Endemol Shine Australia and the Nine Network will be offering up a new reality competition format in 2023, “The Summit”.
The series will be set against the backdrop of the Alps of New Zealand’s southern island as a group of strangers attempt to reach the peak of a distant mountain within 14 days to hang onto a cash prize.
The contestants’ backpacks will all hold an equal share of the $1 million prize money, meaning the strangers have to work together to maximise their collective winnings.
Nine said the show will be an “epic quest unlike anything ever seen”.
“Along the journey they’ll need to work as a team as they tackle dangerous terrain, wild conditions and overcome adrenaline-charged challenges that block their path to the mountain,” the show’s description said.
“But what happens when members of the group fall behind, will the rest of the trekkers slow down and risk not reaching it up the mountain in time? Or will they cut them loose and press ahead to cash in?
“In a thrilling tale of endurance, survival and greed; morals will be tested, physical limits pushed, and bonds broken. Will they reach the summit in time and who will walk away with the money?”
The announcement about “The Summit” was made at Nine’s Upfronts event, where the broadcaster also unveiled a significant shake-up to its streaming platform 9Now, indicating it is shifting towards being a digital-first broadcaster instead of its traditional focus on linear television.
It also made a number of other programming announcements including a new drama series “Human Error”, a special event series “Australia’s Most Identical”, a two-part dramatisation of Shane Warne’s life, a local version of “Gordon Ramsay’s Food Stars” and new dating format “My Mum Your Dad” hosted by Kate Langbroek.