Top Shot is an American reality television show that debuted on the History Channel on June 6, 2010.

[1][2][3][4][5] Top Shot is based on a progressive elimination to narrow down the starting field of sixteen to eighteen contestants to a final winner.

When not in competition or practice, the combined group are secluded in a well-furnished house with food and recreational activities.

The initial half of the game splits the contestants into two teams, Red and Blue, and given shirts and jackets of that color to identify them.

The teams are first introduced to the firearm they will be using and are given separate practice periods and the help of a professional shooter to learn and adjust to the weapon as well as any special conditions they may have to encounter.

The vote takes place at a special shooting range with wooden targets, each with the name of a remaining team member.

The winner of the challenge reunites with his team and, from Season 2 onward, receives a Bass Pro Shops gift card worth $2,000.

The loser is eliminated from the game, and after giving a moment to say goodbye to the rest of the team, leaves the contest immediately.

Season 1 of Top Shot was filmed over a period of 33 days in the spring of 2010 in Santa Clarita, California.

In this season (referred to in promotional spots as Top Shot Reloaded), a preliminary head-to-head challenge was played in Episode 1, with the two winners being allowed to choose the teams.

[8] In addition to receiving the $100,000 cash prize as in past seasons, the winner was given the opportunity to become a professional shooter sponsored by Bass Pro Shops.

A preliminary challenge was played in Episode 1; the two worst performers were eliminated immediately, while the others were assigned to teams based on their results.

[9] Cheng said of the experience that the gun rights community has been very supportive stating, "...When I auditioned, I was openly gay.

In addition to the $100,000 cash prize, the winner received a Top Shot special edition Tahoe Q5i speedboat provided by Bass Pro Shops.

[11] In August 2010, History Channel released an ad inviting people to audition for the second season of the show.

Each week, Colby was joined by an expert and a marksman to review three iconic weapons and put them through their paces.