The latest reality competition series on CBS features a group of strangers working together to ascend a mountain in New Zealand’s Southern Alps. However, only a few will actually reach “The Summit.”

As they progress, the contestants each carry a share of a $1 million cash prize in backpacks, which they must safeguard through various checkpoint camps. At these camps, they face the challenge of voting each other out. Along their journey, contestants encounter obstacles and tough choices posed by a component called “The Mountain Watch.”

If the group fails to summit Mount Head within 14 days, they all leave empty-handed.

During the premiere episode on Sunday, 16 participants kick off their thrilling journey, but by the end, only 14 remain. Here’s a recap of the events. (Warning: Spoilers ahead!)

‘The Summit’ Premiere Events

Early on, tensions rise within the group as some contestants move more slowly, and differing personalities clash. They must collaborate during their first challenge, which involves crossing a rope bridge as pairs.

Beckylee Rawls, a 29-year-old construction worker from San Diego, takes the lead in guiding the team across. After successfully navigating the bridge with Arizona veteran Rose Mattie, she has to decide which pairs will cross next.

After a medical emergency leaves only 15 contestants, Rawls faces the reality that one person will be stranded. Texas teacher Bo Martin, aged 52, ends up isolated while the rest of the group moves on.

“The Mountain Keeper” then presents their first challenging choice: abandon Martin to move quickly or assist him in crossing. Despite worries that he hinders progress, the majority opts to help him.

After completing their initial obstacle, the group nonetheless fails to reach the first checkpoint camp before nightfall, resulting in a night spent on the trail in bivy sleeping sacks.

Who Was Medically Evacuated from ‘The Summit’?

Media director Tony Reyes, aged 36, was the first contestant eliminated after he fainted on the very first day.

The strenuous journey proved too much for this Austin marathon runner, who requested a moment to catch his breath but was ultimately evacuated despite his insistence that he would recover.

“Tony didn’t quit. His body let him down,” Martin reflected. “That was a wake-up call because any one of us could be next.”

With his departure, the shared prize pool dropped to $937,500. (The total only decreases when someone quits or is medically removed, not when voted out.)

Who Was Voted Out of ‘The Summit’?

On the second day, contestants reached the first of nine checkpoint camps where they were treated to food and wine. However, their moment of celebration was short-lived when host Manu Bennett announced that they would need to vote one contestant out and redistribute their cash prize.

Bo Martin seemed to be the likely choice until Rose Mattie found herself facing elimination after upsetting several teammates. Mattie argued for voting out MMA referee Jennye Stirlen, whom she viewed as overly controlling. Unlike “Survivor,” there are no private ballots, meaning everyone must openly cast their votes.

Ultimately, every contestant voted for Mattie except for South Carolina bank manager Amy Stephens, who supported her fellow mother. Mattie withdrew her cash and bid farewell to a distraught Stephens while dismissing everyone else’s goodbyes.

“I wasn’t interested in their fake hugs. Did you want to stab me in the back?” Mattie remarked in her introspection. “The mountain will reveal people’s true natures. Just be yourself.”

How to Watch ‘The Summit’

“The Summit” started on Sunday, September 29, running from 8:30 to 10 p.m. PT / 9 to 10:30 p.m. ET.

If you missed the premiere, it will be rebroadcast on Wednesday, October 2, from 9:30 to 11 p.m. ET/PT on CBS, with this time slot continuing for future episodes.

You can also stream the show on Paramount+, available live and on-demand for subscribers of Paramount+ with SHOWTIME, and on-demand for Paramount+ Essential subscribers the day after each episode airs.

Who Hosts ‘The Summit’?

The host of CBS’s reality show “The Summit” is Manu Bennett, an actor from New Zealand.

Where Was ‘The Summit’ Filmed?

“CBS’s “The Summit” was recorded in New Zealand’s Southern Alps. The participants begin their 14-day trek to the summit at Lake Wakatipu located near Glenorchy, a town on the South Island.

Bennett is recognized for his roles in “Spartacus,” “Arrow,” and “The Hobbit” movie series.