‘Hydra Executives’ rakes in top ratings across the country
Reality-TV series to change the face of entertainment television in the Middle East
‘Hydra Executives’, the brand new English reality-based series that pits a team of eight American contenders against a group of eight British rivals, has raked in top ratings with its pilot episode, and is continuously breaking viewership records as the show’s drama and excitement build up week after week. Critics have been lauding the show for introducing the concept of reality TV, which can potentially change the face of entertainment television in the Middle East. The program, which debuted on January 07, 2009, features a team of eight American contenders and a group of eight British rivals and the challenges they undertake to win a business grant worth USD 1 million.
With a total of four contestants eliminated - one from the UK Team and three from the US Team - the Brits are trying to keep the momentum of their early success, while the Americans are working harder to beat their opponents despite the disadvantage of being two team members short. All the tasks so far have presented the contenders with daunting challenges, which make it all the more exciting to see who will emerge as the first-ever ‘Hydra Executive’ in the season’s 23 remaining episodes. The show is being aired on two different timeslots - every Wednesday at 7 PM and at 11 PM on Showtime and Infinity TV. A delayed telecast of the show's latest episodes also airs every Tuesday on Hollywood.TV and Emirates TV.
“The real estate market in the UAE has one major advantage - it’s so new! There is so much enthusiasm for new technology, and I believe there’s an amazing opportunity, especially here in Abu Dhabi, to place an emphasis on green buildings and renewable energy,” said Hannah Dodkin, a Business Development Executive, and part of the UK Team. “When I first met Dr. Sulaiman Al Fahim, I knew instinctively that this opportunity was the right one for me. I had never interacted with an Arab businessman and I was excited about the prospect of working with him. I did not hesitate to be on the show, I was given the chance to improve myself and my life through this new experience.”
“I have to say it’s a pleasure to be part of the British team. If I was in team USA, I would be pulling my hair out, they are not particularly serious and they don’t work well together. It’s been interesting to see how different the UK and the US teams are in a variety of business situations - of course we Brits are far more professional!. The Americans can talk the talk but we can walk the walk,” said Sara Millinder, a TV presenter and buy-to-let property investor, and part of the UK Team.
“I believe in giving people opportunities - a chance to fulfil their dreams. ‘Hydra Executives’ is not just another reality TV show - it is about how the UAE is a land filled with opportunities and how people from two different cultures can best utilise this opportunity of a lifetime. I am very proud of the accomplishment of this show in terms of providing a new dimension to Arab entertainment, and I am looking forward to its continued success as I expect more intense drama to unfold in the coming episodes,” concluded Dr. Sulaiman Al Fahim, CEO, Hydra Properties.
Hydra Executives is telecast with complete Arabic subtitles, and is being supported by a list of high profile sponsors, including Range Rover, General Motors, Blackberry, Etisalat, ASUS, Panasonic and Debenhams. At present, Hydra Executives Season 2 is well under its filming stages, with two teams of Indian and Pakistani entrepreneurs battling it out for the top prize.
