ITV's The Summit Reality Show Faces Mounting Criticism for Staged Format
ITV's latest reality television offering, The Summit, hosted by Ben Shephard, has been met with significant criticism for its apparent lack of authenticity and logistical shortcomings. The show, which strands fourteen strangers in the wilderness of New Zealand, aims to foster cooperation but instead descends into what many viewers are calling a poorly executed imitation of successful formats like The Traitors.
Logistical Problems Overwhelm the Premise
On paper, The Summit must have seemed like a compelling concept: a group of contestants must work together to traverse over 100 kilometres of challenging terrain in just two weeks, culminating in a climb to a mountain peak. However, the execution falls flat, with the vast open spaces of New Zealand proving too cumbersome for the production, leading to a format that feels overwhelmed and disjointed.
The result is a show that many describe as stilted, staged, blatantly fake, and frequently nonsensical. While the scenic backdrop of New Zealand is undeniably beautiful, it does little to salvage the credibility of the challenges faced by the participants.
Contestants Appear Unprepared and Unrealistic
Viewers are asked to suspend disbelief as climbing novices, ranging from their twenties to fifties, attempt this gruelling journey without apparent preparation. They are seen wearing casual attire such as jeans and leggings, with no visible spare clothes, food, or essential safety equipment like ropes and crampons. Their rucksacks reportedly contain only the prize money, currently set at £200,000, rather than survival gear.
This lack of realism is stark; as one critic noted, they would be concerned seeing these individuals embark on a simple picnic in the Lake District, let alone a demanding mountaineering expedition. Despite covering significant distances daily, the contestants show no signs of fatigue or physical strain upon reaching their pre-set campsites, further undermining the show's authenticity.
Pantomime Roles and Forced Conflict
The cast of The Summit has been criticised for embodying exaggerated, pantomime-like roles that feel contrived. For instance, 24-year-old Afton, dressed entirely in pink, breaks down in tears when mud stains her outfit. Meanwhile, 50-year-old publican Miranda frequently mentions her late mother and claims to converse with her ghost during moments of anxiety, a detail presented without question by the show.
Construction manager Dockers, aged 36, is portrayed as deliberately obnoxious, boasting about his manipulative skills and picking fights without subtlety. In one early episode, he accuses others of sabotage over misplaced gloves, escalating tensions in a manner that feels scripted and unnatural.
Fundamental Flaws in the Format
Unlike The Traitors, where deception is central to the gameplay, The Summit is supposed to emphasise cooperation among contestants. However, the inclusion of daily elimination votes based on group decisions creates a contradictory dynamic. Stirring up conflict and forming factions seems counterproductive and pointless, leading to a narrative that lacks clear purpose or engagement.
Ultimately, The Summit struggles to find its footing, offering little beyond superficial drama and stunning visuals. As one reviewer aptly summarised, it feels like a lot of fuss over nothing—a summit that fails to reach any meaningful peak in entertainment value.
