Plymouth Woman Stars in Controversial New ITV Gameshow '99 To Beat'
Key Insights
Local Contestant:: Charlie Hernan, a 28-year-old jewellery business owner ('Charrings') from Crownhill, Plymouth, is competing on the show.
Show Format:: 100 contestants face bizarre challenges over an eight-week run, with the last person standing winning £25,000. It's based on a Belgian format.
Hosts:: The show is hosted by soap actor brothers Adam and Ryan Thomas.
Critical Reception:: '99 To Beat' has received largely negative reviews online and in the press, described as 'utter drivel', 'derivative garbage', and a 'fluffy Squid Game'. Viewers have criticised the hosts and the perceived desperation of contestants.
Charlie's Experience:: She nearly faced elimination in the first challenge but survived. She acknowledges the negative reviews but finds the show funny and hopes it will improve as contestant numbers decrease.
Business Boost:: Charlie hopes her appearance will promote her business, Charrings, and potentially lead to other TV opportunities like 'Traitors' or 'Dragons' Den'.
Why this matters: This highlights a local resident's venture into prime-time television while also reflecting the public and critical discourse surrounding new entertainment formats and the perceived quest for fame among contestants.
In-Depth Analysis
Navigating the '99 To Beat' Challenge
Based on a successful Belgian format, '99 To Beat' throws 100 individuals into a series of increasingly odd tasks, from balancing cans to defrosting frozen t-shirts and retrieving coins from piggy banks blindfolded. Seven games feature in each episode, eliminating the slowest or least successful participant until only one winner remains after eight weeks.
Despite the potentially lighthearted premise, the show, hosted by brothers Adam and Ryan Thomas, has struggled to win over critics. Outlets like The Sun and GB News have reported viewer complaints labelling it 'unwatchable' and 'utter drivel'. Criticisms range from the hosts talking too much to the show feeling like a derivative, low-stakes version of Netflix's 'Squid Game'. Some commentators suggest it attracts 'semi-professional show-offs' primarily seeking TV exposure rather than just the prize money.
A Plymouth Perspective
Plymouth resident Charlie Hernan, who runs the quirky earring business Charrings, found herself on the show after initially applying for Big Brother. Filmed last July over two intensive weeks (with up to 13-hour shooting days), Charlie admits feeling anxious before challenges but found the overall experience fun. She narrowly avoided elimination in the very first game.
Regarding the harsh reviews, Charlie acknowledges the negativity, particularly on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), but notes more positive feedback on Facebook. She believes the editing could have better introduced contestants initially but expects more 'character building' as the series progresses. For Charlie, the show was a worthwhile risk, offering a platform to discreetly showcase her Charrings earrings and potentially open doors for future TV appearances.
Her business, which she took full-time in October 2023, is already gaining traction online, with millions of views on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
FAQs
What is '99 To Beat'?
It's a new ITV game show where 100 contestants compete in various simple, often silly, challenges. The aim is to avoid coming last in each game to survive elimination over an eight-week series and win £25,000.
How has the show been received by viewers and critics?
The reception has been largely critical. Many reviews and social media comments have called it 'unwatchable', 'derivative', and poorly executed, though some viewers find it entertaining family fun.
Who is Charlie Hernan?
Charlie Hernan is a 28-year-old contestant on '99 To Beat' from Plymouth. She runs her own online jewellery business called Charrings.
Key Takeaways
New TV Formats Face Scrutiny:: Launching a new prime-time show is challenging, and audience/critical reception can be harsh, as seen with '99 To Beat'.
Local Talent on National Stage:: It showcases a local Plymouth entrepreneur, Charlie Hernan, taking a chance on national television.
Reality TV Motivations:: The show fuels discussion about why people participate in such programs – prize money versus the desire for broader exposure and fame.
Discussion
What do you think of '99 To Beat'? Is it harmless fun or derivative TV? Let us know!
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Sources & References
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