It might look like we’re just lounging on the sofa with a big bowl of Wotsits balanced on our lap, but mentally? We’re joining The Summit contestants in scaling one of New Zealand’s biggest mountains (no, really, we are). And judging by the chatter online, we’re not the only ones — it feels like half the UK is climbing with us.
The series has quickly become the perfect follow-up to Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins, offering just enough adrenaline and chaos to make us turn to our TV partner and declare, “Yeah, we could totally do that,” despite not having left the comfort of the sofa all evening. It’s also neatly filling the reality-TV gap left by The Traitors US while easing us through the post–Love Island: All Stars finale slump. Honestly, when it’s this cold outside, staying in and watching other people suffer through extreme weather feels like the ideal compromise.
If you’re already hooked — or thinking about jumping in — here’s when and where you can catch new episodes of The Summit, including tonight’s episode.
What happens in The Summit?
Hosted by Ben Shephard, the series follows 14 contestants as they compete for a share of a £200,000 prize by attempting to scale one of New Zealand’s most formidable mountains. At the start of the challenge, the full prize pot is divided equally and carried in their backpacks — meaning every elimination literally costs the group money. If someone leaves the mountain, their share is removed from the total, raising the stakes with every misstep.
BRB, nipping off to New Zealand.
But this isn’t just a straightforward climb to the summit. Along the way, the contestants must trek through brutal terrain, battle unpredictable weather conditions, and complete physically and mentally demanding checkpoints designed to test endurance, teamwork, and trust. They’re guided — and occasionally hindered — by the mysterious Mountain’s Keeper, who controls twists, sets challenges, and decides when the group must make difficult decisions. Think of the Keeper as the show’s answer to Claudia Winkleman from The Traitors.
The real tension lies in the balance between collaboration and self-preservation. Contestants must work together to reach the top before time runs out, but with money on their backs and exhaustion setting in, fractures in the group are inevitable. It’s part survival challenge, part social strategy — and that’s exactly what makes it so addictive to watch.
Where can you watch The Summit?
All episodes of The Summit are airing on ITV and ITVX, and are available to stream at your convenience — perfect if you’d rather settle in for one long binge.
ITV is home to many of our favourite shows, from reality hits like Love Island and I’m A Celebrity to gripping dramas such as the upcoming The Lady.
The Summit episode release schedule?
Here is the full release schedule for the remaining episodes of The Summit, so you don't miss a single moment on the mountain:
- Tuesday 24th February
- Tuesday 3rd March
- Tuesday 10th March
- Tuesday 17th March
What time is The Summit on?
Episodes of The Summit air at 9pm, which is a little later than we’d like, given the sheer tension and excitement packed into every episode. The length varies, but each instalment usually runs between 45 minutes and an hour, making them perfect for a late-night adrenaline hit before bed.
Stay tuned for more updates on The Summit, airing now on ITV and ITVX.
