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Rooted in history, skilled marksmen compete for US$100,000 prize package and bragging rights as HISTORY’s…
TOP SHOT
First competition series from HISTORY™, premiering 14 October, every Thursday at 11pm
Hosted by Survivor Contestant Colby Donaldson
Whether it’s William Tell using a crossbow to shoot an apple off his son’s head, or Annie Oakley using a hand mirror to make a shot with a rifle slung over her shoulder, history is filled with legendary tales of amazing marksmanship. Now, HISTORY (Astro channel 555) is tapping into these inspiring feats of sharp-shooting for its first-ever competition series, TOP SHOT, premiering Thursday, 14 October at 11pm.
Sixteen of the nation’s most skilled marksmen have been carefully selected to compete in the new 10-episode series. Some have professional shooting experience, some are amateurs –all will showcase breathtaking timing, speed and accuracy in their quest to win the US$100,000 prize package and title of “Top Shot.” The winner will ultimately have to be skilled in everything from muzzle-loading muskets and modern pistols to slingshots and throwing knives.
The series is hosted by actor, adventurer and athlete Colby Donaldson, a born competitor whose experience as a contestant on Survivor brings a unique perspective to HISTORY’s first elimination series.
Each week, contenders will face both team and individual elimination challenges until one winner remains. In the series opener (Thursday, 14 October), contestants are immediately divided into two teams and then compete in a “Rifle Relay,” an obstacle course using standard-issue rifles from four different wars. In the elimination round, two contestants go head-to-head in “The Long Shot,” a long-distance sniper challenge which will send the first person home.
In episodes 2 and 3 (Thursdays, 21 Oct and 28 October), contestants’ skills with the pistol and bow and arrow are put to the test. From muzzle-loading muskets to throwing knives, every challenge will focus on weapons, technologies and techniques of different eras in history as high-speed HD cameras capture the skillful execution of each test in extreme slow-motion.
Contestants vying for “Top Shot” include professional shooters and world-record holders, but there are also amateurs, including a Wild West entertainer, a historical firearms collector, and a radio gun show host. They range in age from a 22-year-old rifle prodigy to a 47-year-old retired New York cop. There is also one female in the group, the first female in the history of the Chicago Police Department to become “Top Gun” of her graduating class.
Episodic Synopsis
TOP SHOT #1: The Long Shot
Premieres 14 October, 11pm
Sixteen skilled shooters arrive from around the country to live together, put their marksmanship skills to the test, and compete for the $100,000 prize and title of Top Shot. Divided into two teams, they face off in an obstacle course incorporating unfamiliar rifles from different eras. After a surprising mistake, two unlikely competitors compete in a long-distance sniper challenge that sends the first contestant home. Actor and adventurer Colby Donaldson hosts.
TOP SHOT #2: Zipline of Fire
Premieres 21 October, 11pm
This week, contestants’ pistol skills are put to the test with the slide-action Beretta, the weapon that replaced the iconic revolver. Teams go “down the tubes” in a challenge that forces them to rank their own accuracy. Two competitors then face off in a surprise zipline challenge to determine who gets eliminated. Colby Donaldson hosts.
TOP SHOT #3: Archer Enemies
Premieres 28 October, 11pm
Contestants compete with the legendary longbow. A breakout performance gives one team immunity, while two competitors from the losing team face off on the William Tell challenge in which they’ll have to hit a series of apples with a crossbow.
