Reality Show Concept: 'Ph.D. Island'

“The show is called, ‘PhD Island.’|Ten or so (somewhat attractive) men and women in their early twenties, maybe with a token older contestant, endure a numbingly drawn-out series of trials and humiliations. These include hostile dissertation-committee meetings, labyrinthine statistical methodologies, and ramen. Some contestants are eliminated along the way — we watch their tearful exits with the comforting knowledge that by the end of the show, it is the survivors who will envy the escapees.” Bob (“His real name is Ted, a pseudonym.”) —Reality Show Concept: ‘Ph.D. Island’ (Unfogged)