On each episode, Schwartz asks people questions from three different subjects. The subjects include: geography, science, history, math, health, sports, the arts, and many more. Participants of On the Spot do not win prizes or have their answers tallied. The show is similar in format to that of the The Tonight Show's, "Jaywalking" segment and the show Street Smarts. After each question is asked to a number of participants, the correct answer is given along with an explanation.