“The Box” Returns With a Twist – and Not Everyone’s Happy

The second season of the Norwegian reality competition series “Boksen” (“The Box”) is already stirring up drama and it’s not just the challenges that are causing a reaction. A significant shift in the game’s format – moving away from individual point accumulation towards a social strategy of voting opponents into duels – has sparked mixed feelings among the contestants, with some openly expressing their disappointment.

The original premise of “Boksen,” which premiered on TV 2 and quickly became a ratings success, involved participants navigating a series of challenges even as isolated in individual “boxes.” Points earned determined who faced elimination in head-to-head duels. This season, however, introduces a new layer of complexity: contestants now directly influence each other’s fate through voting. This change, revealed in the first episode, has fundamentally altered the dynamic of the show, transforming it into a more overtly social game.

Artist Tomine Harket, a participant this season, voiced her strong disapproval of the new format to TV 2. “When we found out about the social game, I got quite ‘pissed.’ It wasn’t what I signed up for at all,” Harket stated. She explained that the initial appeal of the show lay in its unknown elements and the individual challenges, and that the shift to a social game felt like a betrayal of that original concept.

The cast of “Boksen” season 2 includes a diverse group of well-known Norwegian personalities: Anette Trettebergstuen, Morten Hegseth, Margrethe Røed, Frode Grodås, Sofie Karlstad, Kasper Kvello, Tim Kristian Moen, Benedicte Adrian, Emil Wæraas, Tuva Billing, Jon Ludvig Hammer, and Erik Follestad. The show is hosted by Mads Hansen. According to a press release from TV 2, Hansen described the new season as “even better than I dared to dream.”

While Harket expressed her frustration, not all contestants share her sentiment. Reality TV personality Sofie Karlstad sees the change as a positive development, believing it adds a necessary element to the show. “I suppose it’s good for the program, given that I think it was missing something last year,” Karlstad told TV 2. “The voting part is maybe the little extra that was needed, even though it was, of course, unpleasant for us who were inside and had to vote on each other.”

Benedicte Adrian, the first contestant eliminated this season, had limited exposure to the new social dynamics. However, she acknowledged the added stress of the voting element, even while appreciating that she avoided the full brunt of the new format. “In that respect, I’m glad I only got to participate in one round of voting,” Adrian said. “I think it would have stressed me out. It comes on top of the thought of being ‘killed off’ every day, pushed off bridges, from towers. That was quite stressful, even though I wasn’t there for very long.”

The introduction of the voting system means that success in “Boksen” now requires a combination of skill in the challenges and strategic alliance-building. Contestants must accumulate points to use as “currency” when voting for their opponents to face elimination. This shift represents a significant departure from the first season’s focus on individual performance.

The change in format isn’t entirely unexpected. The success of other reality competition shows that heavily emphasize social strategy, such as “Survivor” and “Substantial Brother,” likely influenced the decision to introduce this element to “Boksen.” As reported by Seher.no, the producers aimed to add a new level of tension and intrigue to the series.

The initial reaction from the contestants suggests that the new format is achieving its goal of creating drama and sparking conflict. Whether this will translate into higher ratings and a more engaging viewing experience remains to be seen. The show’s producers are banking on the added layer of social maneuvering to keep audiences hooked throughout the ten-episode season.

What’s next for “Boksen”?

The second season of “Boksen” is currently airing on TV 2 Play and TV 2 Direkte. Viewers can expect further challenges, strategic alliances, and, more heated debates as the contestants navigate the new social landscape. The show’s schedule will likely continue with weekly episode releases, culminating in a live finale where the ultimate “Box” champion will be crowned. The success of this season’s format will likely influence the direction of future seasons, potentially solidifying the show’s position as a leading reality competition in Norway.