Owensboro’s Molly Sperling is preparing for a national spotlight as she represents Kentucky in the upcoming season of “The Floor,” a FOX game show hosted by Rob Lowe. The new season premieres on Wednesday and introduces a fresh format: contestants competing state versus state.
Sperling, originally from Union County, said she never imagined she’d be chosen when she submitted her application.
“My husband and I were watching an episode, and they advertised the application link at the end. I thought, ‘fat chance, but why not?’” Sperling said. “I filled out the form, made a quick video, and the very next day I got a call back. I was in shock.”
That surprise set her on a whirlwind journey that included multiple interviews, quizzes, and background checks before she was officially selected in March. In late April, she flew overseas to film in Dublin, Ireland, where production is based.
Sperling, who works as a community development planner at the Green River Area Development District, said the entire experience was unforgettable.
“It’s one of the most fun experiences I’ve ever had,” she said. “I had never traveled out of the country by myself before, but the production team was incredible. Being part of it, seeing how it all works behind the scenes, and meeting people from all different backgrounds was amazing.”
This season, 100 contestants — two from each state — face off in trivia-style duels. Each player is assigned a category; Sperling’s is paleontology, fueled by her love of dinosaurs.
“You get challenged in your category, or you can choose to challenge someone else in theirs. If you win, you take their square on the board. It’s high pressure but really exciting,” she said.
Along with a grand prize of $250,000, the show is adding new twists this season: the episode one winner will take home $40,000, and other episodes award $20,000 to the leader at the end.
Though she can’t share the outcome of her run, Sperling said she’s eager to watch with family and friends.
“I’ve never done anything like this before. I’m just a mom and a wife from small-town Kentucky, so I’m excited, and a little nervous, to see how they portray me on the show,” she said.
“The Floor” premieres at 8 p.m. Wednesday on FOX. Episodes will also be available to stream the next day on Hulu.
