Think you’re a true TV buff? Put your knowledge to the test with these tricky riddles! Each one describes a famous TV show—can you figure them all out?
Need help? Click to reveal a hint!
Let’s get started!
I’m not a scientist, but I often solve crimes with one.
My best friend writes about me, but I don’t write at all.
With my pipe and deduction, I answer the call.
Hint
Elementary, my dear reader!
Answer
Answer: Sherlock
Fun Fact: Benedict Cumberbatch learned to play the violin for his role as Sherlock Holmes!
A small town with secrets, a girl disappears,
Coffee and pie fuel detective careers.
An owl watches, the logs might talk,
Find the killer before the clock.
Hint
"The owls are not what they seem."
Answer
Answer: Twin Peaks
Fun Fact: David Lynch originally wanted to call the show Northwest Passage.
A chemistry teacher turned criminal king,
Blue crystals he makes, his phone always rings.
His name sounds cold, but his actions are hot,
In Albuquerque, he calls the shots.
Hint
Say his name.
Answer
Answer: Breaking Bad
Fun Fact: The blue "meth" used in the show was actually rock candy!
A land of dragons, a throne of deceit,
Seven kingdoms bow at my feet.
Some play the game and some do not,
Winter is coming—ready or not.
Hint
You win, or you die.
Answer
Answer: Game of Thrones
Fun Fact: The Iron Throne in the show is made of 200 swords, but in the books, it's supposed to be much bigger!
A quirky doctor with a cane and wit,
Solves tough cases, never quits.
Sarcastic, genius, rough around the edges,
Diagnosing illnesses with medical pledges.
Hint
Everybody lies.
Answer
Answer: House M.D.
Fun Fact: Hugh Laurie, who played House, is actually British and faked an American accent for the show!
In Hawkins, things aren’t what they seem,
A girl with powers, a terrifying dream.
A world upside down, shadows creep,
Name this show where secrets keep.
Hint
Eggo waffles.
Answer
Answer: Stranger Things
Fun Fact: Eleven’s favorite snack, Eggo waffles, saw a huge spike in sales after the show premiered!
A paper company where antics ensue,
A boss’s quirks keep things askew.
Pranks and romance fill the space,
In Scranton’s workplace, name the place.
Hint
That’s what she said!
Answer
Answer: The Office
Fun Fact: The show was almost canceled after the first season but later became a massive hit.
A group of friends at a coffee shop meet,
A six-letter title that’s hard to beat.
With laughter and love, their stories unfold,
This New York sitcom never gets old.
Hint
Central Perk is the place to be!
Answer
Answer: Friends
Fun Fact: The iconic orange couch from Central Perk was found in the Warner Bros. studio basement.
A yellow cartoon family, decades old,
Their adventures in Springfield are widely told.
With humor and satire, they always deliver,
What’s the name of this animated sitcom thriller?
Hint
D’oh!
Answer
Answer: The Simpsons
Fun Fact: The show holds the record for the longest-running animated series in history!
A genius boy and his grandpa travel,
Through space and time, their minds unravel.
Dimensions and portals, madness untamed,
Can you guess this show that's famed?
Hint
Wubba lubba dub dub!
Answer
Answer: Rick and Morty
Fun Fact: The show was inspired by a parody of Back to the Future.
A dystopian land, red robes, white hoods,
A world where women have lost their goods.
A fight for freedom, a battle untold,
Name this show so dark and bold.
Hint
Blessed be the fruit.
Answer
Answer: The Handmaid’s Tale
Fun Fact: The red costumes became a global symbol of protest.
A mysterious island, a plane crash site,
Survivors struggle, fight or flight.
Numbers, hatches, polar bears too,
Name this show that puzzled you.
Hint
4, 8, 15, 16, 23, 42
Answer
Answer: Lost
Fun Fact: The numbers became a major part of real-world pop culture.
Superheroes old, superheroes new,
In a city dark, their mission is true.
Justice is served in a grimy street,
Name the show where heroes meet.
A witty spy, always on a mission,
With gadgets and humor, he's in top condition.
A secret agency, filled with tension and quirk,
Name the show where this agent lurks.
Hint
Danger zone!
Answer
Answer: Archer
Fun Fact: The show uses rotoscoping, a technique where animators trace over real footage.
A crime-solving duo, nothing quite the same,
A mentalist’s skills bring criminals to shame.
Observant, cunning, never benign,
Name the show solving crime with the mind.
Hint
Red John was always near.
Answer
Answer: The Mentalist
Fun Fact: Simon Baker, who played Patrick Jane, directed several episodes of the show.
A Brooklyn precinct, full of cheer,
Solving crimes with humor sincere.
A captain so stern, detectives so witty,
Name the show that captures this city.
Hint
Nine-nine!
Answer
Answer: Brooklyn Nine-Nine
Fun Fact: The show was canceled and revived due to fan demand!
A spaceship crew, exploring space,
An animated show in a distant place.
Comedy and sci-fi, adventures untold,
Name this show, with humor bold.
Hint
Good news, everyone!
Answer
Answer: Futurama
Fun Fact: The show was created by Matt Groening, who also created The Simpsons.
A wealthy family, no longer grand,
A banana stand, their fate in hand.
A son who tries, though often perplexed,
Name the show that keeps fans vexed.
Hint
There’s always money in the banana stand.
Answer
Answer: Arrested Development
Fun Fact: The show was revived years after cancellation due to its cult following.
A world where laws don’t seem to apply,
A western of sorts, with a robotic eye.
Guests can live without consequence bold,
Name this show, a future untold.
Hint
These violent delights have violent ends.
Answer
Answer: Westworld
Fun Fact: The show is based on a 1973 film of the same name.
A newsroom team, delivering the truth,
A show with drama, its writing smooth.
A journalist’s passion, never meek,
Name the show that lets the facts speak.
Hint
It starts with the most honest TV monologue.
Answer
Answer: The Newsroom
Fun Fact: The opening scene was inspired by real-life news anchors' frustrations.
How Many Did You Get Right?
Did you solve them all, or did some leave you stumped? Let us know in the comments!
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