Want to be a contestant on your favorite game show?
If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping into the spotlight, answering questions, and winning big, you’re not alone!
Getting on a game show not only gives you the experience of a lifetime, but it’s also a great way to earn extra money. In some cases, that “extra money” can even make you a millionaire.
Becoming a game show contestant and navigating the whole process can seem like a mystery. Whether you’re aiming for a popular show like Jeopardy! or something more niche, the steps to becoming a contestant might be simpler than you think.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to get on a game show — from the application process to tips for standing out in auditions. With the right strategy and a bit of luck, you could be the next contestant to make your mark on TV!
FreeCash: Get paid up to $497.82 per offer – test apps, play games, and complete surveys for fast cash! Start earning today!
Earn Haus: Earn up to $25 per survey, plus get paid the same day via PayPal, Venmo, or check! Join Earn Haus now!
InboxDollars: Over $57 million paid to members for watching videos, shopping, and completing surveys. Claim your $5 bonus instantly when you join!
iPsos iSay: High-paying surveys are waiting for you with iPsos – the #1 survey site! Join iPsos today!
KashKick: Earn money watching videos, shopping, surfing the web, and more – PayPal payments are fast! Start earning with KashKick now!
Swagbucks: Watch videos, shop online, take surveys, and more – get $10 instantly when you sign up! Join now and start earning!
Table of Contents
How Do You Get Picked for a Game Show?
It is not as hard as you may think, at least the process of filling out the applications and going through the interview. Being picked to appear on the show is obviously a little harder and depends on many factors, with the biggest one being your personality.
The biggest help you can give yourself, besides the necessary audition/application process, is to stand out from the crowd.
Remember, game shows are a form of entertainment, and they are huge revenue makers for the networks that run them. So, normally they are looking for people who stand out — people whose personality, appearance, the way they talk, etc., can pull in more viewers and drive up the ratings.
Ready to play some games and win some money?
I have gathered a list of classic and well-known game shows you can audition for, as well as a few upcoming game shows that you may want to try.
Become a Contestant on Game Shows
Let’s start with some of the most well-known game shows that some of you may have even grown up with.
1. The Price is Right
Audition Process: Oh, the daytime game show that almost everybody seems to love. You probably know this, but for those of you who don’t, there are two ways to get on the show. The first and best way is to show up at one of the tapings of the show (in Los Angeles, California), where you may be chosen to play the game.
The second way is to catch one of their traveling audition stops, which happens once a year. Two people are picked from the traveling audition to play the game on TV.
Eligibility/Requirements:
- You must be 18 years or older.
Prize: Varies
Advertisements
Where to Apply: http://www.priceisright.com/
2. Wheel of Fortune
Audition Process: To get the ball rolling, you first have to register on the site (link above). They will then notify you whenever the famous “Wheelmobile” is in your area.
There are a few ways to find out when the Wheelmobile will be in your area:
- Watch your local TV station that broadcasts Wheel of Fortune. Local stations will run promos announcing that they are coming to your area.
- Follow @WheelofFortune on Twitter
When the Wheelmobile is in your town, you will be invited to the event. They draw applications randomly throughout the event. If your application is drawn, you will have to go through a short interview and play a speed-up round. You may even win some show-themed prizes.
Candidates who catch the attention of the producers will be invited to participate in one last audition. It is at that audition that they choose the person(s) who will actually appear on the show.
Eligibility/Requirements:
- Applicants must be at least 18 years old. (Teen applicants must be between the ages of 13 and 18.)
- You are not eligible to play if you have ever been a contestant on any version of the show.
- You will not be eligible if you have appeared on a game/reality TV show within the last 12 months.
Prize: Varies
Where to Apply: http://www.wheeloffortune.com/jointheshow/
3. Beat Shazam
Audition Process: To apply for Beat Shazam, you need to submit an online application. The casting team will review your submission and select contestants based on personality and enthusiasm. If selected, you’ll be invited to an audition where you might have to take part in a mock game. Contestants are typically chosen based on their ability to be engaging on camera and their love of music.
Eligibility/Requirements:
- You must be a U.S. legal resident.
- You must be 18 years or older.
- Contestants must have never appeared on the show before.
- You should be willing to travel to the show’s taping locations (usually in Los Angeles) at your own expense.
Prize: Up to $1,000,000.
Where to Apply: https://beatshazam.castingcrane.com/age-gate
4. $100,000 Pyramid
Audition Process: To apply for the $100,000 Pyramid, you must submit an online application and a video showing your personality. If the casting team likes your video, you may be invited to a live audition in a city near you, where you’ll play a mock game and go through an interview. This process allows the producers to get a sense of your energy and suitability for TV.
Eligibility/Requirements:
- You must be a U.S. citizen or legal resident.
- You must be 21 years of age or older.
- You cannot have appeared on the show before.
- Contestants must be able to travel to the show’s taping location, usually in New York or Los Angeles, at their own expense.
Prize: $100,000.
Where to Apply: https://www.castingpyramid.com/
5. Bullseye – Update: Bullseye has been canceled.
Audition Process: This was a rather new game show on FOX that relied on physical fitness. They had a lengthy form that you had to fill out on their website. They would get back to you if they were interested in having you on the show.
Eligibility/Requirements:
- Be 18 years of age or older to apply.
Prize: $50,000
Where to Apply: http://www.bullseyecasting.com/
6. Jeopardy!
Audition Process: First, you have to pass an online test to qualify for an in-person audition. This online test will have questions covering about 50 different categories. You will have a limited amount of time to complete the test.
If you pass the online test, you will be scheduled for an in-person audition where you will take another test, as well as play a mock version of the Jeopardy game.
If you pass this stage, you will be added to a contestant pool for 18 months.
Eligibility/Requirements:
- You must be at least 18 to participate (except for the Teen Tournament, College Championship, and the Kids Week).
- If you have previously appeared on any version of the show, you won’t be eligible.
Prize: Varies
Where to Apply: https://www.jeopardy.com/be-on-j/faqs
7. Who Wants to Be a Millionaire
Audition Process: At the time of writing this, there are no open auditions. However, auditions are held periodically in different cities across the U.S.
To register for auditions, you need to visit the website. First, you must pass a written test. Once that’s done, you’ll go through an interview. If you pass the interview, you’ll be added to the Contestant Pool, where you may get the chance to appear on the show later.
Eligibility/Requirements:
- You must be a legal resident of the United States.
- You must be 18 years of age or older.
- You must have never played in the hot seat on either the prime-time or syndicated version of the show.
- Employees, immediate family members, or those living in the same residence as any company related to the show (companies such as Disney, Embassy Row, Capital One, and any other advertiser) are ineligible to play.
- You must be willing and able to travel to Stamford, Connecticut, at your own expense for the show taping.
Prize: $1,000,000
Where to Apply: http://millionairetv.dadt.com/
8. Family Game Night – Update: The show’s last season was in 2014!
Audition Process: This is a fun game where you play larger-than-life versions of your favorite board games like Battleship and Operation. To apply, fill out the application on their site, and then all you can do is wait and hope to hear from the producers.
Eligibility/Requirements:
- Interested families must consist of at least one kid and one parent or legal guardian, but the more, the merrier!
- Kids must be between 8 and 15 years old.
Prize: Up to $25,000, and the grand prize for the winning family is an all-expenses-paid family vacation!
Where to Apply: http://www.onesourcetalent.com/castings/family-game-night/
9. Celebrity Name Game – Update: 2017 was their last season!
Audition Process: This is a show developed by Courteney Cox and David Arquette’s Coquette Productions and hosted by Craig Ferguson. Since it’s a team game, you have to apply with another person. You and your partner will be paired with celebrities in a game where the goal is to identify other celebrities.
To get on the show, you must fill out a quick online form. If the producers like what they see, they will contact you and let you know of any “open call” sessions.
Eligibility/Requirements:
- You must be 18 years or older and a legal U.S. resident.
Prize: Up to $20,000.
Where to Apply: http://casting.celebnamegame.com/web/apply
10. Let’s Make a Deal
Audition Process: This show does not have an online application. The only way to get on the show is by showing up for a taping, where you’ll have a 1 in 18 chance of being picked.
The show is taped at Sunset Bronson Studios in Hollywood, California.
Be sure to bring a photo I.D. with you. They like costumes, so be sure to wear something that makes you stand out from the rest.
Eligibility/Requirements:
- Audience members and potential contestants must be 21 years of age or older.
Prize: Up to $80,000.
Where to Apply: https://on-camera-audiences.com/shows/Lets_Make_a_Deal
11. Wipeout
Audition Process: There are 3 ways to apply to be on Wipeout:
- In-Studio Audition
- Attend an open casting call
- Make an audition video
No matter which one you go with, the process is similar. You must first fill out an online profile and Wipeout Extreme application. You MUST upload a photo to be considered. Then their casting department will review your application.
If they would like to bring you in for an audition, they will contact you to schedule an appointment.
Eligibility/Requirements:
- You must be at least 18 years old
- You must be a legal U.S. resident
- You must be able to swim
- You must be a California resident
- You must be “fun, strong-willed, outgoing, and have a great sense of humor”
Prize: $50,000
Where to Apply: https://www.mysticartpictures.com/mystic/castingdetail.php?nc_id=231
12. The Bachelor and The Bachelorette
Audition Process: You can either apply online by filling out the submission form or mail in your submission.
To mail the application, download the application form, fill it out, and send it to the company along with a few recent pictures of yourself.
They also encourage you to include a video of yourself explaining why you want to be on the show.
Eligibility/Requirements:
- You are not eligible if you are currently running for political office.
- You must be a citizen or resident alien of the United States or a foreign citizen who can travel without restrictions to and from the United States.
- You must be 21 or older.
- You must be single.
- You must not have been convicted of a felony.
Prize: Besides finding “the love of your life,” there are reports claiming contestants get anywhere from $30,000 to $100,000 or more.
Where to Apply: https://bachelornation.com/pages/casting-calls/
13. Idiotest – Update: The show ended production in 2017!
Audition Process: All you need to do is email the casting team and tell them why you want to be on the show. If they like your application, they will contact you.
Eligibility/Requirements:
- There is not much information found on the site regarding eligibility.
Prize: $10,000
Where to Apply: http://www.gsntv.com/idiotestcasting/
14. Family Feud
Audition Process: There are two ways to apply. The first way is to attend an open casting call. The only problem is that you never know when one will take place, so your best bet is to check the site periodically throughout the year.
The second and better way to apply is online. All you need to do is make a video of your family and show why you are a good choice for the show. You can either mail it in or upload it to YouTube.
Eligibility/Requirements:
- Members of the same team must be related by blood, marriage, or adoption.
- You will be ineligible if you have appeared on a game show in the past 12 months.
- You must be a legal resident of the U.S.
Prize: $20,000
Where to Apply: https://www.familyfeud.com/audition/
15. The Chase
Audition Process: They have an online application form that you must fill out. All you can do then is wait and hope you hear back.
Eligibility/Requirements:
- You must be over 18.
Prize: Varies
Where to Apply: https://eu.castitreach.com/a/itv/thechase/welcome
16. The Amazing Race
Audition Process: Two ways to apply:
- Apply online
- Attend an open call
Eligibility/Requirements:
- You must be 21 or older.
- You must be a U.S. citizen with a valid passport and driver’s license.
Prize: $1 million
Where to Apply: https://www.theamazingracecasting.com/home
17. Survivor
Audition Process: First, make a video of yourself explaining why you want to be on the show. Fill out the online application form and upload the video along with a current picture to the application, then hit send.
The show will email you if they want to move forward.
Eligibility/Requirements:
- You must be at least 21.
- You must be a U.S. citizen with a valid passport and driver’s license.
Prize: $1 million
Where to Apply: https://www.cbssurvivorcasting.com/home
18. Big Brother
Audition Process: Same as Survivor; make a video of yourself explaining why you want to be on the show. Fill out the online application form and upload the video along with a current picture to the application, then hit send.
The casting team will email you if they want to move forward.
Eligibility/Requirements:
- You must be at least 21.
- You must be a U.S. citizen with a valid passport and driver’s license.
Prize: $500,000
Where to Apply: https://www.bigbrothercasting.tv/home
19. Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader? – Update: Their last season was 2019!
Audition Process: Auditions will take place at Sony Pictures Studios in Culver City. To audition, send an email and include your name, phone number, the city and state in which you live, and a photo.
Note: They have changed their casting process a few times already. The best way to find out about new auditions and how to apply is to keep an eye on their Facebook page.
Eligibility/Requirements:
- You must be 18 or older.
- You must be a U.S. resident.
- You must not be a political candidate.
Prize: Up to $250,000
Where to Apply: https://www.facebook.com/AreYouSmarterThanA5thGrader
Wrapping Up
Getting on a game show is truly an exciting opportunity to show off your talents and possibly win big!
Whether you’re aiming for the iconic Jeopardy!, the thrill of Beat Shazam, or the classic fun of $100,000 Pyramid, each show offers a unique audition process that can help you get one step closer to your dream. The key is to follow the application steps carefully, showcase your personality, and be prepared to travel for auditions.
If you’re ready to take the leap, visit the official casting pages for each show, and remember that persistence and enthusiasm can set you apart in these competitive processes. Best of luck, and who knows — you might just be the next big game show winner!
Faith Bailey
My bucket list is to BE ON A GAME SHOW!!! I’m smart, funny, interesting n cute for a young 69 year old lady!