TV’s most extreme reality show breaks new ground with fresh version underscoring the enduring appeal of a format that has been triumphing on TV for 21 seasons
True to the show’s traditional formula, 36 contestants from different Spanish-speaking countries, split into three teams, compete for survival in the lush wilderness of the Dominican Republic
Hosted by real-life couple, actor and presenter Julián Gil, and sports journalist Valeria Marín
THE MEDIAPRO STUDIO is producing ‘EL CONQUISTADOR’ for TelevisaUnivision, an adaptation of TV’s most extreme and successful reality competition show. The program – which this year marks its 21st season on EiTB and has also had an edition on RTVE and another on Canal 13 in Argentina – ventures into new territory with this latest version, underscoring the format’s versatility and broad appeal to viewers around the world.
This new incarnation of ‘EL CONQUISTADOR’ is being produced by teams from THE MEDIAPRO STUDIO México and CIMARRÓN, now integrated into THE STUDIO. The new version adheres to the format of the original edition in Spain, where it is produced by Hostoil (THE MEDIAPRO STUDIO).
“When we began talking with TelevisaUnivision about this adaptation, they were always very clear that it had to be absolutely faithful to the original. This is what we’ve done, and it demonstrates the strength of this format, which has allowed it to remain on the air for more than two decades and to successfully translate to other markets, thanks to its unique blend of competition, survival, the wilderness, and the mental and physical stamina of its contestants,” said Amparo Castellano, director of non-fiction content at THE MEDIAPRO STUDIO.
“Since we began operating in Mexico, we’ve wanted to work with TelevisaUnivision. We started last year with ‘Cash,’ and today, we’re proud to be teaming up once more, this time with a format as important and close to the THE MEDIAPRO STUDIO’s DNA as ‘EL CONQUISTADOR,’ which has been a hit in Spain for over two decades,” said Catalina Porto, head of THE MEDIAPRO STUDIO – Mexico and Colombia.
One of the fundamental features of ‘EL CONQUISTADOR’ – setting it apart from other adventure reality formats – is that success isn’t solely determined by strength. It equally demands an ability to endure, coupled with athleticism and cunning, which prove to be even more potent assets in overcoming the formidable challenges participants face. Set in the lush Dominican Republic, this edition of ‘EL CONQUISTADOR’ challenges 36 contestants from various Spanish-speaking countries to overcome rigorous trials, endure adverse weather, and master survival skills—including finding shelter and navigating difficult situations that test their coexistence.
‘EL CONQUISTADOR‘ is hosted by real-life newlyweds, actor and presenter Julian Gil, and sports journalist Valeria Marín, who provide directions to the three teams and their respective captains, consistent with the show’s established format. This time, the TITANS (men), the AMAZONS (women) and the CENTAURS (a mixed team) each have 12 contestants, all vying for the $200,000 prize by striving to prove their superior skills.
As with the original format, the production of ‘EL CONQUISTADOR’ involved a vast array of technical resources, along with a dedicated crew of 250 on the ground in the Dominican Republic, a paradisiacal setting with lush vegetation, endless beaches, secret caves and cliffs, and spectacular flora and fauna. True to the show’s ethos, the crew diligently followed rigorous protocols to ensure the utmost respect and protection of the natural environment.
About THE MEDIAPRO STUDIO
THE MEDIAPRO STUDIO is GRUP MEDIAPRO’s content creation, production and distribution factory and integrates production houses with extensive experience such as Globomedia, 100 Balas, El Terrat, Big Bang Media, K2000, Hostoil, Oficina Burman, Cimarrón and Fresco Film, and produces content of all genres worldwide, including fiction series, films, entertainment shows, short formats and documentaries. THE MEDIAPRO STUDIO spearheads high-quality projects across the globe together with talent of recognized national and international prestige such as Paolo Sorrentino, Woody Allen, Isabel Coixet, Ran Tellem, Oliver Stone, Daniel Burman, Fernando León de Aranoa, Iván Escobar, Borja Cobeaga, Diego San José, Fernando González Molina, Berto Romero, Andreu Buenafuente, Clara Roquet, Marc Cistaré, Gastón Duprat, Mariano Cohn, Juan Carlos Aparicio and Lluís Arcarazo, among others. THE MEDIAPRO STUDIO works with key global industry operators such as Max, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, ViX, Paramount+, SkyShowtime, Movistar Plus+, Atresmedia and Mediaset, and its productions have won various international awards, including 2 Oscars, 2 Golden Globes, 2 Daytime Emmy Awards and multiple Goya Awards.