Be a Contestant — The Chase

Be a Contestant on The Chase

The Chase continues to cast contestants for its long-running UK version on ITV. The American version on ABC was cancelled after Season 3 in 2023 and is not currently casting. Here's how the contestant process works, what producers look for, and how to prepare for facing a Chaser.

UK Version: Currently Casting

The original British version actively recruits contestants through ITV's casting website. The UK application process typically involves an online form, a phone screening, a general knowledge test, and an in-person or video audition. ITV casts year-round as the show produces new episodes throughout each calendar year. UK applicants must be at least 18 and legal residents. Visit ITV's Be On TV page for current casting information.

US Version: Not Currently Casting (Cancelled 2023)

The American version, hosted by Sara Haines on ABC, ran from 2021 to 2023 with Chasers Mark Labbett, Brandon Blackwell, Victoria Groce, and Brad Rutter. ABC cancelled the show after three seasons. During its run, contestants applied through ABC's casting website and went through a multi-step process including trivia tests and producer interviews. If a US version is revived, casting calls will be announced through the host network's channels.

Eligibility Requirements

General requirements across both versions: you must be at least 18 years old, a citizen or legal resident of the applicable country, and available for studio recording dates. You typically cannot be a professional television personality or recent game show winner. Close relatives of production staff are usually excluded. Review specific requirements on the official application website for your region before applying.

The Application Process

Applications typically involve multiple stages:

1. Online application: Personal information, background, and a compelling explanation of why you want to compete
2. Trivia test: A challenging general knowledge quiz designed to identify genuinely knowledgeable contestants across multiple categories
3. Producer interview/audition: An in-person or video meeting where you answer questions under pressure and demonstrate your personality
4. Final selection: Producers build episode lineups balancing personality, demographics, and competitive potential

The process can take 3–6 months from application to filming.

Building Trivia Knowledge

The Chase demands broad general knowledge delivered quickly under pressure:

• Read widely across history, science, geography, arts, and current events
• Use trivia apps (Sporcle, QuizUp, Trivia Crack) to practice rapid-fire answering
• Watch past Chase episodes to learn the question style and difficulty level
• Study areas where you're weakest — The Chase punishes knowledge gaps more than it rewards deep expertise in one subject
• Practice answering aloud under time pressure to simulate the Cash Builder round

Strategy and Mental Preparation

The Chase rewards both knowledge and strategic decision-making:

• Cash Builder: Practice answering quickly and accurately — every correct answer in 60 seconds builds your starting offer
• Offer decision: Decide your risk tolerance before the show. Would you take a higher offer for more money with more risk? A lower offer for safety?
• The Chase board: Focus on one question at a time. Panicking about the Chaser's position wastes mental energy
• Final Chase: Speed and accuracy matter equally. Support teammates and keep answering even when the Chaser is gaining

Personality and Television Presence

Producers seek contestants who are engaging on camera. Authenticity matters more than volume — be yourself, show genuine emotion, and have a personal story ready for your introduction. The most memorable Chase contestants combine solid knowledge with real human drama: the nervousness before an offer decision, the celebration of a correct answer, the tension of the Final Chase countdown.