Pretend You're a TV Host and We'll Guess Which Game Show You'd Win

Heather Cahill

6 Min Quiz

Image: vm/E+/Getty Images

About This Quiz

To be a great TV host, you have to have a few things. Charisma is one, which can make people listen to what you have to say in a genuine way. Wit is another great trait so that you can make people laugh or enjoy themselves as they listen. Looking at some of the greatest TV hosts of all time, like Johnny Carson or Ellen DeGeneres, they all share the traits of being personable and likable. Do you have what it takes to be a great host?

Part of being a TV host includes some less desirable factors, such as long or random working hours. What makes up for it is that you get to do a job that you love and have fun while doing it! If you host a game show, you also get the feel-good moment of giving away money or other prizes to your contestants if they prove that they can win it. Meeting new people and having excellent communication skills all come with this job. Many people dream of finding themselves as the star on one of these shows!

If you're ready to live out your prime-time dream, then what are you waiting for? Spend a day as a TV host, and we'll tell you what game show you'd win it all on!

Discovery Channel

It's important to plan out what kind of show you'd like to put on. What type would you like to host?

My show would be simple and relaxed.

An exciting and unexpected show
Something that challenges the brain

A show that relies on educated guessing

GSN

Let's get down to the numbers. How many contestants would you like to have?

Let's keep it simple with one or two.

Up to four sounds good to me.
I'd say no more than six.

Just one

Global

Time to design your dream set. What does the stage that you'll spend most of your time on look like?

I wouldn't have a stage. I would be on location!

It would look simple but have some secrets to be found around it.
It's got a dark background, with the area of play lit up.

It would be large, and all of the space will be used.

NBC

Think of your inspiration as a TV host. Which host would you aspire to be most like?

Carson Daly

Ryan Seacrest
Ellen DeGeneres

Oprah Winfrey

GSN

Will you be standing behind a podium as you perform?

No, I'm right with the contestants.

For part of the show will be.
Yes, or sit at a table

No, but I do stand a little far from the contestants.

joe daniel price/Moment/Getty Images

Half the job is getting there! Where will you film your show and go to work everyday?

It'll be a new location every day.

Vancouver will be the main area of filming.
I'll film in the Canadian capital, Ottawa.

Probably in Toronto, but special episodes may be filmed elsewhere.

George Pachantouris/Moment/Getty Images

Would your show require you or the contestants to travel around?

Yes, it might.

Only for the contestants.
No, it would always be at the studio.

In the case of special occasions, yes.

Dougal Waters/DigitalVision/Getty Images

It's important to be well-versed and rehearsed for this job. What does preparation for filming look like to you?

I research enough questions to fill the entire show and more.

I rehearse my jokes and practice my introduction.
I try to think up some puns.

I get my notes organized.

Grafissimo/E+/Getty Images

How often would you film your episodes?

I'd film every week day.

I'd film a few days a week.
Probably on the weekends

All day, everyday!

Discovery Channel

Here is what everyone wants to know! What prize are your contestants playing for?

Contestants on my show can win up to $2,000 if they're quick enough.

A vacation or other tangible prize
$50,000 to be exact!

It's a whopping $1,000,000!

vm/E+/Getty Images

It's time to play dress-up. How would you dress for the show?

Casual. I want to blend in.

I would wear a regular suit or dress.
My attire would stand out and be pretty colourful.

I'd dress in business casual with my own little touch.

Thomas Barwick/DigitalVision/Getty Images

Hosting is a scary job sometimes, but there are ways to get yourself pumped before it. What's your pre-show ritual?

I would take a relaxing drive before filming.

I'd dance for a few minutes to loosen up.
I'd recite a few inspiring words and phrases.

I'd count to 200.

Catalena Productions

Can you decide on how long you'd like your show run for?

Just 25 minutes

An hour would work great for my show.
30 minutes at most

I'd say 45 minutes.

Discovery Channel

Some hosts have a natural signature voice, while others put on their best made-up voice. Do you have a distinctive voice that you'll use when hosting?

No, just like the rest of my show my voice is all natural.

Only when addressing the audience
When I'm feeling very enthusiastic, probably

Yes, I think my made-up voice adds to my persona as a host.

Catalena Productions

Will your show involve physical as well as mental elements?

It'll mostly be brain work.

It will be more physical.
It's all in the brain for my show.

It'll be a bit of both.

Discovery Channel

OK, now that the planning is over, it's your time to shine. You're opening the show, so how will you start it off?

"First on the agenda is to welcome you all to the show."

"Welcome back, everybody!"
"It's time to get down to business."

"Did you miss us?"

NBC

Some hosts love to throw in a few great little stories from their lives. Would you ever tell anecdotes?

No, I like to focus on the contestants.

The odd short one maybe
I might slip a few into the conversation if it's relevant.

Yes!

Morsa Images/DigitalVision/Getty Images

How much research would you dedicate to your show?

A lot of it! I like to throw out some fun facts.

Enough to cover the questions or educate people
A little research on word play

I wouldn't do any.

RichLegg/E+/Getty Images

Unfortunately, it's something all hosts have to deal with. What would you do if a contestant got a question wrong?

I would sound the buzzer.

I would have them fall down a trap door.
I'd say, "try again."

I could only respond with, "sorry, that's too bad."

vm/E+/Getty Images

It's time for a commercial break! How will you entertain the audience?

There's no audience on my show!

I'd invite a few people up on stage to talk.
I would ask them questions and tell them stories.

I'd have a few of them tell me about themselves.

NBC

Would you ever add some witty remarks to the show?

If they were simple and to the point, of course.

Yes, especially when the contestant gets a question wrong.
Probably not

Of course, there's always room for wit.

CoffeeAndMilk/E+/Getty Images

Will you consider doing any holiday or special episodes or is that off-limits?

A world theme would be pretty cool.

Who wouldn't love an "extreme" type of episode with sports or stunts?

I would love to do a Christmas themed episode.
I'd love to do a charity episode.

Not on my show

Catalena Productions

If you've got some difficult questions, would your show have an option for hints?

Yes, but only once per game!

Only in the most extreme cases
Up to three would be fine.

Never!

NBC

You might find that something unexpected happens during an episode. What would you do if you determine something to be unfair in the show?

I'd start the show again.

I would consult with my crew.
I think I would start a new puzzle or question and pick up where we left off.

I don't know what I would do!

NBC

Hosts meet a lot of people. Do you remember details about the people you speak with?

Yes, for details such as their name. The show doesn't give enough time for much more than that!

Yes, especially any quirky or unusual facts
I do my best to remember as much about them as I can.

No, I'm not the greatest with remembering things about others.

Francesco Carta fotografo/Moment/Getty Images

Anything on television is bound to receive feedback, but how would you deal with critics or trolls?

I wouldn't have any!

Ignore them. It's the best way!
I'd prepare some witty comebacks.

I'd take their criticism into consideration and see if it held any weight.

RichLegg/E+/Getty Images

What kind of advice would you give to the contestants when they're feeling unsure?

"Don't look back, it will only slow you down."

"Hold your head high and keep going."
"Don't overthink it."

"Take your time."

Klaus Vedfelt/DigitalVision/Getty Images

Would you ever make jokes with the contestants or audience?

I would probably steer clear of the jokes. I'm not the best at them!

Why not both?
I'd always turn to the audience to make a joke.

It's important to make the contestants feel welcome, so I'd try to joke with them.

Discovery Channel

In your opinion, what would be the most unique thing about your show?

You'll never know where or when you might find us.

We've got trap doors that you'll never expect.
The show will teach you a lot of new things.

We follow your lead on this show.

NBC

Think about your lasting legacy. What would people remember you for?

My smarts

My love for hosting
My humour

My personality

About HowStuffWorks Play

How much do you know about dinosaurs? What is an octane rating? And how do you use a proper noun? Lucky for you, HowStuffWorks Play is here to help. Our award-winning website offers reliable, easy-to-understand explanations about how the world works. From fun quizzes that bring joy to your day, to compelling photography and fascinating lists, HowStuffWorks Play offers something for everyone. Sometimes we explain how stuff works, other times, we ask you, but we’re always exploring in the name of fun! Because learning is fun, so stick with us!

5 Minute Quiz 5 Min