Host: Mark L. Wahlberg
Executive Producers: Howard Schulz and Michael Maddocks
Series Premiere: January 23, 2008
Network: FOX
Airs On: Wednesdays, from 9-10 pm Eastern
Top Prize: $500,000

The Moment of Truth is a controversial game show that asks contestants to tell the truth while answering extremely personal questions.

How it Works:

The game itself is almost ridiculously straightforward. A contestant is hooked up to a lie detector machine and asked a series of up to 75 questions, each becoming more personal in nature.

21 of these questions are then chosen for the show, where the contestant then answers the same questions in front of a live audience. If the contestant tells the truth, as confirmed by the polygraph results, he or she can win up to $500,000.

The Hook:

FOX leaves little doubt as to the nature of the show. The appeal lies in watching people face uncomfortable questions about their personal lives; questions they might lie about in other circumstances. Contestants must juggle the value of personal secrets against the desire for a quick cash payout. Adding to the tension will be the presence of spouses, co-workers, family, and friends sitting in the audience.

Sample Questions:

Here are some sample questions, published in a press release from FOX, that may appear on The Moment of Truth:

• Have you ever lied to get a job?
• Do you like your mother-in-law?
• Do you really care about starving children in Africa?
• Ever stolen anything from work?
• Have you ever cheated on your spouse?