Even in areality TVgenre saturated with competition shows, no program stands out more thanAmercia’s Got Talent. And that’s mainly because it doesn’t just have one kind of talent; created bySimon Cowell, the series' focus on giving all different kinds of performers their chance to shine means viewers are pleasantly shocked almost every episode. There have been many iconic moments across its long history, with watchers remembering all the jaw-dropping actsthat have made the franchise so legendary.
However, most people don’t remember that someone almost died on the show. Mostly because it was nestled in the background of an ill-fated spin-off, it’s surprising how few diehard fans know that one person’s attempt to impress the judges almost cost him his life and gave him lifelong medical issues. There are many memorable moments onAGT, but when it comes toJonathan Goodwin, 42,almost dying on the spin-offAmerica’s Got Talent: Extreme,this is an act that the show definitely wants you to forget.
‘America’s Got Talent: Extreme’ Got Too… Extreme
WhileAmerica’s Got Talentis one of the most popular reality shows ever, not many people rememberAmerica’s Got Talent: Extreme.Swapping out its usual judging panel withNikki BellaandTravis Pastrana(Simon Cowell is still there, of course)this spin-off focused on only “extreme” talents.While rare, these are ones that regularAGTfans have seen before; each season typically features at least one extremely dangerous act, some death-defying feat of escapism or acrobatics that makes viewers screamin fear and excitement at the same time.This version of the show wanted to capitalize on that by creating a competition where only these kinds of acts would be featured. It would offer a nonstop rollercoaster of thrills and sensationalized danger, with countless high-intensity artists coming out to audition — including Jonathan Goodwin.
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Originally from the flagship series’ 15th season, in October 2021, Goodwin was a daredevil escapist, with his acts usually consisting of the man locked up in a complex trap while trying to avoid some lethal danger (ranging from a shooting crossbow to fire crawling up his body). It was while practicing for one of these acts that disaster struck; the stunt had him hanging upside down and trying to escape from a straitjacket —all while between two cars suspended above the ground— when a complication had the cars be released, crushing the man between them and dropping him onto the hard ground. This not only led to Goodwin losing the ability to walk and suffering countless other grievous injuries, but the man launched a huge lawsuit againstAGTas he said it was allegedly due to rushed productionthat his safety wasn’t secured and this incident occurred. This suit is still ongoing, but more than just legal action, it’s a message that Goodwin has for reality TV as a whole: stop allegedly putting your contestants in danger for ratings.
Jonathan Goodwin Shows the Dangers of Reality TV
Not only was Goodwin’s experience a true tragedy, it also illustrates whyAmerica’s Got Talent: Extremewas a betrayal of the original’s entire mission. Sure,AGTdid feature some extreme acts, but this family-friendly moment had never been about making audiences be thrilled and nervous like these extreme acts did.It is a showcase of countless types of excitement, not falling into the toxic practice of praying on sensationalized danger constantly to easily get audiences invested. Of course, it’s not wrong to try and give extreme acts more of a platform — these daredevils are undoubtedly some of the most talented stunt performers out there. But by focusing solely on this talent, the show doesn’t only betray its initial goal of amplifying all artists but inherently encourages these folks to do moreand more dangerous things, all in the hopes of impressing the judges. It is a messy, still ongoing-situation, and it remains one of theAmerica’s Got Talentfranchise’s most shocking moments ever.
America’s Got Talent
A popular talent show where contestants from all walks of life compete for a chance to win a substantial cash prize and the title of America’s most talented performer. Acts include singers, dancers, magicians, comedians, and other unique talents, all performing in front of a panel of judges and a live audience. Each episode includes auditions, judge deliberations, and audience reactions, leading up to live shows where viewers can vote for their favorites.
