The Moment of Truth | |
---|---|
Created by | Howard Schultz |
Directed by | Ron de Moraes |
Presented by | Mark L. Walberg |
Composer(s) | William Kevin Anderson |
Country of origin | United States |
No. of seasons | 3 (1 unaired) |
No. of episodes | 23 (aired) (list of episodes) |
Production | |
Executive producer(s) | Howard Schultz |
Running time | 60 minutes |
Production company(s) | Lighthearted Entertainment |
Release | |
Original network | Fox |
Original release | January 23, 2008 | – August 8, 2009
Website |
The Moment of Truth is an American game show based on the Colombian Nada más que la verdad format ("Nothing but the Truth"). Contestants, answer a series of 21 increasingly personal and embarrassing questions to receive cash prizes. The show is hosted by Mark L. Walberg and ran on the Fox network from January 23, 2008 to August 8, 2009.
On February 1, 2008, Fox ordered an additional 13 episodes of the show, bringing its episode order to 23. It was supposed to be on Fox's fall lineup, but was pushed back to make room for FOX's new game show Hole in the Wall, as well as the season finale of So You Think You Can Dance.
Prior to the show, a contestant is administered a polygraph exam and asked 100 questions (50 questions in season one)—many of which are asked again in front of the studio audience during the actual taping of the program. Without knowing the results of the polygraph, he or she is asked 21 of those same questions again on the program, each becoming progressively more personal in nature. If the contestant answers according to the polygraph results, he or she moves on to the next question; however, should a contestant lie in his or her answer (as determined by the polygraph) or simply refuse to answer a question after it has been asked, the game ends. If he/she gives a false answer before the $25,000 level of questions, he/she leaves with nothing; after the $25,000 level, if a false answer is given, the contestant leaves with $25,000 (during the first season, a false answer on any level caused the player to leave with nothing). For each tier of questions answered correctly, the contestant wins the corresponding amount of money. A contestant may stop at any time before any question is asked and collect their earnings, but once they hear a question, they must answer it or lose the game. Answering all 21 questions truthfully, as determined by the polygraph results, wins the jackpot of $500,000.
The questions vary, increasing in difficulty and degree of personal nature of the questions. Sometimes, a "surprise guest"—such as an ex-partner or a good friend—will come on the stage and ask a particularly difficult question. Friends, colleagues, and family of the contestant who are gathered near the player have access to a button which can be used to switch out a question once per game if they feel that the nature of the question is too personal, an option which is introduced to them after the third question.