Darkness

Launched in 2017 by the Discovery Channel, Darkness is a unique adventure reality series that literally takes viewers into the depths of darkness. Utilizing groundbreaking technology in the realm of sensory deprivation, the show creatively challenges the fear of darkness, of the unknown, and of the primal, ruthless struggle for survival.

Darkness is not just another survival reality show. It digs much deeper into human cognition, psychology, and instinctive responses, by plunging its cast members into complete and utter darkness for up to six days. This is not just about surviving harsh environments or about ingenuity in the face of difficulties, Darkness explores the untapped aspects of human survival when deprived of sight, their most dominant sense.

Touch, smell, and hearing suddenly become the only way for cast members to navigate the dark abyss. Here, these everyday adventurers are pushed to their absolute limits as they are stripped of their modern comforts and the all-important sense of sight. Each distinct episode follows the journey of a completely new cast, each group having the duty to explore and survive a different harsh environment entirely shrouded in darkness.

The series creatively takes survival shows to a new level, as would-be survivors are placed in different terrains ranging from subterranean caves and abandoned mines to pitch-black swamps. The question is not only will they survive against the unforgiving environments they're placed in, but could they also prevail over the mind games that darkness plays?

The fascinating angle of the show is that it hands viewers absolute control over visibility. While the participants must grope their way through the inky abyss, cutting-edge night vision cameras capture their movements and the environment around them. The viewers, therefore, are an integral part of the journey, watching everything unfold in the dark, in a less-than-comfortable seating position on the edge of their seats.

Over the course of their confinement, the cast members are faced with unthinkable challenges that test their limits physically, psychologically, and emotionally. It becomes a battle of grit, guts, and mental strength as they must rely on their survival skills and fight off intense fear and the overwhelming sense of claustrophobia. What sets this show apart from many survival-based reality shows is its subtle commentary on the human will to survive against visceral fears.

As is expected, the show's producers take considerable safety measures to protect the cast. A professional medical and safety crew is always on stand-by, monitoring the crew's vital signs, ready to step in if anyone signals a physical or mental health scare that requires immediate intervention.

One of the defining features of Darkness is its production value. The use of high-tech infrared and thermal cameras is extraordinary, offering remarkable clarity that draws the audience into the experience, making them feel as if they are right there with the contestants. The unseen danger lurking in different elements of the environment, coupled with the eerie buzzing sounds of the night, creates a unique ambience that drives up the tension, ensuring that there's never a dull moment.

The subjects involved in the missions vary tremendously, ranging from the experienced to the novice, each bringing a unique perspective and approach to survival. Their unique backgrounds further add to the dynamics of the show, as Darkness is as much about the interaction of its cast in stressful situations as it is about navigating the challenging environment.

Beyond the adrenaline rush and edge-of-your-seat suspense, Darkness is also a show about confrontation. Each participant confronts their raw, elemental fears and their deepest selves. With external stimulation minimized to a great extent, confessions, introspection, self-revelations, and clashes are inevitable, shedding light on the human psyche in its most vulnerable form.

In conclusion, Darkness is an amalgamation of fear, endurance, and human will. It tests more than just survival skills; it tests the human spirit. The innovative series blends adventure and psychology, offering viewers a unique perspective not only on survival but on humanity itself.