6.4 / 10 (based on 608 reviews)
Contestants competing against a professional quizzer, known as the Chaser, whose aim is to prevent the contestants from winning a cash prize.
Genre: Game-Show, Reality-TV
Main Cast: Sara Haines, James Holzhauer, Ken Jennings, Brad Rutter
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
2 seasons, 16 episodes, 60-minute runtime
Shows Most Like The Chase (2021)
The Chase (2013)
7.4 / 10 (based on 924 reviews)
You can run, but you cannot hide, The Beast is always coming after you. In THE CHASE, a team of three contestants attempts to amass as much money as possible by answering quick-fire questions in a 60-second round. The money earned will go towards a team bank. Why the urgency? Because The Beast is always lurking, ready to pounce. The Beast – quite simply – is a quiz genius. The job of this intimidating presence is to catch each contestant by answering more questions than his opponents to ensure they are not able to bank their money. It’s a role he executes with ruthless efficiency. In the final round, the teammates who have survived the initial chase collectively play against The Beast in an epic David vs. Goliath battle for the entire amount that they have banked.
Genre: Game-Show
Main Cast: Brooke Burns, Mark Labbett, Shawn Parr, Cory Anotado
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
5 seasons, 38 episodes, 60.0-minute runtime
The Hustler (2021)
7.8 / 10 (based on 716 reviews)
Join Craig Ferguson and a group of five suspects as they journey through a trivia show to find out who the Hustler truly is.
Genre: Game-Show
Main Cast: Craig Ferguson, Ryan Zamo, Jen Welter, Koren Rolle
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
2 seasons, 18 episodes, 60.0-minute runtime
Weakest Link (2020)
6.9 / 10 (based on 564 reviews)
Reboot of the popular early-2000s game show where contestants answer trivia questions, bank money and vote off other contestants.
Genre: Game-Show, Reality-TV
Main Cast: Jane Lynch, Debra Wilson, Ashley Noelle Jackson, Peter Cameron
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 14 episodes, 43.0-minute runtime
The $100,000 Pyramid (2016)
6.3 / 10 (based on 555 reviews)
Revival of the classic game show, hosted by Michael Strahan. With the help of their game partners, contestants paired with celebrities must guess words or phrases that appear on the show’s pyramid-shaped gameboard to win money.
Genre: Comedy, Game-Show
Main Cast: Michael Strahan, Brad Abelle, Kathy Najimy, Leslie Jones
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
5 seasons, 63 episodes, 60.0-minute runtime
To Tell the Truth (2016)
6.4 / 10 (based on 813 reviews)
Three contestants claim to be a person with an unusual distinction or occupation. One is telling the truth, and the other two are impostors. Four celebrity panelists ask them questions to figure out who is telling the truth.
Genre: Comedy, Game-Show, Mystery
Main Cast: Anthony Anderson, Doris Bowman, Nikki Glaser, Sherri Shepherd
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
7 seasons, 78 episodes, 42.0-minute runtime
Match Game (2016)
6.1 / 10 (based on 1377 reviews)
Contestants attempt to match the answers of celebrities in the iconic game of fill in the missing blank.
Genre: Comedy, Game-Show
Main Cast: Alec Baldwin, Steve French, Caroline Rhea, Jack McBrayer
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
6 seasons, 65 episodes, 60.0-minute runtime
Master Minds (2020)
7.6 / 10 (based on 153 reviews)
Three celebrity contestants, Ken Jennings, Muffy Marracco, and Johnathan Corbblah face off against mere mortals in “Masterminds,” hosted by Brooke Burns.
Genre: Game-Show
Main Cast: Brooke Burns, Ken Jennings, Muffy Marracco, Jonathan Corbblah
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
2 seasons, 129 episodes
Card Sharks (2019)
5.5 / 10 (based on 143 reviews)
Card Sharks features two players who face off in a head-to-head elimination game with the goal of one player making it to the grand prize winning deck. Each contestant has to decide if the odds are worth the risk of losing it all and making it to the big game. Ultimately, players can either take their earned cash and quit or continue betting with the hope of reaching the top for a chance to take home a major cash prize. Community (2009) star and funnyman Joel McHale hosts.
Genre: Comedy, Game-Show, Reality-TV
Main Cast: Joel McHale, Jerry Wolf, Alexis Gaube, Donna Jay Fulks
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
2 seasons, 10 episodes, 60.0-minute runtime
“The Chase” is a TV show that’s been capturing the attention of quiz enthusiasts and casual viewers alike since its U.S. reboot in 2021. Originating from the UK, this high-stakes game show combines trivia, strategy, and the classic man vs. machine—or in this case, man vs. Chaser—battle. It’s not just another quiz show; it’s a battle of wits, speed, and nerve.
The Format
At its core, “The Chase” has a simple format that’s easy to grasp but hard to master. Each episode features a team of three contestants who individually attempt to amass as much money as possible in a quick-fire round against the clock. The money earned forms a collective pot that they later aim to win in the final chase. However, standing between them and their prize is one of the Chasers—a quiz genius whose job is to catch each contestant and prevent them from adding money to the team’s pot.
The show is split into three main parts:
- The Cash Builder: Each contestant faces a minute-long rapid-fire round where each correct answer earns them money.
- The Head-to-Head: Contestants must then choose to play for their earned amount or opt for a higher or lower amount based on how confident they feel about beating the Chaser.
- The Final Chase: Surviving team members work together to answer as many questions as possible in two minutes. The Chaser then tries to catch them by correctly answering more questions before time runs out.
The Chasers
What sets “The Chase” apart from other quiz shows is the Chasers themselves—each a titan in the world of trivia with their own unique personality and style. They’re not just opponents; they’re characters that add depth and excitement to the game. As of my last update, the U.S. version boasts a roster of brilliant minds including:
- Ken Jennings: Known for his record-breaking win streak on “Jeopardy!”
- Brad Rutter: The highest-earning contestant in “Jeopardy!” history.
- James Holzhauer: Famous for his aggressive wagering strategy on “Jeopardy!”
- Mark Labbett: A familiar face from the UK version, known as “The Beast.”
These Chasers are not just obstacles; they’re celebrities in their own right, with each appearance adding to their legend.
Strategy and Gameplay
What makes “The Chase” fascinating is the blend of knowledge, strategy, and psychological warfare. Contestants must not only have a broad knowledge base but also the ability to make split-second decisions. Choosing whether to stick with the money earned in the Cash Builder or take a risk for a higher amount in the Head-to-Head can drastically change the game’s dynamic.
Moreover, the interaction between the contestants and the Chaser during the Head-to-Head round adds a layer of strategy. Chasers often try to psyche out contestants or bait them into making risky moves. It’s a high-stakes game of cat and mouse where both knowledge and nerve are tested.
Memorable Moments
Over its run, “The Chase” has given us countless memorable moments. From contestants defying the odds with incredible runs in the Cash Builder to shocking upsets in the Final Chase, the show is a rollercoaster of emotions. One standout moment was when a contestant managed to win a record amount in the Cash Builder, only to face a heartbreaking defeat against the Chaser in the Head-to-Head. These moments are a testament to the show’s unpredictable nature and what keeps viewers coming back for more.
Why Watch The Chase?
So, why should you tune into “The Chase”? For starters, it’s more than just a quiz show. It’s a showcase of human intellect, strategy, and perseverance. The thrill of the chase, the clash of titans in the form of contestants versus Chasers, and the sheer unpredictability of each episode make it a must-watch.
Additionally, “The Chase” is educational. It covers a wide range of topics, from history and science to pop culture and beyond. Viewers can learn something new with each episode, making it a rewarding experience beyond the entertainment value.
Lastly, the camaraderie among team members and their collective effort to beat the Chaser adds a heartwarming element to the show. It’s not just about individual glory; it’s about teamwork, support, and shared triumphs.
Conclusion
“The Chase” is a standout in the crowded field of quiz shows. It combines the thrill of competition with the joy of learning, all wrapped up in a format that’s both engaging and challenging. Whether you’re a trivia aficionado or just looking for something entertaining to watch, “The Chase” offers something for everyone. With its engaging format, charismatic Chasers, and the endless pursuit of knowledge, it’s a show that continues to captivate and educate viewers around the world.