Plot Synopsis

Hosted by Manu Bennett, THE SUMMIT is a reality series that follows 16 strangers, who embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey through the treacherous New Zealand Alps in an attempt to reach the peak of a distant, towering mountain. With their backpacks containing an equal share of $1 million, the group must traverse an exhausting distance in just 14 days in order to win the cash they are carrying. But not everyone will make it, as these strangers must work together to tackle the dangerous terrain, unforgiving Antarctic winds, heart-pounding challenges and gut-wrenching eliminations on their way to the peak. Tracking them along this journey is the "Mountain's Keeper" who will surprise the trekkers with brutal twists and force decisions that complicate an already grueling ascent. Morals and relationships will be tested when they must decide what to do if someone falls behind, because if the group fails to reach the summit in time, all the prize money will be lost. The contestants vary in age, background, personality and experience, contributing to the differing perspectives and strategies they each bring to their individual game, and adding to the intensity of the all-or-nothing gameplay where the group succeeds or fails as one. The Season 1 contestants are:

Pati Arana (Age: 37; Current Residence: Studio City, CA; Occupation: Barber)
Dennis Cho (29; Indianapolis, IN; Trauma nurse)
Shweta Choudhury (28; Toronto, Ontario; Corporate strategist)
Robert Culp (42; Bolingbrook, IL; Educator)
Dusty Fisher (28; Boise, ID; Real estate agent)
Jeannie Geyer (56; Mahopac, NY; Trader Joe's employee)
Geoff Green (28; Sharpsburg, GA; Neuroscientist)
Punkin Jackson (33; Columbus, MS; Air Force)
Bo Martin (52; Gun Barrel City, TX; Teacher/coach)
Rose Mattie (41; Chandler, AZ; Stay-at-home mom)
Nick Morgan (28; Madisonville, LA; VP of sales)
Therron Pittman (29; Van Nuys, CA; Server)
Beckylee Rawls (27; San Diego, CA; Construction manager)
Tony Reyes (36; Austin, TX; Media director)
Amy Stephens (46; Edisto Island, SC; Bank manager)
Jennye Stirlen (37; Cary, NC; MMA referee)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On Wednesday, December 4, 2024 from 9:30-10:30pm ET/PT, CBS premiered "Season Finale: Judgement Day," the Season 1 finale of THE SUMMIT. As the final four trekkers -- Jeannie Geyer, Punkin Jackson, Nick Morgan, and Therron Pittman -- reach an impassable chasm at the peak of their journey, they must use a helicopter long line to cross one by one. During the obstacle, they discover a devastating twist from the Mountain's Keeper: the last person will be left behind as payment for the assistance. Another surprise awaits the final three on the other side as Manu arrives with a shocking revelation involving the return of all 13 eliminated members of the group, who will play a pivotal role in the final outcome.