‘The Blue Planet’, ‘Planet Earth’ and ‘Blue Planet II’ — the most popular all-time TV shows in the UK, according to YouGov research for Quarter 1 2021. Then just outside of that are ‘Only Fools and Horses’ and ‘Fawlty Towers’, both classics, many would agree, and some might even say they’re as fresh and as funny as when they were first made.

Just as fans do with sports teams, films, music artists and more, fans like to keep up to date with their favourite TVshows and follow the people who appear in them. One way popular way, of course, is through social media. Often, their idols and news about them are just a quick log-in away on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or other platforms.

Another way to keep in touch with TV shows is through merchandise. That could be a T-shirt or other cool item of clothing. Games are a further option, allowing players to feel part of the action and engage with the show in some way until the next series arrives. Below is a look at some popular games based on TV shows.

South Park: The Stick of Truth

When ‘South Park’ first came out, in 1997, there was uncertainty along how long it would stay around. The humour and subject matter of the famous adult cartoon were controversial. Creators Matt Stone and Trey Parker were writing an episode a week, too. It could have been only a matter of time before they either ran out of ideas or out of energy.

‘South Park” The Stick of Truth’ is an enjoyable game that places you in the role of a new kid in South Park. Somehow, you become embroiled in the fantasy of characters Stan, Kyle, Cartman and, of course, Kenny.

There are plenty of twists throughout the game, plus appearances from famous side characters, such as Chef. If you’re a fan of the show, you’ll love it. The game stays pretty loyal to the show and features nods to the first 17 seasons, so there’s lots of nostalgic moments throughout the game. The show’s abrasive humour is part of the game as well, although some countries cut parts of it out because it was a little too offensive for their tastes.

Game of Thrones

There are all kinds of stats around GOT and, in case anyone was in denial of just how huge this show has been, £40 million people viewed the premiere episode of the final series. Although there was a major backlash over the way the series ended, some still felt the finale did the show justice.

There have been several games to come out based on the programme and are available on the PlayStation and the Xbox, as well as on Microsoft Windows. The third of the GOT games, but the first to be actually based on the programmes themselves, features the voice of the author George R. R. Martin, who lends his voice to Maester Martin. James Cosmo and Conleth Hill also provide their voice for their characters (Jeor Mormont and Lord Varys, respectively).

Wheel of Fortune Megaways

How can anyone not love the Wheel of Fortune, the luckiest wheel in the whole of the UK? The long-running show has its own game in the world of online casino. What better place for a Wheel of Fortune game than in a world in which spinning a wheel could also change your own fortunes?

‘Wheel of Fortune Megaways’ really is mega. In the base game alone, there are up to 117,649 ways to win. That’s quite some figure, but if you’re lucky enough to land a free spins round, it increases to as much as 1 million. Best of all, you can get 18 free spins if you trigger the feature, a feature which also offers extending reels that can display up to 10 symbols each. A fully expanded reel delivers a retrigger and an extra 12 spins.

Star Trek: Bridge Crew

This game is one to test just how much of a Trekkie you are. ‘Star Trek: Bridge Crew’ has been developed especially for virtual reality (VR) gaming. If you invest in all the VR equipment, then there’s perhaps no questioning your commitment to Star Trek or your love of the show, but there is a non-VR version out there as well if you’re not prepared to go to as much expense.

On the Enterprise D, you’re not the Chief Engineer. Instead, you can step into a new role: Operations. The main feature of this is to assign jobs to NPC crew members throughout the ship. When you assign them and how you assign them will modify the ship’s capabilities, so you have a lot on your shoulders.

The designers and makers of the game have done their homework on this one. You’ll be wearing an authentic TNG uniform when you’re on the bridge and, thanks to the masterful audiovisual treatment of the game, you’ll feel as if you’re really on the ship. ‘Star Trek: Bridge Crew’ is available on the PS4 and the PC.

TV shows can inspirational as they are funny, informative or engaging, encouraging manufacturers to produce merchandise such as video games, which allows fans to keep in touch with the show. Whether it’s comedy, sci-fi, fantasy or another genre, you’ve a good chance of finding a show in the form of a game or other merchandise if it’s popular so that you can fully indulge in your love of the show. Enjoy!