So.
I really need to know.
Is the cash given out on the show real?
I’ve read it wasn’t.
But I watch faithfully every episode.
(They’re all in re-run)
I swear, the cash looks real.
The contestants act like it’s real.
I say it’s real.
You’re specifically asking about the paper money given to the contestants?
If so, that is not real, they send a check to the winners as it must be taxed is the explanation I have seen.
The contestants themselves are partially pre-screened and partially randomly picked up off the street.
The cab was real.
Hopefully that helps.
I’m pretty sure the show’s title is Ca$h Cab, should I fix your title?
Sure. That will be good. I couldnt decide where to put the $.
Done.
I want that money to be real.
I believed it was for a long time.
So disappointing.
I should just let it go, maybe?
They do get paid, but not in cash.
Brian
They get the money, but just not on air in USD paper bills.
What’s the difference?
I can’t think of a reason not to use real cash. The whole transaction is recorded. I don’t know what amounts are involved but theft of some variety and the lower cost of fake money are the main reasons 'stage money ’ is used in movies and TV shows. Unless the amounts are quite high that’s probably not a problem. I’m sure they file any tax forms that are required.
Pertinent line for this thread:
Though contestants are shown leaving with cash in hand, that’s just for the cameras; they later receive a check in the mail.
Money talks, BS walks.
Real money would just be so much more funner.
Then I have to worry they haven’t carefully put it away and don’t get mugged. They are in NYC, after all.
Then I get to think they went in that bar I see out of the cab window and bought rounds for the house, with real cash. Not a promise “the check’s in the mail”
And be concerned they wasted their money. Should’ve paid that exorbitant rent that’s charged in NYC.
See my dilemma?
I think the highest amount I’ve seen won, was $3200.
Check you on the NYC rents, they’re crazy high for generally small apartments.
The robbery rate in NYC is one of the lowest for big cities and 62nd overall. This isn’t the 70s or 80s.
Significantly safer than Newark or Jersey City as examples.
Ok. On the crime stats.
But folks walking around with hundreds fanned out in their hand on a busy sidewalk. Too easy. Where ever you are.
No argument, that would be epically stupid almost anywhere.
But they don’t just walk away. There is paperwork and boring legal stuff to be done. It’s just not shown on TV.
Ben Bailey did have to get a real NYC taxi license and it is a real NYC taxi.
ETA there is a chase car with producers and security. From what I remember the security is an armed off duty police officer
See…I construct whole lives from these people I’m in the cab with for a while. It’s a pasttime of mine. Hey it keeps me off the streets.
(I do this with commercial actors and un-famous interviewees on shows, Why? Because I have no life and am bored.)
This is vitally upsetting to me 
There was one gentleman who completely cleaned up — $6600. It was thrilling. Bailey is either a good actor (he has a stand up comedy special) or he was on tenterhooks rooting for the guy.
I’ve seen him live and met him afterwards. Very nice. Very tall.
It’s one of those shows that shouldn’t be as good as it is.
Agreed.