
On this day May 23, 1986, the final episode of The Joker’s Wild aired, closing the curtain on one of television’s most memorable game shows of the 70s and 80s. Originally created and hosted by Jack Barry, the show mixed trivia questions with a slot machine style spinner, giving it a unique flair that set it apart from other quiz shows of the era.
Throughout its run, The Joker’s Wild became a daytime staple with its catchy theme music, high energy format, and engaging gameplay that kept viewers hooked. Though the original run ended in 1986, the show’s popularity lived on and it eventually returned to television in 1990.
Fun fact: The Joker’s Wild was one of the first game shows to use computer generated graphics and video effects during its transitions and gameplay elements.
Throughout its run, The Joker’s Wild became a daytime staple with its catchy theme music, high energy format, and engaging gameplay that kept viewers hooked. Though the original run ended in 1986, the show’s popularity lived on and it eventually returned to television in 1990.
Fun fact: The Joker’s Wild was one of the first game shows to use computer generated graphics and video effects during its transitions and gameplay elements.