ITV has reportedly cancelled its big-budget reality competition show 'The Summit' after just one series, following lower-than-expected viewership. The programme, which aired earlier this year, saw 14 contestants tackle demanding mountain terrain in New Zealand for a chance to win £200,000.
Viewership figures fell short
The eight-episode series, presented by This Morning regular Ben Shephard, launched in February 2026 in a prime-time weekday slot, drawing 1.1 million viewers. By the concluding episode in March, that number had only risen to slightly over 1.2 million, according to reports.
A television source told The Sun: "Competition is fierce out there right now. And even shows with big budgets and big-name presenters are not a guarantee of success."
The source added: "Unless they make an impact, quite quickly execs have to weigh up whether the cost of making these shows is worth the ratings, and therefore the advertising revenues, to make it worthwhile. Everyone is looking for 'The Next Big Show'. Unfortunately The Summit wasn't it, even though commentators remarked on the fact it did seem to try to tap into some of the energy of The Traitors."
Show format and production
Based on an Australian format, the competition saw 14 ordinary Britons ascend one of the peaks in the Southern Alps of New Zealand. Contestants faced a series of obstacles, including a threatening black helicopter in relentless pursuit, while also risking elimination at the hands of fellow competitors. Those who reached the summit within 14 days stood to walk away with the cash prize, with each participant carrying a share of the jackpot in their rucksack.
Ben Shephard had previously revealed that the series contained some shocking moments, saying: "We had an elite team setting these challenges. They were all extraordinarily, sort of brilliantly laid out by experts. But you look at it, and if it goes slightly wrong, it can go very, very wrong. And we had one very bad injury at one point."
ITV declines to comment
Express has reached out to ITV, who declined to comment on the cancellation. The first season of The Summit remains available to stream on ITVX.
