How To Be Picked on ‘The Price Is Right’: A Flimsy Bra & Some Bounce Could Help

Remind Staff August 7, 3:08 pm

LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 19: A game show contestant is chosen to play during the 6000th taping of — Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images

Whether you are a daily viewer or a sick kid staying home from school, camping out on your couch to watch game shows is more than a fun way to pass the time — it’s an enduring tradition that spans generations. We get to choose our favorite contestants, cheer them on and play along ourselves, all the while believing that we could win big money on The Price Is Right if only given the chance.

For decades, The Price is Right has topped the lists of game show favorites, largely because it revolves around something we can all relate to – the cost of things we buy (or wish we could). Friendly faces like the legendary Bob Barker and current host Drew Carey make that stage look warm, welcoming and fun – it’s the perfect way to become a TV star for a day and score that vacation to Paris.

However, those precious few who have played (or at least attempted to compete) on The Price Is Right know the truth: getting on the show is no walk in the part.

>> How Well Do You Know ‘The Price Is Right?’

Tales of a Former Contestant

In 2014, one of our former colleagues recalled her experience years prior, sharing: “I once worked for talk show host Jenny Jones. In her pre-fame days, she was a contestant on The Price Is Right, an account she chronicled in her autobiography. In it, she hypothesized that to guarantee contestant selection, a flimsy bra and a ton of energy were all that was required, and I took notes. Shortly after I relocated to Southern California, I got myself a ticket for The Price Is Right. I’ll spare you the hours that I spent waiting on a variety of benches the day of taping, but shortly before my fanny and a metal bench conjoined, I was herded before the show’s male producer to describe myself. I don’t remember what I said, but I do remember a lot of jumping and bouncing. Remember that my former boss said a flimsy bra was a big help? This is why. Finally, we were led into Studio 33, and after everyone was seated, Rod Roddy started announcing names. Suddenly, I was on Contestants’ Row, hugging two fraternity boys like we were long-lost relatives. And the bouncing; so much bouncing!”

Our former colleague would go on to bounce her way to win a motorcycle. Here are seven tips to help you get one step closer to contestants row, so read up on how you can better your chances to get on The Price Is Right!

>> Drew Carey Shares How Bob Barker Inspired Him

1Get Into the Studio Audience

Unlike other game shows, The Price Is Right contestants aren’t preselected per se. Rather, they are picked from that taping’s studio audience, so you need to reserve seats on their website. Depending on demand for that day, you could either get a seat, be waitlisted or outright turned down, so register early for any date you have in mind.

2Stand Out From the Pack

The show’s studio holds around 300 people, most of whom are gunning for one of those precious nine slots available in a given taping. If you’ve seen the show, you know that fans will wear or do anything to get noticed, so prepare to do the same and keep your fingers crossed.

3Age Matters

Unfortunately for all of you younger whippersnappers, only legal adults (age 18 and older) are allowed to be contestants on The Price Is Right.

4Don’t Run for Public Office

Politicians or would-be government officials of any sort are not permitted to play. No word on whether this includes those who reign supreme over their local PTA groups or Dungeons and Dragons clubs.

THE PRICE IS RIGHT, Bob Barker, contestant, circa 1970s, 1972-present

Everett Collection

5Be a Game Show Rookie

Former contestants on The Price Is Right (or any other game show, for that matter) from any time within the last 10 years are automatically disqualified from the running. If being a contestant on this show is your ultimate goal, resist your urges to explore other shows and save yourself!

6Unplug

Are you willing to go off the grid to pursue your dream opportunity? Cell phones and smart watches are not permitted in the studio, so be prepared to be focused and present with none of your usual Wi-Fi-powered distractions.

7Finally, Be Patient!

The Price Is Right tapings can last five hours or longer, so make sure you are well fed, hydrated and energized for the long haul. You just might outlast the competition, catch a producer’s eye down the stretch and get the nod. Good luck!

Come on Down! Remembering Bob Barker on What Would Be His 100th Birthday

In his honor we'd like to remind you to help control the pet population.

Remind