First international adaptation for Banijay million-dollar prize competition format
Broadcast network CBS has commissioned a US version of EndemolShine Australia’s million-dollar adventure competition format The Summit, Broadcast can reveal.
The commission is the first international adaptation of the expansive mountaineering-focused format following its Nine Network debut in Australia. It will be produced by Banijay stablemate Endemol Shine North America (ESNA) and hosted by Kiwi actor Manu Bennett (The Hobbit trilogy, Spartacus).
The Summit sees sixteen strangers embark on a death-defying journey through the treacherous New Zealand Alps in an attempt to reach the peak of a distant mountain and win a total of $1m (£788,600).
Each contestant has a backpack with an equal share of the prize money, with the group tasked with traversing an exhausting distance in just 14 days to win the cash. However, not everyone will make it, and during the ordeal the group must work together to tackle the dangerous terrain, unforgiving Antarctic winds, heart-pounding challenges and gut-wrenching eliminations on their way to the peak. Tracking them along the journey is the ‘mountain’s keeper’ who will surprise the trekkers with brutal twists and force decisions that complicate an already grueling ascent.
The format is a test of morals, relationships and tough choices to ensure that the group does not lose out on the prize money. Details on cast and TX will be announced in due course.
It was created by Married At First Sight and Love Triangle outfit EndemolShine Australia with investment from Banijay’s Creative Fund and originally commissioned for Nine in 2022. The series aired last year, hosted by Terminator Genisys actor Jai Courtney, and has since been recommissioned for a second run.
CBS Entertainment president Amy Reisenbach said The Summit “encompasses everything our viewers love in a reality show – everyday people overcoming and conquering their fears, a fierce game of strategy and an intense physical and emotional competition”.
She added: “Set against a breathtaking mountain backdrop, this is a high-stakes, adrenaline-filled game with thrilling twists and turns that make for riveting and inspiring television.”
ESNA (Big Brother, Lego Masters, MasterChef) will produce the US version with Kevin Lee (Fight to Survive, The Challenge) and Tina Nicotera (Love in the Wild) exec producing alongside ESNA’s chief exec Sharon Levy and executive vice-president of unscripted, DJ Nurre.
“We are so excited to embark on this exhilarating adventure with our partners at CBS on a proven format that has captivated audiences internationally,” said Levy. “We can’t wait for viewers to come along on this epic quest with an incredible group of contestants as they learn how far they’re willing to go and what they’re willing to do to reach The Summit.”
Lee added: “I’m an avid mountain climber, but the reason I’m passionate about this series has little to do with climbing. It’s the human drama and emotion that arise when ordinary people are pushed to their limits by intense game play that makes this series so compelling.”
Bennett is represented by US talent and literary agency Gersh.
https://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/banijay/cbs-orders-us-version-of-the-summit/5189518.article