So fun: Hunted by AVROTROS

Yesss, I have a new addiction again. Totally fun. And for the first time in ages (months? YEARS?) it's something I actually have to watch on TV. No binging, no watching ahead, just old school on the TV. That's a bit of an adjustment of course, especially since I find one episode really too short. I think I've gotten a bit spoiled when it comes to watching series.

But anyway, I'm talking about Hunted. Yesterday was the first episode of the fifth season, so luckily you don't have to catch up too much if you missed it. The concept is simple, the execution a bit less: can you stay out of the hands of the Hunted police aka the Hunters for three weeks? Each season, couples participate (this season there's also someone on their own), who literally go on the run. It might sound a bit childish, but it absolutely is not.

Because those Hunters have access to tapping your phone, can see where your phone ‘pings’ (this way they can trace your location), where you withdraw cash, can request CCTV footage, and interrogate your family and friends. So it feels very real and that's how it comes across. Everyone is in it from the first second. Their helpers ask them to turn off their phones (because those can also be traced by the Hunters), to constantly switch cars to throw them off the scent, and so on.

So that's really fun to see, also because you are completely thinking about how you are going to tackle it. Because something with your phone = a no go. Especially for a phone addict like me, that's hell, but how are you supposed to communicate then? Everyone has already made a plan in advance, an escape route, and so on. But those people are quickly on the Hunters' trail. Through cameras where the cars can be seen, by visiting their housemates or parents, and then try to lie convincingly.

There are of course some catches, because you are not allowed to stay at the same location for more than 48 hours. And you also can't do anything illegal or cross borders. So no fare dodging (that was of course the first thing I thought of). It's so fun how inventive the participants become. Last season, two guys even managed to escape via a helicopter. HOW THEN?

I'm going to use this season to pick up tips and tricks, because I want to participate in this too. Yes, everyone always talks about WIDM or about Expeditie Robinson, but no, I want to participate in Hunted.

Photo credits: Elvin Boer