The Future of Survival Shows Post-IZONE

After the disbandment of IZONE following the controversy surrounding the Produce 101 show, it’s natural to wonder whether we'll see another survival show in the same vein. The answer, unfortunately, is probably not.

The Fall of Produce 101

Nope, absolutely not. Produce 101, the series that produced IZONE, aired another season after the group disbanded. However, this season was marred by severe controversies. The producer (PD) of the show was accused of manipulating votes and taking bribes. This led to a complete loss of trust among viewers, resulting in the disbandment of X1, which was formed during that season. CEO Yoon doesn't have a long time to live as the PD and other high-ranking officials are currently facing jail time.

If MNet were to attempt another season of Produce 101, even with a new producer, it would likely be met with intense backlash. Most companies wouldn't send their trainees, and the show would not be the same as before. The IZONE members themselves continue to face backlash and hate due to not disbanding. They stand as a product of a manipulated show, and the affected individuals have spoken out about the negative impact such shows can have on participants.

The Potential of a New Station?

Would it be possible for a different station to come up with a mass trainee survival show? Yes, it's possible, and it might not be exactly like Produce 101, but someone can definitely create something similar. However, I believe the era of mass, multi-company trainee result in temporary groups type of survival shows may have officially come to an end with Produce X 101. Other stations have tried their hand with shows like The Unit by KBS and MixNine, a collaboration between JBT and YG Entertainment. However, these shows were not nearly as popular as the Produce Series.

Forget the Bribery and Drama?

Frankly, I think it’s better this way. We live in an age where cancel culture reigns. These shows thrust numerous trainees into the spotlight before they are ready. Many are subjected to being manipulated to stir drama, resulting in them facing intense backlash from viewers. A mere hint of a negative rumor can destroy a trainee’s career before it even has the chance to thrive. Additionally, trainees are often subjected to extreme pressure with little to no sleep and are forced to present themselves as perfect, leading to public ridicule and harm to their mental health. While trainees face similar pressures within their own companies, at least these struggles are not broadcasted to the world to scrutinize and criticize.

Dirk('

Yes, I love a good survival show and find it exciting to watch the trainees work together to pursue the same dream and showcase their talents. However, in a way, I am glad that the era of these survival shows is over. It's a relief to see a shift towards a more responsible and mature approach in the entertainment industry. It's important to support and create content that is not only entertaining but also promotes the well-being and respectful treatment of young individuals.

Let's continue to enjoy and support shows that prioritize the participants' well-being and give them the chance to succeed in a fair and ethical manner. After all, the ultimate goal is to nurture talent and bring joy to audiences, not to manipulate and exploit individuals for ratings.