At just 12 years old, I first stumbled upon the reality show Survivor while flipping through channels with my mother. We paused to watch the drama unfold as Richard Hatch, a corporate trainer and future winner, attempted to lead a group of contestants amidst clashes with self-proclaimed redneck Sue Hawk, who argued that corporate strategies wouldn’t apply in the wilderness. My mother explained that the show featured contestants living on an island, competing for a chance to win $1 million. By the end of that episode, I was hooked.
Now, at 36, my passion for the show continues to thrive. I have dedicated years to discussing strategies in forums, tuning into podcasts that dissect each episode, analyzing potential winners through “edgic,” and participating in Survivor fantasy leagues. While I often considered applying to be a contestant myself, the challenge of enduring 26 days with minimal sleep and food ultimately felt daunting.
However, an opportunity arose on January 31, 2023. At a coffee shop, my husband spotted a casting flyer for Surviving Bloomington, a four-day live game modeled after Survivor. With applications closing that same day, I quickly recorded an audition video.
A few months later, I found myself in a Bloomington, Indiana backyard, immersed in filming as I met my tribe, all under the watchful eye of the production crew.
Though I was aware of live reality games (LRGs), I never imagined I would find myself participating in one so close to home, let alone three within a span of 14 months. I discovered that LRGs exist across the country and cover various themes beyond Survivor, including games inspired by The Mole, Big Brother, and The Challenge, among others. These events range from one to ten days, with some being live-streamed and others edited for YouTube. Certain Survivor LRGs even feature contestants from the original series.
Staying true to their TV counterparts, these DIY games include challenges, immunity rounds, twists, and thematic elements. The Survivor Weekender I joined in August was themed “Olive Garden of Eden,” with tribes named Soup, Salad, and Sticks (I was part of the Sticks tribe). In contrast, Surviving Bloomington revolved around the theme of Order vs. Chaos, with my tribe representing Order.
My journey in Surviving Bloomington was short-lived; I lost the first immunity challenge involving a wooden plank puzzle and was voted out first, a fate no one wishes for. True to Survivor’s nature, allegiances shifted unexpectedly, and the final edit didn’t reveal the full extent of my betrayal.
In a Redemption Island challenge that followed, I attempted to hold a water bottle above my head for as long as possible. I made it to the final three but ultimately succumbed after nearly 25 minutes of exertion.
Despite my quick exit from the game, I made lasting connections. At our campsite, we exchanged personal stories, and one night while on Redemption Island, I enjoyed ghost stories shared by a fellow participant as I drifted off to sleep.
After Surviving Bloomington and the Survivor Weekender, I also participated in The Mole Ohio, where teamwork is necessary to grow a prize pot while navigating the challenges posed by a saboteur chosen by producers. Unlike Survivor’s focus on alliances, The Mole required solo tactics, allowing me to explore a different side of my personality by playing more selfishly and suspiciously.
While LRGs may lack high stakes—often merely competing for bragging rights—the atmosphere fosters camaraderie and understanding that is rarely seen on television. The experiences are confined to the game, with no lingering grudges in real life. I’ve maintained contact with many participants through individual and group chats.
As I continue to contemplate whether I could endure the full 26 days on an island, the confidence I gained through these games has been invaluable. Surrounded by fellow enthusiasts, I discovered a newfound ability to connect. Now, as Survivor 47 premieres tonight, I eagerly anticipate the new season, with my sights set on Teeny as a potential winner.