‘Buckwild’ Producers May Revive Show With New Cast, Location
Buckwild fans, don’t give up hope just yet! Producers of the short-lived MTV hit are reportedly planning on reviving the reality TV show, albeit in a different location and with a different cast.
The show followed the lives of young adults living in rural West Virginia, and quickly became one of MTV’s most popular shows, despite harsh criticism that it perpetuates stereotypes. After the death of cast member Shain Gandee, the “breakout star” of the show, MTV made the controversial decision to cancel the program.
This enraged producer J.P. Williams. “There’s something that smells of s— here on every level,” he said of MTV’s decision.
But now, Williams is apparently trying to woo the network into letting him revive the show with a brand new cast in a brand new location. Parrallel Entertainment, the production company behind Buckwild, is reportedly eyeballing rural locations in Texas and Alaska, looking for another set of eccentric young adults to document.
Williams told TMZ that producers are trying to figure out how to reboot Buckwild, saying that the only thing that might remain is the concept. A new network and even a new show name are not out of the question. He also said that casting scouts are exploring rural areas for new talent. If Buckwild does come back, it won’t be anything like the show you remember.
Buckwild managed to pull down three million total viewers per episode in its first and only season. It was the third highest-rated show on cable among 12 to 34-year-olds.
Even with a new cast, location and name, the decision to revive Buckwild will likely be a controversial one. The cast members of the original might end up being some of the new show’s biggest critics. Upon news of MTV’s decision to cancel their program, many took to Twitter to share their dismay.
Thinking of filming for @mtv without Shain hurts me clear through my soul but the thought of turning our backs on his dreams is worse.
— Cara Parrish (@CaraFnParrish) April 10, 2013
The show has been cancelled and my heart is in a million pieces. Shain would want us to carry on. His parents want this. So do we all.
— Shae Bradley (@_shaebradley) April 10, 2013
We want #buckwild to go on as much as you do. Shain would be so pissed about this.
— katie (@Saria_4partying) April 10, 2013
The cast’s response has already drawn some criticism on Twitter, but most of the show’s fans seem to be behind them.
What do you think? Should MTV reverse their decision and bring back Buckwild with the original cast? Is reviving the show in a new location with a new cast and a new name disrespectful? Sound off!
