Will a Russian reality TV show really allow murder, rape of contestants?

Perhaps the idea of a Russian reality TV show permitting murder and rape in the Siberian steppes sounds like something from the "In Soviet Russia" memes of years past. But it turns out a Hunger Games-style contest is, in fact, slated to begin production in the country next year, and contestants will be able to commit a multitude of crimes — even violent ones — as they compete for a $1.6-million prize.

The Guardian reported that producers of the survival-style show, titled Game2: Winter, have advertised that "everything is allowed" — including "fighting, alcohol, murder, rape, smoking, anything." 

Created by entrepreneur Yevgeny Pyatkovsky, Game2: Winter seeks to strand 30 male and female contestants in the Siberian wilderness, where they will brave freezing temperatures and live among wildlife. 

"Each contestant gives consent that they could be maimed, even killed," an advertisement reads. The show will stream 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

There's just one catch: TV-legal and street-legal will still remain two very different things. Any contestant who commits a crime on the show would be subject to prosecution by authorities. "You must understand that the police will come and take you away," the rules dictate, according to the Guardian. "We are on the territory of Russia, and obey the laws of the Russian Federation." 

Pyatkovsky told the paper that his show, albeit grisly, has generated interest. "The show promises to be international," he said. "Five countries have already expressed the desire to broadcast it for their audiences." 

According to Pyatkovsky, 60 people have already applied, including one American.