Kumari Shreya
Created by Phil and Louise Keoghan, ‘Tough as Nails’ is a CBS reality series with a format that will leave you wanting more. As a part of the show, the contestants must participate in different challenges at real-world job sites to prove their mettle. The tasks test their physical and mental strength, along with their endurance and life skills. While only one person can win the grand prize of $200,000, the eliminated cast members can still try their luck to win smaller rewards.
The show’s unique concept, combined with its entertaining setup, has earned it many fans. However, people cannot help but wonder just how much of the series is authentic and if something may not be as it seems. Well, we are here to explore the same and share what we know!
Is Tough as Nails Scripted?
No, we do not believe that ‘Tough as Nails’ is scripted. Like most reality shows, likely, the showrunners focus more on elements that might seem more entertaining to the viewers. Yet, that does not mean that what we see on the screen is untrue. In fact, it looks as if the viewers can more or less get an accurate picture of the things that may have happened during the production.
One of the biggest reasons behind the show’s success is its emphasis on testing different life skills in actual scenarios. Most of the time, the participants must take up the jobs you would have seen someone performing. Hence, it becomes pretty evident to the viewers just how exhausting the assignments given to the participants are. After all, the show does not test technical knowledge and instead wants to see if the cast members are up to executing said tasks. For every season, the showrunners have an open casting call for which one can apply by going to the designated website.
As a part of the submission process, the aspirants must make a video of no more than 3 minutes. For the video, they answer some basic questions that allow the showrunners to get to know them better and their reasons behind being part of the show. Along with the video, those looking forward to featuring on the show must also upload a picture and fill out a form. If shortlisted, the showrunners contact the lucky participants and tell them what the next step might be.
Certain elements seem more dramatic, but that can be attributed more to the post-production process rather than any wish to create a false narrative. Such necessities do mean that the public does not know about every event that takes place during the production process. Nevertheless, there have been no indications to suggest that what we see is fake or scripted in any way, shape, or form.
The seemingly transparent method of casting, along with the natural flow of the show, is sure to relieve those who might be wondering about the authenticity of ‘Tough as Nails.’ Like every reality show, it has its fair share of skeptics, yet most viewers genuinely enjoy the show and do not rush to question the events unfolding on screen. Besides, most of the cast members have been appreciative of their part in the experience.
Read More: Where is Tough as Nails Filmed?
