Rise and Fall is Channel4’s brand new game show (Picture: Channel 4)
Channel 4’s new game show Rise and Fall began on Sunday night and already viewers are already finding it a pretty jarring watch.
The series, from the people behind The Traitors, explores what it takes to get to the top, including ‘how to win power, how to keep hold of it and how to use it to influence others’.
Episode one started with the 16 contestants divided into two groups – Rulers and Grafters – and the Rulers wasted no time in putting their subordinates to work in order to build the prize fund.
And if being powerless and living in squalor wasn’t already bad enough, another cruel twist revealed that only the Rulers can win the cash.
The first job of the series saw the Grafters work as electricians and they were tasked with having to ‘fix a break in a powerline’ by holding up sections above their heads and keeping it connected for a certain length of time.
Ruler Ramona has already proved herself to be a big character within the game (Picture: Channel 4)
On top of that, the circuit wasn’t allowed to be broken for more than five seconds and the powerlines were live, meaning that they would receive an electric shock should they come apart.
Although the total prize money available could have reached £15,000, those in charge called an end to the game after the Grafters earned a reasonable £6,000.
Viewers were quick to share their thoughts on the new Channel 4 programme, with some left uncomfortable by the sheer dystopia of it all.
Taking to Twitter, one wrote: ‘I had to turn #riseandfall off. It’s horrible. And it’s far too close to the way this country is actually run to be entertaining…’
Another asked: ‘Is it just me, or is there something truly vile about watching people watching people getting ever-increasing electric shocks in order to earn prize money?’
Meanwhile, a third said: ‘So #riseandfall feels like the kind of TV you would expect after 12 years of tory government.’
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Others, however, were loving the feel of the programme. ‘Hooked on #riseandfall already!! Like a mash up of traitors, Big Bro and The Circle! Love it!!!’
Rise and Fall continues on Monday with episode two, which will see one Ruler removed from the game and a Grafter given the opportunity to rise up.
Rise and Fall continues on Monday at 10pm on Channel 4.
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The new series launched on Sunday night.