When random passengers step into Beth Melewski’s unmarked cab, interior disco lights start flashing and Melewski explains that they’ve stumbled into a game show.
“You’d be surprised how few people go, ‘I’m going to be on TV!’” Melewski says. “The biggest reaction is usually, ‘Oooh, a woman cab driver!’”
The new “Cash Cab Chicago,” debuting Monday on Discovery, follows the New York installment weeknights, with the same concept: Contestants must answer trivia questions for cash as Melewski drives them to their destination. If they miss three questions, they’re ejected from the vehicle — no matter where they are.