“Fear Factor” was a big hit for a reason, and so was “Total Wipeout.”

People competed in physical challenges, eating bugs and swimming in roaches, often for a five-figure check.

For “Shark Tank,” you’ve probably been wondering the same thing.

Person receiving a check from businessman

Shark Tank doesn’t pay contestants to appear

“Shark Tank” is literally a life-changing show.

Well, it seems like “Shark Tank” does not actually pay contestants who appear on the show.

That was removed retroactively.

Mark Cuban speaking at conference

I told them I wouldn’t come back this season if it wasn’t."

Some of the companies that received seed money are now worth millions.

And the company is making a difference donating socks to the homeless, one for every pair sold.

Coffee Meets Bagel co-founders Arum Kang and Dawoon Kang

The publicity they get from pitching their business is oftentimes more than enough compensation.

A lot of the businesses that get rejected go on to become multimillion-dollar ventures just from word of mouth.

Sounds like a pretty fair trade to us!