New CBS competition series features Indianapolis native

INDIANAPOLIS (WTTV) — A brand new competition show makes its way to CBS at the end of the month, with none other than an Indianapolis native joining its 16-member cast.

With a sneak peek series premiere set to debut on Sept. 29, “The Summit” is described as a “new strategic high altitude competition series.” In other words, contestants across multiple states, backgrounds, identities and career paths will journey across the New Zealand Alps in a treacherous 14-day test of character and willpower.

Each cast member will wear backpacks containing an equal share of $1 million, a news release said. They will partake in competitions, rugged environments, the cruelness of Mother Nature and elimination games, meaning not every competitor will take home a portion of the cash prize.

In fact, according to the release, if the group cannot reach the titular “Summit” in time, every penny of that $1 million share will be lost.

One of the show’s 16 cast members hails from the Circle City. Dennis Cho, a 29-year-old trauma ICU nurse from Indianapolis describes himself as “an average athlete” who is “not over the top”.

“I hope to get out of this [experience] another side of me of determination that I know is inside of me,” Cho said in an introductory cast video. “But it’s been lost for a while. I’m hoping to find another part of me that’s been missing for a long time.”

Cho later added his difficulties with his nursing career, his past experiences and how he feels others perceive him will make the competition series a challenge, yet something he is more than prepared to face.

But the most difficult part? According to Cho, it’s “the blisters”. He also admitted his fears of bugs and birds—both of which are quite common in the harsh New Zealand outdoors.

Along with the personal challenge and the desire to prove himself, Cho said he decided to tackle “The Summit” for his biggest inspiration: a senior dog.

“I’ve got a golden retriever named MJ, and she has a lot of joint issues and a lot of vet bills I have to pay,” he said. “…She’s seven years old, she’s my old lady. And I would do anything for that dog. She saved me at my lowest points and I really want to win this money for her as well.”

Once he’s done aiding his furry best friend, Cho said he wants to use the winning money to start a nonprofit. He desires to help People of Color get screened for early signs of cancer.

The sneak peak of “The Summit” will premiere on Sunday, Sept. 29 on CBS from 9-10:30 p.m., Eastern time. Following that, “The Summit” will move to its regular time slot on Wednesday, Oct. 9 from 9:30-11 p.m. The show will also stream on Paramount+.

Check out the season’s preview trailer at this link.

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