Classic Radio Shows & Serials

About Classic Radio Shows & Serials

Classic Radio Shows & Serials is a free nostalgia trivia quiz with 15 multiple-choice questions with a mix of 6 easy, 5 medium, 4 hard questions. Before TV took over, radio was king! Test your knowledge of the golden age of radio entertainment. A typical run takes about 7 minutes, hints are always one tap away, and your streak ticks up the first time you finish a game on a given day.

A few sample questions

1. 1. The Shadow, one of radio's most famous characters, opened each episode with what iconic line?

   Answer: 'Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men?'

   The famous opening was followed by 'The Shadow knows!' The show ran from 1937 to 1954, with Orson Welles voicing the Shadow in the early years.

2. 2. On 'Fibber McGee and Molly,' what running gag happened every time Fibber opened a certain door in his house?

   Answer: An avalanche of junk would crash out of the closet

   The famous hall closet gag became one of radio's most beloved recurring jokes. Sound effects artists spent hours creating the elaborate cascade of crashing objects.

3. 3. The Lone Ranger radio show began each episode with what famous musical piece?

   Answer: The William Tell Overture

   Rossini's William Tell Overture became synonymous with the Lone Ranger. The show debuted on WXYZ Detroit in 1933 and ran on radio until 1954.

4. 4. Orson Welles' 1938 radio broadcast of 'The War of the Worlds' caused widespread panic because listeners believed what was actually happening?

   Answer: A Martian invasion of Earth

   The October 30, 1938 Mercury Theatre broadcast was so realistic that some listeners tuning in late believed Martians were actually invading Grover's Mill, New Jersey.

5. 5. George Burns and Gracie Allen's popular radio show relied on what comedic dynamic between the two?

   Answer: Gracie played the scatterbrained wife while George was the straight man

   Gracie Allen's brilliantly ditzy logic and George Burns' bemused reactions became one of comedy's greatest partnerships. Their radio show ran from 1932 to 1950 before moving to TV.

Things you'll learn along the way

• ✓Jack Benny's legendary cheapskate persona produced classic bits, including the famous robbery scene: 'Your money or your life!' followed by a long pause, then 'I'm thinking it over!'
• ✓At the height of its popularity around 1930, 'Amos 'n' Andy' drew an estimated 40 million listeners. Some theaters paused films to pipe in the broadcast so audiences wouldn't stay home.
• ✓Britt Reid was written as the grandnephew of the Lone Ranger (John Reid). Both shows were created by George W. Trendle and originated from radio station WXYZ in Detroit.