The Bridge

An RTS panel looks at the success of reality television

I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! (Credit: ITV)

Reality TV is arguably bigger than ever. The term was first coined in the 1990s, as producers turned unscripted “real-life” situations into com­pulsive viewing with shows such as Survivor and Big Brother. More than 25 years later, the genre is ubiquitous across linear and streamed TV.

Consider the channel-defining success of ITV’s Love Island, Netflix’s Too Hot To Handle or the huge popularity of the latest series of Channel 4’s The Great British Bake Off.

James McAvoy set to narrate Channel 4’s The Bridge

The Bridge will bring together 12 total strangers who all need to work together and trust each other to try and win £100,000.

Brought to an idyllic lakeside in the British countryside, the 12 strangers have no idea about the challenge that awaits them but are ready and excited for an adventure.

The big money prize is just out of reach, 250 metres away from the contestants across the lake, so to reach the grand prize they have 20 days to build a bridge that will get them to the money.