A new reality series titled First in the Village follows a group of Russian bloggers as they learn survival skills in the outback while filming on location. The show places them in a remote, rugged setting where every task tests endurance, resourcefulness, and teamwork. Viewers in Canada and the United States can expect candid moments, unscripted challenges, and a window into how digital creators adapt when everyday comforts disappear and the terrain tests their limits.
For the breakfast routine, the contestants must build a chicken coop to raise hens for fresh eggs and will compete in a game named Pig Feeders, a competition that uses a portion of manure as part of the challenge and offers a cash prize for the top performers. The setup blends practical farming tasks with lighthearted competition, giving participants a real stake in their daily survival while staying true to the show’s playful spirit.
In the main barn there is no air conditioning; the space includes a bedroom, an open shower with ice-cold water, a septic tank serving as a toilet, and a simple wood stove. The rustic surroundings emphasize the contrast between modern expectations and the rough, self-reliant living the contestants must embrace as they film and compete.
“We need to wash ourselves in the street shower, you understand! And not +40 degrees like in Dubai! This is it, this is the end,” shared Olesya Rozhkova, a participant who reflects the raw, sometimes humorous, reality of enduring heat and sparse facilities on set.
Another twist is that there will be no dedicated cook; contestants will maintain their own garden full of vegetables and herbs and will have the chance to earn their own food by taking on chores such as cleaning the barn. This self-sufficient approach adds an extra layer of responsibility and teamwork, making daily routines as important as the more dramatic game challenges.
The project is slated to premiere on September 16, inviting audiences to watch how the group navigates the harsh environment, the limited amenities, and the evolving dynamics that come with living and competing in a remote village setting.
The day prior, a Chinese contestant admitted the heat on set was nearly unbearable, underscoring how the climate intensifies the realities of production in a remote location and the resilience required to keep filming under demanding conditions no matter the weather.
Lerchek, a participant who previously worked as a blogger, noted that a jungle challenge on a reality show filmed in Colombia proved to be exceptionally tough, highlighting the kind of strenuous and potentially unpredictable environments the current show seeks to test in its own distinctive way.