The Moment of Truth
How many of you have watched the fairly new evening game show, The Moment of Truth? I hate to admit it, but I have. And if you haven’t, let me give you a description of the game show so you’ll be able to understand, and follow, today’s blog.
This game show is unlike any I’ve ever watched, in as that people actually WANT to air the sordid details of their lives on national TV. No one is forcing them to do this, and it’s clear that they have a fairly good idea what is going to transpire while they’re sitting in “the hot seat”, because the questions they are asked (and are expected to answer honestly) ON AIR, are the same questions that they’ve been asked before the show even starts. REALLY! Every contestant is given a lie detector test and asked 50 questions before the show. The truth of the contestant’s answers are determiend by a certified polygraph examiner, but the contestant is not told the results. Then, when the contestant appears on the show, he or she is asked 21 of those questions in front of a live audience (and in front of their significant others, friends, and family members!).
The questions start out innocent enough, but once the $10,000 level of money has been reached, the questions usually take a very personal and intimate turn that has the contestant squirming in their seats, or near tears because of what they’re about to admit to family and friends and a million other people who are watching the show. Some of the questions I’ve seen asked are: Do you think you’ll still be with your husband five years from now? Have you gambled away your children’s inheritance? Would you dump your current spouse or partner if your ex wanted you back? Do you like 
your mother-in-law? Have you ever stolen anything from work? Have you ever cheated on your spouse? Not only are most of the answers to these questions a YES, but the contestants are answering them in front of said husband, children, mother-in-law, etc. If just watching the contestant squirm and contemplate their hurtful answers is enough to make ME nauseous, why isn’t it enough to make THEM decide during the course of their lie detector test (the one they take BEFORE the show) that hurting the ones they supposedly love on LIVE TV just isn’t worth the $10,000, $100,000, or even $500,000 they might win? I’m truly baffled by this!
This is, undoubtedly, the Jerry Springer of game shows, where people openly air their family secrets, personal opinions, and other sordid details of their lives, in hopes of gaining monetary compensation. But is that money worth risking their relationships with their spouse and family? Not to mention giving up all self-respect, slaughtering any semblance of integrity they might possess in front of millions of viewers, and doing irrepairable emotional damage to significant others, friends, and family — all for money?
In my personal opinion, there is no amount of money that would make me reveal such personal, intimate information on TV — and hurting the people I love in the process. I don’t care if I was destitute — I’d never do it. There are just some things that are better left unsaid. And some truths that should only be revealed in a private discussion so the other person isn’t completely humiliated in front of the world.
So, what do you think drives these people to be on the show? Lack of conscience, definitely. Money, most likely. What are your thoughts about the show?
I actually think that watching shows like this contribute tothe decline of society, and I will never do so.
Comment by G — March 13, 2008 @ 6:21 am
Julie, I watch. Without a doubt there are two reasons people do it: Money and 15 minutes of fame. That said, a bit of arrogance MUST play into it. Did you see last night’s? He had that “I love myself” arrogance in spades. And the wife, admittedly an overly jealous wife, sat crying. Did you ever sleep with one of your spouses’ sisters? (He dated two of four, and married the fifth). There is no excuse for this and if there were a new sitcom on, I’d watch. I also can’t understand the lie detector. If you’re going to say yes to this garbage and destroy your family it wouldn’t be a lie. And what does it say of the spouse who agrees to be there?
Comment by Carly — March 13, 2008 @ 6:23 am
Oh, that’s some new icon Carly LOL
I don’t watch it, and I don’t think I could. I can’t even watch American Idol to hear all the criticism, so I know I couldn’t watch this. Makes me cringe to think about it.
Money and being on t.v. is obviously a huge attraction for these people, but that’s not the real world. Tomorrow they’ll have to face their family and friends, the people they’ve hurt. I think that’s awful and I want no part of that.
Another thing I find sad is that some people who watch it enjoy the whole shock factor, the revealing of deep, dark secrets, and the humiliation of innocent people (family/friends). They get a kick out of it. Maybe it’s me, but I can’t imagine getting into other people’s pain. That almost makes them almost no better than those who are on the show. It’s one thing to watch and be shocked by what’s revealed, it’s another to completely enjoy it.
Comment by Stacy ~ — March 13, 2008 @ 6:32 am
I have not watched, nor do I intend to. I don’t want to contribute to the ratings for this show. I find it despicable that people are this greedy. Yes, I suppose the whole thing could be a show, but the lesson it teaches our children that it’s okay to hurt people emotionally for money and fame is WRONG.
Last night, we watched DEAL OR NO DEAL. The contestant actually had the million dollars in her case, but quit before she got to the end. I’d never seen that happen before. But she won a ton of money and seemed happy about it. I mean…it was more than she had going into the show, right?
Comment by Julie Leto — March 13, 2008 @ 6:57 am
I will not watch it either. I think it is a despicable idea for a show and that they seem to be scrapping the bottom of the barrell for ideas these days. No wonder people feel that the US has hit rock bottom, if people are willing to debase themselves this way.
As for American Idol, well, yeah I watch it and do a blog too.
We missed Deal or No Deal, because we had a whole hour recapping the Spitzer scandel- even though we had just had 2 hours of it on local and national news. Guess they were afraid we would miss something. Sometimes living in the capitol isn’t all that great!
Comment by ev — March 13, 2008 @ 7:17 am
I haven’t watched it yet, nor do I plan to watch. I decided with the first promo for the show that I wouldn’t watch. Of course, part of the problem is that I’m totally over the reality type shows now. I will admit to watching The Biggest Loser Couples, but I’ve stopped watching all the other gameshows/reality shows. I didn’t even pick up American Idol this year(partially because of Biggest Loser). It drives me crazy that people go on tv just to hurt their family members. No amount of money is worth hurting your friends and family. Those types of shows really do make me want to
.
Comment by Liza — March 13, 2008 @ 8:21 am
I think people go on it to see if they can ‘beat the lie detector”. I admit, I haven’t seen the show. There was an article on the woman who admitted wanting to go back to her ex in People magazine. I think she wanted out of her marriage and didn’t really care (she said she was already separated, but her husband wanted to work on the marriage and she didn’t really want to).
I gave up on “American Idol” last year, when, clearly there was a young man with autism (in the Seattle auditions) and the judges were making fun of him and his behaviors. Obviously, it hit home and I was disgusted that they were making fun of his behaviors that he couldn’t control.
Comment by katie — March 13, 2008 @ 8:53 am
I watch scanning channels yesterday and only saw the last question, but I wondered what they are thinking about going on the show too. I mean they have to have some kind of questionalable stuff or the show would not want them on. So, I say money and being on TV is why they do it.
Comment by Dina — March 13, 2008 @ 9:03 am
I tried watching it the first time it was on and I turned it after 15 minutes.
I can’t imagine why anyone would want to be on the show if they have any kind of sorid past.
I wouldn’t put it past the shows creators for everyone on the show to be some sort of actor or something. you know like it is all set up.
I felt like I was wasting my time ‘BIG ‘time when I watched this show.
Like you said this is the Jerry Springer of game shows.
Now a game show I’m glad to see coming back early is Hell’s Kitchen. Gordon will be back on April 1.
Comment by Gigi — March 13, 2008 @ 9:07 am
I really don’t like this show. I haven’t watched it, and don’t plan to. Not just the entire premise of it, but polygraph tests are inaccurate. There’s no real point to them. [Ok, maybe some] - but why don’t they talk about the margin of error, or how for some people- polygraphs are flat out wrong? They just monitor heartrate etc. Flaky- but like in ocean’s 13, if anyone saw it - when the guy “passed” the polygraph test. Grr. I really don’t like this.
Comment by limecello — March 13, 2008 @ 9:17 am
I watched it a couple of times and that was it. I’m done with that show. I think it’s money and having themselves on tv that motivates them. I don’t feel sorry for them. They put themselves in that situation. They know what types of questions are going to be asked of them and obviously they still want to be an idiot and air their dirty laundry to the viewers.
Comment by Michelle J. in NJ — March 13, 2008 @ 9:40 am
I was thinking as soon as I started reading that somebody watching Jerry Springer decided to make it into a game show.
Disgusting. And there’s no way I’d ever be involved in such a thing, nor have I/will I ever watch.
I somehow suspect the people doing it are a little low on brains and can’t see beyond the dollar signs to the reality of what they’ll be doing.
Comment by Leslie — March 13, 2008 @ 9:56 am
I’ve never watched it but apparently, they must have enough people watching or they wouldn’t still be on the air. But they always show the previews during the race - you know, the big shocking question/answer part, and I’m always left dumbfounded.
I’ve asked the same questions: Why would they do this, did they already confess these things to their sign. other before-hand and they’re in it together for the money. But even then, it makes me think of the movie, “Indecent Proposal”, there have to be residual effects and regret later on.
I see a new talk show down the road: “Where Are They Now - The destroyed lives of The Moment of Truth.”
Comment by Jodie — March 13, 2008 @ 9:58 am
Good morning from sunny GA…I am on Jekyll Island…got here two days ago, but needed to rest after the long drive here from NYC…
Janelle, I saw the commercial for this show and was shocked at some of the questions that people were asked…and they answered them…one wife was in tears because her husband admitted to sleeping with one of his best friends’ wives…I couldn’t believe it…I absolutely can’t understand why people would do that to the person/people they love…I will never watch it…I am sure about that…it is shows like these that make me, a single person, fear getting into any sort of relationship with anyone because you just never know who you are going to get…I know it is a 50/50 split, but with my luck I just might get the husband that cheated with his best friend’s wife…there must be more going on…I don’t think that money is the sole reason why many of these people go on the show…maybe something more is going on in their relationship than the audience knows…who knows, but I wouldn’t recommend this show to anyone…no matter how vindictive I can be…talk to you all later…I will be going for a bike ride around the island now…
Peace and love,
Paula R.
Comment by Paula R. — March 13, 2008 @ 10:20 am
I watched it once and think that they are totally nuts. I would never go on national T.V. and tell people some of the thing I have done in the past or present. We call them secrets for a reason. We have all done things stupid in our lives so lets go announce it to the world. It is the most stupid show I have ever seen, I don’t see where it can be called entertainment.
Comment by Rebekah — March 13, 2008 @ 10:22 am
I watched it the first night it aired and that was enough for me. It must be the money, but I still don’t get it. Not unless the spouse already knows the answers and their playing the part, which I doubt.
I’m with you Julie, I think it sends a very bad message to our youth.
Comment by Vicki — March 13, 2008 @ 10:33 am
I watched a small portion of one of the first episodes and couldn’t watch it again. It made me very uncomfortable. I even dislike the spots they show to advertise it.
I can’t begin to imagine what these people find appealing about revealing such crushing, ugly truths on national television, especially when you’re hurting people you “love” and most likely destroying your relationship. And don’t even get me started on these peoples’ children and their emotions . . .
Comment by Laurie — March 13, 2008 @ 10:36 am
The whole concept of the show, is idiotic. First I really don’t care if he cheated on his wife, or stole from his job but I’m sure his family does. Watching this man/woman hurt their loved one just isn’t entertaining to me.
Comment by Tina Martinesi — March 13, 2008 @ 11:17 am
It’s funny that you mention Jerry Springer, because in the UK the same game show is called “Nothing But the Truth” and guess who the host is? Yep, Jerry Springer. I don’t watch it either.
Comment by Amanda — March 13, 2008 @ 11:21 am
>>This is, undoubtedly, the Jerry Springer of game shows,
Boy you nailed it! It’s cheesy and melodramatic. There’s something (for lack of a better word) unsavory about it that I just can’t get past. I watched the first episode but that’s it.
Comment by Amie STuart — March 13, 2008 @ 11:25 am
Carly, I think nailed the reason why people go on this show–15 minutes of fame and money. Period. It never ceases to amaze me the lengths people will go to to win a little money and appear on television by exposing themselves and their families and friends to ridicule and embarassment. I’ve never watched it, only seen a commercial or two advertising it. My husband and I just looked at each other and shook our heads.
This is what is known as “Garbage Television”. Someone came up with the idea during the writer’s strike to fill air time. To tell you the truth the only game show I watch occasionally is Jeopardy and then only once a month or so. I don’t watch reality TV at all because quite frankly, I don’t care.
Have a great day all and turn off that stupid television!
Cher
Comment by Cher — March 13, 2008 @ 11:51 am
I watched part of the show once and felt so bad for the person’s wife, who was listening to his answers, that I couldn’t watch anymore. I think that most people do it for the money and its sad that people have to go to that level to get a little cash.
Comment by erin — March 13, 2008 @ 12:36 pm
Honestly? I think it’s the 15 minutes of fame. I can’t watch that show, it’s like Jerry Springer times 10-the only difference is that the contestants have all their teeth and aren’t married to their cousin.
Comment by Beth — March 13, 2008 @ 1:18 pm
Hi Janelle!
I said the exact same thing to my son last night that this was Jerry Springer as a game show. I said the nice guy from Antiques Roadshow must throw them off from realizing how wrong what they’re doing is.
Comment by Maureen — March 13, 2008 @ 2:03 pm
I never tuned in, just based on the commmercials. How gross to just air all your “dirty laundry” to the entire country at large.
These people must have ummm, no pride or self-respect.
Comment by Debbie — March 13, 2008 @ 2:22 pm
I watched one episode and was disgusted. I think you would have to be an extremely self-centered person to do this. And surely they realize they will lose half of their winnings in the divorce.
Personally, I am not a fan of reality tv. I hope we will see the end of most reality tv after things return to normal after the writer’s strike. I am sick and tired of flipping channels in the evening and only finding reality tv.
Okay, I’m off the soapbox. Good topic Janelle!
Comment by Kelly H — March 13, 2008 @ 2:24 pm
I’ve seen the commercials for this show & knew I never wanted to watch it. The concept is debasing & for the life of me I can’t understand why anyone would choose to appear on it. This morning I was watching The View & they had a big discussion on this. The theory on the view was that probably the spouse/friend/family already knew & they had agreed to go on for the money. Why anyone would is beyond me! So much TV is just garbage. Do I watch, oh yea, way to much!! Reality shows are just not my thing but I do confess to watching Dancing With The Stars, Oprah’s Big Give & The Bachelor! I love Jeopardy but you have to have some brains to do well & I like seeing how many questions I can answer. I surprise myself!!!
Great discussion Janelle.
By the way, I missed Deal or No Deal last night because I watched Dr. Phil’s show on sex!! It was interesting.
Comment by Donna M — March 13, 2008 @ 2:39 pm
After watching a couple of promos for the show, I determined that there was absolutely no way
in - the world - that I would watch such a show!! That someone would actually put together a
show like this, even more that someone would agree to participate in such a farce! It is totally
beyond me!!
Pat Cochran
Comment by Patricia Cochran — March 13, 2008 @ 5:23 pm
I have never watched it, and from the sound of it , I never will. What some people will do for money astounds me!
Comment by Estella — March 13, 2008 @ 5:26 pm
I’ll admit I was curious from the commercials, in a morbid kind of way. Why would people submit themselves to this? How low can they go?
I haven’t been able to bring myself to watch it though. Can’t stomach the destruction. Not the kind of energy I want to intake.
I feel sorry for these people and want to pray for their children and any other family members who experience collateral damage.
Comment by PatriciaW — March 13, 2008 @ 7:18 pm
What’s funny about this show was a couple of weeks ago, the host said, “this episode I tried to block airing” (or something to that effect). He must be REAL hungry to be associated with the show.
Comment by katie — March 13, 2008 @ 8:22 pm