The Quest is an entirely new genre of reality show. They take 12 fantasy fans, people who claim that they want to be in their favorite movies; and put them in a completely immersive world. Much of the set has animatronics, and special FX by award-winning companies Special Motion and NuFormer. The contestants, called “Paladins“, are chosen to live in this fantasy world and must compete in a scripted story for the title of “One True Hero”. Here are 5 reasons why I’ll be tuning into ABC’s The Quest, and you should too.

1. The Quest producer Mark Ordesky from Lord Of The Rings.

Other executive producers include Jane Fleming, Bertram Munster (Amazing Race, and Cops), Elise Doganieri, Rob Eric, and Michael Williams (Queer Eye for the Straight Guy). 

2. One beautiful immersive world.

Paladins must not only live in this world but play the part. They live in the clothes provided and are sent back into time. The glimpse of the we’ve seen is amazing so far. “Sets” that rival Game Of Thrones.

3. A completely new genre.

Never before have we seen a reality show that will play out like this. They’ve got scripted actors, and unsuspecting players . It’s like watching your favorite show but with the uncertainty of real human reactions.

4. For nerds, to nerds, by nerds.

Casting for contestants were held at no other than Fantasy Con. Among the people casted we have fans of Harry Potter, Street Fighter, Star Wars, and Lord of the Rings.

5. One does not simply pass up on a good show.

While Game Of Thrones is on its hiatus where else are you going to get your weekly fill of dragons, castles, and dark lords? Might as well give it a try. Check out the preview trailer below .

ABC’s The Quest Trailer