Games make everything more fun, and TV shows and web series prove this point. From chess matches to dance competitions, games have become the stars of some hit shows. They create suspense, emotion, and loads of enjoyment. Let’s check out some shows where games aren’t just a small part—they’re what makes the whole story tick.
Chess may appear as a calm brainy game, but The Queen’s Gambit transformed it into an exciting spectacle. This show tracks Beth Harmon, a young chess genius, as she climbs to the peak in the male-ruled world of competitive chess. The game stands at the heart of the narrative, with each board move reflecting Beth’s personal struggles. The series not only sparked a worldwide chess craze, but also demonstrated how a game can mould a character’s fate. It shows that games can be as gripping and fierce as any other type of contest.
Squid Game swept across the globe with its high-stakes games of life and death. People in dire need of cash have no choice but to join a series of kids’ games with lethal spins. From “Red Light, Green Light” to “Tug of War,” each round puts strategy, might, and survival to the test. The show reveals how games linked to joy and innocence, can turn scary when the risks skyrocket. It serves as a stark reminder that games aren’t just about winning — they can mean the difference between life and death.
In Stranger Things, the classic role-playing game Dungeons & Dragons has a major impact on the story’s development. The show’s young characters use the game to understand the bizarre and frightening events in their town. The game’s monsters reflect the actual dangers they face, and their teamwork and tactics from the game help them stay alive in reality. Stranger Things shows how a game can blend fantasy with real life, drawing viewers into a world where each dice roll carries enormous weight.
Both Sherlock and CID centre on the ultimate brain teasers — mystery, puzzles, and problem-solving. Every case turns into a battle of wits, whether it’s a tricky riddle, a scavenger hunt, or a coded message. Sherlock Holmes, with his razor-sharp mind and eye for details, approaches each case as a tough puzzle he needs to crack. In the same way, CID detectives use their smarts to connect the dots and solve even the hardest cases. These shows demonstrate that often, the best games push your brain to its limits.
Who’d have guessed a basic game of tag could entertain so much? Tom and Jerry stands as a timeless cartoon centred on a simple cat and mouse chase (literally). Tom, the cat, attempts to catch Jerry, the rodent, but Jerry always finds a way to outwit him. It’s an ongoing game of tag packed with smart stunts, snares, and plenty of chuckles. The series reminds us that even the simplest games can become a wellspring of non-stop enjoyment and ingenuity.
If you’re into dance, Shake It Up is a show that takes dance contests to new heights. The series follows two close friends who want to become pro dancers. Every episode is full of dance face-offs, contests, and showdowns, where the characters use their moves to show who they are and vie for attention. The dance battles in the show aren’t just about winning—they focus on creativity, passion, and the fun of dancing. It’s a great example of how games and contests can bring folks together and let them show off what they can do.
How Games Shape TV Shows
Games have an influence on plots, creating excitement, tension, and depth. Chess moves, childhood survival games, or detective puzzles all bring something special to stories. They pull viewers in, making them feel like part of the action. For Gen Z and Millennials, who grew up playing games and love interactive experiences, these shows resonate on a deeper level.
Next time you watch your favourite show, take a second to think about the games that push the story forward. Who knows? You might feel the urge to play a game yourself. Games, whether on TV or in real life, are a fun way to test yourself, enjoy your time, and maybe even learn something new.
