It’s time to play Switch! This exciting game show leaped into the spotlight as soon as it aired on American TV.

How does it work? We’re glad you asked. The Switch game show starts with five contestants standing behind the numbers one to five. The host asks questions, and the players move up toward the number one spot if they answer correctly or down to the fifth spot if they answer incorrectly. If they end the third round in the number one spot, they win and get the chance to play for the $10,000 prize.

Want to learn more? Most people don’t know what goes on behind the scenes, but today, we’re giving you an exclusive peek.

The History of Switch

Modern game shows are often reboots of old ones, but Switch is an adaptation of a similar trivia game show in Belgium. The European version lasts an hour, with contestants returning to the show over multiple episodes. In the American version, the game lasts 30 minutes in a fast-paced format, and each episode stands alone.

Behind the Scenes of Switch

Curious about what happens behind the scenes? Good thing you asked because we’re ready to share all the juicy secrets.

What Happens When the Cameras Turn Off?

When you watch the show at home, the host often announces a commercial break, and your screen jumps to the latest hamburger ad. But the shows are pre-taped and aren’t broadcast live.

When the cameras turn off, contestants get a break. They may have something to drink, get reminders about where to stand, or take a bathroom break. Then the cameras restart, and it’s back to the action.

Who Controls the Stage and Effects?

When you watch the game, the numbers light up red or green depending on the answers. But who controls this?

The show’s producers provide content to Television City Electronics, which controls the effects by lighting the numbers and providing sound effects.

Are There Ever Any Hiccups?

Like any game show, mistakes are possible, but luckily, these don’t happen often. In rare cases, the numbers light up the wrong color, or a question isn’t worded correctly. If this happens, a stage manager stops the show, and a compliance officer helps correct the error. The crew resets, and the game starts up again—no problem!

How Do Contestants Know What to Do?

Move one spot to the left and then two to the right. It seems like a complicated dance, right? It can get confusing when contestants try to remember where and when to move. Each contestant receives practice beforehand to get used to the game’s rhythm, and producers are ready to prompt contestants to prevent confusion.

How Do They Choose Questions?

Hundreds of questions are used on the show during a day of filming, so how do they prepare them?

Step 1: A content production team establishes questions and answers and enters them into a database.

Step 2: The questions go to a research department that checks them for accuracy.

Step 3: Game Show Network reviews questions to ensure they interest viewers.

Step 4: The questions are grouped for each episode. These groups ensure that no episode has similar questions, and the questions get more challenging as the rounds continue.

How Does Someone Get on the Show?

Getting on a game show is easier than you think. The Switch casting team sends out flyers and usually targets people living nearby, like California and parts of Oregon and Nevada. Still, anyone can apply, regardless of where they live!

The application is simple! You apply on the Game Show Network website with your personal information and submit a video explaining why you want to compete. Casting will then call you for a short conversation. If the team likes your application and phone conversation, they’ll move on to a video interview. If that interview goes well, you’re on the list and could make it on screen.

Standby contestants are always ready to replace anyone who can’t make it to the show. On filming days, as many as six people are prepared to replace contestants in case of illness or an emergency.

How Did They Choose the Host?

Choosing a host is a crucial choice when launching any game show. Hosting a game show is different than other types of TV presenting. Hosts must talk and think quickly while ensuring they don’t make mistakes. Choosing a host is also challenging because you must find someone who connects with the contestants, even though so many come through the door daily.

These requirements made Jeff Hephner the ideal host for the Switch game show. Best known for his roles on NBC’s television series Chicago Fire and Chicago Med, his charismatic charm, years of on-camera experience, and genuine care for each contestant make him the perfect host.

Does the Host Know the Questions Beforehand?

Nope! Due to game show scandals in the 1950s, a federal law ensures game shows can’t cheat. These laws mean Switch’s producers carefully ensure that answers aren’t released before the show. The only people who get the answers beforehand are the ones who need them, like the crew controlling the light-up numbers.

The host gets the questions as he asks them, and nobody reveals the answers to him ahead of time. In the bonus round, however, before taping, Jeff leaves the stage to review the questions because he must speak quickly and avoid making mistakes.

What Makes Switch Game Show so Special?

Every contestant who competes on Switch gets to walk away having had a once-in-a-lifetime experience. They can mark off something on their bucket list and meet many other amazing people. If their trivia skills are the best, they may even win $10,000.

When you want to watch an exciting and entertaining show, choose Switch on Game Show Network. Do you think you have what it takes to be a contestant? Apply to compete on TV! And for those eager to join the fun from anywhere, don’t forget you can also play Switch online!