There are a number of other survival shows out there-- such as "Naked & Afraid", "Dual Survivor", "Dude You're Screwed", "Survivorman", "Man vs Wild", etc. "Alone" may be the most extreme of the group. It's about endurance and out lasting the other contestants. The show follows 10 survival experts who go it alone in the wilderness for as long as possible. Each person gets 10 items from an approved list of 40. Check out their picks here Examples include: a sleeping bag, multitool, bow and arrows, saw, ax, knife, ferro rod, paracord, pot, frying pan, etc.
The contestants are truly alone. They film themselves (instead of having a crew follow them around). They may tap out or be removed from show if deemed medically necessary. The last person standing receives $500,000. The show can take up to a year.
The first (2015), second and fourth seasons had the participants alone on Vancouver Island in British Columbia. The fourth season was also different in that, instead of going it alone, there were 7 teams of 2 family members each. The third season had them in a national park in Patagonia, Argentina. Season 5 was in Northern Mongolia and had prev participants who tapped out returning. Season 6 takes place south of the arctic circle near Great Slave Lake in the Northwest Territories.
There are Danish and Norwegian versions of the show as well as a US spinoff called "Alone: The Beast". It aired in January 2020. Here, three people try to survive the Arctic for 30 days with no tools or supplies except for a freshly killed animal (a 1000 lb moose).
Besides their 10 survival items, contestants also have 65 lbs of camera equipment, clothes and a first aid kit. They also have a satellite phone to be used only for tapping out.
It is interesting to see what long term isolation does to people. Most contestants say being mentally prepared is much more important than being physically prepared. Some people deal with isolation fine and some get home sick early on. The last two survivors this season both had a good sense of humor and positive outlook on life. I think Jordan could have stayed out there indefinitely at the rate he was going. The reunion between Jordan and his wife Janahlee was particularly touching. He is very deserving winner. I just wish a little money went to second place. Woniya is one tough cookie as well.
Grade: No grade assigned to reality shows.
Photo Credits:
https://www.offgridweb.com/gear/poll-what-10-items-would-make-your-alone-survival-gear-list/
https://www.newsadvance.com/entertainment/features/lynchburg-resident-survives-the-arctic-and-takes-home-500-000-on-historys-alone/article_4e49915d-7105-57fd-b114-be019260c5b9.html
https://www.history.com/shows/alone/cast
GMonsterTV
TV: Heavy On Horror, Sci Fi, Fantasy & AdventureJune 14, 2020
I agree on the money issue. There should be a scale, winner gets most $$, 2nd place gets second most $$, and on down the line. Maybe they get some basic TV fee, and replay fees, as well as website $$. Who knows.
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