Survivor can easily give all the other reality shows a run for their money when it comes to popularity and fan following. And it’s because of this that the show is just behind three seasons from celebrating the 50th season milestone. In the midst of this, host and showrunner Jeff Probst has worked hard continuously to keep it as authentic and real for the viewers. But it seems that not everything is as it appears.
According to several behind-the-scenes whispers, the show has several situations that straightaway look fake to the audience. And in this article, we will take a closer look at the top 5 sequences that might be fake as compared to what’s being shown on the screen.
5. Do Contestants Really Walk to Challenges on Survivor
One of the most common myths surrounding the show was whether the participants actually walk to reach the task site or the tribal council. This was mostly due to the fact that several dramatic stills were shown on the screen. In which the audience could clearly see the players hiking with their gear.
However, it’s not true at all and they are actually driven in vehicles to the filming locations. And they also have to wait on these locations till the shooting begins. During these rides, the contestants are advised not to talk to each other. So, that the cameras don’t miss their interactions, and also so that they don’t work out their issues behind the camera.
4. Contestants Get a Lot of Prep Time Before the Actual Filming
Tasks and challenges in Survivor are very strategically designed. And Jeff Probst helps the participants in navigating these challenges. In the normal setting before any task, the host is seen narrating the overview of what will happen, to the players.
After which they immediately jump into action. However, while it may seem pretty straightforward, in reality the participants are already well aware of the tasks beforehand.
Probst as well as the production team guides each tribe through the challenge in extreme detail. And they are also allowed to ask any questions or discuss any strategy. In the midst of this, the CBS’s standard and practices team is also present on site. Further, to ensure that fairness is maintained throughout the competition.
3. Tribal Council Episodes Are Heavily Edited
In a normal Survivor episode, tribal councils only last for about 10 minutes or so. But in reality, these sessions can extend up to an hour and also involves numerous questions from host Probst on various topics. This was revealed by some of the former contestants on a Reddit discussion. Further, tribal councils are filmed without having a clear idea about which storylines will be emphasized in the final edit.
So, it becomes extremely important for Probst to cover a broad range of such topics. That would in turn provide ample material for the show’s editing process. After which all the necessary cuts are made before the episode actually airs on the screen.
2. Not Contestants but Producers Decide What They Wear on the Show
In Survivor, the participants do not have the liberty to select their own clothes or bring their own style to the island. On the contrary, it’s the producers who have the final say on what colors or clothes are to be worn in front of the camera.
Former Survivor contestant Candice Woodcock also supported the above-mentioned claims. And added during an interview that:
They pretty much choose what they want you to wear. If you don’t send them what they want, they make you go out and get it. Last night, they went out and bought a bathing suit for me after they’d already approved my other one. I was like ‘Really, seriously, guys?’ I had to try it on and they thought it looked fine, so I doubt that you can refuse that. There was one of them that I thought was hideous, so I was like, burn that.
Contestants’ contracts likely give the show the right to control their clothing. This helps ensure that the outfits match the tribe colors and fit the characters the producers want them to be. Woodcock mentioned that the crew wanted her to appear more athletic, so they told her to wear a sports bra.
1. Producers Help Participants for Food and Fire
Former contestants have shared some eye-opening experiences about the behind-the-scenes support they received during their time on Survivor. It seems that producers sometimes stepped in to help contestants in their struggle for basic necessities like food and fire.
For instance, Erinn Lobdell, who competed in Survivor: Tocantins, recounted an incident on Exile Island where a camera operator discreetly lit a fire for her using a lighter.
Similarly, Kelly Goldsmith from Survivor: Africa revealed that her tribe received matches from the production team. This little act of generosity made a significant difference, as it provided the contestants with a better chance to cook food and stay warm in the harsh conditions of the game.
You can watch Survivor on Hulu.
