Fox's New Reality Competition Show 'Extracted' Takes 'Alone' and Kicks It in the Face

I have seen a few seasons of Alone, and part of the appeal to me is its slow, meditative quality. It’s just randos living in the woods for weeks or months, and the satisfaction comes from the small victories of the players, who forage for food, build shelters, and contend with wildlife.

Extraction takes Alone and adds drama and chaos. In Alone, players can tap out when they can no longer stand the solitude or hunger. In Extraction, it seems their family members will decide when a player can leave. Additionally, family members can provide players with supplies to extend their stay.

There’s still a cash prize up for grabs, so the show appears to ask: How far would you let your family suffer for money? Most of us are likely willing to endure more suffering than we’d ask a loved one to handle, but Extraction might put that assumption to the test.

It sounds cruel, but American reality competition shows are notoriously safety-conscious and full of protocols—see The Summit, for instance—so this might just amount to boring strategic gameplay by family members watching from a control room. And my feeling, honestly, is if you’re dumb enough to play these games, you should feel the full force of the premise. No watered down bullshit. Let’s see how long Jim Bob is willing to let his daughter starve to death for a chance at some cash.

Extraction premieres on February 10th.