Uh oh
CUMBERLAND – A controversial online reality show is playing out within the walls of a home on Abbott Valley View Drive in Cumberland, where area residents say they are less than pleased.
Those residents, who do not wish to be named based on how they’ve seen other people treated, including mocking of the former owner of the home, say the show is “worse than pledging a frat in the 1970s and ‘80s.” It is full of crass and cruel content, they add, questioning whether there might be some sort of law against this sort of enterprise happening in a residential zone.
The show is billed as a 24-hour reality show where eight contestants are locked in a fully-monitored smart house with guards, and terrorized by the audience. Contestants, seemingly all young adults, are put through various challenges, many of them highly stressful, and have a chance to win $10,000.
One challenge, for example, sees how long they can stay in a “cell” together as various stressors are sent their way. Audiences can pay to interact with the show, including such actions as taking away someone’s bed or buying them a snack.
Those who purchase a season pass get video access into three bathrooms in the home.
Mayor Jeff Mutter said the town is in the exploratory phase of learning more about whether there are any steps officials can take in response to the show filming in a residential zone. Neighbors are quite upset, he said.
Online tax records show that the home was purchased by the company behind the show from an estate last November for $575,000. Built in 1975, the home covers nearly 2,500 square feet of space on .65 acres of property.
When it was for sale, it was marketed as follows:
“Attention contractors or ambitious homeowners. Amazing potential for this 2464-square-foot Tudor style home on gorgeous corner lot with views of Franklin Farm and the valley around Abbott Run Valley Road. Established quiet neighborhood tucked off of Hillside Road. Needs work, but could be well worth it with all the square footage in this location. Great sprawling backyard with plenty of tree-lined privacy. Oversized living room spaces, stone fireplaces, three large bedrooms with massive closets, full walk-up attic could make additional above grade square footage. Possible in-law on the lower level. Ample storage. Estate sale. Property is being sold as is.”