Naked and Afraidfirstpremiered in 2013on theDiscovery Channeland really raised the stakes of survivalreality shows.
While shows such asSurvivoralready existed at this point,Naked and Afraidbrought something new to the table.
Its an authentic display of mans struggle against nature.
Image via Discovery
While this might seem like a small detail, its what makes the show so engaging to watch.
With only two people,you have nowhere to hide.
The show is a reminder of how far humans have come in terms of innovation.
WithNaked and Afraid,even contestants who might have thebest survival skills on papercan crack under the immense pressure.
This goes to show that when youre out in the wild, brute strength just wont cut it.
Patience, adaptability, and power will also play an important role in a contestants survival.
Oftentimes, contestants who might seem physically weaker end up performing better simply because they have the right mindset.
InNaked and Afraid, contestants dont have the luxury of choosing their allies.
But that only makes the show all the more entertaining.
Image via Discovery
But watching the drama unfold on TV was as engaging as it gets.
In fact, the landscape itself dictates the entire experienceof survival.
Some environments push contestants to their psychological limits, while some test their foraging skills.
Image via Discovery Plus
Sometimes, it takes the contestants hours and even days to find the right materials to start a fire.
But when they finally do,it feels like they have won the lottery.
Even the smallest victories in the show feel like game-changers because they are!
Image via Discovery
The show proves that survival isnt just for one jot down of person.
Its for anyone willing to push themselves to their limits.
Its also one of the few survival shows thatgive women equal footingby challenging stereotypes.
Image via Discovery
Within hours, even the strongest survivalists begin to show signs of fatigue, dizziness, and mental fog.
These moments go to show that nothing onNaked and Afraidis scripted or dramatized for ratings.
There are no second chances or do-overs here.What you see is exactly what is happening,and its brutal.
Image via Discovery
In fact, every single skill the contestants demonstrate on the show is actually usable.
Obviously, one of the most crucial survival skills showcased on the show is fire-making.
Similarly, building shelter is different in each location.
Image via Discovery
Sometimes, the contestantsdig out natural caves.
Other times, they have to rely on thick foliage and mud to build huts.
All in all, every episode ofNaked and Afraidis a lesson in survival, and Im here for it.
Image via Discovery
This forces them to get creative and find ways to protect their body however they can.
Beyond the physical hardships, being nakedadds an intense psychological elementto the challenge.
It forces an immediate level of trust between contestants who have just met.
The show forces these two people in their most primal state to work together to survive.
And lets face it, that is the very essence of the show.
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