Bummer: More Evidence that 'Cash Cab' is Staged
by Jean Bentley, posted Dec 9th 2010 5:30PM
Internet rumors have long since confirmed that the Discovery Channel's 'Cash Cab' actually casts for its show at bars, telling potential game show contestants that a car will pick them up to take them to a filming location. Of course, when the car shows up it's actually Bailey in his pimped-out cab.
But now, further evidence that the entire process is much more planned out than it appears on television: A Time Out Chicago reporter tried to hitch a ride in the cab, which happened to be stopped a block from his apartment, but was refused.
"The group of five contestants that just exited the Discovery Channel's trivia taxi told me they were sworn to secrecy but confided that they won $1,500. Not too shabby," Jake Malooley wrote. "So, of course, I knocked on the window and asked to play. Chicago host Beth Melewski, in the driver's seat, smiled as the dude in the passenger seat (apparently the producer on the shoot) explained that they weren't taking contestants at the moment but to keep a look out for the cab around town. Uh, isn't that what I just did?!"
Tell us: Are you bummed that the show isn't as spontaneous as it's portrayed on TV? Do you still harbor dreams of becoming a contestant?
Follow Jean on Twitter @hijean
Comments
by debbie nader, posted Dec 9th 2010
My kids and husband LOVE this show!!! I will not disappoint them by telling them its staged... They talk about the day they could go on vacation to NYC and look for the cash cab...
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by Alex, posted Dec 11th 2010
It isn't a surprise to me but we still love this show.
by Jim, posted Dec 11th 2010
Unbelievable! You mean there is a reality TV show that is staged. I refuse to believe it. How would I live knowing that even one of these cheap time fillers on the boob tube is not 100% genuine.
by LPStarChaser, posted Dec 10th 2010
Yes, I am bummed that it is so staged, as I often do as well or better than average on the viewed segments. Yes, I still dream of being a contestant on the show. The small problem is that it is an exceeding rarity that I ever need a cab here in Pinellas County, Florida. I drive most everywhere I need to go, or take a bus.
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by Jason, posted Dec 9th 2010
The show is staged, but this guy's experience does nothing to prove it.
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by Brett Alan, posted Dec 10th 2010
Not to burst your bubble about your big scoop and all, but there's a disclaimer at the end of each show that SAYS that "some contestants have been pre-screened prior to their appearance on this program." And of course there has to come a point where the cab is out but they aren't going to film another contestant. So this doesn't really change anything.
And Ben Bailey is a terrific host. His Comedy Central stand up show was absolutely hilarious.
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by Tracey, posted Dec 11th 2010
EXACTLY! And the fact that they pre-screen contestants and edit-out the boring parts where they explain the rules and sign releases doesn't mean that it's "staged." To say it's "staged" suggests that the contestants know the questions and answers and follow scripts. That's illegal, after the quiz show scandals of the 1950s. See 47 USCS § 509 (Prohibited practices in contests of knowledge, skill, or chance). If you don't know what I'm talking about, rent the movie Quiz Show, and you'll see what a staged game show really is. Think that law is not enforced? Guess again: the FCC recently went after a Fox over game show that never even made it to the air.
by beanspants, posted Dec 10th 2010
I can't believe so many people profess to liking this show. The premise is dumb and obviously staged, the primary location (the back of a minivan cab) is extremely unattractive, the prize money is insignificant for a place soooo expensive as NYC (snort), but the players deliberate and bet like they are playing for millions. What an awful, awful show. And some lady likes to watch it at my gym, so i see it everyday. Why can't Discovery show something intelligent instead of a lame-o Who Wants to be a Millionaire knockoff?
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by BAR, posted Dec 11th 2010
Some of us just think that it's entertaining. Sure, most questions are easy. That's why people, such as myself, like to watch it with their eight year-olds (who can get frustrated by only being able to answer a handful of questions on Jeopardy!), have them be able to get something correct on 'adult' TV, and dream about the day they MIGHT be a contestant. Anyone with me on that? By the way, if YOU lived in Podunk, you wouldn't care how much it cost to live in NYC.
by CJ, posted Dec 10th 2010
This proves nothing actually, if anything it reinforces that it's not staged. I can totally understand them not wanting to pick up someone knocking at the door begging to play. Kinda kills the vibe of the show.
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by AdamAddict, posted Dec 11th 2010
Anyone who knows anything about the law and media knows that cash cab can't randomly pick people up off the street for this. They need to have them sign releases, to be able to broadcast them, etc. It is a contractual relationship, and of course any participant would need to be advised of their rights, sign waivers, etc.
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by Keith Kraemer, posted Dec 11th 2010
Sign releases? Regardless of what releases are signed, the producers and network would be liable big time in the event that the cash cab were in an accident resulting in serious bodily harm! The driver is continually distracted from driving by the responsibilities of the show, which is dangerous and forseeable.
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by ed, posted Dec 11th 2010
I think that is a stupid show anyway. If you notice there are not many black or hispanics in that taxi, figures yellow cabs won't pick them up anyway. Its a racist NYC. We new yorkers that are black or hispanics feel unwelcomed in certain blocks in the city especially midtowm. Many doorman in Manhattan look at us like we are going to rob or enter those luxury buildings to commit crimes. I'm getting tired of that treatment.
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by David, posted Dec 11th 2010
Oh my God, shut the hell up already!!
by Len Coby, posted Dec 11th 2010
No surprise that it's staged. It's amazing that everyone knows how to play, and about the "shout outs"
without being told.
It's also interesting to note that families with kids always seem to get questions about Disney things.
The show lost its novelty to me a long time ago, but I would still take their cash if I had the chance.
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by honestal55, posted Dec 11th 2010
They have to have a screening system. A taxi full of intoxicated passengers is not the deal. Love the show as is. Wouldn't want to ride it alone as the odds would be against me to win.
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by sheila, posted Dec 11th 2010
Once I found out that Ghost Hunters was staged I lost hope in all reality shows. We watched Ghost Hunters every week until someone told me to just look it up. I did. Typed in something like Ghost Hunters fake, and so many things came up. I believe absolutely no REALITY TV
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by allpromaterials, posted Dec 11th 2010
You just can't trust anyone these days
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by whipit49, posted Dec 11th 2010
I love this show no matter what!Ben, "Red Light Challenge"....I wanta play!!
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by onesguy, posted Dec 11th 2010
just because someone is refused does not mean it is staged.. AND if they do recuit in bars, so what? the questions are real the answers are real the prizes are real..
so they don't pick you up on the street, but in a bar? who cares.. go to a bar if you want on the show!
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