Channel Seven’s new Hunger Games-style reality show Million Dollar Island has been called an “amateur rip-off from Survivor.”
Million Dollar Island aired Monday night on Channel Seven.
And many viewers at home weren’t impressed with what they saw, with many comparing the reality show to Survivor’s similar format.
Developed by the team behind Wife Swap and Big Brother, Million Dollar Island sees 100 participants compete for $1 million in a survival game on a remote island.
One viewer complained on Twitter, “Feels like an amateur rip off from Survivor.”
Another mused, “How are these shows ever going to be commissioned?” Meeting Channel Seven: “We’re going to have a bunch of people on one island, they’re going to do different jobs and there’s going to be a lot of backstabbing along the way.”
Million Dollar Island aired Monday night on Channel Seven. And many viewers at home weren’t impressed with what they saw, with many comparing the reality show to Survivor’s similar format. Pictured: host Ant Middleton
Me: “Oh, you mean like Survivor, the program that already exists?” they added.
“Million Dollar Island is like Survivor hasn’t had a compelling cast for four straight seasons and the core gameplay mechanic is hoping someone else quits,” said another.
“Survivor on steroids,” another social media user commented, “It’s just Survivor but with so many players.”
“Million Dollar Island is 100% just a survivor rip off with more participants and a worse host,” wrote another.
“I knew it was going to be a flop. Just a glorified survivor… I can feel my IQ dropping every minute. I didn’t tweet anyone else.
Developed by the team behind Wife Swap and Big Brother, Million Dollar Island sees 100 participants compete for $1 million in a survival game on a remote island
Despite the complaints, Ant Middleton, star of SAS Australia and the show’s new host, said the concept will be a must-watch on TV
Despite the complaints, Ant Middleton, 42, star of SAS Australia and the show’s new host, said the concept will be a must-watch on TV.
“Think The Hunger Games meets Lost… but not quite as brutal,” the former British Special Forces soldier said in a statement.
“This is a tough challenge for normal, everyday Australians.” Literally anyone can apply. You don’t have to be the strongest or the strongest to win big.
“I can’t wait to see what the Australian participants have, how well they know themselves and how far they will go to change their lives.”
Contestants must learn to survive on the uninhabited island while competing for 100 bracelets, ultimately worth $1 million.
One viewer complained on Twitter: “Feels like an amateur rip off from Survivor”
Each participant starts the game with a $10,000 bracelet. More bracelets are won and lost in duels and challenges.
Friendships and alliances are crucial to victory, as if a contestant leaves the island, they must surrender their bracelets to a contestant who remains behind.
Seven’s chief executive Angus Ross said Adventurer Ant is the perfect choice to host the franchise, which is based on a popular Dutch format.
He said: ‘[Middleton] is smart, tough and a brilliant strategist – qualities that will be invaluable as he plunges into what promises to be the most compelling and intriguing new series Australia has seen in a while.”
Contestants must learn to survive on the uninhabited island while competing for 100 bracelets, ultimately worth $1 million