MovieChat Forums > Lingo (2002) Discussion > Very narrow, un-diverse contestant pool

Very narrow, un-diverse contestant pool

posted 18 years ago by bic-9
11 replies | jump to latest

Something bugs me about this show: It seems like they have very little diversity in their contestants, especially in the ages department. I swear that every single contestant I've ever seen looks to be between 22 and 28...and often (with the guys) looks like the stereotypical '90s type slacker. If it's two guys it's always two roommates who look like they would spend most of the day getting stoned and pretending to look for jobs; two women, maybe similar but hopefully more put together; a guy and a girl, either an engaged couple or a couple who seem like boyfriend and girlfriend. I don't think I've ever seen someone (besides Chuck) who looked a day over 30. Has anyone ever noticed this?

It's almost like the only people who try out are people who spent much of their college years worshipping Chuck Woolery Love Connection re-runs. Like they're trying to be hip in an ironic way. Oh yes, and very few if any black contestants.

Just seeing if anyone else experienced this feeling. I'm 34 and feel ancient (apart from CW) watching!

[–] markduncan908 17 years ago

I noticed the age-discrimination thing a while back. I even went on the GSN Web site to see if they actually say you have to be under 35 to be on the show, because this is the kind of game any adult could play---you don't need to know about history or popular culture, so it would be ideal for senior citizens (and Chuck qualifies). I couldn't find anything about it, but so far the only contestants who looked older than 35 were the celebrities they had on (Norm from Cheers and George Wallace), and Chuck is older than either of them. Sometimes he looks like he's babysitting instead of hosting a game show. I would think he would be the one they'd want to look young, not the contestants.

[–] bic-9 17 years ago

Finally, someone else agrees!

[–] rhywun 17 years ago

My friend and I have noticed that the women tend to have larger than average breasts. We were thinking Chuck picks the contestants. I have a feeling he picks the co-hosts, too.... This show has almost as much T&A as The Price Is Right.

[–] kinneyboy90 17 years ago

YES!

[–] DanaShelbyChancey 17 years ago

Now that you mention it, yes!!!

I read your post in case you said something like "there are no blacks/ hispanics/ etc" because there are, but when you mentioned age, yes and I hadn't noticed it. I am 51 and I watch this show when it is on when I need to clear my head of work bullcrap. I am getting better, despite having been an English major.

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[–] Doc80 10 years ago

Exactly. The prize you could win isn't worth the trip unless you live nearby or are going to be in the area on vacation. So maybe the 22-28 year old guys with the slacker 90s looks were the only ones trying out, so they kind of had to take them.

[–] sherakay 16 years ago

Not only are there black contestants on the show, but I was one of them. I live in LA, and my boyfriend of 5 years at the time and I tried out and went on the show. We didn't win the $8000, but we got 2 t-shirts!!! LOL!

[–] gameshowalex 8 years ago

I always wanted to be on it until i figured out i was too young i woulda been perfect! fyi i am now 22 and am white[Caucasian]if you wanna know everybody!