The Buried Life

The Buried Life is an MTV reality series that follows the exciting and eye-opening journey of four young men—Duncan Penn, Jonnie Penn, Ben Nemtin, and Dave Lingwood—as they navigate North America in a retrofitted purple transit bus to follow their shared dream list, aiming to cross off '100 things to do before you die'. The show first premiered on MTV in 2010 and quickly garnered a faithful fan base due to its heartening central theme and the amicable camaraderie between the friends.

The show's title, 'The Buried Life,' is derived from a poem by Matthew Arnold, symbolizing the idea that everyone has a list of goals and ambitions that tend to get buried by everyday responsibilities and pressures. It is the inspiring determination of reclaiming these 'buried' dreams and aspirations from the lethargy of routine life that gives the show its unique appeal.

The uniqueness of the series lies in its philanthropic twist. Instead of just ticking off their bucket list, the team has committed to helping a stranger realize one of their dreams every time they achieve one of their own - capturing the essence of an inspirational give-and-take that not only invigorates their thrilling adventure but also touches and changes the lives of people they encounter along their journey.

Ben Nemtin, one of the stars of the show, has been integral in crafting the charismatic and empathetic persona of the group. His escapades range from the delightfully whimsical—like crashing a party at the Playboy mansion—to socially poignant—like delivering meals to the homeless. His unique blend of energy, audacity, compassion, humor, and sincere desire to help others spells a captivating narrative in every episode.

Throughout the series, the foursome approach their shared bucket list with an undeterred resolve, whether it's playing ball with the President, kissing the Stanley Cup, or making a toast at a stranger's wedding. The show pulls no punches in showing the struggles, rejections, and obstacles they face, which makes their every success even more resonant. The documentation of their gutsy pursuit of dreams, often against all odds, serves as an optimistic testament to the human spirit and its boundless potential.

The Buried Life offers more than just entertaining television. Its unique premise fostered a significant following and maximized its outreach to inspire and empower countless others to pursue their dreams. The spirit of the series was instrumental in bringing about a tangible difference in people's lives. Stories of viewers, inspired by their journey, quitting mundane jobs to follow their passions or helping out strangers on their way, are not uncommon.

Throughout the series, the team cultivates an electrifying camaraderie that lends a comforting charm to their endeavors. Their individual personality traits—be it Duncan's methodical manner, Jonnie's thoughtful introspection, Ben's bold determination, or Dave's uninhibited creativity—harmoniously weave together to create a compelling tapestry of personalities. Their shared dream list, undying enthusiasm, and their commitment to help others knit them together as a team while allowing their distinct individuality to shine.

The series widely resonated for its authenticity. The palpable emotions—be it despair, joy, anxiety, or triumph—associated with the audacious pursuit of dreams, and the earnest intent to make a positive difference, go well beyond the bounds of scripted reality television. The show also does an excellent job of visually capturing the diverse cultural, architectural and geographical expanses of North America—as the team traverses through big cities, small towns, local pubs, iconic landmarks, idyllic countryside, and more, toward their desired experiences.

The Buried Life extends beyond the screen, inspiring and aiding a widespread movement of crafting and pursuing personal bucket lists. The show is accompanied by a best-selling book (published by Penguin Books) and a mobile app that allows viewers to create, share, and tackle their own lists, fostering a large and inclusive community of dream-chasers.

The Buried Life is an uplifting, compelling, and transformative watch that blends entertainment, inspiration, and social intent with finesse. With Ben Nemtin and his comrades as our guides, the series pushes us to unearth our buried dreams, reclaim our lives, and make the world a better place along the way. This is not merely a television show, but a movement that advocates for the power of dreams and the beauty of shared human connection.