Heart-stopping challenges in reality TV

Some game shows today attract attention because they put artists and contestants in difficult and risky challenges. This element makes the audience both excited and nervous to watch, but also raises the issue of ensuring the safety of the participants.

Returning after 8 years of absence, Vietnam's Next Top Model 2025 hopes to shape a new generation of models. This is demonstrated through difficult challenges for contestants, from hanging from high places or taking photos underwater, walking on the catwalk on stairs, steep slopes, and gravel. During the implementation, many candidates encountered accidents, such as Tra My and Ai Bang "falling" on television. The producer said that compared to previous seasons, contestants of this season have experience in taking photos. Therefore, right from the first episodes, the production team decided to give challenges with increased difficulty, instead of basic training like the previous season.

Preparing for contestants to record the high-altitude posing challenge at Vietnam's Next Top Model 2025

Photo: Manufacturer

"This is also a way to create drama for viewers and help young people practice their courage when pursuing a modeling career. We always consider the program as a launching pad for you to reveal your abilities and personality. Because in addition to appearance and skills, to become a top model, to be accepted by the audience, your attitude and the way you handle situations are also very important," shared a representative of the producer of Vietnam's Next Top Model 2025 .

Meanwhile, Brave Soldier is a program that simulates and recreates the activities of people's police officers, from intense training hours to moments of facing danger while performing tasks. In this reality show, artists such as Tien Luat, Lien Binh Phat, Mono, Song Luan, Phan Manh Quynh... must overcome their own fears to perform tasks such as extinguishing gas fires, rescuing people trapped in a bus accident amid thick fire and smoke, rescuing people in a tube house fire when the door was locked from the inside... The moment Phan Manh Quynh fainted or Mono had a suffocation incident... made the audience's hearts stop, showing the fierceness of these real-life challenges, but also helped the artists reveal their own efforts during their participation in the program.

Mr. Nguyen Huu Trung, founder of Zeit Media, representative of the producer of Brave Soldiers, said that from the beginning, the crew set the principle that the challenge must closely follow the real life of the Fire Prevention and Fighting Police - Rescue force, but be adjusted to suit the physical condition and psychology of the artists. "Each challenge has two layers of meaning: on the one hand, it creates drama and appeal for the audience, on the other hand, it helps the artists reach limits that they have never experienced before," said Mr. Huu Trung.

Similarly, the seasons of Sao Nhap Ngu also put artists in many difficult tasks such as climbing ladders, making rafts to cross rivers... During the mission, supermodel Minh Tu had an injury and had to say goodbye to the program with regret. Or with the program Dancing with the Stars , many Vietnamese stars could not avoid accidents during the training process, typically Truong Quynh Anh had to stop due to health reasons, despite being highly appreciated.

Safety factor should be prioritized

Dangerous challenges in reality shows are always a double-edged sword, they can create drama and excitement but also put the crew in a difficult position when facing many potential risks. Therefore, during the implementation process, careful preparation is always a priority.

Ms. Trang Le, representative of the production of Vietnam's Next Top Model 2025, said: "For dangerous challenges, we have to carefully survey the location beforehand, have a stunt team try it many times, control every detail; doctors and medical staff are on duty. Up to now, there have been no unfortunate incidents."

Tien Luat takes on the challenge in Brave Warrior

To ensure the safety of the artists participating in Brave Soldiers , general director Mai Tham said that they had carefully cast the players both physically and mentally. In addition, the crew arranged ambulances and doctors on standby to be ready to support. "During the production of the program, the artists will certainly face dangerous situations, but if they follow the commander's instructions correctly, the risks will be almost zero," said Ms. Mai Tham.

Mr. Nguyen Huu Trung also expressed: "Each challenge that the audience sees is the result of careful consideration between authenticity, artistic value and absolute safety. We want the audience to clearly see the harshness, but at the same time, we want the artists and the crew to be able to step out of it safely with a courageous spirit."

Correction

On page 18 of Thanh Nien Newspaper, published on September 10, 2025, the opening paragraph of the article "Stories in Thinking of You by Pham Chi Thanh: A complete portrait of General Le Hong Anh" had an error in interpretation leading to confusion. Please read it again as follows: "The National Political Publishing House Truth has just released the book Thinking of You by author Pham Chi Thanh, written about former member of the Politburo , former Standing member of the Central Party Secretariat - General Le Hong Anh". Sincere apologies to readers.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/thot-tim-voi-nhung-pha-thu-thach-trong-truyen-hinh-thuc-te-185250910221734862.htm