New York: The Global Citizen competition series from CBS, named 'The Activist', hosted by Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Usher and Julianne Hough has stirred up controversy on social media for the premise of the show.
'The Activist' is a competition series that features six activists teamed with three high-profile public figures working together to bring meaningful change to one of three vitally important world causes -- health, education and environment.
The three teams have one ultimate goal: to create impactful movements that amplify their message, drive action, and advance them to the G20 Summit in Rome.
"It is a first-of-its-kind competition series that will inspire real change, as the series progresses from the US to Rome for the activists' final challenge at the G20," said Hugh Evans, CEO and Co-Founder of Global Citizen.
The activists go head-to-head in challenges to promote their causes, with their success measured via online engagement, social metrics, and hosts' input. they will meet world leaders in the hope of securing funding and awareness for their causes. The team that receives the largest commitment will be declared the overall winner at the finale, which will also feature musical performances by some of the world's most passionate artists.
Tweeting about the format of the show, Actress Jameela Jamil wrote, "Couldn't they just give the money it's going to take to pay this UNBELIEVABLY expensive talent and make this show, directly to activist causes? Rather than turning activism into a game and then giving a fraction of the much needed money away in a 'prize…?' People are dying."
"Will activists against global warming win more likes than activists against incarceration? Who can do better on Tiktok and reels? Watch all this in the all-new black-mirror-episode-but-for-real." tweeted another user.
The series is produced by Global Citizen, an international education and advocacy organisation working to catalyse the movement to end extreme poverty. The five-week reality series will premiere on October 22 on CBS and will be available for live streaming on-demand on Paramount+.