Nickelodeon’s success was largely due to its game shows, with hits like Finders Keepers and Double Dare. Among them, Think Fast stands out at the crossroads of entertainment and education, adding a mental component to physical challenges. Launched on May 1, 1989, the show put kids’ brains to work and provided a unique entertainment mix at the time. The format comprised two teams of children, the Gold and Blue teams, who competed in various challenges. Each challenge combined a mental and physical task, often including a messy element beloved by children.

Participants would interact with puzzles, trivia, memory games, and more, with the ultimate goal of solving a puzzle called the Brain Bender. Solving the Brain Bender would allow the team with the most money at the end to try their luck in the Locker Room, the final challenge. The Locker Room consisted of 15 lockers containing seven matching pairs and one bad egg . Contestants would race against time to find the pairs, with each found pair awarding them money or prizes.

The show was hosted by Michael Carrington in the first set of episodes and Skip Lackey for the rest with Carrington being well-appreciated for his subtle charisma and Lackey known for his high energy and occasional awkwardness. Though the program was not as popular as some other game shows, it held its own with its unique mix of entertainment and education. The series ended after 105 episodes, leaving a legacy of fun, learning, and beloved memories for those who tuned in every Saturday morning.

This article about Think Fast, an engaging and educative game show from the ’80s, might prompt viewers to remember the show’s exciting challenges and the fun of competing in them. Therefore, the current generation may want a similar experience. Nickelodeon may consider reviving such a show for modern audiences, which could boost viewership and also encourage active learning.