Video production in America is often labelled as sensationalist tripe, and a lot of the time, the label rings true. Most shows do not adhere to this as a philosophy, but simply yield to it in execution. However, one show which has always unashamedly run with this concept is Fear Factor. And guess what? It’s back. Bigger, badder and funnier than ever, the television production has two things which are worth your attention.

Number one is the systematic torture, humiliation and demoralisation of greedy, incredulous contestants. With all but one going home with an empty wallet, innumerable bruises and the shame of losing on national television, it’s a genuine hoot for anybody as sadistic as this author.

Then there is Joe Rogan. On Fear Factor he has the irreverent charisma of a man who has more contempt for the contestants than the audience. Outside the show, he is also a talented stand-up comic, USA Taekwondo lightweight champion and popular video-blogger. All of these aspects of Joe are distilled through the enormous power of the internet to conjure a personality who seems to have a rare curiosity about the world, a genuine likeability and most importantly of all, some intellectual honesty. Be it through his tweets, online video content or this new show, make sure you keep up to date with Joe and all his goings on.  

Fear Factor’s newest incarnation began last night, and UK residents may be interested to know that Sky is in talks to create a British version of this Grand Guignol for modern times.

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