The second season of the Norwegian reality display “Boksen” (The Box) has introduced a significant change to its format, sparking mixed reactions from its participants. Even as the first season captivated audiences with its focus on individual challenges and endurance, the new installment incorporates a social element, requiring contestants to vote each other into elimination duels. This shift from purely physical and mental tests to a strategic social game has proven divisive, with some competitors expressing frustration and others embracing the added layer of complexity.
“Boksen” quickly became a television sensation in Norway when it premiered in 2025 on TV 2, challenging participants to overcome a series of unknown obstacles after being placed inside individual “boxes.” The show’s success hinged on the suspense of the challenges and the contestants’ reactions to the unexpected. Now, as the second season unfolds, the introduction of a social game is testing the limits of camaraderie and competition, adding a new dimension to the already intense experience.
The change was revealed to the contestants in the first episode, immediately creating tension within the group. Artist Tomine Harket, 32, voiced strong disapproval, stating she felt misled by the altered format. “When we found out about the social game, I was quite ‘pissed’,” Harket told TV 2. “It wasn’t at all what I signed up for. Because this is a concept where there’s so much unknown, I relied heavily on the few certainties we had – and that was how the game would work and that it wouldn’t be a social game. So I really hung onto that, because it just felt wrong to me.”
The contestants in season two include Anette Trettebergstuen, Morten Hegseth, Margrethe Røed, Frode Grodås, Sofie Karlstad, Kasper Kvello, Tim Kristian Moen, Benedicte Adrian, Emil Wæraas, Tuva Billing, Jon Ludvig Hammer, and Erik Follestad. The shift in gameplay has prompted varied responses, highlighting the different strategies and personalities within the group.
Initial Reactions to the New Format
Benedicte Adrian, 62, the first contestant eliminated from the season, admitted she was somewhat relieved to avoid the full impact of the social game. “In that sense, I’m glad I only got to participate in one round of voting,” Adrian explained to TV 2. “I think it would have stressed me out. It comes on top of the thought of being ‘eliminated’ every day, pushed off bridges, down towers. It was quite stressful, even though I wasn’t there for long.”
However, not all contestants shared Harket’s negative reaction. Reality TV personality Sofie Karlstad, 28, expressed a positive outlook, believing the social element enhances the show’s overall dynamic. “I think it’s quality for the program, because I think it was missing something last year,” Karlstad said. “The voting part is maybe the little extra that was needed, even though it was, of course, unpleasant for those of us who were in there and had to vote on each other.”
The Evolution of “Boksen”
The introduction of the social game in “Boksen” mirrors a trend in reality television, where strategic alliances and interpersonal dynamics are increasingly emphasized. This shift is reminiscent of changes made to “Farmen kjendis” (Celebrity Farm), another popular Norwegian reality show, which too faced criticism for its increased focus on social manipulation. The producers of “Boksen” appear to be aiming to elevate the stakes and create a more complex narrative by incorporating this element of social strategy.
The change in format has sparked a conversation about the nature of reality television and the expectations of its participants. While some viewers may appreciate the added drama and intrigue, others may prefer the original focus on individual challenges and resilience. The success of this new approach will likely depend on how effectively the producers balance the physical and mental tests with the social maneuvering, and whether they can maintain the show’s core appeal.
As “Boksen” continues, viewers can expect to see the contestants navigate the challenges of both the unknown tasks and the shifting alliances within the group. The show’s ability to maintain its suspenseful atmosphere while incorporating this new social dynamic will be crucial to its continued success. The coming episodes will reveal how the contestants adapt to this altered landscape and whether the social game ultimately enhances or detracts from the overall viewing experience.
What are your thoughts on the new social twist in “Boksen”? Share your opinions in the comments below!