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How to Apply for Game Shows (30+ Shows)

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We have all watched one game show or another.  Whether it’s the Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy or even the Price is Right, all of those contestants are like you and me.

If you have ever dreamed of getting on a game show, I wanted to talk about the many popular game shows airing today as well as what you can do to get on the show.  It’s pretty easy to apply but getting accepted is a whole another story.

Quite possibly the oddest way to make money, it could pay off huge if you not only make the cut, but win the game’s grand prize.  In most cases, contestants can walk home with anywhere from a few thousand to a million+ dollars.

If you’re not shy of TV cameras, have a bubbly personality and feel you have what it takes to win, then strap in and see which game shows need you today.  Let’s talk about the ways you can apply for game shows today.

How to Become a Game Show Contestant

$100,000 Pyramid

This old-time favorite is still on the air, airing on ABC.  As of right now, they are looking for energetic and outgoing people who have a great sense of the game and are willing to put their skills to the test for $150,000.  Even if you don’t have a feel for the game, you can watch older episodes right on ABC.  To apply, you must be at least 21 years old and a resident of the United States.  Follow the link below for more information to get started.



25 Words or Less

Hosted by Meredith Vieira, 25 Words or Less is said to be an amazing white-knuckle game show where every word counts.  In this game, two teams of celebrities and contestants try to guess the right answers with the fewest numbers of clues.  Top winners go home with $10,000.  To qualify, they are looking for people who want to play the game, but it does note that you should reside in the Southern California area.  You can learn more information via the flyer attached below.

Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?

Now hosted by John Cena, you can apply to compete on the popular game show, Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?  The unique thing about this option is that both “smart” fifth graders as well as adults alike can apply to the show.  According to the casting page, they are looking for people who have huge personalities and are “smarter than a fifth grader.”  If you feel you have what it takes or even think you know of a fifth grader who can compete, refer to the application page below.

The Amazing Race

Online applications are accepted year-round for the hit show, The Amazing Race, an adventure where people trek around the world, completing challenges at each destination.  The grand prize winner will win $1 million.  You can either apply online via the official casting site or you can attend one of the many open casting calls.  You can do either or.  If you’re interested, casting does ask that you apply in teams of two, and it’s important that you have a pre-existing relationship with the person for at least one year.  To increase your chances of landing on the show, they highly recommend you watch the previous seasons to see what kind of personalities they are looking for.

America Says

America Says consists of two teams who compete to fill in the blanks from popular survey questions.  For example, if the question is “My dog loves to,” an answer could be E__ T_____ for eat treats.  There are usually a few of these on the screen and you need to answer as quickly as possible. Contestants have a chance to win up to $15,000 in the bonus rounds if you were to answer all 10 questions in less than 60 seconds.  As I write this, the game show is casting, all of which can be done via GSNTV.

The Bachelor/Bachelorette

Depending on how you look at it, I see the Bachelor/Bachelorette series to be sort of like a game show, right?  After all, you’re competing for something.  Anyway, if you want to compete on either option, you can do so via the official casting page at WarnerBros.com.  Glancing at the qualifications, you can either mail in an application or fill out online.  There are also local casting call dates if you prefer to show up in person.  You will be asked to fill out a video displaying your personality as well.

Beat Shazam

The Beat Shazam show is a unique game show in which you will battle with three teams of two to try to identify for a song being played from all generations.  The first time to guess the song title before the other teams win points, eventually being able to play the final round against the machine, Shazam, the world’s most popular song identification app.   To qualify and win $1,000,000, you must have a team of two and be at least 18+ years old.  Other requirements apply, but you find out everything you need to know via the link below.



Best Ever Trivia Show

The Best Ever Trivia Show, hosted on the Game Show Network, offers an array of “mind-boggling” trivia questions.  In this game, three contestants compete against three trivia experts, such as Ken Jennings.  There’s $10,000 at stake, all of which goes to the contestant who has more correct answers than the experts.  You can come back if you were to win and earn up to a total of $30,000.  If interested in joining the show, you can follow the official casting page on GSNTV.com.

Big Brother

In order to qualify for Big Brother, you must be a United States citizen and at least 21+ years old.  As one of the few reality shows that doesn’t seem to go away, you can almost always apply via the official casting website.  Follow the link below for the current deadlines as well as what they are looking for in the perfect candidate.

Card Sharks

In Card Sharks, two players face off in a head-to-head card game, where the winner walks away with 10,000 and a chance to turn that into a life-changing payout.  To be considered for the show, you simply need to fill out the application linked below and wait for a cast member to contact you if selected.

Catch 21

The Catch 21 game show mixes blackjack and trivia, bringing you a unique trivia experience where you could win up to $25,000.  Right now, the casting team is looking for outgoing and knowledgeable contestants who want to put their trivia skills to the test.  To apply, you must email the casting team, answering a few questions that can be found via the link below.  Basically, they want to know your personal information, a link to your social media profile and a picture if possible.

Common Knowledge

Hosted by Joey Fatone, the Common Knowledge program, hosted on GSTV, asks everyday questions you think you should know.  To apply, all you need is a team of three, and they ask that you be a quick thinker, have a big personality and have to know the answers to practical, everyday questions.  If you love to compete and are 18+ years old, then you are encouraged to apply via the game show’s official casting page below.

Deal or No Deal

Consider to be one of the most dramatic game shows, the Deal or No Deal show, hosted by Howie Mandel, offers you the chance of winning $1 million.  The game show isn’t always looking for contestants as they are filming at certain times of the year.  To see if they are, though, you can refer to the official link below to sign up.

Family Feud

If you have at least five family members who want to compete, then you’re encouraged to apply to one of the oldest game shows still on the air, Family Feud.  To get on the show, you can either apply and tryout in person or you can submit a video if no tryouts are coming near you.  The show offers auditions throughout the United States, all of which you can find on the official website.  To learn more about what producers are looking for as well as what happens at local tryouts, everything can be found via the link below.

Guy’s Grocery Games

If you consider yourself a highly skilled chef with an outgoing personality, then you may want to test your luck with Guy’s Grocery Games.  Winners can win up to $20,000.  Refer to the official casting page below as they are often looking for chefs who specialize in certain specialties for upcoming episodes.  For instance, as I was writing this, they were looking for chefs who were experienced with eggs, global food and pizza, to name a few.

Hollywood Game Night

Hosted by Jane Lynch, contestants can compete against some of their favorite celebrities, winning up to $25,000.  If you find yourself to be fun, outgoing and pop-culture savvy, then you’re encouraged to apply.  All you need to do is complete the application, adhere to the eligibility requirements and submit a recent photo of yourself.

Jeopardy

If you want to compete on Jeopardy, the process is a lot more challenging in comparison to other game shows mentioned here.  To qualify, you must first pass an online test, most of which consists of the trivia questions you see on TV.  If you pass the test and meet the eligibility requirements, then they will place you into a random selection pool, where you have the chance at getting invited to an audition.  If you’re lucky enough to make it this far and pass the audition, then you’re finally placed into a contest pool, where you could be invited up to 18 months from your audition date.  To learn more about the entire process as well as how to apply, the official link has a ton of FAQs to help you better understand how you can increase your chances of landing on the show.



Let’s Make a Deal

This past season, the Let’s Make a Deal game show gave away more than $7,000,000 in prizes.  That’s about $80,000 per show!  To get on the game show, you will first have to book a date via the on-camera-audiences.com page.  It’s completely free to join the show.  Then, according to a former contestant and even the game show page, it’s extremely important that you dress up in a costume.  It’s required after all.  What you wear can highly determine if you’re selected for the show, so again, it’s so important you pick out the right costume and be sure it’s unique.  If the cast likes what they see, then this can increase your chances of competing.  This is really the only way to get selected.

Match Game

Hosted by Alec Baldwin, this old-time favorite is still airing as of today.  In this game, two contestants attempt to match the answers of six celebrities in the game.  To qualify as a contestant, you must be at least 21+ years old and a resident of the United States.  You can read more about the rules via the company’s official casting page, MatchGameCast.com.

  • Website:  Match Game

Press Your Luck

As yet another old-time favorite, the Press Your Luck game show is currently looking for contestants who want to answer questions to earn spins on the big board.  The winning contestant can then move onto the final bonus round, wherein you can face the WHAMMY.  To apply, the casting directors are looking for outgoing and knowledgeable contestants who want to press their luck to win a lot of money.  Before you fill out the application, be sure to read about all of the rules before proceeding.

Price is Right

Quite possibly the most popular game show here, there’s only one primary way to get onto the show:  you have to show up to the taping of the show prior to airing.  While you can also get a chance via their traveling audition stops, this isn’t as popular as showing up to the studio as it’s a whole different show. To get tickets for an upcoming show, you can do so via the On-Camera-Audiences.com website.  You can also test your luck by waiting in line as well, but to me, it would be a lot easier reserving ahead of time to ensure you have a spot.  You must be 18+ years old to participate.

Sugar Rush

Sugar Rush, a popular cooking show exclusive to Netflix, features teams that race against the clock to bake the best-tasting treats.  Winners walk away with a $10,000 grand prize.  In order to qualify, they are looking for the best of the best in the baking world, including pastry chefs, cake artists and the like.  All ethnicities are encouraged to apply.

Survivor

Whether you’re a super fan or even the first time, Survivor is almost always casting for a new cast.  This reality series has been on the air for more than 25 seasons and continues to go strong to this day. To qualify, you must fill out an application linked below, make a video of yourself as to why you want to be on the show and meet the eligibility requirements.  If interested, casting does recommend you apply as early as possible for the upcoming season.

To Tell the Truth

This successful comedy/game show pits celebrities against three people who are said to be the same person.  It’s up to the celebrities to determine who’s telling the truth based on the questions asked.  If you feel you’re an improv actor and can fool a panel of celebrities, then you’re welcome to apply to the show.  Unlike most game shows mentioned here, you won’t win anything, but you could build your acting resume if need be.

Wheel of Fortune

To become a contestant on the very popular Wheel of Fortune show, you can apply via the website.   To apply, you will have to include a video of yourself.  This your chance to charm them with your candor. In your video, all they ask is that you smile, be natural and let them know why you would be an awesome candidate.  You can view all of their suggested tips via the application page.

Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?

Yes, the Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? game show is still on the air and is often taking applications.  As long as you’re 18+ years old, reside in the United States and have never been on the show before, then you qualify.  To become a contestant, all you need to do is fill out an application via the official website.  And, if you’re selected, you will be asked to come to Las Vegas at your own expense, wherein you will audition for the show, much like how many of these operate.  If you succeed, then you’re thrown into the contestant pool, but your entry will expire.  The show isn’t always accepting applications, so don’t be annoyed if you see the application page closed down.  Just keep checking back as they do open it up at random times.

Wipeout

Now is your chance to join the world-famous Wipeout show, where you can win up to $50,000.  Unlike a lot of these game shows, where you sit in a seat and answer questions, this opportunity requires you to complete a pretty difficult obstacle course.  To qualify, you must be at least 18+ years old, be a U.S. resident and you must know how to swim.  They also ask that you’re outgoing, fun and have a great sense of humor.  The show isn’t always casting as it only airs throughout certain times of years, but you can follow the official casting link below to see if the casting calls are open right now.

Final Thoughts

Game shows, no matter how big or small, are always looking for contestants like you.

As you can see, there are quite a few you can sign up for right now, as long as you meet the eligibility requirements, of course.  Just be sure to have an outgoing personality and be prepared to know how the game show works in order to increase your chances of getting accepted.  Remember, you need to entertain those who are watching you.

Much like a lotto, even if you have the skills/talent to get accepted, it doesn’t mean they will pick you as you’re probably competing with thousands of others.  Regardless, it shouldn’t stop you from signing up for as many casting calls as possible, because, hey, you can’t get on if you don’t at least try, right?

For now, browse through this list as I tried to include as many popular game shows as possible.  It should only take you a few minutes to apply for each one.   I will also try to add some as time goes on.

If you have ever been on a game show or even have shows I’m missing, be sure to let me know about it in the comments below.  I’d love to hear about it!

In the meantime, start applying and let’s hope we see you on an upcoming episode!  Best of luck to you.

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Tom Nathaniel

Hi! My name is Tom Nathaniel, and I created LushDollar to help share my honest thoughts on everything money. You won't find gimmicks here. It's the Internet's most honest money site after all. I graduated from Arizona State University, and I have worked in the finance industry since 2006, consulting with multiple Fortune 5000 companies.

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