The Accidental Entrepreneur, The Survivor Edition

8Why on Earth would I do Survivor?

Before I explain why I would subject myself to the hardest adventure I have ever experienced in my life, I’d better explain what Survivor is. Survivor is a reality TV show that started in the United States in 2000. It’s now up to season 40 in the US, while the Australian version is only on Season 4. I bring up this point because the American version is only 39 days long, while the Aussie version is 50 days … 50 days! (You can make up your own mind as to which is more gruelling to film and who are the tougher competitors.)

There is no question that this show is a reality show, but the producers think of it as more of a documentary style. So there is very little ‘producing’: there are no retakes, no-one gives you lines to do, they simply film you 24/7. The premise is splitting 24 somewhat random people (who have never met), all with various pedigrees, skill sets, ages and talents, into two ‘tribes’ of 12 and dumping them on an island (in Fiji, in my season) to compete with each other for food and overall survival. The last person not voted off the island wins $500 000. Besides the chance to win the money, it sounds insane — I realise that. Did I mention you only get a few items of clothing, the food you eat is only what you can catch or win, and there are no beds, bathrooms, toothbrushes or shelter of any kind? The camera crew (who are everywhere all the time, 24/7) never offer you a secret hamburger, or stick of gum, or even a wink or a smile. ...