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We have truly seen the best and worst from 'Survivor' over the last 40+ seasons. The host himself Jeff Probst has had some questionable moments, which fans are still looking back on.
Fans love behind the scenes information and the same goes for the rules the contestants have to following behind the camera. We'll take a look at what they can't do at night, along with other perks they have.
'Survivor' Has An Immense Production Team Behind The Scenes
Although at times it feels like 'Survivor' is only Jeff Probst and the contestants, in truth, that is far from the truth. According to a former camera operator from the show, there is a huge team working behind the scenes. In fact, during the challenges, there are 80 behind the scenes workers from different divisions taking part off-camera.
"At a challenge there are about 80 crew members from various departments out of frame."
Now the camera operator did reveal that he signed an NDA, however, he didn't shy away from other details, like how Jeff is always able to ask the perfect questions at tribal council, despite the fact that he isn't around for a lot of the serious conversations among the competitors.
"He is given downloads on all events, he is an EP as well. Jeff is a master at his job. I don't film tribal often but I think he is careful about his wording."
Fans also credit Probst for his involvement and love for the game, unlike some other reality show hosts...
Behind the scenes, there are other rules the contestants have to follow, but is not shared on television. One of them involves what they're allowed to do after dark.
Contestants Are Forbidden From Entering The Water At Night
No, contestants can't run free during their time on the island. Especially at night, there are certain rules to follow, especially given the dangers of the islands. According to Insider, one of those entails not wondering off into the water at night, obviously because of the dangers involved.
Some of the contestants were less pleased about this, given that they use the water to clean up and unfortunately, as a toilet.
A former contestant stated that they would still use the water as a team despite the ruling.
"We weren't allowed, but I would go down to the edge of the water as a tribe," Carbin said. "I was a little obstinate about it."
Contestant Lauren-Ashley Beck was blunt about her explanation about not going into the water at night, stating that the showrunners just "didn't want you to die."
This wasn't the last of the rules as according to other contestants, there were some perks fans never got to see on television.
Certain Moments On 'Survivor' Are Purposely Not Filmed For Its Integrity
Medication and supplies are on-hand for the contestants. However, those on the reality show are told not to talk game while using the perks, given that this is not filmed.
"If you needed any of that stuff, you could just go to the med box," Stott said. "They only allow one person at a time to go so you're not congregating back there."
"We're explicitly told that we're not allowed to talk strategy if we're helping each other put on sunscreen," Beck said
In addition, Karishma Patel revealed that medication is also given out, in cases such as a UTI, or to relieve pain.
"If anybody's ever had a UTI, it is one of the most painful things you can go through, and they do give you antibiotics," Patel said.
"There were some people who got pain meds," Patel said. "And maybe they had preexisting injuries that qualified them for it — which is probably the case — because I can't imagine they just handed them out."
Sure, the show has a few rules to follow, but its longevity has been nothing short of impressive, starting over two decades ago on CBS in 2000. Now in season 42, the show keeps marching on with no real end in sight.
