A few years ago, TV networks learned that when it comes to summertime viewing, the home audience would rather watch new episodes of various game shows during prime time rather than watch reruns of scripted shows. The slate of new and returning game/competition shows on network TV includes a mix of the ridiculous (The Quiz with Balls) to the sublime (The Olympic Games). Here’s what you can look forward to (or avoid altogether) this summer:

NBC and Peacock

Summer Olympic Games / July 26

Technically, this year’s Summer Olympic Games begin on July 24 with preliminary matches in men’s rugby and men’s soccer, but the Opening Ceremony will be presented on July 26. Although this will be the third times that the games have been held in Paris, this year’s presentation will look decidedly different. NBC states that the Paris 2024 organizers have “reimagined” the Games, which is enough to put fear into the hearts of fans. But this reimagining sounds promising. While showing off a number of Parisian landmarks, the goal is to make the Games more accessible to the general public. For instance, beach volley will be played at the Eiffel Tower, equestrian at the Palace of Versailles, and urban sports at Place de la Concorde. This sounds really cool. Hopefully NBC can make their broadcasts cool as well.

Returning Shows:

• America’s Got Talent / May 28
• American Ninja Warrior / June 3

ABC

Who Wants to be a Millionaire / July 10

Celebrating ABC’s 25^th anniversary of Who Wants to be a Millionaire, the show is back this summer with Jimmy Kimmel serving as host, but there is a twist! (Because of course there is.) Instead of singular every-day contestants, the show will feature pairs of celebrities who will work together in hopes of winning $1 million for the charity of their choice. Kimmel is a great host, and this could be fun if they get the right guests to play.

Lucky 13 / July 18

Speaking of Who Wants to be a Millionaire, the creatives of that show have concocted a new one to be co-hosted by Shaquille O’Neal and Gina Rodriguez. Lucky 13 begins with contestants answering 13 true-or-false trivia questions. Then they will guess how accurately they answered those questions in hopes of winning $1 million. Personally, this sounds like an easier way to win $1 million than the former show, but we’ll see. I love Rodriguez on her sitcom, Not Dead Yet, so this could be fun. I like O’Neal as well, but I don’t really see him as a host. Do you?

Returning Shows:

• Celebrity Family Feud / July 9
• Claim to Fame / July 10
• Press Your Luck / July 18

FOX

The 1% Club / June 3 (May 23 on Prime Video)

Here’s an interesting idea…the new quiz show, The 1% Club debuts on Prime Video before it airs on FOX. The BBC Studios show is based on the hit UK version. (Interestingly, there are many versions of this show currently airing in the Netherlands, Australia, Germany, France, Israel, Spain and Turkey, with Mexico and Greece coming on board soon.) Hosted by Patton Oswalt, the show is said to test our nation’s intelligence, based on a scientific survey. “It’s a chance to test how your brain works through a series of questions that all have a right answer but can also lead to a series of entertaining wrong answers along the way,” says FOX. Viewers can play along on an app as well.

The Quiz with Balls / May 28

The weirdest show to premiere this summer is The Quiz with Balls. It’s destined to last only one season joining other forgotten train wrecks. Hosted by Jay Pharoah, this show is said to “pit brains against balls.” During each episode, two families will face off answering multiple choice questions…while standing on a platform over a pool of water. When a contestant answers a question, a giant ball will roll down a chute. If they get the answer correct, the ball will stop just short of knocking the contestant in the pool. If not, they’re going to get wet. The longer a family stays dry, the more money they’ll get with one member going up for a final $100,000 round.

MasterChef: Generations / May 29

So, no, MasterChef is not a new show (this will mark its 14^th season!), but this one has a new theme that sounds intriguing. This time, top home cooks from four different generations (Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X and Baby Boomers) will battle it while trying to impress chefs Gordon Ramsay, Aarón Sánchez and restaurateur Joe Bastianich. Challenges include a restaurant takeover, Mystery Boxes, cooking a meal at the Major League Soccer LAFC stadium, and a Tag Team event involving creating a Michelin-star quality three-course meal.

Returning Shows:

• Don’t Forget the Lyrics / May 16
• I Can See Your Voice / May 16
• Gordon Ramsay’s Food Stars / May 22
• Beat Shazam / May 28
• Name that Tune / June 3

CBS

Let’s Make a Deal Primetime / August 7  

After a few years of investing in some crazy games shows (Candy Crush, The Real Love Boat, Loteria Loca), CBS is moving toward the tried and true with a new version of Hollywood Squares (coming in the fall) and Let’s Make a Deal. On the heels of the show’s 60^th anniversary (and host Wayne Brady’s 15^th), the goofy game show is going primetime. For a few weeks anyway. Episodes include an “Ultimate Zonk Redemption,” where former contestants who were “zonked” return to vindicate their losses!

Returning Shows:

• Big Brother / July 21 

With the success of American Ninja Warrior, America’s Got Talent and of course, the Olympic Games, it looks like the other networks will have a tough time competing against NBC. Game on!

Main Image: Jay Pharoah from The Quiz with Balls (FOX)