The Fortune Hotel

I suppose there's nothing wrong with taking a winning formula and then adapting it for a shot at a decent TV show. The problem is, it's so obviously similar in it's traitorishness vibe that unless it has the same the great location, great host, the incredible intensity, and something so new it gets your attention then it falls flat.

This has neither of the above, and so after 2 episodes, if I remember it's on catch up and I've got time, I may watch more, but if I don't, it won't be any loss.

I watched the first episode and thought it was okay and decided to watch the second episode and I saw a fly in my front room and it was annoying, so instead of pausing the TV I carried on following in around until I finally caught the little pest... in another room... and I came back and just carried on watching where I left off because I 'knew' I wouldn't really miss anything in the 5 minutes I was away. That would never happen with the Traitors.

If I watch more episodes and it dramatically improves, then I'll update my rating from it's current 5.

I'm sure plenty will enjoy it, don't let me put you off giving it a go at least.

Alarm bells must have been ringing all around ITV.

"We need our own version of The Traitors, NOW".

"People like White Lotus too, boss" "Great. Make a mash-up of those two things".

So this was the result.

It's not good, it's amiable, it's fine, but it's certainly not anything more than good.

Stephen Mangan is an odd choice of host, and to be honest, this looks like the sort of show that the fake Matt LeBlanc from his show 'Episodes' might well have ended up hosting.

Nice try, ITV, but this is like when Tesco make a mistake on your food shop online and try to palm you off with a suitable substitute.

It doesn't work.

Well, I suppose I'll begin with saying, I am currently enjoying this show. There are 8 episodes, and they are playing Mon-Thurs for 2 weeks.

I'm on the first Thursday right now, and am hating that I've got to wait so long for next episode.

Anyway, more to the point... It's got a bit of a slow start, but if you stick it out to the end of the first couple of episodes, you'll find the couple you want to win.

I've found mine, and they are still there,.. but,...for how long?

It's a very well structured series, and it's clever.

I find the tasks that were set for the couples to be very well thought out.

I enjoy the host also. I wasn't blown away by him, but I think he is playing his role nicely.

Slow start, but worth the wait.

Save judgement until you've watched it all.

Yes, there are aspects of "The Traitors" but you'll find it's also very different as the game progresses. There is no vote out at the end of each day, the tasks aren't to add to the pot, but to be in the best position for the nightly swaps so it's all about personal performance, logic and luck.

The tasks are fun and the production keeps you hooked. And I personally loved Stephen Mangan at the helm. I found him witty, charismatic and warm towards the hosts. He is the friendly, slightly ditsy hotel concierge opposed to Claudia's mysterious and aloof lady of the manor.

As the episodes progress, you get to find out more about the couples and become more attached to the remaining pairs as their personalities and personal circumstances are shared and their game plays are called out and developed.

I wasn't entirely sure after the first episode, I did think "oh it's a rip off of that other BBC show" but I then binged it in 2 sittings and my views drastically changed. Perhaps this is a better way so you get fully immersed into the narrative.

Really heats up once you get to Episode 3 and 4. The strategies and alliances become clear.

The daily challenges are a lot better than The Traitors - as whoever wins gets a real advantage for the overall game, so it feels like must-watch TV rather than a phone/toilet break.

The cast are a great mix, and the location looks absolutely stunning.

The Traitors comparisons are just lazy, in my opinion. Some of the music and editing choices are maybe a bit reminiscent, but the game itself and the strategy involved is entirely different.

Stephen's a really fun host too - leans into the camp nature of it at times and lets the game flow.

Would really recommend this.