For many of us, British game shows are part of the cultural fabric of growing up, something familiar humming away in the background at teatime, or the go-to option when you want to relax with something light, funny, and a little competitive. But lately, these shows have taken on a new life beyond the TV screen. With clever apps, thoughtfully designed board games, and party ready adaptations, some of the UK’s most-loved formats have become fully interactive experiences you can enjoy anytime, anywhere.
And that’s the fun of it. Entertainment has turned into opportunity, an opportunity to put yourself in the contestant’s seat, to test your skills, to bring people together, and to reimagine how we connect with shows we’ve watched for years. Below, we’re diving into the best UK game shows that now exist as apps or board games, and why they’re perfect for your next family night, pub-style quiz session, or rainy weekend in.
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The Chase: Beat the Chaser From Your Sofa
If there’s one quiz show that gets the whole family shouting at the TV, it’s The Chase. Whether you’re rooting for the contestants or silently hoping the Chaser catches them, the tension is irresistible. The official Chase board game captures that same excitement, fast-paced trivia, strategic risk-taking, and the pressure of staying just one step ahead. Players even take turns being the Chaser, which adds a fun twist to game night. The app version steps things up with timed rounds and updated question banks, offering a genuinely competitive quiz experience.
Countdown: Brain Training You’ll Actually Look Forward To
There’s something soothing about Countdown, maybe it’s the iconic clock, maybe it’s the mix of logic and wordplay, or maybe it’s the fact that even when you’re competing, it feels friendly. The Countdown board game and companion app both stay true to the show’s strengths. With letter tiles, number challenges, and that essential 30-second timer, the tabletop version feels tactile and timeless. Meanwhile, the app is ideal if you want solo practice or live online competition.
Pointless: Where the Cleverest Answer Is the One Nobody Knows
While most quiz shows reward the most obvious knowledge, Pointless flips the script, the rarer the answer, the better. That twist makes it one of the most strategic and satisfying shows to play at home. The Pointless board game leans into this brilliantly, providing obscure survey questions designed to spark hilarious debates about what “people definitely won’t have said.” The app version is ideal for quick play sessions, with new categories and instant scoring.
Taskmaster: The Ultimate Party Game
If you’re looking for something chaotic, creative, and guaranteed to produce big laughs, Taskmaster is your go-to. The show is built around bizarre challenges, quietly opening a bag of crisps, painting a portrait with your non-dominant hand, or building the tallest tower of random objects and the Taskmaster board game brings that energy straight to your living room. One player becomes the Taskmaster and judges everyone else’s attempts. The challenges are unpredictable, the scoring is delightfully subjective, and the whole experience is designed to break the ice and spark silliness.
Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?: Classic Quiz Tension
Even decades later, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? still feels iconic. The dark studio, the escalating difficulty, the much-needed lifelines, it all contributes to one of the most recognisable quiz formats in the world. The board game and mobile app capture that exact atmosphere, complete with 50:50, Ask the Audience, and Phone a Friend. The digital version even updates questions regularly, giving it a modern, fresh feel.
Deal or No Deal: The Ultimate Gamble
Back when it first aired, Deal or No Deal became a national obsession, and now that it’s returned to UK screens, interest in the home-game versions has grown again. The Deal or no Deal slingo game has become popular in igaming and board games, using the same core mechanics, boxes hiding unknown sums, tense guesses, nervous smiles, and the ominous call from the Banker. It’s more about psychology and risk than general knowledge, which makes it perfect for players who love games of chance with engaging gameplay. It’s also fantastic for families, because absolutely anyone can play.
Why These Game Show Adaptations Are Taking Off
The growing popularity of these apps and board games isn’t just nostalgia, it’s a response to how people want to spend time together today. Whether you’re competing for the top score in The Chase or collapsing into laughter during Taskmaster, these games bring people together in a way streaming or scrolling never could. Shows like Countdown and Millionaire boost literacy, numeracy, and general knowledge without feeling like work. Most of these games are designed to be playable by kids, adults, and grandparents alike. Very few entertainment formats achieve that. Instead of dusting off the same old board games, you can play something familiar yet fresh, grounded in shows you already love. And that’s the exciting part, we’re no longer just watching these shows, we’re stepping inside them. If you’re looking to upgrade your next family gathering or add something new to a party, these apps and games offer endless fun, nostalgia, and competitive spirit. TV entertainment has officially jumped off the screen and onto the table, and it’s better than ever.
