Bellapocalypse: Where Does Bella Belong?

CASA UTOPIA -- Great news: The Spectacular Bella Meltdown (an ongoing performance) is back, and there’s not even a two-drink minimum required! 

Mere hours after the last Bellapocalypse, our “peppy prepper with a purpose” isn’t feeling so peppy and can’t seem to find her purpose. 

Will anyone be able to talk her down? Could a chicken do it, maybe?

Mugs All Around

Until Aaron shatters one of them.

AARON’S COOKING ALTAR -- Here’s what happens when Utopia’s food czar thinks he can buy everyone’s faith and trust with some brittle artifacts he found on Utopia’s wall of buried treasure.

Stick to the food, dude.

Mike's Got Wood

We logged it.

It’s like he’s trying to tell his swimming buddy Dedeker something. But what?

UTOPIA. It’s always on. Jump into the live streams, or get the app.

Bellapocalypse: Her Utopia, In Jeopardy

THE HEN HOUSE -- Much like every other day, Bella is having “one of those days”. Maybe it’s a hangover after being terrorized by Red and the water hose yesterday, or maybe it’s that she won’t be able to save the chickens. No matter the cause -- it’s time once again for a Spectacular Bella Meltdown!

More to come ...

Presenting: The Utopia State of Freedom

TREE ISLAND -- Oh brother. First Red was leaving Utopia. Then Dave talked him down. Then he woke up this morning convinced once more that yes, it was time to go.

...THEN, burnt out by Mike’s civics lesson and wondering just what his future here looks like, Red got the brightest idea this “Hillbilly MacGyver” has ever had (in Utopia): secession.

Yes, four days in, there is already a separatist faction in Utopia.

Forgoing the snappier “Red’s State,” this new government -- co-founded by Dave -- will be called “The Utopia State of Freedom” and be open to all the cool stuff those squares in Utopia Classic are too busy trying to micromanage. Why should you join the brand-new USF?

• You’ll be “honoring the original Utopia federal law” (agreed on earlier on Day 4, natch) while striking out on your own, free to use the 1/15th of Utopian resources you’re entitled to.
• Like gardening but have no use for garden aesthetics? This is the government for you! USF will mow down those “pretty plants” to make room for functional agriculture.
• Chess, presumably! Utopia Classic seemed pretty burnt out on Dave’s special obsession, but not USF.
• Pot smoking, all day long if that’s your thing. Remember, there are (almost) no rules in USF!
• Usage of all communal infrastructure like electricity (pending) and plumbing (pending), minus any farm animal care responsibility. Leave the eggs and milk, absolutely, but keep those udders away from USF.

Who’s to say when the Utopia State of Freedom really takes off, or how long it lasts? We can’t know these things, at least not yet. But we are just PUMPED to see this ridiculous saga unfold!

UTOPIA. It’s always on. Jump into the live streams, or get the app.

Do Work!

CASA UTOPIA -- Resident legal eagle Mike — self-proclaimed non-physical-laborer — rose to meet Day 4, post-hole digger in hand. Mike was quickly joined by Rob (in overalls), Dedeker (in rubber gloves), Josh and Hex (handy with pick-axe) who were all driven by cruel reality of four days without electricity.

UTOPIA. It’s always on. Jump into the live streams here, or get the app.

Want to Hear Chris’ Really Smart Idea?

TREE ISLAND—It’s probably too easy to poke fun at Chris, a chili farmer who says “dope” a lot and brought to Utopia not just an acoustic guitar, but glass-blowing equipment. Which makes it that much more surprising -- and satisfying -- when dude steps up at a group meeting and offers something of a brilliant proposal for their budding justice system.

Mike proposed two rules that Utopia live by, which everyone agreed on:

1. No violence
2. No threats of violence

But what to do when someone breaks either of those two rules (or “agreements,” per Nikki)?

Enter Chris. From “something he read once,” a thoughtful, cogent suggestion: Whenever a Utopian does something wrong, he or she is forced into the middle of a group circle. But instead of being castigated...they’ll be celebrated. Complimented. No hate -- just “love, put back in them.” Everyone knows how broken the American penal system is, so why not turn the whole thing on its head?

Sure, maybe it’s a little hippie-dippie. But if Utopia isn’t a place to dream, what is?

UTOPIA. It’s always on. Jump into the live streams here, or get the app.

Bleeding Gums

The origin of Red’s toothless grin

TREE ISLAND -- You all know Red. Know the way he makes his own “orange drink,” how scared he is of cougars (please), the number of hillbilly expressions he’s got in his backpocket.

But what you didn’t know, at least until now, is how a guy with an IQ of 130 came to lose every gosh darn tooth he was born with. In a late night bonding session with an utterly fascinated Dave, Red gave us all the bloody details. Spoiler alert: the dentist only helped a little bit.

UTOPIA. It’s always on. Jump into the live streams here, or get the app.

Everything Alright, Bella?

Tell us what’s going on here.

LAKE DUNG -- Bella has had a morning (and a night, and an afternoon, and a…) that only a meditative fruit medley down by the dock can cure.

Morning Glories: Day 4

Greeting a new Utopia day, reflecting on the night before.

It’s September! A new month! Though there’s every chance that our Utopians don’t know this, so bombarded with drama last night (read all about Red’s meltdown here) that they’d lose all sense of time. It’s not so much “Day 4” as it is “0 Days without an accident.”

Considering how much energy Utopians expended on fighting yesterday, it’s not so surprising that the overnight scene was (mostly) less than crazy. Actually, it might be imperative. Let’s all calm down and regroup and not threaten each other with hoses, knives, or passive-aggression? GLAD WE’RE ON THE SAME PAGE HERE.

JONATHAN’S STRUGGLE

You would have thought Day 3 was one of social improvement for Jonathan, who finally got to preach (watch his sermon here) and connect with Utopians on a level comfortable for him. But by nightfall, he was commiserating with Red about his desire to leave Utopia -- even going so far as to walk right up to the gates with him.

Thankfully it didn’t take; he’s still here. But if his overnight strolls around Utopia are any indication, it’s still a subject very much on his mind.

CAN’T WE ALL JUST GET ALONG?

With Red removed from the group for a while, Mike presided over another meeting (3 in 3 days!) about rule-setting -- and -breaking -- in Utopia. Will they have a conflict resolution class on Day 4? Mike: “We’re starting kindergarten tomorrow. No really, we’ve gotta do basic fundamentals.” No one disagrees here!

Lawyer Mike, who along with Amanda (a behavioral specialist) is emerging as one of the most level-headed Utopians around, just wants to make cheese and hang in the hammock with Nikki and Dedeker.

TOO TIRED

Red, who had the biggest night of anyone, looked exhausted in his final pre-bed conversation with Dave. Nearby Hex and Amanda commiserated on the intensity of Day 3. “Silver lining is we haven’t killed each other!” said Hex. Yet.

Yet.

Read all: Morning Glories

UTOPIA. It's always on. Jump into the live streams here, or get the app.

Feeding Time: Day 3

Everyone thought Red was gone.

UTOPIA -- False alarm. Following today's Red Alert -- in which chicken-eating Red stormed away after getting into a huge verbal throwdown with food czar Aaron -- the hillbilly visionary is back on the compound. Special thanks to 5th Avenue Dave and, separately, Pastor Jon (pictured, with Red) for persuading Red to stay so the Utopians can work their problems out as a group.

We took Dave on an imaginary 5th Avenue shopping spree for cool birthday hats.

The budding “Bris” (Bri and Chris) romance is moving along almost precisely on schedule.

The Morning Crew: See who was doing what to kick off the day.

Pastor Jon offered Rob the Cliffs Notes on Christianity, then took us all to church.

From digging trenches to pulling cables, Utopians continued to work it.

The Randomness of Red kicked off with his new nickname for Amanda.

Bella defended the poor, hungry chickens -- one of whom died today of natural causes.

Bri dropped some killer poultry science on Aaron, who didn’t seem convinced.

Red roamed around the compound with some epic and expletive-riddled rants.

Utopia’s first business transaction? Dave offers Nikki $1800 for a designer bag.

Rob transformed into a human washing machine. Careful with the delicates!

Red and Aaron clashed BIG time over at the charcoal pit, and Red almost left for good. 

It was still Dave's b-day after all. Here's Team Utopia's nonsense song. Friends again? 

These daily digests are just the beginning. We're scattering some pebbles here on UtopiaTV.com, laying some groundwork. For the whole story of Utopia, you'll want to tune in to our three-night premiere event, which begins Sunday, September 7.

UTOPIA. It’s always on. Jump into the live streams here, or get the app!

It’s Still Dave’s Birthday, After All

Do these Utopians know how to party or what?

Oh, the gibberish you’ll sing when you’re on 130 cameras and “Happy Birthday” is copyrighted…

UTOPIA. It’s always on. Jump into the live streams here, or get the app!

Keepin’ It Clean With Rob

He’s like a proud, frightened turtle.

THE POOLS OF PARADISE -- Utopia has its very first washing machine.

Here’s the catch: It’s our Jersey giant's beautiful, beautiful body. 

No soap necessary! Careful with the delicates. 

Rob’s gentle cycle: genius? Or gross?

Jump into the live streams here, or get the app.

Utopia’s First Business Transaction?

Dave buys used ladies handbags, and he pays top dollar.

THE GARDEN OF SEEDIN' -- Wait, 5th Avenue Dave has $1800? Whip it out, man!

If it’s this easy for the Utopians to conduct business, just imagine what they can do in non-hypothetical situations!

UTOPIA. It’s always on. Jump into the live streams here, or get the app!

Bri Drops Poultry Science

“Once we kill ‘em, that egg’s not coming back.”

THE HEN HOUSE -- Don't underestimate the angelic veterinary aide. We can all learn a lot from Bri.

Same as Bella did last night, Bri defended the chickens this afternoon, arguing to Aaronthat the Utopians should fish for their dinner instead of killing a chicken.

But as this afternoon’s live stream viewers already know, there’s a twist: One of the Utopian chickens has died of natural causes.

Will ragin’ Red gobble it up out of spite, or will everyone respect that it might not be the best idea to eat a diseased chicken?

UTOPIA. It’s always on. Jump into the live streams here, or get the app!

Update: Red’s Gone Rogue

This guy is just losing his mind today.

EVERY DAMN NOOK AND CRANNY OF UTOPIA -- Maybe it’s the heat. Maybe he’s missing home. Maybe he’s pissed we compared him to Gollum as early as Day 2. But our beaten-down jack of all trades — who feels disrespected by everyone — is spiraling out of control and fuming around the compound yelling s**t.

Red just wants to feel useful! No one is taking him seriously. (Maybe it's because he won't stop yelling about food, and everyone is HUNGRY.)

CHOICE RED RANTS, SO FAR:

"I’m letting people think I’m a dumb hillbilly. Just cause I’m a hillbilly doesn’t mean I’m stupid!"

"There’s not a damn person here that can outdo me on any of this s**t!

“Who’s lived off the grid for ten years? We are off the grid now! Who’s got TEN YEARS PLUS off the grid here? Raise your hand?!? Go around and find out? Who here has been on a farm for many, many years? I can live off the grid here. I’ve got military! Y’know what I’m saying? I’ve got medical. I know hot to cook so good it make my tongue suck my teeth out, man.”

"I can build that pond! I can birth that cow!"

"I’m going to survive and be a fat cat!"

"I can make some biscuits in the morning that I can guarantee will make your tongue hit your forehead!"

"I don’t even like milk, man...I like vanilla rice milk. You put it on some Rice Krispies, that vanilla rice milk…and it’s like Rice Krispy treat, man."

"Theres going to be TWO Utopias. Utopia, and the State of Red Utopia."

"I want to do at least one project! I’m sick of being micro-managed! You do it like this, but you can’t do that -- f**k that, I’m done with that."

"I tried to tell them, they didn’t listen. When I’m done with something, I’m DONE with something. Same way with my momma — when I told her I was done with it. I didn’t even go to her funeral, man. I can fix anything, but I cant fix stupid!”

“KISS! MY! ASS!”

*

Update: At post time, Red's sitting on The Smoking Log, yelling (to seemingly no one in particular, though it’s probably Bella): “Wanna bitch a little bit? I’ll bitch TEN TIMES AS MUCH!"

Yeah, it’s definitely the heat.

UTOPIA. It’s always on. Jump into the live streams here, or get the app!

Sunday Sermon: “Birth...and Rebirth”

Jonathan takes us all to church.

PARADISE, FOUND -- Jonathan, our resident #PreacherMan, has so far been quieter in Utopia than most of us would have expected after watching his passionate profile video. But on Morning 3, a Sunday, Jonathan finally gave us the oration we’ve been waiting for.

In a sermon that spanned the Garden of Good and Evil to death and rebirth, Jonathan reaffirmed his mission of baptism. “Can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb and be born again? You must be born of the water...and the spirit.” A note to all reprobates: stay clear of the lake when you’re walking with Jonathan!

UTOPIA. It’s always on. Jump into the live streams here, or get the app!

Bullseye!

Hex schools Dave in the art of target shooting.

We named her #BullseyeBabe long before she popped up on UTOPIA’s cameras, but this morning Hex got the chance to live up to her moniker with a makeshift shooting lesson for ex-con Dave.

Draw. Aim. Pull. Release.

...Bullseye.

If the deer roaming the perimeter weren’t terrified of Hex before, they are now.

UTOPIA. It’s always on. Jump into the live streams here, or get the app!

Dave and Aaron After Dark

The bromance begins.

TREE ISLAND -- It’s like freshman orientation, isn’t it? So many new people to meet, stories to hear. You’re practically overwhelmed by the sensory experience, to the point that most conversations pass in a haze. 

But then you’re talking to this person who just gets you, you know? Someone you respect, someone who “inspires [you] more than anyone else here.” You don’t let that person go; you hold onto them forever.

Anyway that’s our hope for Aaron and Dave, whose lingering late-night chat feels like the beginning of something beautiful. Utopia, man...this place just burrows into your heart.

UTOPIA. It’s always on. Jump into the live streams here, or get the app!

This Feeling, It’s Electric

Utopians are wiring their new home for success.

A PILE OF DIRT -- While Jonathan was delivering his Sunday morning sermon, a small team of makeshift electricians -- Rob, Josh, Chris, and Hex -- was working to bring power (or the possibility for it, anyway!) to Utopia. On Day 2 they dug trenches; Day 3 is all about pulling cables from the gate to the barn.

Status: Halfway there. Don’t give up, Utopians!

UTOPIA. It’s always on. Jump into the live streams here, or get the app!

What Are You, Chicken?

Bella defends her fine-feathered friends.

It’s Dave's birthday, and number one on Dave’s birthday wish list? Chicken. Naturally, this caused zero alarm whatsoever for animal rights activist Bella.

Aaron, the grand poobah of all things food-related in Utopia, knows he’s got to walk the line between slaughter and celebration. Maybe the next birthday boy or girl will want fish instead? Or maybe a pomegranate smoothie?

UTOPIA. It’s always on. Jump into the live streams here, or get the app!

“Bris” Gets in Tune

More literally than figuratively.

THE DOCK -- With the speed and distractions and physical disconnect of the modern era, courtship today is a unique challenge for anyone looking for love. But one surefire wooing weapon that will never go out of style, in or outside the confines of Utopia? An acoustic guitar gently strummed down by a lake.

On Night 1, Chris and Bri traded stories about their pets and parents; now their romance has advanced to the Jack Johnson phase. “Bris” is moving along almost precisely on schedule!

UTOPIA. It’s always on. Jump into the live streams here, or get the app!

Morning Glories: Day 3

Greeting a new Utopia day, reflecting on the night before

UTOPIA—The very first night in Utopia offered enough interpersonal conflict to fuel at least an entire broadcast episode, if not several. Utopians were losing their minds (Josh) and their lunches (Hex) in equal measure, to the point that no second night could come close to reaching that level of excitement.

And thank God, since Utopia may actually have imploded otherwise!

No, Night 2 (and the beginnings of Day 3) in many ways course-corrected some of the insanity of what came before. Josh and Bella, his most ardent detractor, made up. Rob and Bella, also his most ardent detractor, made up. Everywhere Utopians were looking to make amends and move forward in whatever way possible. Maybe societies need to fall apart before they can come together? We’ve got 362 more days to find out!

In the meantime, here’s what you missed while you were sleeping like a normal human being:

BABY ON BOARD

Now that Amanda’s revealed her secret to most of her fellow Utopians, baby talk can begin in earnest. What will she name it? How’s she planning on giving birth? Is she registered at Babies ‘R--nope, not that far. Dave, as no one could have predicted, is just amped at the prospect of throwing Amanda a baby shower.

IT’S BUSINESS TIME

On Day 2, Rob floated the idea of hosting keggers on the weekend. With one Utopian basically quarantined for excessive drinking and another being hospitalized for it, no one jumped at the possibility. But maybe cheesemaking, which Dedeker floated, is the direction to go? Yoga classes that Nikki could lead? (Sign us up!) As long as they don’t go the lemonade stand route, Utopians should be able to start raking in some real USD real soon.

POLY POCKET

Social groups are beginning to emerge. You’ve got offbeat BFF trio Hex, Rob, and Red doing their thing; Chris and Bella. Then there’s Dedeker, Mike, and Nikki, whose budding trio we first checked on yesterday during hammock time. Their cozy triptych continued overnight, as the three of them whispered and giggled and basically had 13-year-old Mike’s vision of the best sleepover ever. Life is good.

UTOPIA. It’s always on. Jump into the live streams here.

Pastor Jon Speaks the Truth

Come to Jesus, Rob.

A PILE OF DIRT -- Digging for electrical lines on Day 2 right around 3:16 p.m., Tennessee pastor Jonathan had plenty of time to enlighten Jersey libertarian Rob on the essentials of Christianity.

Jesus, will they ever get power?

UTOPIA. It’s always on. Jump into the live streams here, or get the app!

Happy Birthday, Dave!

Time for a 5th Avenue shopping spree.

No one can leave the compound, and chances are the Utopians forgot to pack 5th Avenue Dave special presents for his big day. Here’s some more hats, Dave.

UTOPIA. It’s always on. Jump into the live streams here, or get the app!

Amanda Drops a Bomb

…Not!

TREE ISLAND -- Gather 'round. Amanda has some big news to share with her fellow Utopians. Are two of them really going home?!

Or is this all an elaborate ruse to see who has godparent potential?

UTOPIA. It’s always on. Jump into the live streams here, or get the app!

The UTOPIA App for Dummies

(Not that you’re a dummy).

You downloaded our brand-new UTOPIA app on iOS, Windows 8.1, Windows Mobile, orAndroid. It’s sitting pretty on your phone or tablet screen. Now what?

Well, use it! Launching the app will take you directly to one of the live feeds -- two for Free Passport holders, four for Premium subscribers. This live feed is effectively your home page. From there you can do a few things:

TAP ONCE, which will bring up a pausing option as well as a “+” button that lets you:
Head directly to the live feed control center
Isolate a scene in your current live feed. Premium users can scrub up to an hour back!
Pull up a Twitter overlay with all the conversation under #utopia. We think this is really cool!
Change the streaming quality (we recommend Automatic) in Settings

SWIPE UP, opening the live feed control center. If you’re a Premium Passport holder, you can also control the 360° camera!

(Want to get rid of this screen and return to one of the live streams? Click the live screen you want or just SWIPE DOWN.)

SWIPE LEFT for all archived clips in calendar form. Keep swiping left to move back in time -- from today’s date, all the way to the beginning of UTOPIA. Tapping on the calendar icon in the upper right will let you search by week.

SWIPE RIGHT for a different view of all archived clips, along with the ability to search by “Recent,” “Popular,” and “Recaps.” After the broadcast premiere September 7, you can also access full broadcast episodes of UTOPIA via the FOX Now app.

Note: If you haven’t created a Passport yet, make sure to do that at Utopiatv.com. Once you have your credentials, return to the app and login.

And that’s pretty much it! We’re proud of our fun, intuitive app but should you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us: customercare@utopiatv.com

UTOPIA. It’s always on. Jump into the live streams here, or get the app!

Feeding Time: Day 2

So much s**t went down today, not to mention the cow pooping into the lake.

• Nikki held a yoga class and nobody came. Om.

• Out of sunscreen? Bella suggested trying tomatoes instead. 

• The many resting faces of Rob offered creative ways to suffer through a boring meeting. 

• Bri and Chris (Bris?) taught us the meaning of love when they shared Utopia's first kiss.

• Amanda let Aaron in on her little secret. Hint: It's a baby.

• Tasteful Nudes! All day, every day, Utopia is freaking full of 'em. 

• How do you solve a problem like sexually charged rage monster Josh? 

• Red looked like Gollum.

• Huntress Hex re-entered the wild after a dance with dehydration. 

• Dedeker's tales of polyamory put Mike and Nikki to sleep. A peaceful, loving group sleep.

These daily digests are just the beginning. We're scattering some pebbles here on UtopiaTV.com, laying some groundwork. For the whole story of Utopia, you'll want to tune in to our three-night premiere event, which begins Sunday, September 7.

UTOPIA. It’s always on. Jump into the live streams here, or get the app!

Dedeker’s Bedtime Story

Tales of polyamory put Mike and Nikki to sleep.

THE HAMMOCK -- Mike and Nikki probably thought they were in for some sexy storytelling when they hopped in that oversize hammock with polyamorous Dedeker! You know, tales of debauchery that feature anywhere from 12 to 16 limbs; recollections of romantic dinners split three or four ways.

What they got was a professorial overview of the polyamorous lifestyle and a cozy afternoon nap. In Utopia, everyone has a story to tell. But sometimes those stories wind up putting you to sleep.

A note: The hammock will henceforth be known as the “Poly Pocket.”

UTOPIA. It’s always on. Jump into the live streams here, or get the app!

Breaking: Return of the Huntress

Hex is headed back to Utopia after a dance with dehydration.

THE GATES -- Following the drunkest evening to ever take place in Utopia (coincidentally the only evening to ever take place in Utopia), our bullseye babe Hexhad to break the Utopian ideal and leave the brand new society early this morning for medical reasons.

But she’s on her way back! Hex was examined at the hospital and treated with fluids. In just a few minutes, the huntress will re-enter the wild...

UTOPIA. It’s always on. Jump into the live streams here, or get the app!

My Preciousssss!!

This reminds us of something...

Vote in the important poll below!

UTOPIA. It’s always on. Jump into the live streams here, or get the app!

How Do You Solve a Problem Like Josh?

Diplomatically, and sober.

TREE ISLAND -- Yesterday’s handyman hero, contractor Josh, is now someone his fellow Utopians are feeling slightly iffy about.

Arguably one of the most skilled and vital of our First 14, Josh showed us a very different side when he got a little (read: a lot of) Jäger in his system. Things got heated, to the point that Josh was asked to cool off away from other Utopians.

Everyone will be meeting this afternoon to discuss just how to reintegrate Josh into the group and move forward. But before that, we send the question to you: Does everyone in Utopia deserve a second chance? Should Utopians make compromises in certain areas to ensure they have the proficiency they need as a society?

UTOPIA. It’s always on. Jump into the live streams here, or get the app!

Amanda Shares Her Secret

There’s a baby on board, but no one knows. ‘Til now! 

CASA UTOPIA -- Five-months-pregnant Amanda has been hush-hush about her growing tummy, but she piqued the curiosity of Aaron when she mentioned her need to eat twice a day. Instead of beating around the bush, the fantastic forager directly asked her.

Will Aaron spill Amanda’s beans?

UTOPIA. It’s always on. Jump into the live streams here, or get the app!

Tomatoes: Nature’s Sunscreen

Bella gives Nikki a quick lesson in skincare

CASA UTOPIA -- You’re outside trying to build a new society, just baking under that bright Utopian sun. You don’t have sunscreen, or much of it, anyway. How do you protect your skin from harmful UV rays? Try listening to Bella, and lather on some totally organic protection: tomatoes! (It also comes in handy for early morning passive-aggression, as you can see above!)

NOTE: “Peppy Prepper All-Natural Tomato Sun Guard” is not sold in stores

UTOPIA. It’s always on. Jump into the live streams here, or get the app!

Who Will Lead?

One Utopian steps up. Who’s next?

TREE ISLAND -- Mere hours after the Utopians’ grand entrance, fantastic forager Aaron emerged as a potential leader, perching himself high above the others and claiming to “know everything… sort of.”

While Aaron was perhaps the bossiest, other Utopians, like Bella and Hex, made sure to speak their minds to the group, especially after sexually charged contractor Joshestablished himself as the world’s largest lightweight.

Dr. Nikki (she prescribes hugs) said she wants “agreements” in Utopia instead of “laws,” because laws imply external control instead of equality. Perhaps instead of one leader, Utopia needs everyone to either step up or simmer down so they can work on the same level.

Who do you like as a leader so far? Should there be leaders at all?

UTOPIA. It’s always on. Jump into the live streams here, or get the app!

Jonathan: God’s Gift?

Utopia’s preacher man quickly establishes his worth.

And Jonathan said unto them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”

Just kidding. He didn’t say anything. But look at this guy fish!

UTOPIA. It’s always on. Jump into the live streams here, or get the app!

Utopians Make an Entrance

A quick look at our First 14’s first steps.

They’re in! After packing their bags, saying their goodbyes, and opening a very large gate, 14 ordinary Americans have begun their new lives in Utopia. If you’ve been watching the live streams, then you already know how much has happened on Day 1. A lot!

Every exciting journey begins with a first step, which we caught on camera (duh) earlier today. What did we learn about our Utopians as they got their first glimpse at “home” for the next year?

HEX
Crossbow slung across her chest and all smiles, Hex already looks like she’s in her element.

JONATHAN
“This Little Light of Mine,” Jonathan sang as he made his way in -- the only musical entrance. Can we expect Chris to join in with guitar on “I’ve Got the Joy In My Heart” soon?

DAVE
“I tilt my hat to this sh*t here. This is my mansion, this my castle.” Dave could not be more jazzed for “something different, something new.” Even though it’s muddy.

BELLA
Maybe the most visibly excited of the bunch? “Oh my gosh! This is so gorgeous! So cool! Look at this! This is like paradise!”

ROB
Rob’s enthusiastic, sure, but in that specific understated Jersey way. “This is legit right here.”

NIKKI
Our resident “Dr. Love,” it’s no surprise that Nikki raised her hands in exaltation. Good vibes all around.

RED
All you need, and what we wish we had: an endless gif of Red howling at the sky in joy.

MIKE
Overdressed? A blazer isn’t exactly ideal for Utopia’s climate, but the hair is of course just right. “Holy cow. Wow.”

BRI
“Cool. Whoa. Holy sh*t. This is so cool. A barn? Awesome.” Bri, you’re great.

AARON
He seems very on board!

DEDEKER
“Oh my God.” Dedeker too!

CHRIS
Hardly shocking that Chris was the one to ring the bell and splash around in the lake on his way in. “Oh. My. God.”

JOSH
Smiles, smiles, smiles. Our Salt Lake contractor is ready (and rarin’) for action.

AMANDA
Sure, she doesn’t love the mud situation. And Amanda seems skeptical of the lake’s swimming possibilities. But darnit if she isn’t pumped, “woo-hoo!”ing while she skips her way through the gate.

UTOPIA. It’s always on. Jump into the live streams here, or get the app!

Families Say Goodbye

Okay… see you in a year?!

Today, our First 14 wandered wide-eyed through the gates of Utopia (watch their initial reactions to the compound here) and set forth to create a brave new world. Obviously, we’ll be focusing on their journeys from here on. But what about the lives and loves they’re leaving behind? We spoke to the people closest to pastor Jonathan, veterinary aide Bri, polyamorous model Dedeker, and jack-of-all-trades visionary Red about how hard it was to let go.

Bri’s posse definitely has the right idea -- they’ve already signed up for Passports so they could watch her journey starting this very same night. Smart move!

It’d be difficult to release loved ones into such a wild, unpredictable environment, even if they were passionate about the Utopian ideal. Think you could handle it?

UTOPIA. It’s always on. Jump into the live streams here, or get the app!