When I was 12, I stumbled upon the reality show Survivor while watching television with my mother. We stopped to see a contentious argument among contestants about building a shelter and starting a fire. Richard Hatch, a corporate trainer and eventual winner, was attempting to rally the group, much to the displeasure of participant Sue Hawk, who quipped, “Corporate world ain’t gonna work out here in the bush.”
My mom explained that Survivor was a groundbreaking show where contestants lived on an island with the chance to win a $1 million prize. By the end of the episode, I was hooked.
Fast-forward to today, at 36, my passion for the show remains unwavering. Over the years, I have engaged in online discussions, listened to episode breakdowns, tried to predict season winners through “edgic” (short for editing logic), and participated in Survivor fantasy leagues. I’ve occasionally considered applying to be a contestant, but the prospect of 26 days with limited sleep and food was daunting.
However, a potential opportunity arose on January 31, 2023. While at a coffee shop, my husband discovered a casting flyer for Surviving Bloomington, a four-day live game inspired by Survivor. Since applications were closing that day, I quickly filmed an audition video.
A few months later, I found myself in a wooded backyard in Bloomington, Indiana, meeting my fellow contestants as a production crew documented our interactions.
Despite being familiar with live reality games (LRGs), I never expected one to take place close to home, nor did I anticipate participating in three within a year.
I soon learned that LRGs exist nationwide, encompassing not just Survivor, but also formats inspired by shows like The Mole, Big Brother, and The Challenge, as well as original creations. These games vary in length from one to ten days; some are live-streamed while others are edited for YouTube. Some Survivor LRGs even feature appearances by real-life contestants.
These DIY games closely emulate their television counterparts, complete with challenges, immunities, and unexpected twists. The Survivor Weekender LRG I joined in August featured the theme “Olive Garden of Eden,” with tribes named Soup, Salad, and Sticks (I was a Stick). Surviving Bloomington had the theme of Order vs. Chaos, and my tribe represented Order.
My time in Surviving Bloomington was short-lived—another contestant and I lost the first immunity challenge, a wooden plank puzzle, leading to my elimination. It’s a disappointing distinction to be the first voted out. Allegiances shifted rapidly, reflecting the chaotic nature of the game. The editing of the show, however, did not capture the full story behind my unexpected betrayal.
I then faced a Redemption Island challenge where I had to hold a bottle of water above my head as long as possible. I reached the final three, my arms burning from the strain, but after nearly 25 minutes, I could not continue. Though it wasn’t as extreme as eating bugs, it was still a tough test.
Despite my brief run, I forged connections with others. Once we arrived at camp, our tribe members openly shared personal stories. One night on Redemption Island (which was actually another backyard), we stayed up late sharing ghost stories, and I eventually dozed off to the sounds of our laughter.
Following my time in Surviving Bloomington and the Survivor Weekender, I joined The Mole Ohio. Much like in the original series, contestants unite to increase a prize pot that only one contestant can ultimately claim, while facing challenges presented by a saboteur selected by the producers.
While Survivor emphasizes collaboration and alliances, The Mole is based on individual strategy. This allowed me to explore a different persona; typically, I am the supportive team player, but without the need for votes to remain in the game, I could embrace a more self-serving and elusive approach, leading to intriguing chaos.
LRGs are relatively low-stakes affairs, as we generally compete for bragging rights rather than significant prizes. This fosters a spirit of camaraderie and understanding that can be lacking in televised reality competition. Moreover, the experiences remain contained, with game-related grievances rarely spilling into real life. I’ve maintained connections with many participants, either through one-on-one interactions or in group chats.
Although I still question whether I could endure 26 days on an island, these experiences have bolstered my self-confidence. Participating with like-minded individuals who share my enthusiasm has helped me to feel more at ease in social situations.
Now, as Survivor 47 debuts tonight, I’m keeping an eye on Teeny as a potential winner.