After controversy following its announcement, The Activist is being turned into a docuseries.
The X-factor modelled reality show, The Activist, will be changing its format. This follows a large amount of backlash that the CBS Network, Global Citizen, and Live Nation received after its announcement. The show was going to feature Usher, Priyanka Chopra Jones, and Julianne Hough as judges, but will now be a documentary series that features activists and the “tireless work” they partake in.
In a statement by the production companies, they stated that “the format of the show distracts from the vital work these incredible activists do in their communities every day. The push for global change is not a competition and requires a global effort. [Instead] we will showcase the tireless work of six activists and the impact they have advocating for causes they deeply believe in. Each activist will be awarded a cash grant for the organisation of their choice, as was planned for the original show.”
Hough also released a statement following the show’s criticism, stating that the show itself felt like “the oppression Olympics”. She also stated how it was disrespectful of activists that have been killed or jailed for what they fight for. She also acknowledged her inability to act as a judge on the show, having made a name as a dancer.
Notable Criticism
One of the critics of The Activist is Clover Hogan, who has written about her experience having been approached to appear on the show. To summarise, she described how the producers avoided questions about the show and how it would bring light to activism. When describing her activism, she was told her story was “too complicated”, and was made to recite her background repeatedly to the point of tears. She was then finally being told that show was a competition that would make activists compete for resources.
“I remember thinking I was in a Black Mirror episode. When the call ended, I cried & called my mum. The whole time, I was made to feel as if I was failing a test”.
While originally set to air in late October, a new air date for the show’s re-making has yet to be announced.