Format & Structure
Three Phases
~15-22 Episodes
On screen: 5 Judges, Host, Rotating Neutral Expert
The National Search
01
~ 5 episodes
The National Search
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Open call.
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50 states, 5 regions.
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Pre-selected 20 candidates per region audition before 5 judges.
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Judges get 4 votes, votes from 2 judges required for candidates to proceed - forcing cross-ideological consensus.
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100 candidates narrowed to 50 - 10 per region advance.
Challenges & Eliminations
02
5-10 episodes
Challenges & Eliminations
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Individual and team challenges test fitness for office.
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Judges score and eliminate.
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Occasional nationwide viewer votes introduce unpredictable outcomes - a wildcard that builds audience investment before they get full control in Phase 3.
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50 candidates narrowed to final 10.
The Nation Votes
03
5-7 episodes
The Nation Votes
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Final 10 debate, campaign, canvass, and fundraise.
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Judges shift to coaches to guide their surviving candidates - all decision power now belongs to the public.
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Each episode opens voting window.
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Real-time polling trends publish.
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Nation selects America's Candidate.
Prize Package
The winner of POTUS doesn't just get a trophy. They get a real campaign.
America's Candidate will not only arrive with national name recognition, but with a prize package in hand that suits the singular nature of this show. The prize package is what makes this competition less about fame and money, and more about proving you have what it takes to lead.
Seed funding
Initial campaign funds, to be augmented by in-season fundraising.
Professional Bench
A full campaign team to support a real-world run for the presidency
Ballot Infrastructure
A full legal operation to appear on the ballot in all 50 states