The world of reality television won’t stop growing, but “world” is finally taking center stage as Disney+ brings us The Quest on May 11th.
It’s hard to really nail down exactly what The Quest is actually, but it describes itself as part reality competition and part fantasy series, and it involves a group of 13-16-year-olds entering the world of Everealm.
The show comes by way of the award-winning teams behind The Lord of the Rings, The Amazing Race, and Queer Eye, which is already tricky to wrap your head around, and it has our eight teens (Paladins) taking on the challenge of saving Everealm from an evil Sorceress.
It’s a “hybrid competition” show that has the Paladins entering a fully immersive experience and will see them picking up swords, firing mounted crossbows, making their way through mazes, and (apparently) solving puzzles and mysteries that will help them fulfill a prophecy.
The Quest wants to be a lot of things, but perhaps the most intriguing is the extent to which it is simply a fun-filled adventure for the participants. As gimmicks for reality and reality competition series seem to be drying up, here we kick things up to another level. We all know that any series wants viewers and wants to be entertaining to audiences, and there seems to be much here to sell the watching of The Quest, but this one looks to be a series that asks, “What if we just make it an absolute blast to be on the show?”
It’s hard to guess how things are really going to play out, and to what extent the multi-faceted nature of this attempt delivers as competition meets special effects, fantasy creatures, and a sort of LARP-esque adventure, but if it isn’t the coolest series to come along in a while, it won’t be for lack of trying.
Before this one hits, get a look at the trailer, and get to know the teens who will become Paladins below.
MEET THE PALADINS
David (14 years old)
David is from Waldorf, Maryland, and is a fan of “all things fantasy.” He was introduced to “The Legend of Zelda” series at a young age and was immediately hooked. He is an avid athlete, playing tennis at a competitive level as well as being a boxer. David’s outward love of fantasy and his Korean ethnicity led to him feeling like an outcast growing up. After an eye-opening trip to South America, where he taught English to international students, David came back with a different perspective on life, with newly formed confidence
and re-embracing the fantasy side of his life. David hopes to inspire other teenagers to embrace their “inner nerds” and not worry about being judged.
Serean (14 years old)
Serean is from Tenino, Washington, and lives in a log cabin that reminds her of The Shire from “The Lord of the Rings.” She has a bubbly and energetic personality and, in her words, has “energy that can never be killed.” She loves the performing arts and has participated in plays for several years. She is also a former track athlete and loves to run. “The Quest” is an opportunity she has been dreaming of her entire life!
Holden (16 years old)
Holden is from Northridge, California. He has always been passionate about all things fantasy-related — dragons, elves, you name it. In fact, Holden has been writing his own fantasy books for several years. When he’s not writing or playing games with his friends, he can be found practicing clarinet and piano. He loves the board game Talisman because it allows the players to invest heavily in a fantasy world and create a story. Now, he’s about to be immersed into a fantasy world on a whole new level on “The Quest!”
Myra (16 years old)
Myra was raised in Queens, New York, and she is proud of her Japanese and Tanzanian roots. She loves anime, breakdancing and making people laugh whenever she can. As a lover of “all things space-related,” Myra wants to be an astronaut when she grows up. She loves math and enjoys being able to fill in answers like pieces to a puzzle. Myra says “The Quest” is the type of adventurous exploration she’s always dreamed of!
Shaan (13 years old)
Shaan is from San Ramon, California. His family is originally from India, and he is proud of his heritage. Shaan loves playing basketball and is an avid musician, playing four instruments. As an aspiring doctor, Shaan already has a specific job in mind: cardiac surgeon. This well-rounded California teenager is ready to use his leadership skills and unwavering perseverance to tackle any challenge on “The Quest.”
Ava (15 years old)
Ava is from Northwood, New Hampshire. As a nature lover, Ava can almost always be found outdoors. Whether climbing trees or playing her ukulele in the summer sun, she is a free spirit who marches to the beat of her own drum. Ava describes herself as both “a tomboy and a girly girl.” She is an avid horseback rider, skilled archer and volleyball player. Ultimately, she says her competitive spirit will drive her to succeed at any task in “The Quest.”
Caden (16 years old)
Caden is from Sugarland, Texas. He loves to act and sing, performing in more than 20 musicals since he was 5 years old. He loves the fantasy realm because it allows him to develop creativity, as well as build confidence in who he is as a person. Caden says he has “no filter” and always speaks his mind, no matter what. He is excited to compete on “The Quest,” not just to challenge others but to challenge himself to be the best person he can be.
Toshani (14 years old)
Toshani is from Schenectady, New York, and comes from a large family. She has Guyanese and Chinese roots, so celebrating culture is very important in her household. She considers herself a “boss girl” and is a self-proclaimed feminist who always stands up for what is right. She has been competitive her whole life, which she credits to being one of four sisters. When it comes to the fantasy world, she loves anything related to the supernatural (she’s obsessed with witches). As a natural problem solver, this aspiring detective knows
she brings the mental acuity to ring in victory on “The Quest.”
