User Reviews

Wim Hof, the grooviest of gurus, sits cross-legged in a poncho atop an Alp, dispensing wisdom; then he stands up, and does a bit of fake tai chi. At his behest a gaggle of celebs - whom I would categorise as 'recognisable, but not very interesting' - take quarter of an hour to walk to a frozen lake, and another quarter of an hour to make up their minds to jump in; then quarter of an hour to rope-walk down a cliff, and the final quarter of an hour to go home and go to bed.

That's one problem: it's an unintentional addition to the 'slow TV' genre. The second problem is that the affirmatory, you-can-do-it vibe is too cuddly; there's no edge, no jeopardy. If they do it they're so brave, they would never have thought etc; if they don't they have also been brave, and so true to themselves; either way it's hugs all round. And the third is that, given the vibe, Lee Mack's usual sarky schtick is totally out of place. He seems to have been included as light relief, but it unbalances the entire show. Is this whole thing kinda ridiculous, and are we laughing at the fame-hungry (and emotionally needy) celebs driven to do it - like the challenges on I'm A Celeb - in which case we are basically taking the mick out of Guru Wim? Or is it life-changing wonderment - in which case Lee Mack, who can't say 'good morning' without sounding sarcastic, is an unsympathetic scoffer who is spoiling it.

But I think the first problem is the biggest. Six hours of this promises to be a LOT.

To learn how to overcome immersing in ice water and enjoy the benefits, it is NOT the idea to plunge people in as a first exercise without training. That is what happened and I found it very stupid and dangerous. I love the cold and have taking ice baths the last 4 years. I enjoy swimming with friends in wintertime, much more than in summer! This show could be the first stepping stone for millions of interested people, but this is not the way. Disappointing, hopefully we see more progress and proper training in other episodes and is it more than just mindless entertainment.

This show is 20% challenges and 80% celebrities talking about their life and their feelings so pretty boring. Also the male host is just there to be the butt of the jokes which has got really old already. Not a bad idea for a show but executed really badly, What else do you expect from the BBC.

Of all the wacky people with far out ideas, Wim Hof is someone who has a proven and positive track record in regards to cold therapy and breathing as a form of healing and good health. I myself observe things initially with scepticism, but always have an open mind until something is off.

Initially I thought the cast could be better, but breathing into it (watching it with an open mind) it reminded me of something so prevalent in modern society especially with technology taking over human connection and communication. People have become more subjective than objective, and are quick to judge or throw criticism, as if to reflect their own inner struggles while being in denial of it. Celebrities are often used on TV for something that entertains people, often treated like fodder, also in the media. In this case they are used for something greater, rather than shallow entertainment.

Something about watching this reminds me that underneath the facades of all people and celebrities, are people who are just as human as everyone else. And while people can be great actors or personalities that younger people look up to, it doesn't mean they haven't known pain or trauma. That includes people online, and superficial negativity which shows up everywhere in comment sections. It's more an expression of inner pain and inability to connect/love/appreciate, than accepting the good in things, or practising good intentions, that may also help them, or may even help someone else, or someone they know.

Anyway, I'm only on episode 2, I look forward to seeing how this transforms these people in a way that I believe it has, as the audience. Although it would be nice if the presenters also joined in. While they remain untransformed, I think it's nice to observe the difference between those going deep in themselves, and the shallowness often associated with being a celebrity (strong social/emotive skills and abilities to keep things light).

I'm glad Wim Hof has had a chance to breakthrough to the mainstream, and hope many are inspired by it, as am I. This world needs many transformations, and it needs the good things to come to the surface, rather than the rhetoric that keeps people stuck. To me the main lesson here is about the power of the mind over the power of fear, the mindset we choose before facing challenges. The power of fear is what causes obtuse negative criticism to come out of people, I believe that, because everything has a face, while people try to make a face from words it all comes from pain, to attack anything else in whatever form.

Be kind and good, to yourself and others.

Wim Hof - never let it be said that the BBC aren't keen to latch onto something that's a craze.

Holly and Lee obviously want to spread their wings beyond the formats they seem stuck in, it's just a shame they chose this as the project to do it with.

A blatant attempt by the Beeb to have their own version of 'I'm a Celeb' and time will tell whether the public want another one or not.

This is a break through series for main stream tv. I have huge respect for Wim Hof and his work, which has time and again been attacked by "experts" who were later made to look foolish. Just like these so called experts, the people that have been so derogatory about this series are the very ones who need this therapy the most. I felt a real genuineness from these celebs. This isn't about career rehab by going on Strictly, these people are baring their souls and taking on a real challenge. I wish all of them the very best and am sure their lives will be enhanced by this experience.

This series could be condensed into 3 episodes at the most. You watch each individual doing the challenges and it's so drawn out.

Wim just shouts the whole way through which is really irritating!

I might be missing something but it's not even explained what they really get from the cold!

In a time where it is harder to control your own mind Wim Hof is showing you what you can accomplish. Incredible character and hoping for a second season that adds more details about the method. Great introduction to Wim Hof and I hope to see a lot more of him on mainstream telly. It's about time there was somebody teaching people how to be happy strong and healthy.

This is the greatest celebrity/reality/self-improvement show to date. We are so, so lucky to have it!

I have finally joined IMDB to try and negate the 1/10 ratings of people who knew it was not for them and knew they wouldn't buy in to it. Why bother, other than deprive more open-minded people of a truly great show? Go blame the EU ^^

I too was sceptical. I also was unsure of the Holly /Lee Mack presenting picks, even tho I Cannot Believe It Is Not Buddha is a fantastic podcast - not your usual comedy/rotating guests/presenters. However, both are excellent; individually and working of each other. Their relationship with the celebrities & WH seems natural. Lee Mack makes some deliberately jarring jokes, but clearly respects what is happening too.

This experience has a proper "journey" - a term cheapened by Simon Cowell's output etc. Honestly, do yourselves a favour and spend a couple of hours watching the first 2 episodes. Just switch off and accept what you are seeing. I guarantee you will watch it all...or your money back ;)

I agree that we are watching already privileged people have a life changing experience. I do not begrudge any of them, as I too have gained a lot from this show.

Great Show, but Lee Mack jokes are starting to get cringe worthy now, definitely feeling a little uncomfortable for Lee. Holly is great and very professional. I don't like the fact that when someone walks away from a challenge they are seen as being brave for walking away. There should be a second chance to do the challenge for those that walk away and regret it.

Wim Hof. That is all.

P.s The people complaining about taking a shower not being a challenge have probably never tried staying in a freezing cold shower for a prolonged period of time. It's not working down the mines granted, but it isn't easy.

Wim Hof has changed my life and his method has completely resolved a chronic illness I suffered with for years. This show is great because it reveals how we can embark on a journey to heal ourselves, physically and emotionally. All of the celebs are lovely and kind people who support each other. Wim is kind and supportive as well...and it is just nice to have a programme that promotes community, pushing through your fears and bettering oneself. Some people will not "get" Wim or will be skeptical. All I can say is, you're missing out if you don't at least give the method a go! Your life will definitely change for the better.

Forget the fact about whether the participants are A or Z list celebrities (I don't live in the UK and didn't know most of them), this is fundamentally a very powerful & emotional exploration of the fears, physical/mental challenges and achievements of 8 very interesting people. Of course, the 'methods' of Wim Hof may be quirky, but there can be no doubt that ALL of the participants went through compelling emotional journeys. That's no surprise given some of the incredibly tough back stories that several of them have. You will feel their pain, smell the emotion but laugh at the light moments, playful banter & even giggle awkwardly at the badly timed sarky wise cracks from Lee Mack. For my wife and I, it was an emotional roller-coaster, but one that was thoroughly uplifting. We loved it and would highly recommend others to give it a try.

This show is the best thing I have seen on TV for a very long time. Through the power of breathing in the extreme cold, these celebrities face fear and take control of their own minds, leading to breakthroughs and trauma healing; it is so beautiful to watch. People who criticise the program are too unawakened to resonate. Take cold showers; you will not regret it.

Amazing Wim Hof sharing his methods and showing what freezing the fear can achieve. The more people that know the better. I'm shocked to see people's negatives reviews and don't understand how it is not plain to see.

Anyone and everyone should atleast just try the breathing method first before judging. Try the cold shower challenge. And see how far you can push yourself. It really works and this programme shows it is genuine. If Wim can help People like he does in this show with more effect than therapy or doctors, then we all should watch this and continue to share to others who may, just may make a positive change in their life than the people happy to dismiss it.

Loved this show and hate that there is not another season. The guests have to be chosen wisely and adding Gaby Logan in was a stroke of genius.

I enjoyed this show a lot and now even do cold water therapy and wims breathing.

I think if they get some of the guests from taskmaster series would be a good idea

Holly and Lee had good chemistry also. I like Lee and Holly is a great presenter was funny and educational.

I would highly recommend this show.

I think new guests slightly different challenges or the same as the new guests will act and react differently and may create it's own comedy or drama.

Loved it!