Truth or Consequences is an American game show created by Ralph Edwards that originally aired on NBC radio from 1940 to 1957 and later on television from 1950 to 1988 across CBS, NBC, and in syndication

. The show combined a quiz format with humorous and often embarrassing stunts. Contestants were asked trivia questions that were usually difficult or joke- like, and if they failed to answer correctly within a few seconds, they had to perform a "consequence," which was a wacky stunt

. The show was notable for its mix of humor and sentimentality, including surprise reunions of contestants with long-lost relatives or military family members

. Bob Barker, who later became famous as the host of The Price Is Right, gained early television fame as a host of Truth or Consequences from 1956 to 1975

. The program holds the distinction of being the first game show to air on commercially licensed television in 1941, although it did not become a regular TV series until 1950

. The show was produced by Ralph Edwards Productions and had multiple runs and hosts over the decades, including Ralph Edwards himself, Jack Bailey, Steve Dunne, Bob Hilton, and Larry Anderson

. A popular feature during Bob Barker's tenure was "Barker's Box," a game with drawers containing money or a surprise, which could end the game

. Barker traditionally ended episodes with the phrase, "Hoping all your consequences are happy ones"

. In addition to entertainment, the show had a philanthropic impact, notably through a 1948 broadcast that helped launch The Jimmy Fund charity by surprising a young cancer patient with a visit from baseball players

. Overall, Truth or Consequences was a pioneering and long-running game show known for its unique blend of trivia, comedy, and human interest moments