Watch Mad Mad House

Mad Mad House is a reality show that was broadcast on Syfy in 2004. The show's premise was to take 10 strangers who lead relatively mundane lives and immerse them in the world of alternative lifestyles. The show is hosted by Fiona Horne, an Australian witch who acts as the guide for the contestants on their journey. The other 'hosts' were a diverse group of alternative-lifestyle enthusiasts from the fields of body modification, shamanism, vampirism, and paganism. These 'hosts' lived in the same house as the contestants and taught them about their respective beliefs and lifestyle choices.

The contestants were a varied group of people, including a teacher, an accountant, a waitress, and a security guard. They were chosen for their lack of experience in the alternative-lifestyle scene and their willingness to experience new things.

In each episode, the contestants were faced with tasks that challenge their beliefs and push them out of their comfort zones. These tasks included firewalking, walking on broken glass, and being suspended in mid-air. The 'hosts' acted as guides throughout the tasks and helped the contestants overcome their fears.

Along with the tasks, the show delved into the beliefs and practices of the 'hosts'. For example, there was a shaman who taught the contestants about the power of energy and how to harness it. There was also a pagan who led a ceremony to celebrate the full moon.

The show was controversial, as some critics accused it of exploiting alternative lifestyles for entertainment purposes. However, the show's producers maintained that it was meant to be a celebration of diversity and an opportunity for the contestants to explore new things.

The show was also notable for its use of technology. In each episode, the contestants would email their family and friends via a live video stream, which was considered revolutionary at the time.

Mad Mad House gained a cult following during its run, and its impact can still be felt in today's reality TV landscape. It was a precursor to similar shows that would come later, such as Survivor and Fear Factor.

Overall, Mad Mad House was a unique and entertaining show that pushed the boundaries of what reality TV could be. It blended elements of horror, science fiction, and culture to create a fascinating and thought-provoking viewing experience. Despite its controversies, the show was groundbreaking in its day and remains a cult classic.