When Sweden invented the reality game show

In 1997, Sweden changed television history. That year saw the launch of Expedition Robinson, widely regarded as the world’s first reality-based competitive television programme.

The premise was strikingly simple. A group of ordinary people were stranded on a remote island, where they were required to build shelter, compete in challenges and vote one another out — until only one contestant remained.

When the final votes were cast, it was Martin Melin who stood alone. In doing so, he became the world’s first reality TV winner — years before the genre would grow into a global entertainment force.

The programme’s path to broadcast was far from smooth. It prompted fierce ethical debate in Sweden and came close to being pulled before transmission. Yet once it aired, it became one of the country’s most talked-about and successful television shows.

Its format would go on to inspire the international hit Survivor, which marks its 50th US season in 2026.

Martin tells Maddy Savage how it felt to be part of a new cultural phenomenon.

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(Photo: Martin Melin. Credit: Aftonbladet via Alamy)

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