It’s an awkward time of year for Channel 9, MAFS is done and dusted but it’s still too early to air the Block.
Channel 9 made the decision not to renew Australian Ninja Warrior for a 2023 season providing the perfect opportunity to introduce a fresh new show into the time slot.
The network has had great success with dating and drama-filled reality shows. But it struggles to capture its audience’s attention with more physically challenging shows like Channel 10’s Survivor and 7 Network’s SAS Australia.
The Summit is a brand-new original reality show, not part of an international franchise like MAFS or Masterchef. Although, it does have very similar elements to The Bridge Australia.
The Summit has a lot of potential to intrigue and captivate its viewers. Here’s why you should watch it:
1. Clear goals
The plot line to The Summit is simple. Contestants have 14 days to travel 200kms to the 8,500 foot Summit and win a share of the million dollar prize money.
For a million dollars, it’s enough to drive some contestants to do anything they can to make it to the top.
2. Diverse & relatable contestants
Our 14 adventurers are everyday Australian’s coming from a range of diverse backgrounds including a 60-year-old, outback nurse and a sock-making entrepreneur. You will quickly learn the names, stories and quirks of some of the contestants and be inclined to root for the underdog.
When one first hears the words ‘mountain climbing’ they tend to think of the need for having a high level of fitness. But all 14 contestants’ fitness levels vary from retired athletes to one contestant who claims, “the highest thing he has ever climbed is a ladder.” The varying levels of fitness is destined to create tension amongst the adventurers who must work together as a team.
New host, Jai Courtney – Kaleidoscope and Suicide Squad – pops in and out when needed. Unlike other reality shows which are more host/judge focused, The Summit is all about the contestants.
3. Panoramic views
Set in New Zealand’s Southern Alps, no expense is spared to showcase New Zealand’s panoramic mountain ranges. It’s clear a lot of hard work and effort has gone into filming this series. You may find yourself getting distracted from the action, as the contestants climb to breath-taking new heights. It’s one of the best reality settings this year.
4. Strategy
Once the game starts, the contestants quickly learn it’s going to take a bit more than just fitness and resilience to get them up the mountain.
Are you a team player or do you play for yourself? That is the question a lot of the contestants find themselves asking. Alliances are formed and rivalries are drawn, in this survivor-style game.
The Summit will force contestants to make some very harsh decisions but at the end of the day, it’s not personal. A million dollars is at stake.
5. Family friendly
Fans of Lego Masters and Ninja Warrior will be pleased to know their kids can watch this family friendly show. No raunchy topics, no wine throwing and bullying, just fresh mountain views and great Aussie battlers reaching new heights.
The Summit teaches viewers that the skies the limit and the need to overcome your own barriers to succeed in life.
The Verdict:
Does it feel like a series-long advertisement for New Zealand’s South islands? Kind of, but the Southern Alps scenery is so beautiful, you won’t mind.
Fans of Survivor, Alone and The Bridge will look forward to the Summit. Whoever wins will rightfully earn their prize through endurance and sheer determination.
Get ready to cheer for the underdog and sit amongst your family asking “What would you do if…” faced in the same tough situations the contestants find themselves in.
It’s a race to the top, against each other but most of all, themselves.
The Summit premieres Sunday May 14 at 7pm on Channel 9 and 9Now
