Which way does your toilet paper hang? Can you pick your husband's high school girlfriend out of a lineup? And do you know your mother-in-law's birthday by heart? Opportunity Knocks (premiering Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 8PM EST on ABC), the new game show starring families across America, tests your knowledge of the simpler things in life, letting parents get to learn more about their kids, and vice versa.
We tracked down the mobile set just south of Los Angeles, CA, to see the show in action. After sneaking past the line of neighbors, all anxious to get a peek, we uncovered seven things about the show that you won't see on TV.
1. Truckin'
It takes almost 36 hours to get the show set up to shoot. They arrive with 30 18-wheelers to surprise you early in the morning, but you don't actually get to play the game until later that next evening. 
2. V.I.P.
They roll a red carpet right to your front door! Since the questions often involve using clues from inside your house, the contestants get an A-list entrance to run back-and-forth to find answers. (They also sometimes get a little free yard work, just to make sure the place looks its best.)
3. Like Father, Like Son
Host and executive producer J.D. Roth brings his kids to work -- the day we were there, his oldest boy was actually standing in as different family members during rehearsals. Like father, like son ...
4. Keep Off Yard
There's a staff of 150 busy people running the show behind-the-scenes. Note to contestants' neighbors: if you're particularly picky about your petunias, you might want to tape off your front yard. 
5. Invite the Neighbors
The set feels like one big block party. During set-up, the street is closed to thru traffic, making it tough for residents to get in and out. But with a BBQ, plenty of people watching (Ashton Kutcher!) and a front-row seat for all the action, who would want to leave?
6. Cha-Ching!
They've raised the stakes from the original version of the show: instead of having to play to win the money they've banked during the show, contestants now automatically get all the money. Another twist? You can double your money with no risk, or you can put the money up and risk it all for a chance to win a quarter of a million dollars.
7. Great Beginnings
When asked to sum up the show for people who are still unsure of what it's all about, J.D. Roth simply said, "It's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, the game show version." Sounds like fun to us.
Opportunity Knocks' Photos
OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS A new show that breaks the mold of typical game and reality shows. Pictured: Rachel Gooch, Kevin Gooch, Michael Gooch, Molly Gooch, Erin Gooch and Host Jd Roth.
ABC
OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS A new show that breaks the mold of typical game and reality shows. Pictured: Kevin Gooch, Michael Gooch, Molly Gooch, Rachel Gooch and Host Jd Roth.
ABC
OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS A new show that breaks the mold of typical game and reality shows. Pictured: Kevin Gooch, Michael Gooch, Molly Gooch, Rachel Gooch and Jd Roth.
ABC
OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS What would you do if there was a knock at your door and you opened it to find an entire game show in front of you, along with an audience made up of your neighbors and friends? And what if you were given the opportunity to have a family game night where you could win hundreds of thousands of dollars and amazing prizes that could change your life? JD Roth (pictured) hosts the new one-hour show, "Opportunity Knocks," when one lucky family is brought together each week to play the game of a lifetime.
ABC
OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS What would you do if there was a knock at your door and you opened it to find an entire game show in front of you, along with an audience made up of your neighbors and friends? And what if you were given the opportunity to have a family game night where you could win hundreds of thousands of dollars and amazing prizes that could change your life? JD Roth (pictured) hosts the new one-hour show, "Opportunity Knocks," when one lucky family is brought together each week to play the game of a lifetime.
ABC
OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS What would you do if there was a knock at your door and you opened it to find an entire game show in front of you, along with an audience made up of your neighbors and friends? And what if you were given the opportunity to have a family game night where you could win hundreds of thousands of dollars and amazing prizes that could change your life? JD Roth (pictured) hosts the new one-hour show, "Opportunity Knocks," when one lucky family is brought together each week to play the game of a lifetime.
ABC
LOS ANGELES, CA - JULY 16: Executive Producer Ashton Kutcher of "Opportunity Knocks" answers questions during the ABC portion of the Television Critics Association Press Tour held at the Beverly Hilton hotel on July 16, 2008 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Ashton Kutcher
Getty Images
LOS ANGELES, CA - JULY 16: Executive Producer Ashton Kutcher of "Opportunity Knocks" answers questions during the ABC portion of the Television Critics Association Press Tour held at the Beverly Hilton hotel on July 16, 2008 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Ashton Kutcher
Getty Images
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
10-08-2008 @ 12:13AM
susan hare said...
I really like the show and whant to be on it!!!!
Reply