CBS’ ‘The Activist’ Goes From Competition Show to Documentary After Harsh Blowback
It was originally poised to be a five-week competition show that pitted activists against activist in a battle for relevancy on social media.
“It has become apparent the format of the show 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,” CBS, Live Nation and Global Citizen said in a statement.
The move comes after massive social media and critical blowback to the series after it was announced earlier this month.
Even one of the show’s hosts, Dancing With the Stars veteran Julianne Hough, agreed with many of the show’s critics, noting “there is a feeling of insult, dehumanization, insensitivity and hurt that is being rightfully felt” and “I’m not qualified to act as judge.”
The series had six activists competing against each other to draw social media attention to various causes and are then were judged by celebrities Hough, Usher and Priyanka Chopra Jonas.
Added Global Citizen in a statement of its own: “Global activism centers on collaboration and cooperation, not competition. We apologize to the activists, hosts, and the larger activist community — we got it wrong. 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.”
The series has not been a big deal for the network. The network also did not produce the series, but rather purchased the show wholesale from Global Citizen, Live Nation and Deviants Media.
Global Citizen is the organization that oversaw specials that aired all over the world in response to COVID-19.