There are long running reality TV shows, and then there's Survivor. The OG reality competition series is currently gearing up for its whopping 36th season on the air, and is showing no signs of slowing down. The upcoming season is cryptically titled Survivor: Ghost Island, and will feature a new group of castaways vying for the title of sole survivor, and the $1 million that comes with it. The cast of the new season has just been revealed, as well as why the series is named Ghost Island. Host and producer Jeff Probst recently opened up about the inception of the season, saying:
Thematically, Ghost Island is the graveyard for every bad decision that's been made on Survivor. Obviously, there's a fictional sense of humor about that idea. It's just this notion that we've played Survivor long enough, let's just pretend that every bad decision --- and there have been a lot of them --- have been hovering and haunting this place called Ghost Island. Now, Ghost Island is ready to have some fun, so let's play!
Well, this is certainly interesting. The title of the season didn't seem to make much sense when it was announced during last season's live reunion, but the thought process behind Ghost Island has just gotten a bit more clear.
Jeff Probst's comments to THR might help to excite the hardcore fandom, who have seemed less enthusiastic about Ghost Island than the past few seasons of the competition show. Those fans who have been watching the series since 2000's first season will get to see some of their favorite fails rehashed on the new season. And considering how many idol mixups have happened over the show's long tenure, there's plenty of bad decision for production to chose from.
In addition to the theme of the season, there will also be a physical Ghost Island on the new season of Survivor. And it sounds like a mixture of the show's exile island and Let's Make a Deal. Probst went on to say:
From a gameplay point of view, there are a few different things. One, Ghost Island is a place where people will be exiled, and you're away from the social politics. That can sometimes be good and sometimes be bad, depending on where you are in the game. Also at times, Ghost Island might be in a playful mood. It might challenge you to a game of chance. If you're willing to wager something of value, it will put something up of equal value that can give you power in the game.
Much like the exile island twist from classic seasons like Gabon, it seems it'll be a double edged sword. While there is the possibility of rewards, food, or advantages on the game, the isolation from the rest of one's tribe is never good. Absence from your alliance can result in extra plotting, and castaways possibly being voted off next. We'll just have to wait and see how it all plays out.
Survivor: Ghost Island will premiere on February 28, 2018 with a 2-hour episode. In the meantime, check out our midseason premiere list to plan your next binge watch and our cancellation list to see if your favorite show got the chop last year.
