Bear Grylls is back with another thrilling adventure, this time featuring celebrities facing the ultimate test of survival skills. The highly anticipated series, Celebrity Bear Hunt, is set to premiere on Netflix on February 5, 2023. Co-hosted by popular television personality Holly Willoughby, the show promises to deliver adrenaline-filled moments as well-loved celebrities like Mel B, Shirley Ballas, and Boris Becker are plunged deep within the Central American jungle.
What can audiences expect? The premise of Celebrity Bear Hunt revolves around twelve stars who are sent to Costa Rica, where they must learn survival skills before being put through the paces in what Grylls describes as "a brutal game of cat and mouse." During the course of the show, these celebrities will not only learn how to survive outdoors but also be hunted by Grylls himself. Speaking on BBC's The One Show, Grylls remarked, "At the end there was one winner - a real hero emerges." His excitement is palpable, stating, "Most of these 12, in fact all of these 12, had never done anything like this before, first time in the jungle."
The lineup of personalities participating is quite diverse, featuring Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, Steph McGovern, Joe Thomas, Danny Cipriani, Leomie Anderson, Lottie Moss, Big Zuu, and Kola Bokinni, each bringing their unique flavor to the competition.
But it’s not just about the thrill of being hunted. The series is described as being about “stealth survival,” as Grylls aims to teach the participants how to become adept at remaining hidden and camouflaged. Unlike previous survival shows where the emphasis was on being found, this series takes on a new approach, pushing participants to merge with the environment as they learn to survive.
Grylls described the experience as "a baptism of fire" for the celebrities and believed it would challenge them on many levels. He noted, “A lot to process, a lot to go wrong because there are obviously dangers already in the jungle, so steep learning curve but they did great. Most of them did great!” With such emphasis on physical challenges, it's anticipated to be both comedic and competitive.
During the same interview, Grylls shared some of his personal experiences, admitting to feeling nervous and uncomfortable when filming reality shows. He said, “I really don’t like the cameras... they just discretely turn them on, and they know I find it hard.” Despite appearing fearless, he revealed his struggles, adding, “When I first started, it was like you were trying to get away from the camera.” This candidness contributes to his authenticity, both as a survival expert and as someone who experiences vulnerability.
Shirley Ballas, the head judge of Strictly Come Dancing, stood out to Grylls during filming. He praised her resilience, enthusing, “You don’t get to the top of the dance profession...unless you are calm in a crisis, laser-focused and determined.” This statement highlights how even those perceived as vulnerable can rise to challenges unexpectedly. Ballas' participation resonates with many viewers, particularly those who recognize how challenging it can be to step outside one’s comfort zone.
The format for Celebrity Bear Hunt follows Netflix's traditional release strategy, with all episodes dropping at 8 AM on February 5. This means viewers can binge-watch the entire first season without anxiety about waiting for subsequent episodes. Netflix has cultivated this strategy to keep easily engaged audiences interested, and it will undoubtedly be the case for this new offering from Grylls.
With the celebrity lineup, action-packed adventure, and Grylls at the helm, Celebrity Bear Hunt is set to be the new must-watch series for those craving something off the beaten path. It combines humor with high-stakes challenges, as Grylls leads his stars through the wild, helping them navigate the risky environment, undoubtedly creating unforgettable moments along the way.
The audience has much to look forward to as they prepare for the exciting survival show. With Grylls’ experience and charisma blended with the celebrities’ charm, the series sets the stage for entertaining television. Don’t miss the premiere on Netflix!