The Diverse Group of Contestants Traversing the Treacherous New Zealand Alps Includes a Trader Joe’s Employee, a Trauma Nurse, an Air Force Service Member, a Stay-at-Home Mom, a Real Estate Agent and More

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CBS announced today the 16 trekkers who will embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey through the treacherous New Zealand Alps as they compete on THE SUMMIT, the new strategic high altitude competition series kicking off with the sneak peek series premiere on Sunday, Sept. 29 (9:00-10:30 PM, ET; 8:30-10:00 PM, PT) before moving to its regular time slot beginning Wednesday, Oct. 9 (9:30-11:00 PM, ET/PT) following SURVIVOR on the CBS Television Network. An encore of the first episode will air Wednesday, Oct. 2 (9:30-11:00 PM, ET/PT). The show, which is also available to stream on Paramount+ (live and on-demand for Paramount+ with SHOWTIME subscribers, or on-demand for Paramount+ Essential subscribers the day after the episode airs), is hosted by actor and New Zealand native Manu Bennett.

These 16 strangers –from a Trader Joe’s employee and mother of two, to a 29-year-old trauma nurse, to a 33-year-old Air Force service member – are truly stepping into the unknown, as they did not know what they were signing up for and many of them have no previous climbing or camping experience. The result is a test of their character, both physical and mental, in ways they never imagined possible, as they 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 competing on the first season of THE SUMMIT 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 following are the 16 trekkers competing this fall*:

Name: Pati Arana

Age: 37

Current Residence: Studio City, Calif.

Occupation: Barber

Name: Dennis Cho

Age: 29

Current Residence: Indianapolis, Ind.

Occupation: Trauma nurse