Manu Bennett's Thrilling Confession: 'The Summit' Holds Us Captive

Ah, reality television—where the only thing more unpredictable than human behavior is whether or not the Wi-Fi connections hold up in the mountains. CBS is about to add a new gem to its budding collection of thrill-in-the-hills shows with a little something they like to call The Summit. Imagine 16 brave souls embarking on the wildest, most treacherous Instagram opportunity of their lives, led by none other than Kiwi action star Manu Bennett. It’s not just a physical journey; it’s a psychological labyrinth awaiting to ensnare the unsuspecting. What could possibly go wrong?

As they set their sights on the lofty peaks nestled in the picturesque New Zealand Alps, it becomes crystal clear: the true test isn’t just the rocky terrain but the human dynamics at play. Bennett describes this as a moral battleground: “Am I in it for the glory, or do I need to rely on these people and risk being stabbed in the back?” Welcome to reality TV, where trust is as elusive as a decent Wi-Fi signal in the middle of nowhere.

When the curtains part on September 29th for an exclusive sneak peek, viewers will be taken on a precarious journey where the stakes can—and often do—climb just as high as the mountains themselves. Think of it as a caffeinated cocktail made from the finest elements of The Amazing Race and Survivor, shaken, stirred, and served cold against the backdrop of nature’s beauty—a true feast for the eyes, if you can look past the sweat and tears!

But let’s get one thing straight: the mountain is not just a pretty face. While it may look like a stunning postcard, the reality is that it’s an unforgiving beast. With sharp cliffs and melting ice, it's meticulously trained a former climbing legend, Sir Edmund Hillary, before he famously tackled Everest. And just in case you think the only danger is turning your ankle, Bennett offers a grim warning: “We could hear the splits of ice and the thunder of falling rocks all around us. Come for the breathtaking views, stay for the heart-stopping, potential near-death experiences!”

But fear not, dear viewer; they have safety crews, bless their brave hearts, who scurry about testing the terrain before our unsuspecting contestants arrive. Bennett stressed the irony of traversing a mountain so alive and unpredictable, stating, “We don't own the summit.” Talk about a brutal reminder that nature does not play by the rules of reality TV!

Now, one might think that a group stranded on a mountain would be united by their trials, but no—the plot thickens. Bennett likens the experience to sending eager souls into a shark-infested sea with surfboards in hand. “There are consequences everywhere when gravity is in the mix—and trust me, it’s just waiting to snatch someone from the pack,” he quips.

As the contestants hilariously plunge into their unforeseen fate, Bennett admits he was more of a nervous bystander during their “meet cute” at the mountain base. “I showed up expecting a casual little chat, but their faces told me everything when they saw the rock they’d be climbing. I could practically hear their souls leaving their bodies,” he chuckles. But excitement swells when he mentions the bag of cash worth a whopping $1 million that serves as a not-so-subtle reminder of what’s at stake.

The cast is a delightful melting pot, representing everything from a Trader Joe's bagger to an MMA referee, proving that life experiences often tell the most fascinating stories—especially under duress. Each contestant brings a distinct gameplay strategy to the summit, because, let’s face it, this isn’t just about survival; it’s a game of social chess where one player’s misstep could write someone else's eviction notice. Forget alliances; it’s a matter of keeping your weakest link from becoming the next casualty of the mountain’s merciless ascent.

And just when you think you’ve got your bearings, enter The Mountain's Keeper. Like an unexpected guest at a party, they ensure the elements of chaos and distrust linger in the air. Just when the group thinks they’re safe, the Keeper's wild card flips the script, reminding them that nothing is ever guaranteed—even at the peak of their success.

So, as The Summit prepares to unveil itself on CBS, the burning question lingers: would you survive something like this? Manu Bennett, ever the charismatic oracle, admits, “I might have the skills, but what if I’m too outspoken or try to lead? Maybe the Keeper would put a target on my back!” Touché, Mr. Bennett—considering that even the hosts are not exempt from the chaos of reality.

As we gear up for the premiere, mark your calendars for this fantastic social experiment that promises to push everyone beyond their limits—and sanity! The Summit kicks off on CBS with a sneak peek September 29th at 9:00 PM EST before finding its true home on Wednesdays, starting October 9th at 9:30 PM. Who knows, we might just find ourselves stuck on the edge of our seats, hoping no one gets “cut off” from their dreams—or the group!