Fear Factor

Fear Factor
Format Reality/Game Show
Directed by J. Rupert Thompson
Presented by Joe Rogan
Country of origin United States
No. of seasons 6
No. of episodes 142
Production
Executive producer(s) Matt Kunitz
Running time 60 minutes
Broadcast
Original channel NBC
Original run June 11, 2001 (2001-06-11) – September 12, 2006 (2006-09-12)
External links
Official website

Fear Factor is an American stunt/dare reality game show.

The original Dutch version was called Now or Neverland. When Endemol USA and NBC adapted it to the American market in 2001, they changed the name to Fear Factor.

The show pits contestants against each other to complete a series of stunts better and/or quicker than all the other contestants, by doing this in the fastest time, for a grand prize of US$50,000. From Seasons One to Five, the contestants were generally three men and three women, all playing for themselves, but in Season Six, the show moved to a permanent format of four teams of two people, each with a pre-existing relationship with one another, all playing for a shared prize of the same amount. The show is hosted by UFC commentator and comedian Joe Rogan, executive produced by Matt Kunitz and directed by J. Rupert Thompson.

As NBC's answer to the successful series Survivor, the show was initially a hit for the network in the summer of 2001, and built strong ratings for the next couple of seasons, but as the years passed, the ratings declined. In 2006, Fear Factor faced tough competition with TV ratings champion, the Fox talent series American Idol on Tuesday nights, and the ratings declined further. Despite much publicity concerning an improved format and better stunts for Season Six, NBC put the struggling program on hiatus for the remainder of the season to make room for the sitcom Joey, which was removed from the NBC lineup a few weeks later. NBC then canceled Fear Factor in May. The network began airing the remainder of the season on June 13, 2006, with the remaining episodes to be burned throughout the summer.[1][2] In 2004, Fear Factor became the first network reality show to be syndicated. Over its six seasons, Fear Factor earned NBC a reported $600 million in advertising revenue. Currently only the first season has been released on DVD, but in early 2009, plans were made to release a box set containing the entire series on DVD. The project was put on hold for an unknown reason in March 2010. On June 5, 2010, it was announced that the project was cancelled because of the low sales of the first season DVD.

Contents

Show format

Normal format

Before the contestants were introduced, Hogan said the following: "I'm Joe Rogan. This is Fear Factor. The stunts you are about to see were all designed and supervised by trained professionals. They are extremely dangerous and should not be attempted by anyone, anywhere, anytime!"

The normal format involved three men and three women, or four teams of two people with a pre-existing relationship, who had to complete three professional stunts to win US$50,000. If a contestant/team was too scared to attempt a stunt, failed to complete a stunt, or (in some cases) had the worst performance on a stunt, they were eliminated from the competition. If only one contestant/team successfully completed the first or the second stunt, they automatically won $25,000, and the other contestants eliminated in the stunt returned for the next stunt to compete for the remaining $25,000. If no one successfully completed the first or the second stunt, then all of the contestants/teams eliminated in the stunt would return to the next stunt to compete for a reduced $25,000. (In season one, if one person completed the stunt, then the completer won $10,000 and the $50,000 grand prize was not reduced.)

Only once in the history of Fear Factor did the $50,000 top prize go unclaimed in an episode. This happened on a Best Friends edition on September 27, 2004, when none of the remaining teams were able to complete the final stunt. In the stunt, one member of each team had to drive a ramp car, while the other member had to drive a sports car. The one driving the sports car had to drive it onto the truck bed via the ramp car. If the sports car fell off of the truck bed at any time, the team was automatically eliminated. Had it been successfully completed, the team who did this the fastest would have won.

After the acquisition of Universal Studios of Vivendi Universal by NBC's parent company General Electric in 2004, contestants could win vacations in order to promote the theme park division of NBC Universal at Universal Orlando, or win trips to Universal Studios in Hollywood.

The order of the stunts on a typical episode of Fear Factor is as follows:

First stunt

The first stunt was designed to physically test each of the contestants (e.g., jumping from one building to the next). Usually, the two men and the two women, or the three teams, that gave the best performance (such as the fastest time, furthest distance, or number of flags collected in under a certain time) would move on to the second stunt. The others were eliminated.

Second stunt

The second stunt was meant to mentally challenge the contestants. The three most common types of stunts in the second round were eating stunts, animal stunts, and retrieval/transfer stunts. Eating stunts entailed ingesting vile animal parts, live bugs, or a blended concoction of multiple gross items; animal stunts entailed immersing one's head or entire body in animals considered to be disgusting or intimidating (such as rats, snakes, or worms); retrieval/transfer stunts entailed retrieving items or gross objects (often by mouth) hidden in disgusting substances (e.g., blood, lard) or live animals (such as sit in a tub of snakes as long as they could). Less often, the second stunt would involve a pain endurance challenge, such as outlasting competitors in a tear gas chamber, walking on broken glass with bare feet, or ingesting habanero peppers. With the exception of retrieval/transfer stunts, contestants were typically not eliminated after this stunt unless they did not complete it, or vomited before finishing. In the case of teams, one team may be eliminated for performing the worst. There once was an episode where contestants did not have to eat anything, but the "stunt" was to stand inside of a gas chamber as long as they could; another stunt involved getting a "Fear Factor" style haircut.

In later episodes, a common (but not always used) rule was that no one would be eliminated after the second stunt; instead, the contestant or team that performed the best would receive a prize, such as a vehicle or a prize package similar in value.

Third stunt

The third and final stunt was usually something from an extreme type of stunt seen in an action film. Like the first stunt, it usually involved heights, water, vehicles, or some combination of the three. In order to avoid ties, this stunt was always competitive. The player with the best performance this round would win the grand prize, usually $50,000, and had the privilege of being informed "evidently fear is not a factor for you".

Other formats

Tournament of Champions

The second and third seasons concluded with a Tournament of Champions featuring the winners of each show in that season and a $100,000 grand prize.

In Season 2, the thirteen non-celebrity winners were divided into groups of eight men and five women. For the first two stunts, men competed amongst men and women competed amongst women, dividing the group from eight and five to four to two. The final four contestants, two men and two women, competed against each other for the grand prize.

In Season 3, the twenty-four winners were divided into two groups of twelve, each containing seven men and five women. In the first semifinal episode, the group was cut from twelve to six to three to two finalists. In the second semifinal episode, the group was cut from twelve to six in the first stunt, then the men competed amongst the men and the women competed amongst the women in the second stunt, and then the final four contestants, two men and two women, were cut to two finalists. Each finalist won a 2004 Mazda RX-8 and a chance at the $100,000. In the finals, the four finalists competed in three stunts. Each stunt eliminated one contestant, and the final stunt determined the winner.

Special episode formats

Naked Fear Factor (Season 2): The first "stunt" wasn't really a stunt at all. Six contestants, three male and three female, were required to strip naked and parade down a fashion style runway in front of over a hundred people for three minutes while photographers took pictures. All six successfully completed this stunt and moved on to the next round.

Four Stunt Show (Seasons 3-6): This was typically a 90-minute episode featuring four stunts instead of three. The first such episode was notable for the stunt involving body piercing. In seasons 4-6, at least one of the four stunts was a non-elimination stunt, in which contestants competed for a prize. The four-stunt format was sometimes used in conjunction with other special formats, such as Family Fear Factor, Twins Fear Factor, and Reality Stars Fear Factor.

All-Gross Show (Seasons 3-6): All three stunts on this show followed the format of the second (gross) stunt as described above. The first such episode involved bobbing for objects in a vat containing 50 gallons of cow blood. In seasons 4-5, the all-gross format was used for Halloween-themed episodes. In season 6, a "Farm Fear Factor" episode featured all gross stunts.

Las Vegas Show (Seasons 3-5): Stunts took place at various hotels and casinos in Las Vegas. The show's winner was required to bet at least half their winnings on one hand of Blackjack, with the chance to continue gambling if successful.

Second Chance (Season 4): Losing contestants from previous seasons came back for a second chance at winning $50,000.

Favorite Winners (Season 5): Winning contestants from previous seasons came back for a chance at winning another $50,000.

Couples (Seasons 3-5): Four couples competed in three stunts, with the winning team dividing the prize (and, in season 3, sending one player to the Tournament of Champions).

In Season 4, nine couples competed over seven weeks and 17 stunts for $1,000,000. Along the way, they competed for various other prizes, including $10,000, cars, vacations, credit cards, and a chance to steal a desired prize from another team. In Season 5, eight couples competed for the million dollar prize.

While not specifically designated as "couples" episodes, several themed episodes in Season 6 featured all-couples teams. These episodes included "Psycho Fear Factor" and "Old vs. Young".

Twins (Seasons 2, 4, 5): In season 2, three pairs of twins competed as teams in the first stunt, and competed individually the second and third stunts. In seasons 4 and 5, four pairs of twins competed as teams in all stunts, with the winning team dividing the prize.

Best Friends (Season 5): Four pairs of best friends competed in three stunts, with the winning team dividing the prize.

Family (Seasons 4 and 6): Four teams of one parent and one child competed in three stunts for the prize. In the second stunt, the team with the best performance received a bonus prize such as a car or a vacation.

$1 Million (Season 4): Twelve contestants competed in six stunts. The one player who survived all six won a $1,000,000 annuity.

Models (Seasons 4 and 5): Played in the normal format with models or entirely female contestants. The fifth season had one episode with male and female models.

Fear Factor Super Bowl Halftime Show (Season 2): Played in the normal format with Playboy Playmates.

Miss USA (Seasons 3-5): Played in the normal format with Miss USA contestants, with the winning contestant keeping $25,000 and giving $25,000 to a charity of their choice. There was no Miss USA edition in the sixth season of Fear Factor, as NBC produced a Miss USA edition of Deal or No Deal instead; the Miss USA contestants were the briefcase models for the entire episode.

WWE Stars (Season 2): Six WWE stars played for $50,000 to donate to the charity of their choice. It was won by Matt Hardy.

Reality Stars (Seasons 5 and 6): Contestants from other reality shows, like The Amazing Race, Survivor, American Idol, The Apprentice, and The Real World, played for a grand prize and other bonus prizes such as cars and vacations. In Season Five, six contestants competed in a four-stunt episode for $50,000, and in the sixth season, five teams of two competed in a three-episode series for $150,000.

Military (Season 6): Contestants from the Air Force, the Army, the Marines and the Navy competed.

Psycho (Season 6): A three-episode series featuring six couples performing stunts which were centered around the Bates Motel on the set of the original Psycho horror movie from Paramount Pictures. Unlike other Fear Factor episodes, contestants were required to sleep in the filthy Bates Motel between stunts, and were subjected to Fear Factor pranks and mini-challenges while in the motel.

Newlyweds (Season 5): Four sets of Newlyweds competed for $50,000 at Universal Studios Florida.

Blind Date (Season 6) Four single men were introduced to four single women, and either the women (in the first episode) or the men (in the second episode) got to choose their partner among the available contestants of the opposite sex. The winning team divided the prize.

No Sleep (Season 4) Five co-ed pairs of contestants competed as teams in the normal format, with one exception: contestants were not allowed to sleep for the 48-hour duration of the competition. If a contestant fell asleep at any time before the final stunt was completed, his or her team would be eliminated. This was the only episode in the history of the show in which contestants could be eliminated in the downtime between stunts.

Home Invasion: This was included at the end of each episode in Season 6. It involved Joe Rogan going to different homes across America and challenging the family to compete in a stunt. Each stunt usually involved the contestants, under time limit (usually 1 minute), ingesting something foul or undesirable before receiving keys to open two safes, both containing $5,000 credit cards from Capital One.

International versions

Country Name Host Channel Premiere Jackpot
 Albania Fear Factor Vizion Plus
Arab League Arab World Fear Factor عامل الخوف Najla Badr MBC1 2004 50.000 SR
 Australia Fear Factor Marc Yellin Nine AU$50.000
 Belgium Dutch Walter Grootaers VTM 2005
 Brazil Hipertensão Zeca Camargo TV Globo April 14, 2002 – May 12, 2002 R$50,000
Hipertensão X Glenda Kozlowski September 2, 2010 R$500,000
 Bulgaria СТРАХ Nikolay Mladenov Nova TV March 1, 2009 15.000 лв
 Colombia Frente al miedo Juan Pablo Llano Caracol TV 2005
 Croatia Fear Factor Antonija Blaće RTL
 Egypt Fear Factor Extreme أرض الخوف Sally Chahin AlHayat TV April 2009 US$50.000
 Finland Pelkokerroin Aleksi Valavuori Nelonen September 13, 2008 €10.000
 France Fear Factor Denis Brogniart TF1 10 000 €
 Germany Fear Factor Sonja Zietlow RTL 2004
 Greece Fear Factor Kostas Sommer ANT1 June 2006
 Hungary A Rettegés Foka Kostas Sommer RTL Klub 2005
 India Fear Factor India Mukul Dev SET Asia
Fear Factor - Khatron Ke Khiladi Akshay Kumar (season 1 and 2) 
 Priyanka Chopra (season 3)
Colors July 21, 2008
 Indonesia Fear Factor Indonesia Agatsya Kandau RCTI Rp.50.000.000
 Malaysia Fear Factor Malaysia Shamser Sidhu Ntv7Intv7 August 27, 2005 RM10.000
 Mexico Fear Factor: Factor Miedo Julio Bracho Televisa MX$150.000
 Netherlands Now or Neverland
Fear Factor		 Fabienne de Vries Veronica 1998 €100.000
 Norway TV3
 Philippines Pinoy Fear Factor Ryan Agoncillo ABS-CBN November 10, 2008 – February 20, 2009 P2.000.000
 Poland Fear Factor - Nieustraszeni Roman Polko Polsat 50.000zł
 Portugal Fear Factor - Desafio Total Leonor Poeiras
José Carlos Araújo		 TVI 2004
 Romania Pariu cu Frica Fear Factor Pro TV April 06, 2008
 South Africa Fear Factor Thapelo Mokoena M-Net
E.tv		 R300.000
 Spain Factor Miedo Alonso Caparros Antena 3 2005
 Sweden Fear Factor Pablo Roberto TV4
 Turkey Fear Factor Türkiye
Fear Factor Extreme		 Acun Ilıcalı
Asuman Krause		 Show TV 2006
2010		 TL100.000
 United Kingdom Fear Factor UK Ed Sanders Sky One 2004 £20.000
 United States Fear Factor Joe Rogan NBC June 11, 2001– September 12, 2006 US$50.000

Episode Guide (Source:TV.com)

Season 1, Episode 1

Contestants Stunts
Horse Drag Rat Pit Slippery-Car Crawl
Nick Watts
PASS
PASS
WINNER
Winston Conn
PASS
PASS
ELIM
Deirdre Hope
PASS
PASS
ELIM
Gabriela Farias
FAIL
PASS
ELIM
Carlyle Clyburn
PASS
ELIM
Veronica Best
ELIM

Stunt #1: Horse Drag

Contestants would have to hold on to a rope being dragged behind two horses. They would be dragged 100 yards down a muddy course on their stomachs going 35 miles per hour. The two men and the two women who went the furthest before letting go would advance to the next round. The others would be eliminated. Contestants who crossed the finish line would automatically advance.

Carlyle was first and made it to the finish line. Nick was second and also held on all the way. Gabriela was third. She let go before crossing the finish line, and her distance was marked with a flag. Veronica was next. She was unable to hold on long enough to pass Gabriela's distance. Winston was next. He made it across the finish line. Since all the men crossed the finish line, they all advanced to the next round. Deirdre was last. She held on all the way to the finish line. Veronica had the shortest distance for the women, and was eliminated.

Stunt #2: Rat Pit

Contestants would have to lie in a pit and be covered with 400 rats. Everyone who stayed in the rat pit for 4 minutes would advance to the next round.

Winston was first. He stayed calm for the duration and emerged covered in rat poop. Deirdre was second. She seemed a bit uncomfortable about it, but stayed in the whole time. Gabriela was next. She screamed most of the time, but endured the biting and scratching. Carlyle was next. He said it was too much of a mental challenge and chickened out. Carlyle was eliminated. Nick was last. He was nervous, but worked up the nerve to do it. He screamed most of the time, but stayed in for the four minutes.

Stunt #3: Slippery-Car Crawl

Contestants would have to climb out on a car suspended 150 feet in the air. They would have to remove a flag from the front of the hood, and then retrieve a key from trunk. They would then have to climb back inside the car, insert the key in the ignition, and honk the horn. It would be raining on the car the whole time. The contestant to complete this stunt the fastest would win the $50,000.

Deirdre was first. She climbed out of the car, but chickened out and quit. Gabriela was second. She also quit after climbing out of the car, but did not get as far as Deirdre. Gabriela was eliminated. Winston was next. He released the flag from the hood, but fell after retrieving the key. He caught himself, but he was disqualified for falling. Winston made it further than Deirdre, so Deirdre was eliminated. Nick was last. All he had to do was complete the stunt to win. He took his time and completed it successfully. Nick was the $50,000 Fear Factor winner.

Player recap

Season 1, Episode 2

Stunt #1: Truck Jump

As two semi trucks drove side by side at over 40 miles per hour, contestants would have to jump the 7-foot gap between the two trailers. Contestants who landed on the second truck trailer without using their hands to pull themselves up would advance to the next round.

Sonia was first. She smacked off the side of the second truck and was eliminated. Doug was second. He cleared the gap and landed on the second trailer. Michael was third. He also completed the jump successfully. Pam was next. She smacked off the side of the second truck and was eliminated. Joe, a long jumper, was next. He landed on the second trailer with one knee and used his hands to pull himself up. Since he used his hands, it did not count. Joe was eliminated. Amanda was last. Although she came up short on her practice jumps, she made it to the second trailer successfully.

Stunt #2: Worm Coffin

Contestants would have to lie in a glass box and be covered with over 300,000 super worms. It was possible that they would also have to eat some worms. They would to have stick their hands in a bowl of super worms and draw from pieces of paper numbered 0, 1, and 5. The number they drew would represent the number of worms they would have to eat before getting in the coffin. Contestants who ate their designated number of worms and stayed in the coffin for four minutes would advance to the finals.

Doug was first. He drew a 0, so he would not have to eat any worms. He said the worms bit him repeatedly, but he stayed in the coffin for the full four minutes. Amanda, who had been a vegetarian for 10 years, was next. She drew a piece of paper with a 1 on it, so she would have to eat 1 worm. She refused to eat a worm, and was eliminated. Michael was last. He drew a piece of paper with 0, so he would not have to eat any worms. He stayed in the coffin the full time.

Stunt #3: Catapult

Contestants would be strapped to stretched bungee cords and be catapulted over 100 feet in the air. While they were being catapulted, they would have to fire a paintball gun at a large target. Contestants would also have to take a turn being strapped to the center of the target hanging 80 feet above the ground when they were not being catapulted. The contestant to hit the target closest to the bull's eye would win the $50,000.

Doug was being catapulted first and Michael was strapped to the bull's eye. Doug hit Michael on the shoulder, which was 13¾ inches from the bull's eye printed on Michael's shirt. Now it was Michael's turn to be catapulted and Doug's turn to be the target. Michael hit Doug twice, once on the arm and once on the shoulder. The arm shot was 15½ inches from the bull's eye. The shoulder shot was 10½ inches from the bull's eye. Michael was the $50,000 winner.

Player recap

Season 1, Episode 3

Stunt #1: Jet Ski Leap

Contestants would be riding on the back of a jet ski as a helicopter flew overhead. They would have to grab on to the helicopter skit and use the cargo netting to climb into the helicopter. Contestants who completed this stunt would advance to the next round.

Chris was first. He completed the stunt successfully. Shannon was second. She was unable to pull herself up and fell in the water. Shannon was eliminated. Trey was third and completed the stunt with ease. Brent was next. He also succeeded. Lisa was next. She could not pull herself up, but managed to get her legs wrapped around the skit. She climbed into the helicopter. Trash talker Jeanette was last. Everyone hoped she would fall, but she made it into the helicopter.

Stunt #2: Beetle Bowl

Contestants would bowl one frame and knock down as many pins as possible. The number of pins left standing would represent the number of live beetles they would have to eat. Everyone who ate their beetles in the time limit (30 seconds per beetle) would advance to the next round.

Trey was first. He got 1 pin on his first ball and 7 pins on his second ball. He would have a minute to eat 2 beetles. He did it successfully. Chris was second. He rolled two gutter balls. He had five minutes to eat 10 beetles. He ate them all. Jeanette was third. She rolled a gutter ball on her first attempt and hit 7 pins on her second attempt. She had a minute and a half to eat 3 beetles, which she did successfully. Brent was next. He rolled a gutter ball the first time and got 1 pin the second time. He had four and a half minutes to eat 9 beetles. He got them all down in time. Lisa was last. She got 1 pin on her first attempt and 5 on her second attempt. She would be eating 4 beetles in two minutes. She had a hard time, but got them all down.

Stunt #3: Rope Crawl

Contestants would have to crawl on their bellies across a 60-foot tightrope stretching between two rooftops over 100 feet high. If they flipped to the underside of the rope, two minutes would be added on to their time. The contestant to get from one end of the rope to the other in the fastest time would win the $50,000.

Lisa was first. She flipped to the underside of the rope almost immediately and got across in 2:06. Since she flipped, her official time was 4:06. Chris was second. His strategy was to flip immediately and go fast. He pulled himself across in 19 seconds. With the penalty, his final time was 2:19. Lisa was eliminated. Brent was third. He stayed on top of the rope the entire time and got across in 1:49. Chris was eliminated. Jeanette was next. She also stayed on top the entire time. She was wobbly, but moved quickly. Her time was 1:11. Brent was eliminated. Trey was last. He also moved fast, but flipped to the underside of the rope. This automatically put his time over two minutes. Jeanette was the $50,000 winner.

Player recap

Season 1, Episode 4

Stunt #1: Net Jump

Contestants would have to climb to the top of a 110 foot tower and then jump twice their body length to a cargo net hanging across from the tower. Contestants who were able to hang on to the net for 5 seconds would advance to the next round.

Anna was first. She made it up the tower, but failed to hang on to the net. Anna was eliminated. Michell was second. She also failed to grab the net and was eliminated. Will was third. He waited until the wind blew the net toward him to jump. He grabbed on with one hand and held on. Cylysce was next. She also tumbled down the net, but grabbed on with one hand. Doug was next. He grabbed the net firmly with both hands. Obi was last. He failed to grab the net and was eliminated.

Stunt #2: Wormtinis

Contestants would have to eat five earthworms and one super worm in a martini glass. Contestants who were able to do this in 4 minutes would advance to the finals.

Doug was first. He chewed all the worms down in plenty of time. Cylysce was next. She tried to eat all the worms at once, but spat them back out. She kept chewing them up and spitting them back out until she finally swallowed them. Will was last. He ate all the worms at once. He contorted his face a few times, but managed to swallow them down.

Stunt #3: Tunnel Crawl

Contestants would have to crawl through a pitch-black drainage system. The first pipe led to a wet and slimy culvert connected to several other pipes, but only one pipe besides the entry pipe did not have a dead end. The tunnel was rigged with infrared cameras so viewers could see the contestants in the dark tunnels. The contestant to reach the end of the exit tunnel fastest would win the $50,000.

Doug was first again. He found the exit tunnel and got out in 1:28. Will was next. He also completed the stunt, but took a long time crawling through the exit tunnel. His time was 3:28. Will was eliminated. Cylysce was last. She freaked out and gave up after reaching two dead ends. Doug won the $50,000.

Player recap

Season 1, Episode 5

Stunt #1: Dog Attack

Contestants would have to fire a starter's pistol and run to a finish line in a padded suit. After they fired the pistol, a trained attack dog would attempt to take them down. They would have a minute to cross the finish line. In the event that not everyone completed the stunt, the four contestants to get closest to the finish line would advance to the next round.

Mea was first. The dog took her down, and she was not able to drag it to the finish line. Her distance was marked with a flag. Marc was second. The dog locked onto his arm, but he stayed on his feet and dragged it across the finish line. Sandra was third. The dog took her down and she was unable to make it to the finish line. She did not make it as far as Mea. Ari was next. The dog tackled him, but he was able to crawl across the finish line. Pete was next. The dog grabbed his arm, but he stayed on his feet and made it across the finish line. Gina, who was attacked by a dog as a kid, was last. The dog took her down, but she managed to crawl past Mea and Sandra's flags. Mea and Sandra were eliminated.

Stunt #2: Snake Pit

Contestants would have to lie in a pit and be covered with 24 snakes, including a 16-foot boa constrictor. Everyone who stayed in the pit for three minutes would advance to the finals. If anyone was bit, they would automatically advance.

Pete was first. He was not happy with the stunt, but stayed in the pit the whole time. Gina was second. She had no problems staying in the pit. Ari was next, and remained calm the whole time. Marc was last. One of the snakes started wrapping around his neck, but he remained in the pit for the entire time.

Stunt #3: Beam Walk

Contestants would have to walk across a 6+1⁄2-inch-wide (170 mm) balance beam over 100 feet high, retrieve a flag, walk back across, and plant the flag. The contestant to do this the fastest would win the $50,000.

Marc was first and fell almost immediately. Gina was second. She made it to the flag and used the flagpole to balance herself on the way back. She completed the stunt in 1:01. Marc was eliminated. Ari was next. He moved fast and completed the stunt in 40 seconds. Gina was eliminated. Pete was last. He moved faster than Ari and made it back with flag in 31 seconds, but fell before planting the flag. Ari was the $50,000 winner.

Player recap

Season 1,Episode 6

Stunt #1: Sub Dive

Contestants would have to dive into 55 degree water, swim 7 feet down, and retrieve glow sticks from the underside of the sub. The two men and the two women to collect the most glow sticks on one breath would advance to the next round. The others would be eliminated.

Tripp was first. He swam downward, but panicked and came back up without getting any glow sticks. Edward was second. He was able to get under the sub and get 1 glow stick. Matt was next. He also got 1 glow stick. Tripp was eliminated. Wendy was first for the women. She got 1 glow stick. Cybill was next. She wanted to get 3 glow sticks, but she only got 1. Kari was last. She also got 1 glow stick. Since the women tied, they all advanced.

Stunt #2: Cricket Crunch

Contestants would each have to throw a dart at a dartboard with numbers ranging from 1 to 8. They were not told until afterward that the number they hit would represent the amount of live crickets they would have to eat. Everyone who ate their designated number of crickets within the time limit (one minute per cricket) would advance to the finals.

Edward was first and hit a 2. Wendy hit a 4, Matt hit a 6, Cybill got 3, and Kari hit 6. Once it was revealed that their dart scores would represent the number of crickets they had to eat, everyone did it without much trouble.

Stunt #3: Speed Drop

Contestants would be hung by their ankles over 130 feet high and dropped down a zip line at 60 miles per hour. As they went over a large target, they would have to drop a beanbag. The contestant whose beanbag landed closest to the bull's-eye would win the $50,000.

Wendy was first. She missed the target entirely. Cybill was second. Her beanbag also slid off the target, but was closer than Wendy's. Wendy was eliminated. Edward was third. He nearly hit the bull's eye. Cybill was eliminated. Matt was next. He hit the target, but was not as close enough to the bull's eye. Matt was eliminated. Kari was last. Her bag hit about where Matt's did, which was not good enough to beat Edward. Edward was the $50,000 winner.

Player recap

Season 1, Episode 7

Stunt #1: Hotel Jump

Contestants would have to climb out of a 12th floor hotel window and hang from a trapeze bar. They would then have to let go and plummet 120 feet to the ground with only a small cable to keep them from hitting the concrete. Everyone who did this would advance to the next round.

Billy was first. He hesitated for a few seconds, and then dropped. Angel was second. She did not seem too nervous, and stayed calm all the way down. Laura was third. She hesitated, and everyone was taunting her. She eventually let go and screamed all the way down. Michael was next, and he also screamed all the way down. Matt was up next. He stayed calm all the way down. Trash talker Sofia was last. She had no problem with the stunt.

Stunt #2: Sheep's Eyes

Contestants would each have to eat 3 sheep eyeballs. Everyone who did this in the three-minute time limit would advance to the finals.

Matt was first. He got all the eyeballs down despite the look of discomfort on his face. Laura was second. She did not like the eyeballs, but got them down in plenty of time. Sofia was third. She had no problems eating the eyes. Michael was next. He also had no problems. Billy was next. He held his nose while eating the eyeballs, and got them all down. Angel was last. She also plugged her nose and got all the eyes down.

Stunt #3: Water Tank

Contestants would be hung upside-down and lowered into a tank of water. The contestant who could hold their breath the longest in the tank would win the $50,000.

Michael was first. He only held is breath for 12.5 seconds. Angel was second. She held on for 18.6 seconds. Michael was eliminated. Laura was third. She curled her body into a J shape and held on for 49.1 seconds. Angel was eliminated. Sofia was next. She stayed underwater for 39.4 seconds. Sofia was eliminated. Billy was next. He stayed in for 1:06.6. Laura was eliminated. Matt was last. He curled up so that he was not upside down and held his breath for 1:08.5. Matt was the $50,000 winner.

Player recap

Season 1, Episode 8

Stunt #1: Wrecking Ball

Contestants would be harnessed to a crane and lifted over 120 feet in the air. They would have one minute to pull a rip cor. This would send them swinging toward the ground and smashing through a wooden wall at 50 miles per hour. After going through the wall, they would have to drop a beanbag onto a large target. The four contestants to get their beanbags closest to the bull's eye would advance to the next round. The others would be eliminated.

Ben was first. He was disoriented by the impact and waited too long to let go of the beanbag. His beanbag was 73 feet from the bull's eye. Emily was second. She hesitated before letting go, but pulled the rip cord before time ran out. She got her beanbag 23 feet, 11 inches from the bull's eye. Julius was third. His beanbag was 36 feet, 2 inches from the bull's eye. Alyssa was next. She got her beanbag 18 feet, 5 inches from the bull's eye. Derek was next. His beanbag was 48 feet, 3 inches from the bull's eye. Ben was eliminated. Ashley was last. Crashing through the wall threw her off and her beanbag was farther away than Derek's. Ashley was eliminated.

Stunt #2: Testicles

Contestants would each have to eat two boiled buffalo testicles. Everyone who ate the two testicles in four minutes would advance to the finals.

Derek was first. He ate both testicles in plenty of time. Alyssa was second. She took one bite and quit. Alyssa was eliminated. Emily was next. She ate a little bit of one testicle and quit. Emily was eliminated. Julius was last. He ate both testicles with 9 seconds to spare.

Stunt #3: Baby Rescue

Contestants would be seated in a car and submerged underwater. When a red light came on, they would have to retrieve a fake baby from the back seat, escape through front driver side window, and get the baby to a bassinet on the side of the pool. During the stunt, contestants could get air from an air pocket in the back seat. The contestant to complete this stunt the fastest would win the $50,000

Julius was first. He forgot about the air pocket when he was in the back and escaped through the back window for air. Since he exited through the wrong window, he was eliminated. All Derek had to do to win was complete the stunt. He rolled down the window before going to the back seat. He did not come up for air while retrieving the baby, and exited through the correct window. He got the baby in the basket in 42 seconds. Derek was the $50,000 winner.

Player recap

Season 1, Episode 9

This clip show featured highlights from first-season stunts.

Season 1, Episode 10 (Finale)

Stunt #1: Trapeze

Contestants would have to use specially placed handholds to climb to the top of a 35-foot telephone pole. Once on top, they would have to jump 1½ times their body length, grab a trapeze, and hang on for 5 seconds. Everyone who completed this stunt within 15 minutes would advance to the next round.

Jennifer was first. She was unable to get up the telephone pole in the time limit and was eliminated. Milauna was second. She kept slipping and falling off the pole. She had not completed the stunt when time ran out, and was eliminated. Catherine was third. She made it up the pole with less than a minute to spare. She was too scared to stand up on the pole and chickened out. Catherine was eliminated. Michael was next. He made up the pole in plenty of time, but failed to hang on to the trapeze for 5 seconds. Michael was eliminated. Martin was next. He made it up the pole and leapt to the trapeze successfully. Phil was last. He made it up the pole, but lost his balance and fell. He climbed the pole again, and leapt for the trapeze. He grabbed it, but was unable to hold on for 5 seconds. Since Martin was the only person to complete this stunt, he won $10,000 and everyone was brought back for the next stunt.

Stunt #2: Pig Feast

Contestants would each have to select a fortune cookie which contained a strip of paper with a pig part written on it. The part written on the paper would be the pig part they would have to eat. The parts were liver, kidney, heart, ear, tongue, and snout. Everyone who ate their pig part in 4 minutes would advance to the finals.

Phil was first. He ended up getting the kidney. It was too dry to swallow, and he was not able to finish in the time limit. Phil was eliminated. Milauna was second, and she got the heart. She attempted to tear it into small pieces, but was also unable to get it down in the time limit. Milauna was eliminated. Michael was third. He ended up getting the tongue. He finished it successfully. Martin was next, and had to eat the liver. He was unable to get it down in time. Martin was eliminated, but he was going home with $10,000. Catherine was next. She got the snout. She took a few bites and quit. Catherine was eliminated. Jennifer was last, and had to eat the ear. She got it down in the nick of time.

Stunt #3: Traverse

As a semi truck drove down a highway at 45 miles per hour, contestants would have to climb across the side of the trailer using specially placed handholds. When they got to the end, they would have to climb up on top of the truck. The contestant to do this the fastest would win the $50,000.

Michael was first. He completed the stunt in 2:31. Jennifer kept falling off and having to get back on. She was unable to beat Michael's time. Despite failing the first stunt, Michael was the $50,000 winner.

Player recap

Season 2, Episode 1

This episode featured six celebrity contestants competing for charity. The winner would receive $50,000 for their charity, and the others would receive $25,000 for their charities.

Stunt #1: Bus Surfing

As a double-decker bus swerved through a deserted city street, contestants would have to maneuver around atop the bus and collect flags from the edges of the roof. Flags that contestants grabbed while on their knees would not count. The two men and the two women to collect the most flags would advance to the next round. The others would be eliminated.

Brooke was first. She collected 4 flags before falling, but she got 2 of them on her knees. Brooke's official score was 2. Joanie was second. She fell after getting 4 flags, one of which did not count because she was on her knees. Her official score was 3. Kelly was next. She collected 6 flags, but got 1 while on her knees. Her official score was 5. Brooke was eliminated. Coolio was first for the men. He started removing flags quickly, and removed 7 of the flags before he was supposed to start. He got 19 flags, but his official score was 12 since the first 7 did not count. David was next. He got 7 flags, but he got 4 on his knees. His official score was 3. Donny was last. He got 8 flags, 2 of which did not count since he was on his knees. His official score was 6. David was eliminated.

Stunt #2: Torture Cell

Contestants would have to stick their heads in a Plexiglas box with hundreds of super worms, 40 millipedes, and 20 emperor scorpions. Everyone who stayed in the box for three minutes would advance to the finals.

Donny was first. Despite getting bit by some of the bugs, he remained in the box. Kelly was second. The worms kept trying to crawl in her mouth, but she kept spitting them away and stayed in until time was up. Coolio was next. When time was up, he immediately jerked his head out of the box and ran screaming down the subway tunnel. Joanie was last. She did not want to do the stunt, but put her head in the box anyway. She stayed in the full time, and everyone advanced to the finals.

Stunt #3: Swinging Circle

Contestants would have to walk the circumference of a tilted circular balance beam hanging over 100 feet above the ground. The contestant get around the circle fastest would win $50,000 for their charity.

Stunt #3: Swinging Circle

Coolio was first. He got around the circle in 29.25 seconds. Joanie was second. She tired to run it and fell about halfway around. Joanie was eliminated. Donny was next. He also tried to run it and fell. Donny was eliminated. Kelly was last. Before she did the stunt, her husband John Travolta showed up to cheer her on. He agreed to match whatever amount of money she won for the charity. Kelly moved slowly and completed the stunt, but her time was 36 seconds. Coolio was the Celebrity Fear Factor winner.

Player/charity recap

Season 2, Episode 2

Stunt #1: Airplane Walk

Contestants would have to climb out on the wing of a bi-plane as it flew at 100 miles per hour and over 4,000 feet above the ground. They would have to release a flag at the end of the wing and return to the cockpit. The two men and the two women to complete this stunt the fastest would advance to the next round. The others would be eliminated.

Patricia was first. She completed the stunt in 56 seconds. Christy was second. She had a difficult time maneuvering around the rods on the wings. Her time was 57 seconds. Diana was next. She moved fast and completed the stunt in 25 seconds. Christy was eliminated. Kevin was first for the men. He set a time of 16 seconds. Garret was next. He moved very fast and got a time of 12 seconds. Jason was last. His harness got tangled up and he took longer than 20 seconds. Jason was eliminated.

Stunt #2: Snake Face-off

Contestants would have to bob for plums in a tank containing 50 water snakes and a constrictor snake. The three contestants to retrieve the most plums in two minutes would advance the finals. The slowest person would be eliminated.

Patricia was first again. She was slow and methodical. She was able to get the plums easily and ended up getting 15 when time ran out. Diana was second, and admitted that snakes were her biggest fear. She freaked out and was only able to get 3 plums. Garret was next. His hair gel seemed to agitate the snakes. He got 4 plums. Kevin was last. He was too aggressive and moved the plums around. He only ended up getting 1 plum. Kevin was eliminated.

Stunt #3: Car Launch

Contestants would have to crash a car through a guard rail and launch it off the third level of a parking garage. The car would land in a large pile of boxes. The contestant who could launch their car the furthest distance would win the $50,000.

Stunt #3: Car Launch

Garret was first. He predicted he would get 69 feet. He ended up getting 63 feet, 6 inches. Patricia was next. Her distance was 72 feet, 4½ inches. Garret was eliminated. Diana was last. She was confident that she had succeeded after doing the stunt, but her distance was 69 feet, 5 inches. Patricia was the $50,000 winner.

Player recap

Season 2, Episode 3

Stunt #1: Bull Riding

Contestants would each have to ride a 2,000 pound bull. The two men and the two women who stayed on their bulls the longest would advance to the next round. The others would be eliminated.

Laura was first. She held on for 4.6 seconds. Yanaiza, a former Miss Rhode Island, was second. She only stayed on for 3.4 seconds. Kristin was next. The bull bucked her off and sent her flying through the air. Kristin was not injured, and her time was 5 seconds. Yanaiza was eliminated. Ben was first for the men. His time was 5.7 seconds. Al was next. He held on for 7 seconds. Jason was last. He only held of for 3.8 seconds. Jason was eliminated.

Stunt #2: Eat Brains

Contestants would have to play a Fear Factor Poker game to determine the amount of cow brain they would have to eat. They would be dealt four cards with possible values of 0, ¼, ½, and ¾. They would have one opportunity to trade in the cards of their choice for new cards. After exchanging their cards, their total would be added up. Everyone who ate their designated amount of cow brain within the time limit (one minute for every ¼ brain) would advance the finals. The others would be eliminated.

Ben was first. His cards were ½, ¾, ¾, and ¾. He got rid of all his cards. His second hand was ¾, ¾, ½, and ½. He would have 10 minutes to eat 2½ brains. He took one bite and quit. Ben was eliminated. Al, a vegetarian, was second. He was dealt ½, ½, ¼, and ¾. He got rid one of the ½ cards and the ¾ card. His new cards were a ½ and a ¼. He would have 6 minutes to eat 1½ brain. He got it all down with less than a minute to spare. Kristin was next. She was dealt a 0, ¼, ¼, and ½. She got rid of her ½ and got a ¾. She would have 5 minutes to eat 1¼ brain. She ate it all, and swallowed the last bite just in time. Laura was last. She was dealt ½, ¾, ¾, and ½. She got rid of all her cards. Her new hand was ½, ¾, ¼, and ½. She would have 8 minutes to eat 2 brains. She was not able to eat it all in the time limit. Laura was eliminated.

Stunt #3: Zip Line

Contestants would hang from handlebars on a zip line at the top deck of the Queen Mary, approximately 100 feet over the water. As they raced down the zip line at up to 40 miles per hour, they would have to drop into a target zone with numbers ranging from 0 to 5. The contestant to land in the highest number would win the $50,000.

Al was first. He managed to land in the 5, which was between the 2 and the 0. If Kristin also dropped into the 5, they would have to do the stunt again to break the tie. If not, Al would win. Kristin dropped too soon and missed the target completely. Al was the $50,000 winner.

Player recap

Season 2, Episode 4

Stunt #1: Boat Jump

As two ultra boats raced down a lake at 40 miles per hour, contestants would have to jump the gap between them that was approximately 7 feet wide and land on the second boat. Contestants who jumped from boat to boat successfully would advance to the next round.

Nettie, a former track athlete, was first. She completed the jump successfully. Kelly was second. She did not jump far enough and hit the side of the second boat. She was unable to pull herself up and fell in the water. Kelly was eliminated. Tremaine was third. He smacked off the side of the second boat and was eliminated. Alexa was next. She used a belly-flop technique and made it. John was next. He also succeeded. Carmen, the obnoxious one in the group, was last. He slipped just before he jumped. He smacked off the side of the boat and went cartwheeling through the water. Carmen was eliminated.

Stunt #2: Swimming with the Fishes

Contestants would have three minutes to swim around in a tank containing 10 tons of dead squid, retrieve 5-pound weights, and hang them on a hook overhead. The contestant to retrieve the least weights would be eliminated.

Alexa was first. She retrieved 8 weights. Nettie was next, and admitted to being grossed out. She took longer finding the weights and only got 7. John was last. He was more aggressive than Nettie and managed to get 8 weights. Nettie was eliminated.

Stunt #3: Flag Snag

Contestants would have to shimmy out to the end of horizontal pole jutting from a rooftop 20 stories high. They would have to grab a flag, bring it back to the rooftop, clip the flag on a pole, and raise it. The contestant to complete this stunt the fastest would win the $50,000.

Alexa was first, and she was very freaked out. She inched along the pole and used a few words that had to be bleeped out, but she managed to get through the stunt in 4:20. John almost fell off the side a couple of times, but managed to recover. He made it back and raised the flag in 1:58. John was the $50,000 winner.

Player recap

Season 2, Episode 5

Stunt 1: Helicopter Fire Drill

Players will have to climb out one side of the helicopter as it hovered twenty-five feet above the cold water, then traverse underneath the helicopter using a cargo net fastened to the runners. Only after they hoisted themselves back inside on the other side of the helicopter would their time complete. The two players (one male, one female) with the lowest times would be eliminated.

Stunt 2: Eat Rectum

Each player's first two shots to hit the target (with numbers zero through two) would determine their score. Their score would determine the number of pig rectums - or bungs - they would have to eat! They would have four minutes to eat each bung.

Stunt 3: Ledge Walk

After climbing out an eleven-story window, players had to walk 110-feet along a narrow ledge filled with obstacles (i.e.: plants, fake birds, buckets etc). Whoever make it to the fire escape in the quickest time would win.'

Season 2, Episode 6

This Super Bowl Halftime episode featured six Playboy Playmates.

Stunt #1 (Tightrope)

The ladies would have to walk a tight rope stretching between two rooftops 10 stories high. As they crossed the rope, they would be able to use hanging ropes for support. The four ladies to complete this stunt the fastest would advance to the next round. The others would be eliminated.

Julie was first. She got across in 4:36. Nicole was second. She moved slower and got across in 6:41. Angel was third. She got a time 3:29. Stacy was next. She made it in 2:16. Lauren was next. She set a new fast time of 1:58. Nicole was eliminated. Priscilla was last. She got across the tightrope in 3:30. Julie was eliminated.

Stunt #2 (Strawberries and flies)

The ladies would have to stick their heads into box with strawberries hanging from the top. They would also be sharing the box with hundreds of flies. The three ladies to eat the most strawberries in two minutes would advance to the finals. Anyone who ate all the strawberries would automatically advance.

Priscilla was first, and she ate all the strawberries. Angel was second. She definitely ate a few flies with her strawberries. She ate all the strawberries. Lauren was next. She said the flies made the strawberries taste sour. She ate all the strawberries. Stacy was last. She also ate all the strawberries, and everyone advanced to the finals.

Stunt #3 (Trapped Under Ice)

In a pool covered with a layer of Plexiglas, the ladies would have to enter through a hole in the surface and swim down through holes in two more layers of plastic to retrieve glow sticks. Red glow sticks were worth 10 points, and there was a bundle of green glow sticks at the bottom worth 100 points. They would then have to return to the surface through the holes. The lady to return to the surface with the most points in glow sticks would win the $50,000.

Angel was first. She retrieved the 100 point bundle, along with 40 points in red glow sticks. She got lost coming up and the safety divers had to rescue her. Since she did not resurface through the holes, her official score was 0. Angel was still in the game if no one else got a glow stick. Stacy was second. She went under the water and immediately came back up. She quit and was eliminated. Priscilla was next. She stuck her feet in and quit because the water was cold. Priscilla was eliminated. All Lauren had to do was get 1 glow stick to win. She had trouble finding the holes, but managed to resurface with a 10-point glow stick. Lauren was the Playmate Fear Factor Champion and was going home with $50,000.

Player recap

Season 2, Episode 7

Stunt #1: Blimp Climb

As a blimp flew high above the ocean, contestants would have to climb down a 35-foot rope ladder, release a flag, and climb back up the ladder. The two men and the two women to complete this stunt fastest would advance to the next round. The others would be eliminated.

Alexis was first. She moved slowly and got a time of 2:10. Terri was second. Her time was 1:52. Tabatha was next. She completed the stunt in 1:57. Alexis was eliminated. Kevin was first for the men. His time was 1:06. Chris was next. His time was 1:13. Chad was last. He only used his arms going down the ladder and saved a lot of time. He completed the stunt in 42 seconds. Chris was eliminated.

Stunt #2: Bobbing in Wax Worms

Contestants would have to retrieve up to 20 chicken feet from a box of 25,000 wax worms using only their mouths. The three contestants to retrieve the most chicken feet in two minutes would advance to the finals. The other person would be eliminated.

Kevin was first. He got 19 chicken feet. Terri was second. She got 14 chicken feet. Tabatha was next. She got 17 chicken feet. Chad was last. He had a hard time finding the chicken feet, but managed to get 15. Terri was eliminated.

Stunt #3: Car Flip

Contestants would have to race a car toward a pipe ramp and flip the car. The contestant to launch their car the furthest distance would win the $50,000.

Kevin was first again. He launched his car 71 feet, 6½ inches. Chad was next. His car flipped back onto its tires. His distance was 71 feet, 8 inches. Kevin was eliminated. Tabatha was last. She did not press the gas hard enough and only launched 54 feet, 8 inches. Chad was the $50,000 winner.

Player recap

Season 2, Episode 8

Stunt #1: Helicopter Climb

Each player would hang from the bottom rung of that ladder and as the helicopter spun above the cold Pacific Ocean, they would have to climb up and into the "bird". The four players with the best times would advance.

Stunt #2: Blender of Fear

A simple game of craps was the key of this stunt. Each player would roll three dices, which were labeled with ingredients to be included in a FEAR FACTOR protein shake. Using a base mixture of pig brains, additional ingredients including pig intestine, durian (a pungent fruit), animal fat, rooster testes, cow eyes, veal brain, spleen, cod liver oil, bile and fish sauce.

Stunt #3: Pole Hopper

Players faced six telephone poles positioned in a line by height. Attached to the shortest pole (which still towered into the sky) were three flags. The object was to move the flags, one at a time, from the shortest pole to the longest pole. The person with the best time win. If a player fell while stepping from pole to pole, they could climb back up and start over without a penalty. They also made it rain.

Season 2, Episode 9

Stunt #1: Vertical Gauntlet

Contestants would have to cross 12-inch-wide (300 mm) support beams between two 14-story buildings, climbing rope ladders to get from one beam to the next. On each beam, with the exception of the first, they would have to navigate an obstacle. The second beam had a truss that they would have to crawl underneath, the third beam had a see-saw that they would have to get across, the fourth beam had a punching bag that they would have to get around, and the fifth and highest beam had road cones on it. The whole time they were doing the stunt, water would be raining down on them. The two men and the two women to reach the end and release a flag the fastest would advance to the next round. The others would be eliminated.

Selena was first. She made it across the first beam, climbed to the second one, and crawled under the truss. She quit while trying to climb the ladder to the third beam. Selena was eliminated. Since there were only two women left, Joe offered the lady to do it the fastest $1,000. Susan was second. She completed the stunt in 10:15. Elizabeth was next. She crawled some of the time, and her time was 11:19. Susan won the $1,000. Nicholas was first for the men. He wanted to complete the stunt in less than 4 minutes, and he did it in 3:50. Josiah was next. He started off slower than Nicholas, but kept a steady pace and completed the stunt in 2:45. Nate was last. His time was 3:04. Nicholas was eliminated.

Stunt #2: Rat Hat

Contestants would each have to stick their head in a Plexiglas box with rats. While they had their heads in the box, they would have to use their hands to reach into a cage containing 24 rats and put the white rats and the black rats in separate cages. The three contestants to sort the most rats in two minutes would advance to the finals.

Nate was first, and admitted to hating rats. He picked up the rats slowly, and sorted a total of 16 rats. Susan was second. She was less hesitant than Nate and sorted all the rats. Josiah was next. He also sorted all 24 rats. Elizabeth was last. She got 17 rats. Nate was eliminated.

Stunt #3: Semi Truck Beam Walk

As two semi-trucks drove one behind the other at over 50 miles per hour, contestants would have to collect three flags from a plank jutting from the back of the first truck, then jump from the plank and land on the cab of the second truck. The contestant to complete this stunt the fastest would win the $50,000.

Elizabeth was first. She tried to stand up on the beam and immediately fell off. Elizabeth was eliminated. Susan was next. She crawled on the beam and collected all three flags. She hesitated before jumping, and was unable to clear the gap. Susan was eliminated, but she still won the $1,000 in the first stunt. Only Josiah was left. He also crawled down the beam. He collected the flags and cleared the gap. Josiah was the $50,000 winner.

Player recap

Season 2, Episode 10

This episode featured six celebrity contestants competing for charity. The winner would receive $50,000 for their charity, and the others would receive $10,000 for their charities.

Stunt #1: Spiderman

Contestants would have to scale the outside of a building 36 stories high using hand holds and the one-inch window sill. They would have to transfer flags from one open window to the other. The two men and the two women to transfer the most flags the fastest in three minutes would advance to the next round. The others would be eliminated.

Kelly was first. She transferred 2 flags. Ali was second. She moved faster and transferred 3 flags. Alison was last. She got 2 flags, but fell after placing the second one. Since Alison transferred 2 flags quicker, Kelly was eliminated. Kevin was first for the men. He transferred 4 flags. Alan was next. He only managed to transfer 1 flag before falling. Stephen was last. He stopped after getting 2 flags. Alan was eliminated.

Stunt #2: Coffin

Contestants would have to lie in a Plexiglas coffin with their legs covered with thousands night crawlers, their midsections covered with 100 snakes, and their heads covered with 3,000 Madagascar hissing cockroaches. The three contestants to remove 10 white snakes from the coffin the fastest would advance to the finals

Alison was first and was obviously uncomfortable. She immediately lost it after completing the stunt and freaked out. Her time was 1:54. Ali was second. She stayed calm and sorted 10 white snakes in 1:15. Kevin was next. His time was 1:33. Stephen was last. He sorted 10 white snakes in 1 minute. Joe bargained with Alison that if she ate a roach, she could still advance to the finals if everyone approved. Joe offered to eat a roach as well. Alison asked if she could eat worms instead, and everyone agreed that if she ate 3 worms she could advance. She chewed them down, and Joe ate a roach.

Stunt #3: Water Cage

Contestants would be locked in a steel cage and submerged underwater. When a red light came on, they would have to find which of three keys unlocked the cage, escape, and swim to a buoy. The contestant to complete this stunt the fastest would win $50,000 for their charity.

Stunt #3: Water Cage

Stephen was first. He got the lock off and hit his head while exiting the cage, but completed the stunt in 24 seconds. Kevin was second. He took a long time getting the lock unlocked. His time was 43 seconds. Kevin was eliminated. Ali was next. She could not get the lock unlocked and went through the escape hatch in the top of the cage. Ali was eliminated. Alison was last. She got out quickly, but did not make it to the buoy in time. Stephen was the Celebrity Fear Factor Champion.

Player/charity recap

Season 2, Episode 11

Stunt #1: Bridge Hang

Contestants would have to hang from a trapeze bar jutting from the side of a high bridge. The two men and the two women to hang on the longest before falling would advance to the next round. The others would be eliminated.

Wendy was first. She tried to readjust her grip and fell at 53 seconds. Leslie was second. Her hang time was 1:16. Andrea was next. She held on for 1:24. Wendy was eliminated. Supreme trash-talker Michael was first for the men. His time was 1:03. Paul was next. He barely passed Michael with a time of 1:05. Phuoc was last. He only held on for 49 seconds. Phuoc was eliminated.

Stunt #2: Uterus Skeeball

Contestants would have to roll a skeeball on a table with holes numbered 1 through 6 to determine the number of pig uteruses they would have to eat. Everyone who ate their uteruses in the time limit (one minute per uterus) would advance to the finals.

Michael was first. He rolled a 5. He would have five minutes to eat 5 uteruses. He was unable to finish in time and was eliminated. Andrea was second. She also rolled a 5. She ate some of it, but quit when she knew she could not finish in time. Paul was next. He rolled 5. He was also unable to finish in the time limit. Only Leslie was left. She rolled a 5, but was unable to finish. Since everyone failed this stunt, they would be brought back for the finals to compete for a reduced prize of $25,000

Stunt #3: Cable Plate Walk

High above a hotel lobby, contestants would have to walk across a bridge made of cables and Plexiglas disks spanning from one balcony to the other. The contestant to get across the fastest would win the money.

Paul was first. He was unable to handle Michael's trash-talking and fell about halfway across. Paul was eliminated. Michael was second. He kept pausing to show off and got across in 2:55. Andrea was next. She was able to get across despite Michael's heckling. Her time was 1:55. Michael was eliminated. Leslie was last. She started off slow, but sped up. Her time was 1:48. Leslie was the $25,000 winner.

Player recap

Season 2, Episode 12

This special episode featured four contestants on Spring Break in Cancun competing for 50,000 pesos (around $5,000 in American dollars).

Stunt #1 (Squid jacuzzi)

Contestants would have to climb into a jacuzzi full of dead squid, remove their bathing suit bottoms, find another bathing suit bottom somewhere in the jacuzzi, and put it on. The three contestants to do this the fastest would advance to the next round. The slowest contestant would be eliminated.

Stunt #2 (Blender of Fear)

Contestants would have to drink Fear Factor shakes made from various blended gross food items. The two contestants to finish their shakes the fastest would advance to the final round, the slowest contestant would be eliminated.

Stunt #3 (Snake Face-off)

Contestants would have to bob for plums in a tank full of water snakes. The contestant who could retrieve the most plums within the time limit would win the 50,000 pesos.

Season 2, Episode 13

Stunt #1: Tunnel Swim

Contestants would have to swim though an underwater tunnel that was 80 feet long. Along the way, there were four air pockets. The two men and the two women to get through the tunnel the fastest would advance to the next round. The others would be eliminated.

Carol was first. She passed the first air pocket and stopped at the second one. She also stopped to take a breath at the fourth air pocket. Her time was 1:11. Harmonie was second. She freaked out and refused to enter the tunnel. Harmonie was eliminated. Charlotte was next. She took a breath at the first, third, and fourth holes. Her time was 1:09. David was first for the men. He stopped for air at the first and third holes. His time was 40 seconds. Jeff was next. He completed the stunt in 36 seconds. Joel was last. He stopped for air at the first and third holes. His time was 39 seconds. David was eliminated.

Stunt #2: Eat Balut

Contestants would have to eat two balut eggs, which are soft boiled eggs with an underdeveloped duck embryo inside. Everyone who ate their two balut eggs in three minutes would advance to the finals.

Charlotte was first. She ate both embryos in plenty of time. Joel was second. He also did it easily. Jeff was next, and had no problems. Carol was last. She got it down, and everyone advanced to the finals.

Stunt #3: Bike Plank

Contestants would have to ride a bike across a 12-inch-wide (300 mm) balance beam suspended between two rooftops over 120 feet high. The contestant to get across the beam the fastest or get the furthest before falling would win the $50,000.

Charlotte was first. She hesitated for 2 minutes before attempting the stunt. She made it 38 feet before falling. Carol was second. She made it all the way across the beam in 7 seconds. Charlotte was eliminated. Joel was next. He fell before getting halfway across. Joel was eliminated. Jeff was last. He made it all the way across and did it in 5 seconds. Jeff was the $50,000 winner.

Player recap

Season 2, Episode 14

Stunt #1: Helicopter Jump

Contestants would be riding in a helicopter as if flew 25 feet above a lake. As the helicopter flew over an island of boxes, they would have to jump out and try to land on the boxes. Contestants who hit any part of the boxes would advance to the next round. Anyone who missed the boxes entirely would be eliminated.

Jennifer was first. She jumped too late and missed the boxes entirely. Jennifer was eliminated. Jamey was second. He jumped a litter sooner than Jennifer and managed to hit the edge of the box island before falling into the water. Lindsay was third. She timed her jump just right and nearly hit the middle of the boxes. Michael, a New York City firefighter, was next. He jumped too soon and missed the boxes entirely. Michael was eliminated. Alison was next. She jumped on time and stuck the landing. Tom was last. He dove head-first and hit right in the middle of the boxes.

Stunt #2: Tarantula Torture Cell

Contestants would each have to stick their head into a box of 50 tarantulas. Everyone who stayed in the box for three minutes would advance to the next round.

Tom was first. He remained absolutely still the whole time. Lindsay was second. Most of the tarantulas stayed on her head, but she remained calm. Jamey was next. He seemed to be the most freaked out, but got through the stunt. Alison was last. The tarantulas were moving around a lot at first, but then they all stopped moving. Alison got through it, and everyone advance to the finals.

Stunt #3: Water Tube

Contestants would have to lie in a Plexiglas tube as it filled with water. Once the tube was full, the contestant who could hold their breath the longest would win the $50,000.

Tom was first again. He looked like he was going to quit about 30 seconds into the stunt, but he held on. He finally quit after 2:07. Jamey was second, and admitted to having a fear of water. He only stayed in the tube for 11 seconds. Jamey was eliminated. Lindsay was next. She took her breath too late and inhaled water. She only stayed in for 2 seconds. Lindsay was eliminated. Alison was last. She was a swimmer, but she only held her breath for 33 seconds. Tom was the $50,000 winner.

Player recap

Season 2, Episode 15

Stunt 1: Public Nudity

Contestants would be required to strip down to their birthday suits, parade along the runway for one minute, then stand with their hands on their hips for two minutes at the end of the runway atop a turning pedestal.

Stunt 2: Eat Roaches

Fear Factor shuffleboard was on the agenda as players would have one chance to push the shuffleboard disk into the scoring area. Whatever number the disk landed on (ranging 0 to 5) would be the number of live, Madagascar hissing cockroaches they would have to eat. They also received a warning: the roaches' hard shells and spiny legs could damage the players' windpipes, so chewing was the key. They will have one minute per roach to complete the stunt.

Stunt 3: Chain Submerge

A twelve-foot deep tank filled with 300,000 gallons of icy water was their site final stunt. They will have to climb atop a fifty-pound cement block, where their legs would be shackled together. Hanging off the side of the block was the key to unlock the shackles. Whoever could grab the key, free themselves and resurface from the depths of the tank in the fastest time would win.

Season 2, Episode 16 (Twins Edition)

Stunt 1: Sky Surfing

The first stunt reqiured the twins to work as teams. The siblings would stand on a platform suspended 100-feet above the crashing sea below. As the platform teeter-tottered up and down, the twins had to gather as many flags as possible from the surrounding edges of the platform. Balance, timing and teamwork were crucial as one team would definitely be eliminated due to either lowest time or least number of flags.

Stunt 2: Fear Factor Billards

Instead of working as teams, the twins were playing against each other as individuals. Standing in front a billards table, four pool balls rested on the green felt, each with a different symbol: an egg, an ant, a squid and a chilli pepper. Each symbol represented an item players would have to eat. Players would get five shots (including the "break") to sink the four balls. Whichever balls remained would determine what the players ate.

Stunt 3: Container Jump

Players found a shipyard facing four, 9,000-pound cargo containers suspended 60-feet in the air. Each container had cones at either end, one cone containing a flag. While containers swayed, players would have to move the flag from one cone to the other, then leap from container to container and repeat the process until all four flags had been moved. The twin with the fastest time would win the big money.

Season 2, Episode 17

Stunt #1: Roof to Roof Jump

Contestants would have to jump from a rooftop 10 stories high and clear 16-foot gap in order to land on a lower rooftop. Contestants who successfully jumped to the second rooftop would advance to the next round.

Jeffrey was first. He took a leap and made it to the second rooftop. Octavia was second. She cleared the gap and made it to the landing pad. Eric was third. He opted to do the stunt in his loafers and was not able to get enough traction. He hit the side of the second building and held on, but he was unable to pull himself up. Eric was eliminated. Nicole was next. She made it despite being 5 feet, 2 inches tall. Abbey was next. She smacked off the side of the building and was eliminated. Remarcus was last. He also smacked off the side of the building. Remarcus was eliminated.

Stunt #2: Fear Factor Spaghetti

Contestants would have to use their faces to dig through a plate of night crawlers and find 5 coagulated blood balls wrapped in pig intestine. Everyone who ate their 5 coagulated blood balls in four minutes would advance to the finals.

Nicole was first. She found one blood ball, but it was too dry for to swallow. She quit, and was eliminated. Jeffrey was next. He got 4 blood balls down, but ran out of time. Jeffrey was eliminated. Only Octavia was left. She was running out of time, so she tried to eat the last 2 at the same time. It was too much to swallow and she ran out of time. Since Nicole, Jeffrey, and Octavia all failed, they would be brought back for the finals to compete for a reduced prize of $25,000.

Stunt #3: Submerged Fuselage

Contestants would be strapped into the font seat of a fuselage, submerged underwater, and flipped upside-down. When a red light came on they would have to unbuckle themselves, escape through the rear hatch door, and swim to the surface. The contestant to complete this stunt the fastest would win the money.

Jeffrey was first. He hit his head while swimming to the rear and accidentally swam out the wrong exit. Jeffrey was eliminated. Octavia was next. She completed the stunt in 18 seconds. Nicole was last. She took less time finding the door and got out in 15 seconds. Nicole won the $25,000.

Player recap

Season 2, Episode 18

This was part one of a two-part Championship edition.

In Part 1 of the Fear Factor Tournament of Champions, the 13 players who had won before on Fear Factor during the second season competed again to compete for the Fear Factor Championship and $100,000 prize. There are five stunts. The men and women will compete separately until the last stunt.

Stunt 1 (Men): Jet Climb

The first stunt for the men would required stamina, strength and good ab muscles. Two at a time the players would be hoisted by their ankles, over 100 feet in the air. Four boxes would be strapped to their bodies, form their chests to their ankles. Each box contains a key to open the next box. Working from their chests down, players must unlock each box in order - finally releasing a FEAR FACTOR flag from the final box. The four men who won their competitions would advance.

Stunt 1: (Women): Inverted Fall

A marine carrier jet was hoisted high above the ground, the nighttime Los Angeles skyline sparkling in the background. After riding up in the cockpit of the plane, each player would have to climb out onto the jet and retrieve as many Fear Factor flags as possible in three minutes - all while the plane was rocked back and forth above the ground.

Season 2, Episode 19

This was the 90-minute finale of a two-part Championship edition.

The remaining nine players will battle it out in the final stunts and compete for a grand prize of $100,000.

Stunt 2 (Women): Swim with Gators

Inside a giant-sized fish tank, several alligators dropped into the water. The gators had razor-sharp teeth and lethal claws. The women would have to slide carefully into the tank and retrieve three poles from the bottom. One at a time they would have to place the poles on a rack alongside the tank. The two women that completed the stunt the fastest would move on to the final round.

Stunt 2 (Men): Buffet

Each player would lie down on the Wheel of Fear - a spinning contraption bordered by three colors: red, black and yellow. Whatever color the player's arrow lands on would determine which table of "food" they have to run and eat from. On the Yellow Table: pig rectum, night crawlers and habanero peppers. On the Black Table: fermented squid guts, cow brains and Madagascar hissing cockroaches. On the Red Table: coagulated blood balls wrapped in pig intestines, beetles and a buffalo testicle. The two players who eat their smorgasbord the fastest the fastest will advance.

Stunt 3: Tanker Truck

This stunt rolled up in the form of a huge tanker truck. Players would have to stand atop the tanker while it barreled down a windy, canyon road. When the horn sounds, players must the 18-wheeler's tank, swim through the sloshing water inside and find a key. Once they have the key, they would have to climb back out of the tank on the top, make their way to the front of the still-speeding truck, insert the key and sound a horn! Whoever has the fastest time will become FEAR FACTOR CHAMPION.

Season 2, Episode 20 (Finale)

Second Season Highlights

Season 3, Episode 1

This episode featured six celebrity contestants competing for charity. The winner would receive $50,000 for their charity, and the others would receive $10,000 for their charities.

Stunt #1: Big Foot

Contestants would be sitting in a car at the end of a line of junkyard cars. As a monster truck drove over the line of cars, contestants would have to find which of six keys started the car and drive over a finish line. If their car was crushed by the monster truck, they could still continue if the car would start. The two men and the two women to cross the finish line the fastest would advance to the next round. The others would be eliminated.

Matt was first. He was unable to start the car before the truck rolled over him, but found the key afterwards. He crossed the finish line in 24 seconds. Barry was second. He got the right key on the first try and crossed the finish line before the truck reached him. His time was 10 seconds. Penn & Teller were next. Teller would be doing the stunts, and Penn would be doing the talking. Teller also got the key before the truck reached him and crossed the finish line in 15 seconds. Matt was eliminated. Gena was first for the women. She got run over before finding the right key, and crossed the finish line in 23 seconds. Natasha was next. She twisted the keys so hard that one bent and got stuck in the ignition. She got run over, and crossed the finish line in 48 seconds. Keshia was last. The truck ran over her car, but she managed to get it started and drive it over the finish line in 32 seconds. Natasha was eliminated.

Stunt #2: Snake Tank

Contestants would have to swim to the bottom of a water tank occupied by over 1,000 snakes, including a 10-foot-long (3.0 m) albino Burmese python. They would have to dig through the 1,000 pucks at the bottom of the tank and place as many of the 100 yellow pucks as possible into a bucket. The three contestants to retrieve the most yellow pucks in 90 seconds would advance to the finals. The contestant to get the least pucks would be eliminated.

Barry was first. He retrieved 18 yellow pucks. Teller was second, and went in the tank in his tuxedo. Penn made a $100 side bet with Barry that Teller would tie or beat him. Teller got 18 pucks and tied with Barry, so Barry owed Penn $100. Keshia was next, and also bet Penn that she could do better than Teller. She only got 11 pucks and paid Penn $100. Gena was last, and chose not to bet. She retrieved a bunch of black pucks which did not count. She only got 6 yellow pucks. Joe made a deal with Gena that if she ate a Madagascar hissing cockroach that she could advance to the finals. Teller ate one just to show off, but Gena chose not to and was eliminated.

Stunt #3: Floor Drop

Over 200 feet above a dam, contestants would have to transfer flags from one corner of a Plexiglas box to the other. After 30 seconds, the floor would drop out and the contestants would bungee drop. The contestant to transfer the most flags the fastest before the drop would be the Celebrity Fear Factor Champion and win $50,000 for their charity.

Barry was first. He transferred 10 flags before the drop. Teller was next. He also transferred 10 flags. Barry had gotten the 10th flag in 29.8 seconds; Teller had gotten his last flag in 29.2 seconds. Barry was eliminated. Keshia was last. She dropped her first flag, but managed to transfer 12 flags before the drop. Keshia was the Celebrity Fear Factor Champion and won $50,000 for the Friendship Foundation.

Player recap

Season 3, Episode 2

Stunt #1: Counter Balance Beam

Contestants would have to release up to 12 flags from the edges of an 8-foot by 24-foot see-saw platform over 100 feet in the air. The two men and the two women to release the most flags the fastest before falling would advance to the next round. The others would be eliminated.

Kenny was first. He got 5 flags in 16 seconds flags before falling. Waco, a former Marine, was second. He grabbed flags while falling, and released 7 flags in 28 seconds. John was next. He released 5 flags in 14 seconds. Kenny was eliminated. Katherine was first for the women. She got 5 flags in 17 seconds. Gina, trash talker extraordinaire, was next. She grabbed flags while falling, and got 7 flags in 19 seconds. Jordan was last. She got 5 flags in 27 seconds. Jordan was eliminated.

Stunt #2: Weenie Roast

Contestants would play a matching game to determine whether they would have to eat the penis of a deer, elk, bull, or water buffalo. If they got the deer or elk penis, they would have 5 minutes to eat it. If they got the bull or water buffalo penis, they would have 10 minutes. Contestants who ate their animal penis within the time limit would advance to the finals.

Waco was first. He ended up having to eat the bull penis. He had 10 minutes to do so. He finished it with no problems. Katherine was second. She got the deer penis, and she would have 5 minutes to eat it. Despite disgusting remarks from Gina, she was able to finish it. Gina was next, and got the water buffalo penis. This was the largest one, and she would have 10 minutes to eat it. She started gagging before she even put it in her mouth. She gagged and dry heaved all the way through it, but managed to finish it. Since only the elk penis was left, John had to eat it. He finished it in the 5 minute time limit, and everyone advance to the finals.

Stunt #3: Swinging Rope Bridge

Contestants would have to cross a series of wooden swings suspended over 100 feet high. The contestant to make it across the 'bridge' fastest would be the Fear Factor Champion.

Gina was first. She could not step from swing to swing and had to waste time figuring out a strategy. She discovered that she could sit down and move from swing to swing. Her time was 16:07. John was second. He copied Gina's strategy and made it to the end in around 5 minutes. Unfortunately, he got tangled and fell at the last swing. He was unable to pull himself up. John was eliminated. Waco was next. He immediately sat, and got across in 4:02. Gina was eliminated. Katherine was last. She was unable to make it off the first swing before Waco's time passed. Waco was the Fear Factor Champion.

Player recap

Criticism

Fear Factor has received criticism from the general public mainly because of the show's second stunt, which intends to disgust its viewers. More seriously, the American Humane Association expressed concerns for allowing animals and insects to get injured and even killing insects by eating them alive during the videotaping of the show. The association also revealed that professional animal trainers have refused to work on the show because the producers of Fear Factor have demanded stunts which violate the association's guidelines.

American Humane believes that shows like Fear Factor are on a slippery slope of animal mistreatment and provide poor examples of animal treatment and humane ethics. As we work diligently to expand voluntary compliance with animal safety guidelines, organisations like Endemol who blatantly demonstrate complete disregard for animal welfare — or even that of their human contestants — are producing unacceptable programming. — Karen Rosa (Communications Manager of AHA Film and TV Unit) [3] 

In January 2005, an episode featuring a stunt involving blended rats aired in its normal prime time slot. Austin Aitken, a part-time paralegal from Cleveland, sued NBC for $2.5 million USD for airing the show, claiming that he felt so disgusted from watching the stunt, his blood pressure rose until he felt dizzy and lightheaded and subsequently vomited. He claimed that his disorientation was so severe that he ran into a doorway and seriously injured himself. In March 2005, U.S. District Judge Lesley Wells threw out the lawsuit on the grounds of First Amendment protection.[4]

Fear Factor was also criticized by major U.S. electrical utilities for an episode that required contestants to climb through a simulated electrical substation with "electrified wires" replete with simulated sparks and electrical sounds added in post-processing. The Edison Electric Institute issued a warning regarding the episode, fearing that viewers might attempt to climb through a real substation with more fatal results.[5]

Spin-off products

Fear Factor has also resulted in various spin-off products:

References

  1. ↑ http://medialifemagazine.com/artman/publish/article_2914.asp
  2. ↑ http://www.nbc.com/Fear_Factor/
  3. ↑ http://www.nspca.co.za/Media-Miscellaneous-2.htm
  4. ↑ Joe Milicia, Viewer Sues NBC Over 'Fear Factor' Rat-Eating Episode Accessed March 3, 2008
  5. ↑ 'Shocking' Television Stunt Spurs ComEd Warning about Electrical Safety
  6. ↑ Fear Factor Unleashed Review - Game Boy Advance
  7. ↑ Fear Factor Game | BoardGameGeek

External links