The Summit: A Unique Reality Show Challenge in the Southern Alps

“The Summit,” a reality television series airing on CBS, has captured the interest of audiences with its unique premise set in the Southern Alps of New Zealand. The show, which premiered its second episode on October 9, 2023, takes contestants on a challenging journey up a mountainous terrain where they compete to reach the summit while facing various obstacles.

In a recent interview, Executive Producer Kevin Lee addressed questions about the logistics of the show. Contrary to widespread assumptions, contestants are not carrying their full share of the prize money, which starts at $1 million, but rather a combination of real and placeholder money in their backpacks. “The cash amount in each bag is not insubstantial, but it’s certainly less than the original $62,000+ that each contestant was said to have in their backpack,” Lee explained.

The series host, actor Manu Bennett, noted that contestants were largely unaware of the specifics of their challenge until they arrived in the valley. “They waltzed into that valley in the middle of this incredible terrain in New Zealand,” Bennett shared in an interview. “I don’t believe that they knew as far as I was told. I was under the impression that they arrived without knowledge of being on a show called ‘The Summit.'”

Despite their non-professional status, the participants are tasked with navigating difficult climbs and confronting the inherent dangers of the mountainous environment. Bennett emphasized the show’s attention to safety: “At all times, I felt that the network had those bases covered, which I thought was paramount to making sure we were shooting a show that was going to guard these 16 non-experienced people of a very complex mountain system.” He noted that local mountain guides and experienced coordinators ensure the contestants are kept safe in the unpredictable alpine conditions.

One of the contestants, Dennis Cho, is featured in the upcoming episode as he strategizes around the perceived threat posed by fellow contestant Geoff Green. “Geoff, he is showing his strengths. He is super likable and is gaining the trust of others. But he is also a top elite athlete,” Dennis stated in a clip from the episode, as he voiced concerns to fellow participants.

“The Summit” continues to air on CBS every Wednesday at 9:30 p.m. ET, promising viewers an engaging blend of drama, competition, and resilience as contestants vie for their share of the $1 million prize.