Graham Norton's new reality show, The Neighbourhood, has been criticised as a tired and uninspired format, with the presenter himself described as its only saving grace. The programme, which sees six families move into a suburban close and compete to avoid being voted out, has been panned for its lack of jeopardy and charisma-free contestants.
The show features daily challenges that earn winners immunity from removal, but critics have described these as 'pointless and dismal'. The first challenge involves contestants strapped to a washing line grabbing items, while the second sees them searching for gnomes. The prize fund of £250,000 has been noted as unusually large, suggesting an understanding of inflation.
Families include the Bradons from Essex, Sunita and Tony Kandola with her son Samra, the Lozman-Sturrocks, the Pescuds, the Scousa Haus twins, and a group of students known as the Uni Boys. Emotive backstories are gradually revealed, such as a family growing close over stepdad Dave's health issues and twins wanting money for their terminally ill mother's bucket list.
One contestant, Jordan Lozman-Sturrock, a former soldier with PTSD who now does standup comedy for men's mental health, has been noted for his early desire to sabotage alliances. However, the show's overall lack of tension and Norton's limited screen time have been highlighted as major flaws.
Critics have called for a moratorium on new reality shows, suggesting that the format feels rushed and underdeveloped. The Neighbourhood airs on BBC One.
