Survivor Philippines: Dear gaad, the Lolo of Reality TV is Tired. Let it rest.

I so want to be objective about GMA’s franchise of Survivor. But having watched eight seasons of the original series, it’s hard not to wonder —- what they were thinking?! See, the grand daddy of Reality TV? It’s a tired franchise. It’s that septuagenarian who needs 16 hours of sleep everyday.

The USA program, the only version that has achieved success among its 50 or so versions all over the world, has been popping Viagra the past three years. Get my drift?

What I mean is, after its 8th or 9th season with Jeff Probst, the show has been given constant boosts just so it sustains public interest. Take away "Exile Island", take away the "race card" they pulled three seasons ago, take away the "fans vs. favorite" concept…you end up with a predictable borefest, pretty much. Which is why, after the All-Stars season (8th), I don’t watch Survivor anymore. All that hoopla’s not doing anything for me. It ends the same way, anyway. 

So, imagine me not jumping up and down when this made its way on the internet:

 
Is GMA7 stuck in…2002? Because this would have been a good idea then.

Sure, Survivor remains a strong show over there on Uncle Sam’s turf. And why wouldn’t it? They’re not used to living in a tropical island.  They don’t eat rice everyday. Or endure mosquitoes. The concept is fascinating to them. And need I remind you, the American version is the only one that’s a hit? Survivor Australia failed, Survivor Japan failed, Survivor Belgium failed…I could go on. 

So, why do it GMA? Why do it, when you had a successful Extra Challenge years ago? Everyone’s been saying it’s our version of Survivor then; perhaps an even better version for local viewers because it’s "more Pinoy." Why risk a comparison? 

Of course, I could be wrong and the network may manage to pull off a successful franchise of this. But I do still think it’s a tired, tired concept the network could be wasting money on. They should’ve franchised The Apprentice. It’s so much more relevant to this country. 

If I may offer a suggestion? Do Survivor Philippines differently. What’s interesting about Filipinos roughing it on the beach or a remote island, when I see that on the news constantly?

So, here’s what you should do — Pick interesting contestants. With real characters. With huge personalities. Have the contestants compete in cold weather, like Alaska. Have them build fire inside igloos, or fish for food on frozen lakes. Do it when it’s summer over there when the sun shines 19 hours a day or at winter time when there’s daylight for only four hours! Wouldn’t that be a real test of survival for a Pinoy?

Then I would really be impressed with this franchise idea.