Be a Contestant — Match Game

Match Game: How to Be a Contestant

Match Game is back in production on ABC with Martin Short as host, and the show is casting contestants for new episodes. If you want to sit in the contestant's chair and try to match answers with a panel of celebrities, here's everything you need to know.

How to Apply

Match Game contestants are cast through ABC's official process. Applications are accepted through the ABC casting website when the show is actively recruiting:

1. Online application: Submit personal information, a photo, and answers to personality-focused questions
2. Audition invitation: Selected applicants are invited to in-person or video auditions with casting producers
3. Mock game play: Auditioners play a simulated round to demonstrate format understanding and natural on-camera reactions
4. Personality interview: Producers learn your story and what would make you a compelling television subject
5. Final selection: Contestants are chosen for personality diversity, demographic mix, and entertainment value

What Producers Look For

Match Game casting prioritizes entertainment over trivia knowledge. Key qualities:

• Personality and energy: Match Game thrives on reactions — gasps when answers don't match, celebrations when they do. Expressive, animated contestants stand out
• Sense of humor: The show is a comedy vehicle as much as a game show — contestants who laugh at themselves and banter with the host make great television
• Relatability: Being genuine, warm, and likeable matters more than being polished or rehearsed
• Quick thinking: The reveal and reaction happen in real time — quick wit during reveals keeps the energy up
• A great personal story: Every contestant gets a brief interview segment with Martin Short — interesting jobs, unusual hobbies, or compelling life stories help you stand out

How to Prepare

• Watch current episodes: Study the Martin Short version on Hulu and the Alec Baldwin era to understand how winning contestants think — successful players go with the most common, obvious answer rather than trying to be clever
• Practice with friends: Write fill-in-the-blank questions, have everyone write answers privately, and reveal them — this builds your instinct for thinking like the majority
• Work on camera presence: Record yourself reacting to things and review the footage — producers can tell immediately who will look natural on television
• Develop your personal story: Prepare a 30-second version for the application and a polished version for the on-air interview
• Stay current on pop culture: Many Match Game questions reference current events and trending topics — cultural literacy helps you predict panel answers

Game Strategy

If you make it on the show:

1. Trust your first instinct. The most popular answer is almost always the first thing that comes to mind — second-guessing causes mismatches
2. Think about what the celebrities will write, not what you think the "correct" answer is — Match Game is about matching, not being clever
3. Calibrate during early rounds. Pay attention to whether the panel leans funny, obvious, or suggestive, and adjust accordingly
4. For the Head-to-Head bonus round, pick the celebrity who has been giving the most straightforward answers — not the funniest or most famous
5. Stay positive and energetic even if you fall behind — comebacks happen frequently

From the Previous Revival (Alec Baldwin, 2016–2021)

The previous ABC revival ran for five seasons, proving strong network commitment to the Match Game format. The casting approach was nearly identical to the current Martin Short version — the same qualities that made great Baldwin-era contestants apply today. The show's continued investment means ongoing casting opportunities for future episodes and seasons.