Living the Dream - Full Series

Episode One
Meet Sam Chambers. He thinks he's one of nine hopefuls entering a reality TV show, competing to be the last one standing through challenges and eliminations, to claim the $50,000 cash prize. The trouble is, he's the only real thing about the show. In the first episode, Hawke's Bay vineyard worker Sam gets acquainted with his roommates: Betty, 'The New Age Flake' (Kirsty Cooke), and 'SAS soldier' Mule (Stephen Hall). In the first, "privilege" challenge, the nine strangers get their kit off and model each other's underwear — but even stranger things are coming for the ever-observant Sam.

Episode Two
It's day three in the house, and on the instruction of the producers, the actors/contestants get the tension rising. Today's challenge is retrieving carrots from women clad in skimpy bunny outfits, before Tiffany (Sarah Thomson) dangles the carrot in the spa pool. Billy (Jeremy Birchall) and Mick (Jason Fitch) butt heads over a butt pic, and Sam struggles with all the confrontation. More scripted drama between Rima (Awanui Simich-Pene) and Tiffany shakes Sam, and he and his 'fellow contestants' face their first elimination ceremony.

Episode Three
Another challenge brings another excuse for scantily clad models. Sam's a bit flustered after receiving attention from celebrity guest judge Charlotte Dawson, and his suspicions grow around Mule's authenticity when he milks sympathy for a scripted injury. Sam continues to stay calm between the actor's choreographed drama and producer-induced pressure cooker scenarios. Behind the scenes, the actors are getting snarky about each other as things get too close for comfort.

Episode Four
A rumour spreads around the mansion but Sam — to the disappointment of those around him — stays calm and respectful as he shuts it down. The producers and cast continue to test how far they can push Sam, but they just can't rattle the mild-mannered man. Another challenge is on the docket for the day, and although it's rigged for Sam to lose, he takes out pole position… forcing the writers to scramble to flip the script. 'Virgin' Mary (Victoria Blackman) gets drunk and lays the foundation for a storyline that unsettles Sam: that her and 'smarmy host' Mark (Mark Ferguson) are about to get it on. Crikey!

Episode Five
With the contestants rolling around in money covered in honey (and the most awkward talent show to take place on Earth is witnessed by guest judge Matthew Ridge) the challenges are becoming more and more outrageous, and so is the drama. After a loss in a challenge, Sam is handcuffed to sweet, innocent Mary, resulting in him being pulled into the biggest fight the house has seen yet. What else will it take to get Sam to crack? How long can he put up with Mick's wisecracks and cruel comments? The writers and producers start to pull out all the stops, but Sam's strong morals foil their plans… again.

Episode Six
With the eviction of Mick in the previous episode, Sam should be happy to see the back of the house bully… right? But when it's revealed that Mick may be reinstated, the Control Room is sent into a frenzy when Sam says he doesn't want to continue — and for once, he may be the one with all the control. A bondage challenge threatens to be the tipping point, but Sam's resilience shines through again.

Episode Seven
In a Fear Factor-esque challenge, the contestants are required to eat spew-inducing foods, and when Sam is dished up cockroaches, a battle between contestants and producers ensues. Real-life producer Andrew Shaw cameos, playing a creepy network executive, but Sam is uncomfortable with the alternative storyline Andrew suggests to get 'ratings'. A fight breaks out between Mary and host Mark "smooth as a gravy sandwich" Ferguson, sinking Sam deeper into bewilderment.

Episode Eight
Sam is accused of telling Mick about the steamy alternative storyline dreamt up by 'Network Exec' Andrew. With an emotional host opening up about a few fake personal scenarios and Tiffany revealing her predicament and reasons as to why she's in the competition, Sam's empathy is spread thin across the mansion. Sam's main goal remains: get 'Mick the Prick' outta the house. Host Mark and Tiffany both spit the dummy in the challenge in another attempt to rattle Sam, but he's most uncomfortable having to make the tough decision on who to vote for at that night's elimination.

Episode Nine
Mick's presence continues to irk Sam, who is still feeling raw after last night's elimination. Before their last dinner together in the house, they must endure a final barbaric challenge — and even more barbaric chat from Mick while the finalists reminisce on the experience and share their favourite moments. A travel itinerary mishap from the production team leaves Sam with a few questions. Previously eliminated contestants return to the mansion and ask the final three to persuade them as to who should win the grand prize.

Episode Ten
At the final elimination ceremony, one by one the actors come clean. Watch it for yourself to see the full range of emotions Sam experiences as he cottons on — in the words of the man himself, "Crikey!" This final episode also includes an interview with Sam four months after the series wrapped, reflecting on his experience.