It’s been almost a year since Survivor fanatics have enjoyed immunity challenges, ever-shifting alliances, and snuffed torches. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, production was indefinitely halted and the withdrawal is real. Thankfully, there’s some (possible) hope that Jeff Probst will once again grace our TV screens. Filming for Survivor seasons 41 and 42 is slated to take place this spring and summer.
Throughout 2020, fan-favorite reality shows looked completely different. American Idol went virtual, The Bachelorette took place in a “quarantine bubble,” and contestants on The Masked Singer performed to a fake studio audience. Each series adapted and made it work, which made the absence of Survivor this past September all the more noticeable. After an unforgettable season 40 chock-full of cutthroat past winners like “Boston” Rob Mariano and Tony Vlachos, fans couldn’t wait to see what twist producers dropped next. However, because the show is filmed outside of the United States, getting permission for the cast and 400-person crew to travel internationally proved impossible.
Finally, there appears to be a light at the end of the tunnel. As reported by Inside Survivor, seasons 41 and 42 are expected to be filmed in April and June, respectively. The shooting location is believed to be Fiji, where cast and crew will be granted special access by the government. Fiji’s prime minister Frank Bainimarama stressed that there will be a number of safety protocols all parties must follow. He said, “Cast and crew won’t even be allowed to board their plane without proof of a negative COVID-19 test and will be screened for symptoms both before boarding and upon landing. They’ll then be entered into government-designated quarantine – whether that’s a preapproved hotel or a remote isolated island – for the mandatory 14-day period.”
This is the current plan, though the schedule could get pushed back if the COVID-19 situation worsens again. In the meantime, final casting for both Survivor seasons is supposed to be finalized within the next few weeks. For individuals cast prior to the start of COVID, Inside Survivor sources said they must undergo a psych evaluation to make sure they’re mentally ready to compete in the daunting competition.
Our fingers are crossed that Survivor season 41 will be included in CBS’s fall lineup this year, if not earlier. Until then, Survivor lovers can relive the excitement of seasons 20 and 28, both available on Netflix. Though true diehards surely remember the final outcomes, hearing Jeff say, “The tribe has spoken” is long overdue.
Source: Inside Survivor
