A New Reality TV Experiment Fails to Captivate
The BBC’s latest reality TV offering, Destination X, has been described as a mix between The Traitors and Race Across The World. This high expectation was enough to make many believe it could be the next big hit in television. However, after watching the first two episodes, it's clear that the show is falling short of its potential.
Hosted by Rob Brydon, Destination X starts with 13 strangers meeting at an airport before boarding a claustrophobic coach with opaque windows and no idea where they are going. The contestants must rely on clues to figure out their location in Europe, while also trying to distinguish real hints from red herrings. At the end of each episode, players attempt to pinpoint their location on a map, with the one farthest from the correct spot being eliminated. The ultimate goal is to reach Destination X, wherever that may be.
Initially, I was excited about the show, believing it could be a standout moment in television for 2025. However, after watching the first episode, I found it difficult to engage. The game, which sounded simple on paper, turned out to be confusing and muddled. The clues were hard to separate from the distractions, and the beautiful landscapes that usually enhance travel shows were intentionally hidden. While this isn’t the biggest issue, it does contribute to the overall disappointment.
Another major problem lies in the casting. The cast of Destination X is composed of individuals who are "fine" but not necessarily stars. They seem to have been chosen based on their ability to play the game, which is a mistake in the world of reality television. Unlike the Olympics, where skill is paramount, reality TV thrives on personality and unpredictability.
In contrast, the second series of The Traitors was a hit because of its standout winner, Harry Clark, whose deceptive skills were so convincing that he could easily be recruited by the secret service. The show also featured characters like Linda Rand, whose genuine mistakes and reactions made her a memorable part of the experience. These types of personalities are what make reality TV engaging and relatable.
The same cannot be said for Destination X. Despite liking all the participants, they don’t bring the energy or uniqueness that makes a show stand out. There is, however, one character who stands out: London cabbie Daren. He wants to use the £100,000 prize money to buy his wife a new kitchen. Although he’s not the strongest player, he brings a level of authenticity that others lack.
Daren is the only character worth rooting for, even if he hasn’t done anything particularly memorable yet. He’s not the type to cause drama like Alison Hammond breaking a garden table or throwing a tantrum like Peter Marsh. But he’s the only one who feels like a real person in a sea of otherwise unremarkable contestants.
If Destination X is commissioned for another series, the casting can easily be improved. Instead of selecting people based on their physical abilities or professional skills, the show should focus on finding individuals with unique personalities. Reality television is at its best when it showcases how extraordinary ordinary people can be.
Diane Carson, for example, was just like many people you might meet at a pub or on the Tube. Her natural, high-camp energy made her a star without any effort. Destination X needs someone like Diane to truly capture the attention it deserves. Without such a character, it’s hard to see how the show can succeed.
Destination X airs on BBC One every Wednesday and Thursday. If you have a story to share, feel free to email jess.austin@zaia news.co.uk. Share your views in the comments below.