Instant Recall is a non-scripted, hidden camera game show produced by the Game Show Network (GSN). The show aired for a single season, premiering in March 2010. The premise of Instant Recall is a unique blend of candid camera-like pranks and a memory game, serving as an entertaining fusion of comedic fun and mental challenges.

The show is hosted by Talk Soup's Wink Martindale and is filmed in various locations around Los Angeles. Martindale, a seasoned game show host, brings charm and humor to the setup, making every episode of Instant Recall enjoyable while providing curious onlookers with a few laughs.

Unsuspecting participants in the show are lured into bizarre and, at times, absurd situations, believing they are part of a slice of everyday life, unaware they are the central characters in a game show. The scenarios are crafted with creativity and attention to detail, ensuring the participants remain oblivious to the unusual circumstances until the big reveal. Highly skilled improvisation actors play their part in setting up these fantastical situations, contributing to the show's unpredictability.

Once the hidden camera prank reaches its peak, a fake "commercial break" comes in via crew members infiltrating the scenario, effectively revealing to the participant that they're on a game show. The participant is then escorted into a game show set where Instant Recall takes an exciting turn. The participant-turned-contestant is now tasked with recalling specific details from the chaotic situation they had just unwittingly partaken in.

Presented with a series of questions by Martindale, each right answer banks more money, while every incorrect one leaves the potential prize pool untouched. The questions tend to focus on the most minute and obscure details of the prank setup, from colors of objects to conversations' specific wording. Hence, despite the fun and humorous tone of the show, recalling such details under the pressure and surprise can serve as an engaging challenge for contestants, and an edge of the seat experience for viewers at home.

Moments of the prank are replayed as contestants try to jog their memory. Each replay brings about laughter from both the live audience and home viewers as contestants relive their surprising moments of bewilderment and confusion. Depending on how much the contestant can recall from their unexpected adventure, they can walk away with a not-too-shabby cash prize.

Since winning depends on the participants' ability to recapture details of what they just experienced, the stakes of the game connect directly with the hidden camera prank, combining elements of humor and thrill in a unique fashion. This twist makes Instant Recall distinctly different from conventional game shows, thereby giving audiences a refreshing and genuinely entertaining viewing experience.

Adding to the fun, the show also features a segment where audience members can participate in a mini-game designed to test their memory for smaller prizes. This allows the studio audience to engage in the memory-testing fun, and revives another layer of interactive play for those watching at home.

For those interested in reality TV game shows, Instant Recall is a notable entrant in the genre. Though short-lived, it remains memorable for its unique blend of candid camera fun and mental acuity. It is a testament to the Game Show Network's creativity, offering viewers a game show that is both mentally challenging and filled with hilarity. While the show did not continue past its inaugural season, it set a fun precedent for the combination of hidden camera stunts and game show charm.