Fear Factor
From LoveToKnow Reality-TV
Although no longer on the air, Fear Factor was one of the most successful shows in reality TV history. The program, which ran for six seasons on NBC, pitted contestants against each other in a series of stunts, some of which were physically challenging and some of which were “gross out” style challenges. The prize for each show was $50,000.
Fear Factor made reality TV history when it became the first reality show to go into syndication.
Fear Factor Format
The format of Fear Factor changed over the seasons. For the first four seasons the contestants competed as individuals – usually three men and three women - each competing on their own. After the fourth season, in the face of declining ratings, Fear Factor changed things for competitors. They moved to using four teams, each with two people. The teams were often made up of romantic partners or friends.
Each episode of Fear Factor contained three rounds of stunts, and during each a round a contestant (or a few contestants, depending on the format), were eliminated from the game.
The first challenge usually involved some kind of physical challenge with an element of fear, like walking on tightropes high in the air or bungee jumping. Contestants that refused to complete the challenge were automatically eliminated, as were contestants who did not complete the challenge successfully. If everyone completed the first stunt, then contestants were judged based on some predetermined factor, like speed or endurance.
The second challenge was always the “gross out” challenge. This was meant to see how far the contestants could be pushed mentally. Often this challenge involved eating bugs, allowing snakes to climb on them, or some other challenge involving an animal. The contestants who either refused to participate or who do not successfully complete the challenge are eliminated.
The remaining contestants then move on to the third and final stunt. This challenge was usually based on a stunt in a movie and was much higher stakes than the other challenges. The contestants were judged based on a predetermined factor, such as time or endurance, much like the first challenge. The winning contestant in this round was the winner of the $50,000 prize.
In addition to the normal episodes, Fear Factor had several special edition shows, like newlyweds, models, best friends, celebrities and more. Each show followed the same format as the standard episodes.
Fear Factor Controversy
Throughout its time on the air, Fear Factor was a lightening rod for controversy. Some people objected to all of the stunts, claiming they were too dangerous and Fear Factor was playing with people’s lives just for TV ratings. The bulk of the complaints about the show, however, centered around the second stunt. This stunt usually involved animals, and many believed that the show was putting animals in danger. Hollywood animal trainers often refused to work on the show for this reason.
Fear Factor Recipes
The popularity of the Fear Factor TV show gave rise to an interest in hosting Fear Factor inspired parties. From kids’ birthday parties to adult gatherings, Fear Factor themed events started popping up all over the place.
One of the most popular events at these types of parties is to replicate the gross-out stunt in the show by whipping up some unappealing foods and then daring partygoers to eat them. If you want to throw one of these kinds of parties, these websites are good place to find Fear Factor recipes:
- Pop Goes The Library – This website offers yucky recipes designed with kids in mind. Clam milkshake, anyone?
- Thrifty Fun – Thrifty Fun has lots of recipes that sound gross – like kitty litter cake – but the joke at the end is that they actually taste good.
Your Ideas
Do you have some good Fear Factor inspired recipes? Share them in our comment section!
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This page has been accessed 673 times. This page was last modified 03:23, 1 December 2008.
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