35 'Survivor' Facts: Here's What You Need To Know About This Show

In case you aren't still aware of what the 'Survivor' series is all about, it is a reality tv show which has been running in various countries all over the world for more than a couple of decades.

In the show, there are several contestants who are sent to an isolated place where they need to now provide fire, food, shelter, and water for themselves. At the same time, the contestants undertake tasks and challenges to win rewards and escape from getting eliminated.

As the show progresses, one by one contestants are eliminated from the show by the process of voting which is done by the other contestants on the show.

Ultimately after a few weeks, there is only one contestant who survives, they win a pre-determined cash prize and are awarded the title of 'Sole Survivor'. The 'Survivor' franchise as a television show is present in a number of countries ranging from the United States to Argentina.

Interestingly, the concept of the 'Survivor' series was developed by Charlie Parsons back in 1994.

The Swedish version of the show known as 'Expedition Robinson' which aired in 1997 was the first-ever 'Survivor' series to be broadcast and the rest is history. Interestingly, there is a pretty similarly named American political drama show known as 'Designated Survivor' and is often confused with the 'Survivor' franchise.

Scroll down to know more such amazing facts about 'Survivor.'

Behind The Scenes Of 'Survivor'

'Survivor' is undoubtedly one of the most interesting and engaging reality TV shows present at the moment. It has been airing in the United States since 2000 and has successfully completed 41 seasons.

Throughout this long journey, there have been various such moments and facts which haven't traveled to the audiences at home. Let us take a look at some of the behind-the-scenes facts about 'Survivor.'

Contestants are strictly prohibited from going to the ocean at night as there are sharks in the ocean.

Did you know, the production crew of 'Survivors' keeps an identical set of clothes for contestants in case it is required.

Contestants on 'Survivor' are strictly asked not to directly communicate with the camera crew as it interferes with the format of the game.

There have been moments when contestants have had to re-enact certain scenes to get the most out of it.

Contestants on the show have traveled from boats as well as blackout vehicles from the base camp to activity spots, and tribal council spaces depending upon the location of the shoot.

At the same time, parts of the tribal council although air for only around 10 minutes, the actual event lasts for hours and there are a huge number of repetitions to capture the moments.

As soon as a player is voted off, he or she is immediately checked by a doctor for any required treatments.

The jury whose function in 'Survivor' is to witness the actions of the remaining castaways at the tribal council enjoy a variety of drinks, and buffet-style food at the resort.

Every 'Survivor' contestant is allowed to carry one supposedly luxury item with them which has included items such as ukuleles and skateboards.

Did you know, Jeff Probst the well-known host of 'Survivor' once said that his favorite sole survivor of the show was the season 26 winner John Cochran, who converted his liabilities into his assets to emerge as the winner.

One of the lesser-known facts about 'Survivor' is its 'dream team' which comprises college interns who join the production as people who try out the various challenges before they are provided to the actual contestants.

Some of the members of the dream team also end up assisting the production team in several tasks including prop making.

In the 37th season of 'Survivor', which was filmed in Fiji, the castaways had to evacuate the space on a couple of occasions due to cyclones.

'Survivor' is undoubtedly one of the most intensely shot reality TV shows. Unsurprisingly, 'Survivor' has a mammoth crew that works round the clock throughout the 39 days.

It is believed that 'Survivor' has a crew size of over 300 people!

Did you know, for every 44-minute episode of 'Survivor', hundreds of hours are shot which are then trimmed and edited?

Participants Of The 'Survivor' Show

The US 'Survivor' show since its debut in 2000 has seen a variety of contestants every season from varying backgrounds. There have been teenagers who have participated in the show and at the same time, there have been contestants more than 70 years old.

Let us take a closer look at some of the people who have been a part of this amazing race for survival show in the past.

Every season of 'Survivor' has a total of 16 participants, the first edition was named 'Survivor: Borneo'.

The winner of the first-ever season of 'Survivor', which was aired in the US, was the 39-year old Richard Hatch, a corporate trainer by profession.

63-year-old Sonja Christopher was the first person to get eliminated from the first season of the show.

The youngest player ever to be on 'Survivor' was 18-year-old boy Will Wahl who competed in 'Survivor's' 33rd season.

The oldest person to be a part of 'Survivor' was a retired navy seal, Rudy Boesch at the age of 75.

Interestingly, Rudy participated in the show a couple of times. He participated in 'Survivor's' debut season at the age of 72 and in the 'Survivor: All Stars' season at the age of 75.

The second season of 'Survivor', commonly known as 'Survivor: The Australian Outback' is regarded as the best season of 'Survivor'.

A 39-year old personal nurse, Tina Wesson, from Tennessee ended up being the Sole Survivor of the season.

The winner of 'Survivor: Africa' was a professional soccer player, Ethan Zohn. The fourth season winner was an office manager, Vecepia Towery.

Some of the other winners of 'Survivor' include the likes of Brian Heidik, Jenna Morasca, Amber Brkich, Chris Daugherty, and many others as well.

Amber Brkich who won the 'Survivors: All Stars' season was proposed by the runner-up, Rob Mariano. The two ended up getting married and Amber won a million dollars as well.

One of the greatest contestants ever on 'Survivor' has been Sandra Diaz Twine who was the first two-time winner of the show. She won the 'Survivor: Heroes Vs Villains' and 'Survivor: Pearl Islands', the two very first seasons she appeared on.

The latest 41st season of 'Survivor' which aired in 2021 was won by a 32-year-old communications manager, Erika Casupanan.

One of the most appreciated seasons of 'Survivor' is the 39th season known as 'Survivor: Island of the Idols'. It was ultimately won by Tommy Sheehan with Dean Kowalski being the runner-up.

Precautions And First Aid Availability

Living in isolated jungle-like conditions isn't a cakewalk. All participants are taken care of as per the pre-determined game rules and in times of emergency, adequate steps are taken.

At the same time, there is some first aid available at all times for immediate use. Let us take a look at some medical provisions and incidents which have taken place in the past.

Did you know, a medical box is kept in the wood which contains items like sunscreen, bug sprays, and necessary vitamins.

Contestants also bring contact lenses and tampons and keep them in their own personal little bags.

The camera crew doesn't record anything when the contestants go to the medical box for applying sunscreen.

In case of medical emergencies, such as a urinary tract infection or certain other ailment, contestants are handed out antibiotics and pain meds.

In season 32, when Caleb Reynolds suffered from extreme dehydration due to intense heat, he was evacuated in merely 22 minutes by a helicopter.

The CBS Global Network which broadcasts 'Survivor' in the United States provides therapy sessions to contestants once the show is over.

FAQs

Who won 'Survivor' season 39?

Tommy Sheehan was the winner of 'Survivor: Island of the Idols', the 39th season of 'Survivor.'

What is the best season of 'Survivor'?

'Survivor: The Australian Outback' was the second season of 'Survivor' aired in the United States and is popularly recognized as the best season of 'Survivor' to date.

What does the jury do in 'Survivor'?

The primary function of the jury is to watch the remaining castaways and be a part of the tribal council.

What year did 'Survivor' start?

The concept of the show 'Survivor' was developed by a British television producer named Charlie Parsons in 1994. The first version of 'Survivor' was released in 1997 in Sweden known as 'Expedition Robinson'. The first-ever United States version of 'Survivor' was aired on May 31, 2000, and it was known as 'Survivor: Borneo'.

Where was 'Designated Survivor' filmed?

The American drama series 'Designated Survivor' was filmed in Toronto, Ontario.

Editorial credit: Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock.com

Editorial credit: Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock.com