Die Brug

We all have a bridge we must cross – something in our lives we need to overcome. And when we reach the other side, we look back at the journey and realise we had the tools to build the bridge ourselves all along.

This is the concept upon which kykNET’s new international-format reality TV series, Die Brug [The Bridge] is based. The local version of the series starts Thursday, 26 October, at 20:00. The show places twelve strangers in a remote wilderness in the vicinity of Swellendam. Their task is to build a bridge within 20 days in the hope of walking away with prize money of R1 million. In the process of constructing a bridge to reach the prize money, there are twists and turns that challenge the status quo. The players’ social skills, moral values, physical and mental strength and endurance are all put to the ultimate test.

Will the game affect their moral values? Can they work together in a team? Who will act selfishly? Will the players resist the temptation to stab each other in the back? Who will ultimately cross the bridge? And will they choose to share the prize money or keep it all for themselves?

Die Brug [The Bridge] incorporates elements of adventure and explores the drama that unfolds when a group is put under tremendous pressure. The title has a symbolic meaning too because the players also find themselves in situations in their own lives where they must cross bridges to unlock their potential and reach new shores. This deepens the human drama and makes the series a battle for the participants to overcome their own limitations.

Key terminology in Die Brug:

• “Houthuis” [Log Cabin] – where the players live and work. It consists of a sleeping area, a living area, a workshop and a jetty.
• “Toring” [Tower] – 250 meters from the shore. This is the ultimate destination because that’s where the prize money awaits.
• “Eiland” [Island] – where the Tower and the prize money are. Players must build a bridge to get there.
• “Posvlot” [Mail Raft] is halfway between the shore and the Tower. This is where players must go to retrieve messages and instructions.
• “Poskan” [Mailbox] – the vessel through which players receive messages and instructions.
• “Fakkels” [Flares] are used to alert players when there is a new mail delivery.
• “Verwydering” [Elimination] refers to a player who is sent home. It can happen at any time. Unlike other reality shows, there are never the same rules or mechanisms for elimination. It is just as unpredictable as the event itself. When players are removed, they must pack their belongings, take a boat and immediately leave the game.

Die Brug is produced by Red Pepper Pictures. The series will be available on DStv Premium on kykNET (DStv Channel 144) from Thursday 26 October 2023, as well as live-streamed on the DStv App, and will also be available on DStv Catch Up after broadcast.