Survivor is the brand new reality TV show from ITV. Yep. 16 people. 40 days. 1 million. Sounds familiar. But while the cynical population take a collective groan, I'll explain why this one is a little bit different.

Big Brother, for all it's popularity, was always a bit dull. There were in the house today, they are in the house tomorrow, and guess what, they're in the house the day after next too. Thre were no really dangers, no problems to overcome except for each other.

Survivor on the other hand, gives you this: Snakes, rats, sharks, starvation, bug-eating, and of course, being voted off the island. I'd like to see little Craig keep smiling through that one. It's exitement, passion, drama, all rolled into one.

On day one of the three day cycle, the two tribes of contestants, Ular (snake) and Helang (eagle) have a reward challenge. This means that have to do something horrible to get something that'll make their lives easier on the island - strawberrys and cream, for example.
On the second day, they have the Immunity Challenge, where they fight for their survival on the island. The losing tribe have to travel to Tribal council next night.
So on the third day, they make the hour's walk, and vote each other off. This is very exciting, and all very 'The Beach' esque.

Apart from all these challenges, the contestants have to challenge against daily life. Catching their own food, repairing their home-made camps, and so on. And then, finally, there's each other to contend with. The contestants scheme behind backs, forging alliances - and breaking them - all to stay on Pulau Tiga, and collect the 1 million prize money.

The best bit has to be the Immunity Challenge, where you can see real determination on everyone's faces - on last night's show, tow of the contestants had a bit of a fight, to ensure their survival on the island.

It's filmed well, o
n film, making it feel like you're watching a movie instead of a camcorder TV programme, aka Big Brother. I don't know the presenter, but he makes a good job of it.

Oh, yes, and if you watch it, do. But don't watch the 'So and So's Story' one, the next night. Poor.

But the programme itself is exciting, dramatic, and a whole load of fun.