I’ll happily admit that we’re reality tv show addicts. I don’t like the oh-so-sleazy Big Brother, or the not-so-talented Australian/American Idol. But we’re hooked on pretty much all the others.
So when I was invited to the taping of a finale show, I couldn’t resist! Admittedly, it wasn’t Survivor (I wish!) or even the Apprentice, but rather a new, little known show called The Ambasasdor.
And it’s no wonder I hadn’t heard of it: it’s an Israeli reality show. The show “pits 14 young Israelis against one another in tasks designed to test their skills at selling Israel’s image”.
Yes, I am serious.
The production values didn’t quite rival a Mark Burnett program, but I can see how you’d get hooked. Tasks include arguing Israel’s case at Cambridge University, selling holidays to Israel on the Champs Elysees, and persuading Swedes to do volunteer work in a Israeli kibbutz. Today’s challenge was to deliver a speech on the topic of peace, to United Nations staff etc congregated in the Trusteeship Council Chamber.
The program has stirred up a lot of controversy (apparently) and is watched by one in three Israelis. Tune in to the series finale in May and you’ll see me, in a very prominent seat by the door, as the four finalists enter. It screens on channel 2 on the Israeli network.
Maybe their presence explains the heightened security mentioned in the prior article…
2 comments
It sounds like a joke from some ‘we’re drunk, let’s dream up tv show ideas’ conversation.
Will there be a board game?
Anything is possible! I certainly went along for the gag factor thinking, “could this actually be for real?”