Millions to see US game show filmed in Shetland

If you recall seeing a crowd of helpless American 20-somethings chasing sheep in the summer, there may a perfectly valid explanation.

A group of young contenders were taking part in an American game show, The Amazing Race, which is showing on CBS tonight.

Nine teams will be shown struggling to keep sheep from Berry Farm in Scalloway under control, making torches for the Up-Helly-A’ committee, and even toiling with the tushkars at the peat banks.

All of which may sound perfectly normal to most folk in the isles, but the show highlights activities unusual enough across the pond to attract, typically, 12 million viewers.

In fact, around 140 million folk are believed to watch it world-wide. While The Amazing Race is not shown here, it is in most other places – according to promoter Davie Gardner, who said Britain was one of the few countries where it doesn’t air.

As well as sheep-herding and pony-trekking, the hapless contenders also found themselves camping out on St Ninian’s Isle.

Mr Gardner said the show offered Shetland huge exposure.

“Although the essence of the programme is a game show, they chose venues very carefully to show off Shetland.

“It attracts audiences of 12 million in America, and 140 million worldwide.”

COMMENTS(4)

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  • Cynthia Leathers

    • October 11th, 2014 1:17

    Here in New York City, watching the show – your countryside is lovely. Thank you for hosting a leg of The Amazing Race!

    REPLY
  • Wayne Conroy

    • October 11th, 2014 5:57

    Not a show I would normally watch but just had to have a look. I’m glad to say they got a lovely sunny day – It really showed some of the true beauty that Shetland has to offer. Good entertainment to be had watching the Americans screaming and baaing at sheep while trying to get them through 3 gates and into a pen (trying being the operative word!). As for their adventure with the cantankerous Shetland ponies on the peat hill… Just great!

    REPLY
  • Davie Gardner

    • October 12th, 2014 21:19

    Please note I was not the promoter of this event or acting as a ‘promoter’ on this occasion. I in fact acted as the main Shetland contact and ‘Fixer’ for the show and also as an Assistant Location Manager during the day of the shoot itself – working alongside around 100+ members of the main TV crew and and additional 50 local folk who did an amazing job acting as, game-show task ‘experts’, runners, drivers, PA’s – you name it. Well done Shetland indeed!!!!

    REPLY

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