'Deal or No Deal' issues casting call in Otero County for show's revival

ALAMOGORDO – One of America’s most popular and beloved game shows, “Deal or No Deal,” is returning to primetime television later this year. 

The show’s producers are encouraging New Mexico residents to audition for the show for a chance to win $1 million.

CNBC announced that the network will air the reimagined, iconic game show and will feature some exciting new twists.

According to a press release from CNBC, Howie Mandel, who hosted the original series that ran on NBC from 2005-2009, will return to host and executive produce the series.

On the hit game show, contestants play and deal for a top prize of $1 million. With 26 sealed briefcases full of varying amounts of cash – ranging from a penny to $1 million ─ and the mysterious entity known only as "the banker," contestants are faced with a game of odds and chance and whether to accept an offer of cash from the banker in exchange for what might be contained in the contestant's chosen briefcase, according to the press release.

“Deal or No Deal” casting agent Joanne Atienza said producers are seeking contestants who have big personalities and have great stories. She said producers want people you want to root for and are deserving of the $1 million.

 “The show has been off the air for the past 10 years but now that we’re back we’re looking for people that are fun and upbeat and have big personalities,” Atienza said. “We are casting nationwide. We’re looking for anyone from nurses, teachers and plumbers. As long as they have a great personality and a good story to tell, we want them.”

She said interested applicants must answer background questions and attach a head shot, and a video that describes their personality if they want to get noticed.

“People just need to fill out an application. We recommend if you really want to get noticed, leave a video,” Atienza said. “We go through the applications and if we see someone we like we give them a call and we book them for a Skype interview. That’s how we get to know more about our contestants.”

To apply visit www.dealornodeal.castingcrane.com. The new “Deal or No Deal” is produced for CNBC by Truly Original.

“The premiere is still to be determined but I can say that we aim to film this July,” Atienza said. “So, if you’re fun, vibrant and energetic, we want you!”