The Daily O’Collegian

Game shows have long been a staple of American popular culture.

They come in all forms, from the thought-provoking quiz shows to the attention-grabbing reality shows, but all have one common feature. They all feature regular people doing their best to gain fame and fortune.

Anyone can get on these shows with a little luck and a lot of perseverance, but most need an idea of where to start the application process. Here are a few tips that should set people on the right path toward their 15 minutes of fame.

One of the more popular new types of game shows is the reality show.

“I don’t like reality shows, but if I ever started to watch them, I would probably get addicted,” said James Banda, architecture sophomore.

Reality television’s addictive nature is a large part of its appeal.

The show “Survivor” has been on the forefront of the craze. “Survivor” requires applicants to fill out extensive applications, including medical histories, personal histories and personality profiles.

The questions include “What would you not do for $1 million?”

Next, applicants must submit a three-minute maximum video that introduces them and tells why they would be great for “Survivor.”

All applicants must be able to travel at their own expense to one of many first-round interview locations across the country. The closest location to Stillwater is Houston.

After that, there is a continuing process of interviews and evaluations up until filming in June, when only 12 applicants are selected.

All applicants must meet all eligibility requirements — a major one for college students is the required age of 21.

The “Survivor” application can be obtained from the CBS Web site at http://www.cbs.com.

Other reality-based shows have similar casting approaches.

NBC’s “Fear Factor” pits contestants against some of their greatest fears for not only a wad of cash, but also the luxury of conquering their fears.

All applicants must complete extensive applications, which include personality and background information, as well as a survey about fears, weaknesses and personal limits.

One question even asks if the applicant is afraid of “cooties.”

All applicants must also meet eligibility requirements, including an age of 21. A five-minute video is also required.

Some people just don’t like the reality television format.

“I don’t watch reality TV shows like ‘Survivor’ or ‘The Real World’ because they are boring,” said David Compston, finance senior. “There is no plot and no point to the story.”

For people who don’t like the format, trying to get on a show like “Survivor” would probably be a bad idea.

Thanks to cable television, the classic game show comes in all sorts of shapes and sizes for viewer pleasure. It is often much easier to make the final cut.

The wildly imaginative, Emmy-award winning show “Win Ben Stein’s Money” asks potential contestants to “write, call or e-mail to futility.com” to see if they have the brain power to take on the host, Ben Stein. While most contestants are past the collegiate age group, there are no set parameters for a contestant’s age. Also, there is the occasional “college-themed” show.

As for ABC’s smash-hit show “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” the application process is a little harder.

According to the “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” Web site, “The Millionaire team is traveling to several cities in search of new contestants for future telecasts. To participate in an audition, listen for announcements in your local media.”

NBC’s rival to “Millionaire” has varied criteria for becoming a contestant.

“The Weakest Link” is currently seeking look-alikes of its host, Ann Robinson, for a special look-alike edition of the show. The show is equal opportunity, so applicants of both sexes can apply. Applications for this special episode are due by Jan. 31 and are available online at the show’s Web site at http://www.nbc.com, and questions can be answered by calling (323) 520-6258.

One of the less rigorous screening processes for contestants is that of the long-running CBS classic “The Price is Right.” Tickets are free and must be requested by mail. The tickets are sent out one month before the show or are available in person two weeks in advance.

After the lengthy process to actually get a ticket to the taping of the show, contestants must meet a few eligibility requirements and hope they are asked to “come on down.” Details can be found on the CBS Web site for the show at http://www.cbs.com.

One new trend is a combination of both the reality show and game show genre.

New shows like “The Chamber” and “The Chair” try to combine the drama of reality, with the fun of trivia, in one big spot of prime time programming.

In the end, whether there is a final answer, the tribe speaks or the chamber is too hot — it all leads to money.