‘Survivor’ Rules: What Items Are Allowed for Contestants?
The tribe has spoken. Since its launch in 2000, the game of Survivor has evolved in numerous ways. However, one element remains constant: the castaways must adhere to a set of strict rules.
Some of these regulations are implemented for safety purposes. For instance, the CBS cast is required to sign a comprehensive contract beforehand, which includes a clause stating that they will be filmed at all times and “have no expectations of privacy.” Additionally, they must provide their complete medical histories.
The rules continue even after a contestant is voted off the island. Those who don’t make the jury aren’t sent home; instead, they must stay with production at a separate location — at no cost! — until filming concludes.
Of course, rules are occasionally broken. In 2016, during season 33, Millennials v Gen X, the entire cast had to evacuate due to a cyclone. This was the first time the competitors were allowed to sleep indoors, though it was still far from comfortable.
“We decided to move them to base camp to keep everyone together. Each tribe was placed in a different room with absolutely nothing: no food, no blankets, no pillows, nothing. They were overseen by producers the entire night,” host and executive producer Jeff Probst explained to Entertainment Weekly at the time. “To their credit, they refrained from talking or trying to form alliances. They honored the good faith agreement we had established. The next morning, we returned them to the beach and the game resumed.”
While forming alliances is crucial to the game, be cautious! Sharing any part of the million-dollar prize is strictly forbidden and can lead to penalties. Moreover, contracts and NDAs continue to affect the show even after filming ends.
All details must remain confidential until the season airs. Season 37’s Alec Merlino once shared a photo with fellow contestant Kara Key before the premiere of David vs. Goliath in 2018, leading to his exclusion from the reunion show — which also comes with a $10,000 paycheck.
In fact, the contract they sign before filming is lengthy, preventing cast members from revealing “the ways of production” for three years after their season airs on television.
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