Let's start with one of the most famous and longest running reality shows. The reality game show has been running for almost 15 years and it's such a hit that it's been remade in countries including Denmark, Israel, and the Philippines. This is actually one of my favorite reality shows of all time because of the interesting and creative elements like the tribal challenges and sneaky twists. Contestants not only have to deal with harsh living conditions but they also have to deal with each other. The show proves that brains, brawn, and beauty are important to be able to survive both physical and mental challenges, the jungle, and alliances.
I remember catching this show for the first time on the Discovery Channel and being completely weirded out by the fact that the show featured a naked couple covered in dirt. But after the first two episodes, I was hooked. Something that I love about this show is how the "castaways" are completely stripped of everything (potable water, tools, even their clothes!) and are forced to go on pure survival mode. Or so it seems. There's a bit of a controversy surrounding the show because insiders are saying that contestants are given extra help in the form of IVs and food which are completely against the whole show's premise.
Now while the contestants in the first two shows fight for their survival, the contestants in this adventure dating program fight for, that's right, love. They take part in challenges set in beautiful woodlands to be able to win luxurious prizes and their partner's heart. I would say that the show is a mixture of The Bachelor and The Amazing Race with a little bit of Temptation Island. It gets annoying sometimes but there's just something about the show that will charm you. Also, Jenny McCarthy's sassy remarks as the host add to the whole show's appeal.
We all know that most of these reality shows aren't 100% real but they're still exciting to watch. Also, getting to see the different islands and beautiful oceans featured on the shows ain't such a bad thing either. Despite my love for these types of reality shows, never in a million years would I be willing to join in any of them… mostly because of the lack of wi-fi and clean water.
- Victoria Urrutia
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