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There’s nothing like a good TV game show. Whether you’re shouting answers at the television, trying to beat contestants to the buzzer or wondering how you’d fare in the hot seat, they’re a great way to get involved from the comfort of your sofa.

From general knowledge and word puzzles to strategy and quick thinking, there are plenty of game and quiz shows to enjoy on TV. Here are our top picks and where to watch them.

The Chase

Could you outrun the Chaser?

The Chase sees four contestants pit their general knowledge against one of the show’s formidable Chasers as they attempt to take home a cash prize.

Each player first faces a quick-fire Cash Builder before going head-to-head with the Chaser. Those who make it through join forces for the Final Chase, where teamwork and fast thinking could make all the difference.

It’s a great one for playing along at home, with plenty of opportunities to see whether you can answer before the contestants do.

Where to watch: ITV1, weekdays at 5pm.

Pointless

On Pointless, simply knowing the right answer isn’t enough. Contestants are looking for the correct answers that the fewest people thought of in a survey. Better still, find a correct answer no one else gave and you’ve scored a coveted Pointless answer.

It turns the usual quiz formula on its head and is a great way to pick up quirky facts.

Play along from home and see how low you can score.

Where to watch: BBC One, weekdays at 5:15pm.

Countdown

Get your thinking cap on for one of the longest-running quiz shows on British television.

Countdown gives contestants just 30 seconds to find the longest word possible from a selection of letters or reach a target number using a set of randomly selected numbers.

There are plenty of opportunities to join in at home. Can you spot a longer word than the contestants, solve the numbers round without a calculator or work out the famous Countdown Conundrum before the clock runs out?

Where to watch: Channel 4, weekdays at 2:10pm.

Deal or No Deal

Deal or No Deal is less about general knowledge and more about luck, nerve and knowing when to make a deal.

Contestants choose from the show’s famous boxes, each containing a different amount of money. As the game progresses, the Banker makes offers to tempt the contestant away from their box and the possibility that it contains a bigger prize.

It makes for addictive viewing from home too. Would you accept the Banker’s offer or risk it all and carry on?

Where to watch: ITV1, weekdays at 4pm

Mastermind

Four contestants, a famous black chair and some seriously difficult questions.

Mastermind puts contestants through two rounds of questioning, beginning with their chosen specialist subject before moving on to general knowledge.

It’s a simple format, but the pressure of answering against the clock makes it a real test of knowledge. From history and literature to film, music and much more, the specialist subjects can also introduce viewers to new and niche topics.

Of course, the real challenge at home is seeing how many questions you can answer yourself.

Where to watch: BBC Two, Mondays at 7:30pm

Only Connect

If straightforward general knowledge isn’t challenging enough, give Only Connect a try.

The quiz asks teams to find connections between seemingly unrelated clues and identify sequences and patterns. Some answers might come to you immediately, while others can leave you completely stumped until the connection is revealed.

You don’t necessarily need an encyclopaedic knowledge of facts to succeed either. Lateral thinking and an ability to spot patterns can be just as important.

And there’s nothing quite as satisfying as working out a particularly tricky connection before either team.

Where to watch: BBC Two, Mondays at 8pm

University Challenge

“Starter for ten…”

University Challenge has been putting students’ knowledge to the test for decades, with university teams competing across subjects ranging from history and literature to science, geography, music and the arts.

The questions aren’t known for being easy, which makes correctly answering one from the comfort of your sofa all the more satisfying.

Whether you’re keeping score or simply seeing how many answers you know, it’s one for viewers who fancy putting their general knowledge through its paces.

Where to watch: BBC Two, Mondays at 8.30pm

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