Many people have been asking me about my Let’s Make a Deal run. I love talking about my experience however I don’t always share 100% truthfully, typically for sake of time. Here is my open and honest experience of being a contestant. It may seem a little harsh but the truth hurts people.
Early in November of 2010, a friend of mine told me she wanted to go to a taping of Let’s Make A Deal for her birthday. I knew nothing of the show and was not at all excited about getting up at the crack of dawn on a Saturday to drive to L.A. But it was her birthday and this is what good friends do.
As the weeks progressed my car became increasingly less and less reliable. Strange noises and lights filled the cab and I was afraid to drive it. I began researching cars, looking at payment options and then realized, “Oh yeah, I have ZERO income.” The poor graduate student inside of me completely panicked… Until I got a reminder email about Let’s Make A Deal.
I thought, “Wait a second, people legitimately go on game shows and win cars.”
Mind you, I had never met nor heard of such a person but it happens, right? This is when the nerdy researcher side of me sprung into full force. I began reading everything I could find about the show to increase my chances of being selected. I watched a few episodes and came to realize with an excessively obnoxious costume and over-the-top excited attitude, I was highly likely to be picked.
But what would I dress up as? My past Halloween costumes, while fun, were not obnoxiously eye catching enough to get Wayne Brady’s attention.
Then, like a dead fish across the face, it hit me. T-Rex.
You see, a month prior I made a Tyrannosaurus Rex costume for my boyfriend.
It was giant, it was green, it was definitely obnoxious, yet family friendly and fun. Perfect! I would wear the T-Rex costume, drink a Red Bull just prior to the taping and with the combination of the two, I was sure to get selected!
So, back to my car (AKA, death on wheels). The Wednesday before the taping my car completely crapped out. I mean, ALL of the dash lights came on, smoke was coming from the hood, it was a bad scene. Luckily this happened as I was driving home and I managed to pull over safely to the curb in front of my house.
Let’s Make A Deal day comes! Another friend of mine drives my roommate and I up and I am (mentally) strategizing the entire way about different things to do to get picked. We make it up to L.A. and I immediately put on the costume.
We walk over to the studio and the waiting begins. And when I say waiting, I mean WAITING. Holy crap, if someone would have told me what a process it was to get into a game show I don’t think I would have gone in the first place. But I was there, in full T-Rex mode and had my eye on the prize (a new car).
Initially you stand outside, on the sidewalk, along a wall, waiting. Then you go through an X-ray machine (kinda felt like I should have been holding a boarding pass) and your personal belongings are searched. No cell phones, cameras, nothing of that sort allowed, and they were searching hard. No one was hiding anything in a small side pocket of their purse.
Then we enter Trailer #1. Inside you continue to stand in line and wait. Keep in mind that everyone else in line is in costume, looking ridiculous. I can’t even begin to describe the scene. It’s as if someone with O.C.D. had organized a Halloween bar crawl. All these goofy looking people standing in line, in the same order. Oh, and that’s another thing. You get a number, and you have to stay in numerical order throughout this entire ordeal.
There are other people in Trailer #1. Most of them wearing black, walking around, looking very “L.A.” as I call it. Gazing at you, judging you, but secretly jealous. Also pissed off because they are stuck organizing this giant shenanigan on a Saturday. It’s clear to me right off the bat that these people are producers, or work for the show in some fashion. I’ve termed these folks Dressed In Black L.A. People – or DIBLAP. Imagine this little girl in a black dress.
Cue T-Rex entry… I am smiling up a storm. Cracking small jokes, bouncing around, just looking like I am having a ball, but not in an overly obvious way. I want to get noticed but not as the contestant that requires too much attention. Almost as if on cue DIBLAP approaches me.
DIBLAP: Wow, that is one heck of a costume. Where did you get it?
Rex: I made it.
DIBLAP: You made it?! Wow! That is awesome!
The chatter continues. I keep it light, making sure my nametag is in obvious view to help DIBLAP to more easily remember me.
Finally, we get to the “front of the line” in Trailer #1. I hand over my ID, fill out some card about why I deserve to be on the show (I definitely dropped the broke grad student with a dead car who made her T-Rex costume line), they take my picture, I sign my life away, and we’re moving on, slowly, to Trailer #2.
The waiting continues. I have to pee like a mother and the Red Bull is in full force. My giggling is out of control at this point as the DIBLAP who talked with me earlier is now looking at me from across the trailer and whispering to another DIBLAP, they’re both staring at me. My mind is spinning.
(Bold font indicates my thought process)
Holy shit, I’m probably gonna get on! What did I get myself into?!? I can leave. I can walk out of here and just say it was too much. But the car! Shelly! The car!! You could win a brand new car! You can’t leave. You came all this way and you didn’t drive yourself so you’d be stuck waiting for everyone. And you could win a car! Or a trip to Fiji! Or a toaster! Shelly, you can do this!
So I hang around, nervously laughing and mildly shaking because Red Bull on an empty stomach is never a good idea. We get seated in a freakishly small room (still in numerical order!) and continue to wait.
Finally I pick up on what’s happening in Trailer #2. They line everyone up, about 15 people at a time, and go down the line, asking people to introduce themselves and say what they do for fun. This is the interview portion. I get to the front of the line and it is my turn to speak.
DIBLAP: Shelly, right?
Rex: Yup.
DIBLAP: Shelly, what do you do for fun?
Rex: I like to snowboard, hang out with friends (You’re tanking Shelly, you’re tanking!!! Say something funny!!! ANYTHING!!!!)
DIBLAP: Oh, cool. That’s a nice costume. Where did you get it?
Rex: I made it.
DIBLAP: You made it?! Wow! Is this the first time you’ve worn it?
Rex: Yup. (You're a liar Shelly, a LIAR!!!)
DIBLAP: So you’re debuting it for TV, huh?
Rex: Yup, it’s kind of like a big onsie. I thought it would be comfortable.
DIBLAP: (cracking up) Ah, great!
Rex: Thanks! (Nice save Shelly, you got this!)
We are finally released from trailer-hell and I was able to pee. My fabulous friend even held my tail in the most disgusting bathroom ever.
More waiting, more lines, a bottle of water, more waiting. We’re instructed from DIBLAP that it’s time to line up to go into the actual studio (up to this point, it’s been about 3 hours, no joke) so we get back in numerical order, return of the O.C.D. bar crawl.
We continue to wait. It had rained a little earlier so there are a few puddles. My tail has gotten wet and the Red Bull is starting to wear off. I am really getting over this whole thing. Everyone is getting whiny at this point but those damn DIBLAP are still walking around so I keep my game face on, trying to encourage them to select me for that brand new beautiful car that I know is inside just for me.
We walk into the studio, ever so slowly. We’re like a herd of cattle, all perfectly in line. We are continually shouted at, a variety of orders, from about 6 different DIBLAP, including the following:
DIBLAP: Spit your gum out! You don’t want to be the idiot on TV who is chomping on chewing gum!
We enter the stage from the back of the seating area of the set. Those of you who have been in theater know how creepy it can be back there. Dark with a bunch of random, dusty props everywhere. This is a major game show? Would it have killed them to clean up a bit?
There is a DIBLAP at the top of the set, headset on full blast taking directions on where to seat us. We do not get to pick our seats, we do not get to pick who we sit with. We do what we are told and sit where we are dragged. The cattle herding continues. Moo.
Thank gawd I get to sit next to my roommate. He is dying laughing the entire time (which is actually quite comforting) because they sat us in the third row. I’m right on the aisle, super close to the stage.
Comforting Roommate: Shelly! You are totally getting picked!!! OMG!!!!
DIBLAP are everywhere, there must have been 15 of them. Bossing people around, yelling, pointing, looking angry. What a shitty job! They explain the signals to us: When they do this we do that, when they go like this we go like that. We’re not supposed to stand up, we must never stop yelling unless told to. The cattle herding goes on and on…
Cameras and lights are everywhere. I mean EVERYWHERE. They had these two crazy cameras that kept swooping in and out, a total nightmare!!
There is also a new guy, he is the “party pumper.” He’s running around with a microphone, trying very poorly, to make us laugh and keep our energy up. I want nothing to do with this guy, keep him away from me.
My panic has subsided and I am ready for battle. It was like I rose above the chaos. I just kept looking at those curtains and picturing them opening with a car for me. Bring it on Wayne Brady, bring it on.
Finally it’s time for W.B. to come out and get this party started. The lights go on high, the announcer is epic, the crowd is cheering! Here he comes!!! He comes bounding down the stairs, gets the show going immediately, and picks his first contestant.
Me.
What the fuck am I supposed to do?! We’re not supposed to stand up!! I’m a rule follower!! Someone tell me what to do! I look down at the stage at the producers and they point at him and mouth, “GO!!!!”
Ah! Holy shit!! I’m really on!! Wait!! It’s too soon!! They’re not going to give away a car in the first 2 minutes!! Fuck! No!!
The Big Deal Of The Day (TBDOTD) is looming in the back of my mind. Ok, so I won’t get a car now, but all I have to do is get a big prize and then I can get the car at the end. Focus Shelly! Stay focused!
I essentially blacked out during all of this, I seriously don’t remember much (FYI, this is a symptom of trauma). I do remember he picked me as the leader and I almost crapped my pants thinking about how if I lost a big prize, the 400 pound pimp would find me and get revenge. I remember taking off the Rex head and being really worried about my hair, which did in fact end up being a total disaster on TV. Oh, well. I seriously could not make a decision. I was so stinking nervous and could barely stand up. I kept looking back at my friends. Tell me what to do, please!!! And they did, without fail. I also remember thinking Curtain #3 was going to be a car and then 15 seconds before they opened it I realized the other girl had also picked Curtain #3 and there was no way both of us were getting a car. That was disappointing.
I walked out of the first round with what I was pretty sure was the biggest prize possible of that damn leader game so I was pleased. No car, but was still pleased.
When I finally sat down, I was totally stunned and had to ask my roommate what in the hell I had actually won. It’s so loud in the studio you can’t hear anything the announcer says plus I wasn’t exactly processing a lot of information.
A trip to Mexico? But where? What if it’s TJ? How long? How many people can go? I just went to Cabo with a huge group of my closest girlfriends. I want a car dammit!!
And of course the girl right after me had a car as her possible prize. Uggggggh, are you serious?! I was annoyed. It’s hard to be happy for someone who gets what you want. But she didn’t win it, ha! And the show continues on… A couple people zonked, Phew! Less competition for later! A 12 year-old won a car (she wasn’t actually 12, I believe even W.B. said something about her not looking old enough to drive). That car is really ugly anyway, screw her.
And we’re on to TBDOTD. Remember, I had done my research so I knew exactly how it went down. You see, all of the winners are put in order. They start with the person with the top prize, this person (12 year-old car winner) is first on the list. She has the option of trading in her car for a shot at TBDOTD. She passed, smart girl, I would have too, and they go on to the next biggest winner. The entire show I was mentally keeping track of who had won what and how much it was worth. I was pretty sure that I was next in line. Sure enough, I was.
WB: Shelly! Where are you Shelly?!
Once again, the rule follower in me. You’re not allowed to stand up! WB is looking for me and I’m wobbling around like a moron. At one point I’m staring at the ground, the panic has returned.
WB: Shelly! Do you want to trade your Mexico trip for a shot at TBDOTD?!
Uhhhhhhh....
I can’t believe I actually had to think about it. What is wrong with me?!?!? I remember looking back at my friend and she’s giving me this WTF?!?! look saying, “Go for it!!!”
Rex: I’m going for it!
WB: Alright!
My most idiotic moment by far was when he asked me to read the total price value of TBDOTD. I could barely remember my name let alone make full statements. In front of me is a white board with the number directly underneath the biggest camera of all time pointed straight at me. No pressure.
WB: So Shelly, how much is TBDOTD worth?
Rex: Twenty-five-two-five-five!!!
WB: …Dollars.
I guess I momentarily thought I was a contestant on The Price Is Right, good grief.
There is absolutely no strategy involved for TBDOTD. You simply pick between Door #1, Door #2, Door #3. I’m screwed. All I could think about was how if I picked the wrong door and there was a car behind the one I didn’t pick I would never forgive myself. Again, no pressure.
Earlier in the game, I kept looking back at my trusty friends who were giving me advice on which box/curtain/mystery to pick. This time when I look back I get a reaction similar to this little girl. I came with a group of TWENTY people and they were all giving me this expression. I’m totally screwed.
My decision process felt like forever, I pretty sure they edited it down. I finally picked Door #2.
WB: Okay, let’s see what’s behind door #1.
A jet-ski. Thank gawd I did not win a stupid jet-ski. I don’t even like jet-skis nor do I have a car to actually tow it with. A “prize” I am happy without.
WB: Alright, let’s see what’s behind the door you picked, #2.
The biggest, most bad-ass, BBQ you have ever seen in your life! The thing is valued at $2,700, has 2 hoods, a rotisserie, electric start… it’s SEVEN FEET LONG. Amazing! I am totally stoked. Man, boyfriend is going to be so excited and try to steal it!
WB: I got some bad news for you Shelly, unfortunately you didn’t win TBDOTD. Let’s see what’s behind Door #3!
My heart sank. If there is car behind that door I will cry. I will cry on national television. I will get down on my hands and knees and beg WB for a second chance. Please don’t be a car. Please don’t be a car.
Door opens…
What is that I see? Nothing shiny, safe! A bed and a dresser. THANK GAWD!!!!
Announcer: You could have won a bed, mattress, nightstand, dresser, 55’ HDTV, oh and uh… $15K in cash!
Fml. Are you kidding me? $15K! I could have bought a car with that money! This is the biggest emotional roller coaster I have ever experienced. Get me out of here. Let this damn show be over!
Good ol’ WB knows the drill, he is such a doll. He wrapped it up nice and quick. I thanked him and was finally able to sit down.
After the filming ends, WB bolts, the cameras disappear and DIBLAP return to bossing everyone around.
DIBLAP: Alright everyone, great show. Here is the drill. You are episode #2133. Write that down. It is slated to air April 15th.
Everyone groans, “April 15th? Are you joking? It’s November 20th! That’s FIVE months away!”
DIBLAP: I need all the winners, anyone who was a contestant, even if you were zonked to go to the top of the stage to sign paperwork. Everyone else wait until all of the winners are out.
I had to get my ID from my friend and I was still in such a panic I must have dropped it at least three times. I could feel death stares as I walked towards the back of the stage. I felt really bad. Did the DIBLAP have to make such a stink about it, essentially calling everyone else losers? Again I think to myself, shitty job!
I got the hell out of there before anyone could throw pieces of their costume at me. I walk with all of the other contestants, out of the studio, through the lot, into a different building, up these tiny stairs and into an ultra creepy small room. I think it was more the contrast from the blaring, bright, open set to the dark, quiet room that made it seem creepy and small. Again, we sit and wait. In walks yet another DIBLAP. He was actually quite nice.
DIBLAP: Hello everyone, have fun? I have some bad news. I have no prizes for you today. I have no closet full of refrigerators or TVs, sorry (everyone laughs). We are going to take down your information and ship you your prize. If you won a car a dealership will contact you, if you won a trip a travel agent will contact you.
Everyone is excited, bouncing in their seats.
DIBLAP: I have more bad news. We do not ship your prize until the show airs… in April.
The room groans, loudly.
DIBLAP: And, if the show does not air, you do not receive your prize at all.
There is major disturbance with the herd. “Are you serious? That sucks!”
DIBLAP: We also ask that you do not blast your experience on Facebook or anything similar, to help us keep the integrity of the show, blah, blah, blah…
He talks about prize taxes and the boring business part. I tune out. I have business-y friends for these details.
One of the funnier moments in the creepy winner’s room was the girl with the massive purple hair. She took her wig off and she and I were instant friends. I apologized, said I was so spaced out from the show and asked her to remind me of what she won.
Purple Hair: … um… A trip to Arizona...? I grew up in Phoenix…
The whole room erupts in laughter, even the DIBLAP.
I think her face here perfectly depicts what she was thinking, "A trip to Arizona? You're not serious."
The other part of this experience I continue to find new ways to laugh at are the reactions I get from people when I tell them I won a $2,700, seven foot long BBQ on Let's Make A Deal:
"That was really you? Are you sure?" Yup, pretty sure.
"You're not honestly keeping that are you?" Um, yeah. I am.
"Since you don't really have room for it you can put it at my house." Um, no. It's mine and you clearly do not understand the stress I went through to win it. I will make room, even if that means I have to BBQ in my bathroom.
"You should sell it." Ah, no. I am keeping that thing for eternity and every time someone comes over for a BBQ or comments on how ridiculously large my BBQ is they will be forced to listen to the entire story. Including you, take a seat.
"A BBQ? That is so dumb." Well, they're not exactly going to pay my student loans. It's a game show honey, there are endless dumb prizes to be won.
"Why didn't you pick Door #3?!?!?!" Seriously?
You can watch the full episode on the CBS website, it aired 4/5/11.
