TYLER, Texas — Imagine going on a journey to the top of a mountain with a group of strangers all to win part of a $1 million grand prize. That's the concept of the new CBS show, "The Summit," which premieres on CBS19 this Sunday.
Bo Martin, who lives in Gun Barrel City, will be one of the contestants on "The Summit." Sixteen strangers, who have no prior climbing or camping experience, step into the unknown to test their character physically and mentally while reaching the peak of towering mountain, according to an announcement from CBS.
Now a retired teacher and coach of 30 years, Martin works at Tyler Athletics selling anything and everything an East Texas sports team would need. He also works part-time at Trinidad ISD, where he spent his last eight years of his career. Toward the end of his teaching and coaching career, Martin felt that there was something missing.
"I needed that adventure that I hadn’t fulfilled in my life -- so what an opportunity and an opportunity of a lifetime," Martin said.
Trying to reach the top of the treacherous New Zealand Alps was a journey Martin said was filled with challenging obstacles and long days.
"We (the contestants) got there, and it was hot, people wearing bathing suits and by that night it was snowing. I was like, 'oh, this is going to be kind of East Texas type stuff," Martin said.
Martin along with the other 15 contestants will have to overcome fears and new experiences in the show.
"Some of the stuff we did out there (in New Zealand), Bo would never do in Tyler, Texas," Martin said.
The announcement from CBS read, "with their backpacks containing an equal share of $1 million, the group must traverse an exhausting distance in just 14 days in order to win the cash they are carrying...not everyone will make it, as these strangers must work together to tackle the dangerous terrain, unforgiving Antarctic winds, heart-pounding challenges and gut-wrenching eliminations on their way to the peak."
Being a reality TV fan and watching all that he could with his wife, Martin knew to use his coaching skills as an advantage.
"As a coach, I mean we got to come together as a unit and get this thing done," Martin said. "Man I tell you what, some great friends that I got to meet."
Morals and relationships will be tested in the show when contestants have to figure out what to do if someone falls behind. Fair warning though: if the group fails to reach the summit in time, all the prize money will be lost.
"It’s a lot of excitement and it’s going to be a great show and I recommend everyone tune in and watch it," Martin said.
After the premiere episode, "The Summit" will move to its regular time slot of Wednesday nights, starting Oct. 9 at 8:30 p.m. An encore of the first episode will air Wednesday, Oct. 2 at 8:30 p.m.
The show will be hosted by actor and New Zealand native Manu Bennett. The "Mountain Keeper" will be tracking their journey and surprising the trekkers with brutal twists and force decisions that will complicate their ascent.
The show will be available to stream on Paramount+ the day after each episode airs.