The Secret Formula: 7 Shocking Ways Producers Pick Contestants On The Price Is Right

For decades, the phrase "Come On Down!" has been the ultimate invitation to fame and fortune, leading millions of viewers to believe the selection of contestants on *The Price Is Right* is a purely random roll of the dice. As of December 11, 2025, the truth is far more calculated: the selection process is a highly strategic, non-random screening designed to find the most energetic and TV-ready personalities in the studio audience. While you must attend a taping to be considered, getting picked is less about luck and more about a deliberate performance for the show's producers.

The iconic American game show, currently hosted by Drew Carey, is a meticulous machine where only a select few—typically just nine individuals per episode from an audience of around 300—earn a coveted spot on Contestant's Row. The key to unlocking this opportunity lies not in your knowledge of pricing, but in your ability to impress a single, crucial person: the show’s legendary Co-Producer and Contestant Coordinator, Stan Blits, or his team. Understanding their secret criteria is the first step to hearing your name called.

The Mastermind Behind the Mic: Stan Blits and the Producer's Criteria

The contestant selection for *The Price Is Right* is a well-oiled machine run by the production team, primarily focusing on the energy and enthusiasm of the potential contestants. The process is famously overseen by Stan Blits, who has been with the show for decades and is the final authority on who gets to "Come On Down." His mission is simple: to find people who will make great television.

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Biography: Stan Blits, The Contestant Whisperer

• Full Name: Stan Blits
• Role: Co-Producer and Contestant Coordinator for *The Price Is Right*
• Tenure: Has been with the show for over 40 years, spanning the eras of both Bob Barker and Drew Carey.
• Primary Function: Personally interviews nearly every single audience member before a taping to gauge their enthusiasm and on-camera potential.
• Quote on Selection: He famously looks for "energy, enthusiasm, and a certain look in the eye."
• Impact: Responsible for selecting thousands of contestants who have appeared on the show's Contestant's Row and competed in classic games like Plinko, The Cliff Hangers, and The Big Wheel.

Blits and his team are not looking for pricing experts; they are looking for performers. The producers want personalities that will jump up and down, scream, and provide genuine, unscripted excitement. This high-energy requirement is a foundational element of the show's enduring appeal and is the first secret to getting selected.

Decoding the 3 Stages of The Price Is Right Selection Process

The journey from audience member to contestant is a multi-stage process that begins long before you set foot in the Bob Barker Studio 33 at Television City in Los Angeles. Each step is a screening opportunity where you must consistently prove you are worthy of a spot.

Stage 1: The Line-Up and Screening (Initial Impression)

The selection process begins the moment you join the queue outside the studio. Production assistants are constantly walking the line, observing the crowd. This is your first chance to make an impression. You must be at least 18 years old and legally eligible to participate.

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• Dress to Impress: Wear bright, colorful, and unique clothing. Matching group T-shirts (like "Team Plinko" or "I Love Drew") are highly encouraged, as they are easy for the camera to spot and show enthusiasm.
• The Paperwork: Before entering, you'll be given a numbered sticker and a mandatory release form. This is standard procedure for all game show attendees.
• High Energy, Early: Do not wait until you are inside. Be animated, talkative, and friendly with those around you. The team is watching for people who are naturally outgoing and not afraid to be loud.

Stage 2: The Group Interview (The Decisive Moment)

Once inside, audience members are typically ushered into a holding area and interviewed in small groups, usually 10 to 15 people at a time, by Stan Blits or a member of his team. This is the most critical part of the process, lasting less than 60 seconds per person.

The producer is looking for a spark. They are not asking about your pricing knowledge; they are probing your personality. Common questions include:

• "What's your name and where are you from?"
• "What do you do for a living?"
• "What is your favorite game on *The Price Is Right*?" (The correct answer is often the one you are most excited to talk about!)
• "What would you do if you won a new car?"

Your response must be quick, loud, and memorable. A unique hobby, an interesting job, or a genuinely enthusiastic reaction to the show is what gets noted on the producer's clipboard. This is where the nine chosen names are essentially locked in. The selection is made based on who is the most excited and who can articulate that excitement in a brief, engaging way.

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Stage 3: The Final Selection and "Come On Down!"

After the interviews, the audience is seated in the studio. The list of nine names is given to the host, Drew Carey, and the announcer, George Gray (who took over from Rich Fields). The actual calling of the names is the only part that appears random to the general public, but the selection has already been made by the production team.

The nine selected contestants are called down in groups of four to the famous Contestant's Row throughout the show. The first three people called are the first contestants to bid on the initial prize, followed by a fourth person, and then the cycle repeats. The contestants who win their bid move on to play a pricing game, with the ultimate goal being to reach the Showcase Showdown and spin The Big Wheel for a chance at the grand Showcase prize.

Advanced Tips to Guarantee You Stand Out

While there is no way to truly "guarantee" a spot, maximizing your visibility and energy dramatically increases your odds. Think of yourself as an actor auditioning for a one-minute role.

1. The Costume Strategy: Go beyond a simple T-shirt. Wear a brightly colored hat, a silly prop, or a costume that ties into a specific game (e.g., a mountain climber for Cliff Hangers). The more visual and distinct you are, the easier it is for the camera—and the producer—to remember you.
2. Project Your Voice: The studio is loud, and the holding area is chaotic. When you are being interviewed by the producer, speak clearly, loudly, and with high inflection. A quiet, timid answer will be overlooked.
3. Practice Your Enthusiasm: You must convey genuine, over-the-top excitement. If you're asked about Plinko, don't just say "I like Plinko." Say: "PLINKO! I love that game! I've been watching it since I was a kid! I'd spend the whole $50,000 on a trip around the world!"
4. Be Positive and Upbeat: The show is a feel-good experience. Producers avoid anyone who seems negative, overly stressed about winning, or potentially controversial. Keep your answers light, fun, and focused on the joy of the game.
5. Know the Rules (But Don't Focus On Them): While the producers don't care about your pricing skills, knowing the names of the games (Hole in One, One Bid, Any Number) shows you are a genuine fan, which can add a layer of authenticity to your enthusiasm.

Ultimately, the secret to getting picked on *The Price Is Right* is to become a walking, talking embodiment of the show's infectious energy. It’s a casting call for nine minutes of pure, unadulterated television joy. If you can deliver that, you'll be hearing "Come On Down!"