Famed psychotherapist Dr. Robi Ludwig is part host, part counselor, and part mediator in her role on GSN’s Without Prejudice, an intriguing new show I had the opportunity to watch recently. The show is scheduled to premiere on GSN this Tuesday at 9pm ET, and it’s an event you won’t want to miss.. In this interesting twist on the standard reality TV show format, five strangers will compete for the chance to win $25,000. They will be judged, on looks and personality alone, by a panel of five judges – also strangers. Round by round, more information is revealed about each of the contestants, as they are slowly whittled down to only two. Dr. Ludwig guides the footage, and the discussion that results among the judges, often listening quietly until her expertise is needed. Without Prejudice explores the political topics that cause debate among world leaders and legislatures today, and asks a question that many wouldn’t dare: can we judge each other, Without Prejudice? Judges are treated to camera interviews of each contestant, as well as some hidden camera footage that sheds new light on those vying for the $25,000 prize. After watching the compelling first episode, I got the chance to speak with Dr. Ludwig via phone for a one-on-one interview.

TV Envy: Without Prejudice is about making quick judgments of people – something a lot of us do. In your professional opinion, how long does it take for the average person to form an opinion of a stranger, based upon a first meeting?

Robi Ludwig: Usually [it] happens pretty quickly. Within thirty seconds, people make an assessment, and are judging who they think is standing in front of them. It’s based on very limited information, and what’s so interesting about first impressions is: it’s hard to negate them, because we really like to believe that our assessments are accurate and true, and to give that up is a very scary notion.

TV Envy:  I notice you seem very unflappable and poised in the episode I had the chance to watch. Tell me, did you know about the five contestants prior to watching the footage with the judges?

Robi Ludwig: The first show, I did. …I got to see the back story of each contestant, and I noticed really feeling for certain contestants. You know, they just struck a chord in me, and there was one contestant whose life was so interesting – she was such a fascinating lady. And she was one of those women who was voted off first, for some erroneous first impression. And, I remember feeling a little heartbroken that everybody wouldn’t get a chance to know her in the way I felt I got a chance to know her. And, after that, I said ‘no more – I’m getting too involved and I just want to learn as we go,’ so that’s what I did.

TV Envy: Do you believe that anyone can be truly free of prejudice, or are we always inclined to judge each other on appearance alone?

Robi Ludwig: I think our natural inclination is to make assessments and quick judgments, because that’s what we need to do in order to categorize people and get through life. It’s almost like, inter-personal shorthand. Having said that, when we look at the ability to change typecasting and stereotyping and discrimination, it can happen, but it takes being honest with oneself and really wanting to make that change.

TV Envy: How much time did you and the judges actually spend together taping the episode?

Robi Ludwig: I would say anywhere from two to four hours making each show. And we really wanted to give each contestant and each panelist time to say what they needed to say, and then it was the editors’ job to make sense of it in a show format.

TV Envy: Did you get the opportunity to meet with any of the judges or contestants prior to taping?

Robi Ludwig: Briefly. I would say ‘Hello, I’m Dr. Robi Ludwig,’ and shake their hands, and that was basically it.

TV Envy: How much time do the judges spend with each other, outside of taping?

Robi Ludwig: I think it was one night, and they didn’t all stay together because we had some people that were local. …But, it was very brief. And also, just of note, the panelists and the contestants never had an opportunity to be with one another.

TV Envy: I notice that, at the end of the episode, you focused on the issue of quick judgments, and the change that takes place once people get to know each other a little bit more. Do you think that Without Prejudice could be a tool to get the message of tolerance across?

Robi Ludwig: I really hope so. Because, that’s one of the reasons why I chose to take this job. I am a therapist, my background and training, I still have a private practice. I like to think what I do has an impact, and hopefully can be an agent for change, both in my private practice, in my writing, in my psychological commentary, and now in this game show format. And I wanted to do something that can help people think about themselves, and other people, in a different way. In a way that’s really healthier. So, I hope so, and on our web site, GSN.com, we have various links to different organizations that help people have more tolerance. So, I’m crossing my fingers. But, I really believe human beings naturally want to improve themselves, and be better. And sometimes, we get stuck along the way, and sometimes it takes a game show, you know something fun, to help people get to that next level. You never know what’s going to be that intervention that’s going to speak to people, but I’m hoping this game show can at least help certain people get there.

And perhaps, it will. With Ludwig on board, this newest original from GSN promises one thing at least: it will be an interesting show to watch. Ready to put your own judgments to the test? Tune into Without Prejudice this Tuesday, and maybe you’ll walk away with a mind that’s just a little more open toward strangers.