How to Become a Contestant on a Dating Show: Elimidate, Cheaters, Blind Date and Shipmates

Maybe your 15 minutes of fame will come from starring in a reality dating show. Here's a guide to becoming a contestant on today's hottest dating shows.

Blind Date
It's just like any blind date…except that you've got thousands of people watching you. This is one of the smartest and most humorous dating shows on TV. Check out the website at www.blinddatetv.com.

To become a contestant on Blind Date:
Fill out the online application form at http://www.blinddatetv.com/star_on_bd.html. Be prepared to answer questions that include:

- Where did you grow up?
- What celebrities do you resemble?
- What are 3 of your biggest turn ons/ turn offs?
- Why would you be a great date on our show?

And, if you become a contestant, be prepared to be made fun of on the show. Hopefully just a little bit.

Shipmates
In Shipmates two complete strangers meet on a luxury cruise ship and spend three days and two nights getting to know each other. The show is a combination of a dating show and a reality series. Learn more about the show at http://www.bahamasgateway.com/shipmates/shipmates.htm.

To become a contestant on Shipmates:
Ouch. You can't. It's in syndication, meaning they only play reruns now. Sorry!

Elimidate
Elimidate is maybe the most infamous of reality dating shows, known for its wild contestants and serious competition. The Elimidate website is pretty amusing, with funny clips from the show and highlights from the most memorable contestants. It's all available at www.elimidate.warnerbros.com.

To become a contestant on Elimidate:
Another ouch. Elimidate isn't currently looking for contestants. But cheer up, they most likely will be in the future. And when they do, you can sign up on this website: http://elimidate.warnerbros.com/be_on_show.html.

Cheaters
Cheaters is serious- they want to find out if your spouse or loved one is cheating on you. They do the spy work and present their findings to you- on TV. Their website offers do-it-yourself spy kits, legal services, and more- at www.cheaters.com

To appear on Cheaters:
You must suspect that a loved one or spouse is cheating on you, and have a pretty solid case. Then you can go to http://www.cheaters.com/display.php/tid/86/SubmitACase.html, read and agree to the legal disclaimers and fill out a "Submit Your Case" form, which asks questions like:
- Why you suspect your loved one is cheating on you
- Does the suspected cheater own any weapons or have a criminal record (yikes!)