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With the proliferation of "reality," "adventure," "dating" and other "unscripted dramas" in the past two years or so, it has become a bit of a gray area as to what is a game show and what isn't. For me, there is a set of very specific rules that define a game show. When I say that a program is or is not a game show, I say so only for this web page, other people's opinions will differ. Your mileage will vary.
* A cash or merchandise prize is offered for the players. Shows like "Survivor" and "The Mole" offer cash prizes for their winners, "Lost" included a car with the money, but "The Real World" and shows where the focus is interpersonal relationships do not count.
* Talent contests are not considered a game show for this page. "American Idol," "Star Search" and shows where the main idea is a talent showcase are not game shows, even if they are couched in a game show-type format, or offer cash awards to the final winners.
* Dating shows are not game shows. ("The Bachelor," "Cupid," "Paradise Hotel" et al) If the point of the show is to find someone a date, partner or spouse, it ain't a game show, even if they offer cash to the winner ("For Love or Money") or have shades of other game show elements ("Love Cruise"). The game is incidental to the relationship aspect of the program.
* If the show is based on a vote-to-eliminate format, it's a game show. While this makes shows like "Weakest Link" and "Dog Eat Dog" obvious candidates, programs like "Survivor" and "Big Brother" are most certainly game shows.
* If the show has an elimination based on merit, of any kind ("The Amazing Race," "The Mole," "Fear Factor") it's a game show, like it or not. Just because you think "Fear Factor" is disgusting doesn't make it any less of a game show.