King of the Jungle (2003)
King of the Jungle is an American reality television program, that appears on the Animal Planet cable television network. The original series debuted in Fall 2003 and starred a group of 12 "animal experts" and was hosted by Jeff Corwin. "Nasty" Nigel Marven was the judge who "booted" off a contestant each week. The show was plagued with inconsistencies in judging and content, but was a ratings hit for Animal Planet. A sequel was hosted by Madison Michele; it debuted in July 2004. This show failed to earn the ratings of the first season. A hastily produced third season consisting of teams of two was all but buried by Animal Planet before and during its airing. It was called King of the Jungle: Pairs and had 14 contestants instead of 12. The teams were: Lori and Lisa, twin science teachers from Boston; Hindley and Thomas, best friends from Alabama; Lolita and Matt, lifelong friends from Columbus; Kevin and Sherry, a married couple, also from the Columbus area; David and Petite, hair stylists from Kennesaw, Georgia; Wendy and Troy, brother and sister from Indiana; and Steve and Danielle, another married couple from Greensboro, North Carolina. As of November 2005 there are no plans to renew this show, and Animal Planet has removed all traces of it off its websites.
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Episode 1 - Day 1
Release Date: 2003-10-13The competitors meet for the first time and see who they will be sharing the jungle with for the next ten days. The first challenge sends them all on a ride through the sky and an encounter with some of the most amazing animals they have every seen face to face.
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Episode 2 - Day 2
Release Date: 2003-10-20Things heat up when our animal experts come face to face with one of nature's most dangerous reptiles. Meanwhile, two competitors stoke the fires in a battle of the sexes. Someone redefines the word ""tree-hugger,"" and a fear of heights proves too much for one competitor to overcome.
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Episode 3 - Day 3
Release Date: 2003-10-30Juvenile tigers make for a wild adventure in the water, as personalities are switched on for the competitors' first screen test. One competitor's over-the-top performance draws harsh criticism from the judges, and a well-hidden snake in the grass wreaks havoc on all.
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Episode 4 - Day 4
Release Date: 2003-11-03Wildlife abounds as our competitors test the outer limits of their animal expertise. A tiny tree frog gives someone a big boost. Our competitors play hero to some endangered tiger cubs, but a difficult challenge high in the trees leads to a shocking elimination.
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Episode 5 - Day 5
Release Date: 2003-11-10The danger factor gets cranked up a notch when some venomous snakes jump-start the day. But back in camp is where the real action begins. A seasoned veteran decides to play it close to the vest, and the pressure of competition takes a toll on some.
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Episode 6 - Day 6
Release Date: 2003-11-17Someone plays Ring Around the Rosy with their new best friend, but makes a strong comeback with a stellar showing on the ropes. Back at camp, life in the jungle has gotten almost unbearable, and a feud between two competitors heats up even further.
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Episode 7 - Day 7
Release Date: 2003-11-24The great outdoors begins to take a toll on someone's personal hygiene. A go-it-alone attitude leads to another confrontation, and yet another surprising elimination sets the group on edge. Luckily, a world-famous chef arrives in camp to lift their spirits and satisfy some cravings.
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Episode 8 - Day 8
Release Date: 2003-12-01The competitors face their most dangerous challenge yet, and one competitor tackles their fear of snakes head on. Another makes a new friend, and a troop of rowdy baboons lightens the mood in camp.
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Episode 9 - Day 9
Release Date: 2003-12-08An exotic bird makes for a difficult screen test. A little swim with a big animal proves to be a great tension-breaker. Then the rains come, and with only two days left, paranoia begins to set in
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Episode 10 - Day 10
Release Date: 2003-12-15It's the final day. With nothing left to lose, the competitors face their toughest challenges yet, but one faces another, more daunting challenge on the home front. And its back into the big cat arena for the final challenge, and the King of the Jungle is finally crowned.
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Episode 11 - Winner's Special
Release Date: 2003-12-22The King of the Jungle winner hosts his/her own wildlife special. The winner handles an American alligator and then travels to Egypt on a mission to witness the Nile crocodile in action as herds of zebra and wildebeest cross the river for a great migration.