Format of Priyanka Chopra’s ”The Activist” competition series changed after backlash


PTI, Sep 16, 2021, 11:05 AM IST

Instagram pic

Los Angeles: American network CBS has announced that it is changing the format of “The Activist” competition series to a one-time documentary after the show was met with widespread backlash.

Actor Priyanka Chopra Jonas, American singer-songwriter Usher, and “Dancing with the Stars” star Julianne Hough were cast as judges in the reality show, which was announced last week and set for premiere on October 22.

Produced by CBS and Global Citizen, the series pitted activists against each other before a panel of celebrity judges. Their success would have been judged on the basis of their social media campaigns.

After the show was unveiled, there was an instant backlash on social media with many people labelling the series as insensitive and tone-deaf. Some called the show’s concept a “dystopian” celebration of “Insta-activism”.

In a statement on Wednesday, CBS and producing partners Global Citizen and Live Nation said that they are retooling “The Activist” as a one-time documentary special instead of a five-episode competition series.

“The Activist” was designed to show a wide audience the passion, long hours, and ingenuity that activists put into changing the world, hopefully inspiring others to do the same.

“However, it has become apparent the format of the show as announced 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,” they said.

The three organisations said that competitive elements have been removed and a new release date will be announced in the coming days.

“It 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…

“We hope that by showcasing their work we will inspire more people to become more involved in addressing the world’s most pressing issues. We look forward to highlighting the mission and lives of each of these incredible people,” the statement concluded.

According to Variety, the footage for the original incarnation of the series had already been shot. However, in light of the changes, filming is expected to begin from scratch for “The Activist”.

Global Citizen also released a statement and apologised for getting the show’s format “wrong”.

“Global activism centres on collaboration and cooperation, not competition. We apologise to the activists, hosts, and the larger activist community — we got it wrong,” the organisation said.

“It is our responsibility to use this platform in the most effective way to realise change and elevate the incredible activists dedicating their lives to progress all around the world,” it added.

Udayavani is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel and stay updated with the latest news.

Top News

Drugs worth Rs 6 crore seized in Bengaluru, five arrested

Siddaramaiah urges Nirmala Sitharaman to address NABARD’s loan cuts to farmers

Karnataka HC denies anticipatory bail to Prajwal Revanna in sexual harassment case

Delhi court stays defamation case against CM Atishi

Awards don’t create value for independent films in India: Manoj Bajpayee

Public Alert: Cyber fraudsters impersonating traffic police to demand fines

UP: 25 people booked for attacking civic officials for encroachment removal

Related Articles More

Awards don’t create value for independent films in India: Manoj Bajpayee

Aryan Khan to debut as director with Netflix series in 2025, SRK welcomes son to showbiz

AR Rahman, wife Saira Banu separating after 29 years of marriage: lawyer

Success can isolate you and lead to failure: Shah Rukh Khan

Salman loved it, SRK didn’t believe in the film: Rakesh Roshan ‘Karan Arjun’ re-release

MUST WATCH

Christmas Cake Fruit Mixing

DK Shivakumar

Rose Cultivation

Geethotsava

Naxal Operation


Latest Additions

Air pollution: SC flags Delhi govt’s failure to implement GRAP-4 curbs on entry of trucks

Drugs worth Rs 6 crore seized in Bengaluru, five arrested

Siddaramaiah urges Nirmala Sitharaman to address NABARD’s loan cuts to farmers

Satwik-Chirag enter semifinals, Lakshya loses to Antonsen in China Masters

BJP stages protest against Congress govt in Karnataka over Waqf properties row

Thanks for visiting Udayavani

You seem to have an Ad Blocker on.
To continue reading, please turn it off or whitelist Udayavani.