Yeah it was like you say. My cousin was on Price is Right. He came with a group of 20, and they were guaranteed that at least one of their group would be in contestants row.
I once went with a group of 20 that was registered in advance and nobody from our group was called (but I think we were guaranteed seats and didn't have to wait in line). I think the 20+ group thing is an urban legend, the producers can really choose whoever they want. However the way the show is done, if a person has a big cheering section that is good for the show, so I imagine if you come in a group your chance of getting selected is a lot higher than if you come alone.
If memory serves correctly they interviewed us in groups of 5, and for the group I was in the whole "interview" lasted about 3 seconds. They lined us up, looked us over, then passed us on. Still quite a fun experience, and though I didn't get called I was still terrified the whole time I might get called so the adrenaline was running.
Yes. I was there with a group of 30. They dismissed most of us in seconds, but took longer to talk with a few of our liveliest members. The one they talked the longest with got called as a contestant.
If memory serves correctly they interviewed us in groups of 5, and for the group I was in the whole "interview" lasted about 3 seconds. They lined us up, looked us over, then passed us on. Still quite a fun experience, and though I didn't get called I was still terrified the whole time I might get called so the adrenaline was running.