Physical: Asia

Here is where I admit that I am addicted to reality content coming out of the Republic of South Korea: cooking shows (like Culinary Class War), shows where contestants figure out ridiculously difficult puzzles (like The Devil’s Plan), and contests of physical fitness (like Physical 100).

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There is a sensibility about South Korean content that is admirable and that I like. The contestants are super respectful of each other, the challenges are interesting, and before people are eliminated, they get to say a few words and there is a lot of bowing. It’s heartwarming.

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This fitness show is a spin off from the two successful seasons of Physical: 100, which pits contestant against contestant. Physical: Asia, on the other hand, pits 5-member country-teams against each other.

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I enjoyed how the eight teams represented their cultures. Manny Pacquiao was there representing the Philippines in his signature sunglasses, the two winners of the Physical: 100 seasons were there representing South Korea and Japan, and many, many Olympians came to show and prove, some in traditional cultural outfits. So cool.

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I have no idea why the producers invited Australia (since they aren’t in Asia) but they came with a typical western attitude toward their competitors that felt dissonant against the values of the Asian countries.

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Even just watching these super-fit people battle it out and take on challenges is exhausting. They carry, push, pull, hang, and throw very heavy things as fast as they can. This is riveting television!

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