ITV's New Reality Show The Summit Receives Harsh Verdict From Audiences
Viewers of ITV's freshly launched reality competition series The Summit have delivered a swift and largely negative judgement within mere minutes of the opening episode airing. The high-stakes programme, presented by This Morning host Ben Shephard, follows fourteen contestants as they attempt to scale a formidable mountain peak located in New Zealand's breathtaking South Island Alps.
Premiere Episode Sparks Immediate Criticism
The tense debut episode, which aired on Tuesday 10 February, introduced the diverse lineup of participants. This group includes former Gladiator star Ace, the daughter of television personality Gillian McKeith, a prominent social media influencer, and an experienced tour guide. The initial stage of their arduous journey saw the contestants beginning their trek while getting acquainted, with competing personalities quickly vying for control and early signs of friction emerging.
Contestants were immediately put to the test with a nerve-wracking challenge that required them to balance on ropes suspended high above the ground to traverse between different sections of the mountain. Despite this dramatic setup, a significant portion of the audience remained thoroughly unimpressed and took to social media to voice their complaints.
Social Media Reaction Highlights Widespread Discontent
One viewer expressed their frustration by comparing the show unfavourably to epic fantasy, stating: "Like Lord of the Flies but with annoying people." Another remarked on the familiar reality TV tropes, commenting: "This is going to be like I'm A Celebrity up a mountain, already one saying he don't like heights."
Further criticism was scathing, with one person declaring: "This looks as bad as I suspected," while another viewer simply found it dull, stating: "This is boring. Just wannabees climbing a mountain for no reason." The authenticity of the production was also called into question, with a viewer noting: "Crikey this is s***te - all seems set up as well."
The early interpersonal conflicts did not go unnoticed, with one person raging: "This is going to be enjoyable. NOT they are bloody arguing already." Perhaps the most damning critique came from a viewer who suggested: "This is a bloody tough watch. Maybe there's some paint drying on another channel..."
Show Format and Some Supportive Voices
Despite the barrage of negative feedback, a minority of fans expressed optimism. One wrote: "Been waiting for this, hope it's decent!" while another predicted: "Oh, this is going to be good!"
Ahead of the series premiere, host Ben Shephard had teased the show's unique premise. He described it as an adventure and challenge-based programme requiring immense mental focus and ingenuity. The contestants must not only climb the mountain and overcome physical obstacles but also navigate complex social dynamics to keep their fellow climbers onside. The ultimate goal is to reach the summit and take home as much as possible from a shared £200,000 jackpot.
Shephard highlighted a crucial twist that adds intense drama: each participant physically carries their portion of the potential winnings with them up the mountain. If a contestant falls or drops out of the competition, their money is lost as well. The presenter promised "some of the best reality drama you'll ever see, crossed with adventure on an epic scale."
The series, which unfolds over a fortnight of trekking, continues with its next episode scheduled for tomorrow night at 9pm on ITV1 and the ITVX streaming platform.
