Nostalgic America
TV Trivia Challenge: Guess the Show from a Single Clue!
By Bruce Berns · December 7, 2024
This quiz takes you on a nostalgic journey through some of television’s most celebrated moments. Whether it’s the drama of “Dallas,” the humor of “Get Smart,” or the whimsy of “The Flying Nun,” these snapshots challenge your memory and love for the golden age of TV. Perfect for die-hard fans and casual viewers alike, this fun exercise in television trivia will test your recall and reignite your passion for these timeless classics. Dive in and see how many shows you can name from just one clue! Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.
QUIZ QUESTION # 1
Can you name the Television Show from this One Character? Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.
ANSWER: Charlene Tilton and Dallas
Charlene Tilton became a household name for her portrayal of Lucy Ewing in the iconic TV drama Dallas. Premiering in 1978, Dallas delved into the lives, loves, and rivalries of the wealthy Ewing family. Tilton's Lucy was the spoiled yet vulnerable granddaughter of oil tycoon J.R. Ewing, adding a youthful flair to the show’s intrigue. Known for its dramatic twists, Dallas captivated audiences with storylines of power struggles, scandals, and betrayal. Tilton’s performance as Lucy earned her acclaim as she navigated her character’s tumultuous relationships and personal growth, cementing her status as a beloved star of the ‘80s television era. Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.
QUIZ QUESTION # 2
Can you name the Television Show from this One Scene? Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.
ANSWER: The Dating Game
The Dating Game, a groundbreaking dating show, first aired in 1965, setting the template for modern matchmaking TV. Hosted by Jim Lange, the format featured a bachelor or bachelorette questioning three unseen contestants before choosing one for a date. The show was renowned for its quirky questions and playful banter. It also launched the careers of some contestants, including future celebrities like Farrah Fawcett. Its lighthearted tone, paired with a mix of humor and romance, made it a cultural phenomenon. The Dating Game bridged reality TV and game shows, captivating viewers with its simple yet engaging premise. Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.
QUESTION # 3
Can you name the Television Show from this One Scene? Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.
ANSWER: The Doris Day Show
The Doris Day Show starred the beloved singer-actress Doris Day, blending comedy and family drama. Airing from 1968 to 1973, the show followed Day’s character, widow Doris Martin, as she moved from city life to a rural ranch with her two sons. Over its five seasons, the series underwent significant changes, reflecting Day’s versatile talent. From raising her boys on a farm to navigating a career in San Francisco, each iteration showcased relatable themes of independence and resilience. Filled with humor and heartwarming moments, the show highlighted Day’s charm and solidified her legacy in American entertainment. Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.
QUESTION # 4
Can you name the Television Show from this One Scene? Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.
ANSWER: F Troop
F Troop, a slapstick sitcom set in the post-Civil War American West, aired from 1965 to 1967. The show followed the misadventures of the incompetent soldiers stationed at Fort Courage. Led by the bumbling Captain Wilton Parmenter, played by Ken Berry, the unit dealt with comical situations often involving the scheming Sergeant O’Rourke and Corporal Agarn. The hilarious interactions with the local Hekawi tribe, known for their entrepreneurial spirit, added to the absurdity. Known for its parody of Western tropes and physical comedy, F Troop became a cult favorite for its lighthearted take on frontier life. Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.
QUESTION # 5
Can you name the Television Show from this One Scene? Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.
ANSWER: The Flying Nun
The Flying Nun, starring Sally Field, aired from 1967 to 1970 and introduced audiences to the whimsical world of Sister Bertrille. A novice nun in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Sister Bertrille possessed the unusual ability to fly thanks to her small frame and heavily starched nun’s habit. The show balanced humor with heart, as Sister Bertrille used her unique gift to solve problems and help those in need. Field’s portrayal charmed viewers, combining comedic timing with genuine warmth. The Flying Nun became a quirky yet endearing series that showcased creativity and optimism during its three-season run. Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.
QUESTION # 6
Can you name the Television Show from this One Scene? Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.
ANSWER: Get Smart
Get Smart, a satirical spy comedy created by Mel Brooks and Buck Henry, ran from 1965 to 1970. Starring Don Adams as bumbling secret agent Maxwell Smart, the series parodied the spy genre with its absurd gadgets, hilarious catchphrases, and outlandish plots. Alongside his competent partner, Agent 99 (Barbara Feldon), Smart worked for the counterintelligence agency CONTROL, battling the evil KAOS organization. Known for its witty humor and memorable moments, like the "Cone of Silence," the show earned multiple Emmy Awards. Get Smart left a lasting impact, influencing comedy and spy-themed media for decades. Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.
QUESTION # 7
Can you name the Television Show from this One Scene? Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.
ANSWER: Green Acres
Green Acres, a classic sitcom, aired from 1965 to 1971 and celebrated the clash of rural and urban lifestyles. It starred Eddie Albert as Oliver Wendell Douglas, a New York attorney who pursued his dream of farming, and Eva Gabor as his glamorous, city-loving wife, Lisa. The couple’s adventures in the eccentric community of Hooterville brought endless laughs, with quirky neighbors like Mr. Haney and the pig Arnold. The show’s surreal humor and catchy theme song captured viewers’ hearts. Green Acres became a staple of ‘60s television, blending absurdity with charm in its portrayal of rural life. Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.
QUESTION # 8
Can you name the Television Show from this One Character? Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.
ANSWER: Hawaii Five-O
Hawaii Five-O, a police show set in the lush landscapes of Hawaii, aired from 1968 to 1980. Starring Jack Lord as the stoic and determined Detective Steve McGarrett, and James MacArthur as Danny Williams - the series followed the elite Five-O task force as they tackled crime and corruption. Known for its gripping storylines, strong performances, and iconic catchphrase, “Book ’em, Danno,” the show set a high standard for crime dramas. The stunning Hawaiian scenery and thrilling action sequences added to its appeal. Hawaii Five-O remains a landmark in TV history, with its legacy carried on by a successful reboot in 2010. Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.
Question # 9
Can you name the Television Show from this One Scene? Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.
ANSWER: Julia
Julia, a groundbreaking sitcom starring Diahann Carroll, aired from 1968 to 1971. Carroll played Julia Baker, a widowed nurse raising her young son, Corey, in a middle-class setting. As one of the first shows to feature an African American woman in a non-stereotypical lead role, Julia was a trailblazer in TV history. It tackled themes of race, family, and societal change with humor and sensitivity. Carroll’s charismatic performance earned critical acclaim and broke barriers in Hollywood. Julia paved the way for greater representation of Black professionals and family life on television. Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.
QUESTION # 10
Can you name the Television Show from this One Scene? Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.