Preparing to climb a mountain can only go so far; the real understanding of the challenge hits once you start the adventure.

This idea also relates to reality competition shows like “Survivor” and “The Challenge,” which test contestants to their limits, both physically and mentally. The new CBS series, “The Summit” (Wednesdays at 9:30 EDT/PDT), presents participants with treacherous landscapes, tough challenges, and moral choices while they aim for a summit in the New Zealand Alps.

Launching last month, the show features sixteen strangers who carry a total of $1 million in cash in their backpacks. Over a 14-day journey, they must make it to several checkpoint camps, where they will vote each other out of the competition.

Throughout this expedition, they face various challenges and must navigate tough decisions dictated by the daunting “Mountain Keeper” who supervises the trek. If the contestants don’t reach the summit in 14 days, they leave without any winnings.

While fans of reality TV might notice repeated themes around determination and trickery, the creators of this series aimed to introduce new elements that set it apart.

“What makes us different from ‘Survivor’ or ‘The Amazing Race’ is the concept of gravity. The risk is substantial,” said host Manu Bennett to YSL News. “I tell the contestants that their challenge is to reach the summit, and that reality pushes them beyond their usual boundaries.”

Here’s how the producers of “The Summit” crafted the experience, from not revealing the mountain climbing aspect to making safety a top priority.

What expectations did contestants have?

As depicted in the series premiere, the inexperienced climbers were unaware they would be scaling Mount Head in New Zealand’s Southern Alps until the journey began.

Producer Kevin Lee, who has experience with “The Challenge,” informed participants beforehand that they wouldn’t be signing up for an easy experience.

“We just told them, ‘Hey, you won’t know exactly what you’ll be doing, but trust me, it’s going to be tough. So start jogging now,'” Lee recounted to YSL News.

The unknown aspect of the competition is essential, as a constantly shifting format keeps it lively for not only the climbers but also the audience at home, according to Lee.

“The format is much more unpredictable and flexible than in ‘The Challenge,'” Lee explained. “It’s unclear if only one person will win or if multiple contestants could win. Changes occur daily with different tasks assigned by the Mountain Keeper.”

What makes the show emotionally intense?

Even though it’s a competition, the deep connections formed among the climbers lead to some truly heart-wrenching moments on screen.

Not only do they have to vote each other out openly, but the Mountain Keeper also heightens betrayals throughout the series.

“They must lean on each other to succeed in their mountain ascent, but they can also deceive each other for a chance at more money, which leads to a fascinating yet harsh dynamic that stirs powerful emotions,” Lee commented.

With new dilemmas presented in every episode, the Mountain Keeper reinforces to the players that reaching the summit takes priority over friendship.

“This is what makes the show unique. Viewers witness these individuals accomplishing something they never thought possible. But, of course, it’s a ruthless environment where they might be voted out, creating a balance of emotions,” Lee added.

What is the crew size for this mountain climb?

Safety is also a crucial aspect of the climbing experience.

While the show features 16 contestants, they are supported by a crew of 50 people, including camera operators, mountain safety teams, an obstacle course crew, and medical staff on standby.

This large crew is essential for ensuring safety in such a hazardous setting, according to Lee.

“Our mountain safety team walks beside every contestant to ensure no one accidentally walks off a cliff or consumes something poisonous,” he detailed. “They are always present while the contestants are navigating.”

Walking alongside the participants, sharing their camp experiences, and having helicopters ready to assist if needed.

How were the contestants selected for the show?

According to Lee, since a series about professional climbers might not engage viewers as much, producers aimed to find an ideal group of strangers who could safely, albeit with difficulty, reach the summit.

The contestants went through numerous background checks, health assessments, stress evaluations, and auditions to identify a suitable group.

“It’s not an exact process, but that’s our goal. It will be extremely tough for them, and while they might not all succeed, they stand a chance,” Lee commented.

During the first episode, 36-year-old Texas media director Tony Reyes had to be airlifted due to fainting on the first day. Medical staff removed him from the competition even though he was eager to continue.

“Everyone is supporting him. He’s a strong individual, having completed a marathon before joining the show. We believed he could do it, and I think he would have if he had survived that initial day,” Lee shared.

Why was Manu Bennett selected as the host?

Manu Bennett was chosen as the host of “The Summit” for his charismatic “action movie star” presence and because he hails from New Zealand, as explained by Lee.

“His enthusiasm for the project was something we thought would resonate well on the show,” Lee added. “Since he’s from the region, I believe it gave the contestants an added respect for the environment that they may not have appreciated otherwise.”

Bennett expressed that this role allows viewers to see the real him, as opposed to the fictional roles he has played in series like “Spartacus,” “Arrow,” and “The Hobbit.”

“Perhaps they’ll start calling me like they do Jeff Probst,” Bennett mentioned, referring to the long-standing host of “Survivor.” “My sister remarked, ‘You’ve been portrayed as these characters; it’s refreshing that you can show a part of your true self.'”

Ultimately, the creators of “The Summit” aspire for the series to motivate viewers to pursue their own adventures, whether that involves climbing mountains, appearing on television, or accomplishing even greater challenges.

A new episode of “The Summit” airs on Wednesdays from 9:30-11 p.m. EDT/PDT on CBS. The series can also be streamed on Paramount+, with live and on-demand options available to Paramount+ with SHOWTIME subscribers, and available on-demand for Paramount+ Essential subscribers the following day after it airs.