It’s Weird: Winning an exotic pet might sound exciting, but caring for one is a full-time job. Plus, finding a place for a pet that’s not exactly a house cat can be quite the challenge!
3. A Solid Gold Bathtub
Yes, some game shows have really taken luxury to a whole new level by awarding contestants items like a solid gold bathtub. This prize, extravagant as it may be, is one of the more outlandish ways to bring a taste of opulence home. It’s a prize fit for a king, but might not be the most practical addition to a standard bathroom.
Why It’s Weird: While glamorous, a gold bathtub is hardly an everyday necessity. Not only would it be incredibly heavy, but the upkeep and maintenance would likely be pricey as well!
4. A Live Farm Animal
In some classic game shows, contestants have been awarded live animals like cows or goats. While this might appeal to farmers or those looking for a unique pet, it’s certainly not your average prize. Winners not only needed to provide shelter but also had to care for these animals daily, making it one of the more memorable (and time-consuming) prizes awarded.
Why It’s Weird: A farm animal requires land, care, and time, and may not fit in an apartment! It’s a prize with character but definitely a challenge for anyone unprepared for farm life.
5. A Mystery Vacation… With a Twist
Some shows offered “mystery vacations” that weren’t revealed until the prize was claimed. Sometimes, these vacations turned out to be to remote or unusual destinations like a desert or tiny island without much appeal. Contestants expecting a beach paradise or European getaway often ended up with a quirky and unexpected travel adventure.
Why It’s Weird: A vacation is a dream prize—until you’re headed somewhere obscure or lacking in amenities. While memorable, these trips may not have been the relaxing getaway winners expected.
6. A Personal Robot
On a few sci-fi-themed game shows, lucky contestants walked away with “robots” as prizes. These robots, though far from the tech we have today, were novelty items with limited functionality, making them more of a conversation starter than a useful gadget.
Why It’s Weird: A personal robot sounds futuristic, but these early versions weren’t exactly high-tech. Most were glorified toys, leaving contestants with a prize that was fun to show off but not particularly helpful around the house.
7. A Year’s Supply of Jell-O
Some game shows have awarded bulk food items as prizes, including a year’s supply of Jell-O. Winners received enough Jell-O to last months, with flavors for every occasion. While this prize might be a kid’s dream, it’s certainly a unique addition to anyone’s pantry!
Why It’s Weird: There’s only so much Jell-O one person can eat! While fun in theory, a year’s supply could easily overwhelm any household.
Game shows are known for their creativity, and these prizes showcase the fun and unpredictability that makes them so entertaining. From the practical to the absurd, these quirky rewards remind us that anything can happen on TV. While some prizes are head-scratchers, they’re all part of the charm that keeps audiences tuning in, wondering what the next big win—or unusual gift—will be.
