Upcoming reality TV show ‘The Activist’ that stars the likes of Usher, Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Julianne Hough, as per media reports, will be reshot from scratch. What was supposed to release as a five-episode competition series is being reconfigured into a one-time documentary special. 

 As per Deadline, the series will involve six “inspiring activists” who will team up with three public figures to “bring meaningful change to one of three vitally important world causes: health, education, and environment.”

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‘The Activist’ faced backlash on social media. Users said that the  show that trivialises the concept of activism and is a ‘real-world Hunger Games’ or Black Mirror’s Fifteen Million Merits episode.

“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,” ‘Good Place’ actor Jameela Jamil tweeted. 

As per variety.com, the original footage has been shot but the series will be retooled, with filming expected to begin from scratch. The show was originally set to premiere as a series on October 22. 

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In a joint statement, network CBS and producing partners Global Citizen and Live Nation announced said, “‘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. As a result, we are changing the format to remove the competitive element and reimagining the concept into a primetime documentary special (air date to be announced).”

They then added that the show will present 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 organization of their choice, as was planned for the original show.”

Global Citizen released its own separate statement. 

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

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