Jungletown was a short-lived reality television series that aired on Viceland in 2017. It documented the efforts of an American entrepreneur, Jonathan Smith, and his followers as they attempted to build a sustainable modern town called “Kalau Yala” in the Panamanian jungle.
The show focused on the challenges faced by the participants in creating a community from scratch, dealing with the harsh realities of jungle life, and the complexities of sustainability and eco-friendly living. Despite the idealistic goals, the series highlighted numerous issues, including conflicts between participants, logistical difficulties, and the gap between the visionary goals and the practical execution.
After the show ended, the project of building Kalau Yala continued, but it faced criticism and scrutiny. Some former participants and interns raised concerns about the conditions, the lack of infrastructure, and the gap between what was promised and what was delivered. The project has been evolving, with ongoing efforts to develop the town and its sustainability initiatives, but it remains a controversial endeavor with mixed reviews regarding its success and impact.