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Becoming a Game Show Host

Courtesy of CBS

Reality TV is dominating the decade, and game shows are becoming a dime a dozen. You’d think with so many new game shows there’d be lots of jobs for new hosts. Unfortunately, most producers are hiring B-List entertainers rather than fresh faces.

The Personality

Game show hosts need an outgoing, well-spoken, dramatic and comedic personality. You need to be comfortable improvising in front of cameras and engaging your contestants and live audience.

Education

Your best bet at becoming a game show host is to get the right schooling. Find out if your high school has a film or radio program. In college, study communications, journalism, film or theatre.

Experience

People with acting, journalism or radio experience will stand out from the crowd in an audition. Consider these B-List entertains who currently host game shows:

John O’Hurley, host of the Family Feud, has been in the acting business since 1956! He’s done voice acting for cartoons, and he also played Elaine’s boss, J. Peterman, on Seinfeld.

Drew Carey, host of The Price is Right, had his own sitcom, The Drew Carey Show, for eight years.

Howie Mandel, host of Deal or No Deal, played Bobby on the 90’s sitcom Bobby’s World.

Get Involved

So how do you get on the B-List? Get as much performance experience as possible.

Volunteer at or apply for a job/internship at a tv station or radio.

Perform stand-up comedy at open mic nights or talent shows.

Join a theatre club.

Audition for sitcoms, films or even commercials.

Volunteer to host talent nights at your school or community events.

Salary

As a game show host, your annual salary depends entirely on how popular the show is, what network the show is on, how well known you are, etc. It could be anywhere from $70 000 to millions.

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Becoming a Reality Show Star

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