‘Intense and insane’: was this the most unsettling reality TV show ever?

In 1998, Tomoaki Hamatsu, known as Nasubi, joined the Japanese reality show Susunu! Denpa Shōnen, expecting minor fame but ending up in a bizarre 15-month challenge where he had to live naked and win all necessities through magazine sweepstakes. This intense experience, captured in the Hulu documentary "The Contestant," highlights the extreme conditions Nasubi endured, blurring the lines between entertainment and ethical boundaries.

Nasubi's ordeal became a national sensation, drawing millions of viewers weekly, yet he suffered immense psychological strain, unaware his struggles were broadcasted live. The show's manipulation and lack of consent are explored in the documentary, revealing the harsh realities behind the scenes of early reality TV. Nasubi's story, now revisited in the documentary, reflects on the human spirit's resilience in the face of exploitative entertainment practices.