In the merciless arena of reality TV, a new contender emerges, promising a twist both intriguing and potentially stomach-churning. FOX’s “Extracted” drops 12 untrained individuals into the unforgiving Canadian wilderness, but with a catch – their families hold the power to pull them out. So, forget individual grit; this survival game hinges on familial bonds, strategic alliances, and maybe just a touch of good old-fashioned betrayal. Check out the trailer below.
Debuting Monday, February 10 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT), “Extracted” presents a fascinating inversion of the survival show trope. While contestants grapple with frostbite and foraging, their families, nestled in a remote headquarters, watch the 24/7 live feed, wielding the power of the “Extract” button. A touch of a button, and their loved one is whisked away from the perils of the wild, ending their shot at the $250,000 prize, but ensuring their safety.
The families aren’t just bystanders in this high-stakes drama; they are active players, forming alliances and making strategic decisions. They can send vital resources to their wilderness-bound relatives or, if they deem it necessary, exert pressure for them to tap out. One can only imagine the fraught conversations, the second-guessing, and the potential for epic family blowouts.
Coming from the producers of “Alone” and “Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test,” “Extracted” appears to understand the reality TV recipe: compelling characters, high-stakes situations, and a healthy dose of interpersonal drama. Whether the family dynamic enhances or undermines the core survival concept is the central question. Will we witness heartwarming displays of support or Machiavellian power plays fueled by greed? Either way, it’s bound to be messy, and that’s exactly why I’ll be watching.
“Extracted” is produced by B17 Entertainment, Balboa Productions, and FOX Alternative Entertainment for FOX. Executive producers are Rhett Bachner, Brien Meagher, and Chris Mundy.