CBC’s “Pioneer Quest”

This is one of the first-ever reality shows of its kind; seemingly unintentionally, it manages to offer everything good reality TV ought — this is, lots and lots of drama. There’s a shocking twist at the start, the crazy ups and downs natural to pursuing an extreme lifestyle, and interpersonal conflict worthy of any Bravo show. The first two-thirds are fascinating from the point of view of the quote-unquote historically accurate experiment the participants undertake, while the remainder is actually my personal favorite part, because it’s just such a cozy watch.