Before there was Survivor and The Amazing Race, there was Eco-Challenge. The ultra-endurance race created by Mark Burnett evolved as a television format first on MTV, then on ESPN, eventually making its way to Discovery and then USA.
It was great television because it was a pure competition, with dozens and dozens of teams of racers making their way across difficult and varied terrains, pushed beyond any reasonable limits in conditions that looked all the more harrowing from the comfort of your couch.
Of course, it turned out viewers loved the alliances and contrivances of Survivor and there was deep critical affection for the wide-reaching internationalism and logistical hurdles of The Amazing Race, while Eco-Challenge never quite settled.
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