Introduction: Are You Hard Enough?

Picture this: You’re seated across from Tom Gleeson, the deadpan comic with a microphone like a weapon, as he unleashes a barrage of withering one-liners about your lifelong obsession with, say, the migratory patterns of Australian magpies.

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Welcome to Hard Quiz (HQ), one of the ABC’s crown jewels—a riotously funny quiz show that’s been roasting egos and celebrating niche nerdery since 2016.

Hosted by Gleeson, with Sammy J pulling strings behind the scenes, the show pits four contestants against each other in a blend of hyper-specific expert rounds and brutal general knowledge.

The ultimate prize? Not cash, but the gloriously tacky “Big Brass Mug”—a trophy so iconic it’s become a badge of honor for trivia masochists. Each episode’s format is deceptively simple: contestants nominate an “expert subject” (think obscure, not obvious), endure Gleeson’s gleeful takedowns, and battle for supremacy.

If you’ve ever dreamed of defending your weird expertise on national TV, this article is your roadmap. We’ll demystify the application and audition gauntlet for the upcoming Series 12 (set to film soon and air in 2026), drawing on the latest casting intel.

Spoiler: Winning isn’t about being a walking encyclopedia—it’s about charisma under fire and a topic so niche, even Gleeson might crack a genuine smile. Ready to apply? Let’s dive in.

II. The Hard Quiz Contestant Profile: What They’re Looking For

Casting directors aren’t hunting for Jeopardy-style polymaths. Hard Quiz thrives on eccentricity, so your profile needs to scream “compelling TV gold.” Here’s the blueprint.

A. Specificity is Key

The heart of your application? An “expert subject” that’s laser-focused and gloriously obscure. Forget broad strokes like “Australian history”—they want “The rise and fall of the Adelaide Steamship Company in the 1920s.” Why? The show builds custom questions around it, turning your passion into a gauntlet only you could survive.

Crucially, originality rules: Check the “Previous Topics” list to avoid duplicates. This exhaustive roster—covering everything from “Calamari” to “RuPaul’s Drag Race”—is updated regularly and available on the MyCastingNet application page or sites like TV Tonight. Rehashing “ABBA” or “Platypus”? Instant rejection.

B. The Contestant Personality

Gleeson doesn’t just quiz; he eviscerates—with affection. Successful applicants ooze:

• Unbridled enthusiasm: Your love for the topic should infect the room (or screen).
• Roast-proof resilience: A thick skin is non-negotiable; lean into the banter with wit, not defensiveness.
• A hook-worthy backstory: Why you? Tie your expertise to a quirky tale—like how a childhood stamp collection sparked your fixation on Antarctic expeditions.

Producers seek folks who’ll spark laughs and empathy, turning potential trainwrecks into memorable moments.

C. Eligibility Checklist

Before hitting “submit,” tick these boxes:

• Age: 18 years or older.
• Residency: Australian citizen or permanent resident (open to all states and territories).
• Prior Appearances: No recent Hard Quiz contestants; check for conflicts with other ABC shows.

Miss one, and you’re out—simple as that.

III. Step-by-Step: The Application Process (Casting Call and Submission)

Applying is straightforward but demands authenticity. With Series 12 casting underway, now’s the time—submissions roll until slots fill.

A. Locating the Casting Call

Head to MyCastingNet, the go-to hub for Hard Quiz applications (direct link: go.mycastingnet.com/Apply/Show/HardQuizS12). Alternatively, monitor the ABC’s official casting page or production announcements on socials. It’s seasonal: Series 12 focuses on 2026 airings, with calls refreshing post-filming.

B. The Application Form: Detailed Breakdown

The online form is your pitch—keep it punchy, honest, and vivid. Key sections:

• Personal Information: Basics like name, contact, location, and availability (filming in Melbourne, so travel flexibility helps).
• Expert Topic Submission: The star. Describe your subject in 200-300 words: Why it’s expert-level? How’d you gain mastery? Provide 5-10 sample facts or questions to prove depth. This isn’t casual—it’s your audition on paper.
• Personality and Story Questions: Open-ended gems like “Describe a time you embarrassed yourself pursuing this passion” or “How would you roast Tom Gleeson?” Aim for humor and heart; they’re screening for on-camera spark.

C. The Audition Video (If Required)

Not every applicant submits one upfront, but shortlisted folks often get the nod. Film a 1-2 minute clip on your phone: Introduce yourself, geek out on your topic (e.g., rattle off three mind-bending facts), and flash that Gleeson-ready grin. Tips: Natural lighting, high energy, no scripts—authenticity trumps polish. It’s about vibe: Can you light up a studio?

IV. The Audition and Casting Phase: From Form to Phone Call

Thousands apply per series; whittling down is brutal but fair. Expect 4-8 weeks for initial feedback.

A. Initial Review and Shortlisting

The team—producers, researchers, and Gleeson’s crew—scans for topic freshness and personality pop. It’s 50/50: Is your subject question-worthy? Will you banter like a champ? Standouts get callbacks; the rest, a polite “try again next series.”

B. The Phone/Video Audition

Round two: A 20-30 minute Zoom or call. It’s part chat, part quiz—expect 10-15 topic-specific questions to vet your knowledge, plus general trivia probes and improv prompts (e.g., “Defend why your topic beats the others”). They’re stress-testing: Can they craft 20+ tough questions? Do you crumble or charm under pressure?

C. Subject Refinement

If you shine, collaborate! Producers might tweak your topic for TV flow—narrowing “Victorian-era hats” to “Feathered fascinators in 1890s Melbourne” to amp the absurdity. It’s a team effort, ensuring your expertise fits the 22-minute format without spoilers.

V. Future Outlook: Upcoming Seasons (2026 and Beyond)

Hard Quiz is ABC catnip: High ratings, low budget, endless meme potential. As of late 2025, Series 12 casting confirms its vitality—no formal 2026 renewal needed; it’s a lock based on track record. Filming wraps months ahead, so Series 12 episodes could hit screens mid-2026.

The cycle? Applications open post-airing (watch July-October windows). For Series 13 (likely 2027 air), track ABC’s casting page, @HardQuizHQ on X (formerly Twitter), or MyCastingNet alerts. With Gleeson’s star power intact, expect more seasons—your mug awaits.

VI. Conclusion: Your Expert Journey Starts Now

Nail a razor-sharp topic, flaunt your funny bone, and embrace the roast: That’s your ticket to Hard Quiz glory. Dust off that obscure obsession and scout the next casting call. Who knows? Your niche knowledge could soon clash with Gleeson’s wit—mug in hand. Apply today; the Big Brass awaits.