Which Reality Competitions & Game Shows Do Viewers Want to Play Most?
All of us armchair contestants play along when we watch game shows and reality competitions, yelling at the TV whenever someone flubs a trivia question, chooses the wrong romantic prospect, or brokers an alliance with a backstabber. But which of these shows do American TV viewers want to play the most?
Researchers at American Casino Guide used search volume to gauge interest in applications for game shows and reality competitions. And, using that data, the researchers also determined viewers’ chances of getting on those shows. According to the findings, the shows below are the ones viewers are keenest to join.
MasterChef
Home chefs have to fire on all burners to impress judges Gordon Ramsay, Aarón Sánchez, and Joe Bastianich across a series of challenges and elimination rounds in this reality competition.
Prize: $250,000
Total search volume: 300
Chance of getting on the show: 0.167%
Alone
This show features survivalists battling weather, wildlife, and loneliness after being dropped off in the middle of nowhere with little more than the clothes on their back.
Prize: $1,000,000
Total search volume: 400
Chance of getting on the show: 0.025%
Married at First Sight
Participants in this show agree to be matched with a spouse sight unseen — and they meet their future wife or husband just moments before saying “I do.”
Prize: Lasting marriage — ideally, at least
Total search volume: 450
Chance of getting on the show: 0.036%
Too Hot to Handle
This dating show challenges participants to form romantic connections, but the twist is that any sexual activity comes at the cost of their communal grand prize.
Prize: $200,000
Total search volume: 450
Chance of getting on the show: 0.022%
Are You the One?
Contestants in this dating show see their combined jackpot shrink each time they don’t pair off in the “perfect matches” determined by a matchmaking process.
Prize: $1,000,000
Total search volume: 500
Chance of getting on the show: 0.044%
Family Feud
Survey says… that this game show is a showdown in which competing families try to list the most popular answers to survey questions.
Prize: $20,000
Total search volume: 700
Chance of getting on the show: 0.014%
Love Island USA
In a tropical paradise, singles mingle and pair off — for love or for strategy — all the while competing to become America’s favorite duo.
Prize: $100,000
Total search volume: 1,000
Chance of getting on the show: 0.034%
The Bachelor
In each season of this dating show, a handsome fellow winnows a dating pool from dozens of women down to the one he hopes is The One… with plenty of tears along the way.
Prize: A relationship (and marriage, possibly) with the Bachelor
Total search volume: 1,240
Chance of getting on the show: 0.020%
Big Brother
With surveillance cameras watching their every move, “houseguests” cut off from the outside world compete to survive eviction.
Prize: $750,000
Total search volume: 1,300
Chance of getting on the show: 0.012%
The Circle
In a deduction game for the catfishing age, participants use a social network — and real or fake profiles — to curry favor with the other players.
Prize: $100,000
Total search volume: 2,500
Chance of getting on the show: 0.005%
Survivor
Castaways try to “outwit, outplay, and outlast” while braving the elements and navigating shifting alliances.
Prize: $1,000,000
Total search volume: 5,100
Chance of getting on the show: 0.004%
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