When youtube algorithm first recommended this show to me, a Wendover Production subscriber, I was completely shocked by the fundamental logic of Jet Lag, that a few youtubers can create a reality show of this quality by their iPhone cameras. In China, we have similar travel shows with big budgets on TV, featuring big stars every episodes, and every element on the show is sponsored: cars, clothes, even the yogurt these stars were drinking. But except for some breathtaking scenery footages that come with the all professional cameramen, I don't like it at all.
Jet Lag The Game presented me with something different. Even there was no 'cinematography' in this show whatsoever, I enjoyed the raw footage shot by iPhones showing these three's true emotions when they were doing a challenge or just taking the public transport. I felt like that's the closest I can get to travelling myself: the lighting, frame is nowhere near perfect, but just being 'on the road'.
Sam, Adam, and Ben themselves just become the biggest selling point of this show. When watching those reality shows filled with stars, the producers always try to schmooze the stars' massive fan base by staging perfect characters for them, or even if they try to show a 'different side', it's phony by first look. But watching Ben and Adam discussing strategies or completing a challenge just feel real, like I was witnessing two friends having a chat when they were travelling. I'm willing to believe that they carry a true part of their personality to their behaviors on screen, and I would love to meet these cool 'friends' in real life. This kind of intimacy with the audience beats all other glamorous extravagance in filmmaking, and perhaps the fact that footages were shot with iPhone cameras also contribute to it.
Of course, these challenges alongside were perfect catalysts to the show. Give credit to the amazing visual effects people that make all these cartoon-style maps, tokens possible. They successfully elevate the show to the position where they're now, separating it from random youtubers' travel Vlogs.
P. S. Always rooting for Team Ben!
