'Survivor' (CBS)
NOTE: XFINITY TV is the place to be for all sorts of “Survivor: San Juan del Sur” fun. On Mondays we’ll have Power Rankings with “Survivor: Cagayan” favorite Spencer Bledsoe. On Wednesday evenings we’ll bring you a recap of the most recent episode. And, every Thursday you’ll be able to watch the previous night’s episode and read an interview with the eliminated contestant. Be sure to follow me on Twitter (@gordonholmes) for immediate updates.
Last year, the crew behind the hit reality show “Survivor” took a handful of former players, paired them with a loved one, and threw 5,000 twists at them. The concept was called “Blood vs. Water” and it seemed like a disaster on paper. In reality, the mix of strong personalities, interesting strategies, and unexpected moments resulted in one of the best seasons of all time.
Now they’re rolling the dice again with a couple of major changes. First of all, none of the castaways have ever played the game before. And second, the Redemption Island component, which had resulted in tears, arguments, and Colton Cumbie straight up quitting, has been tossed aside. When you’re voted out at Tribal Council, you’re done.
“Survivor: San Juan del Sur – Blood vs. Water ” Premieres Wednesday, September 24, 2014 at 8 p.m. ET on CBS.
The cast for this upcoming season was released by CBS this afternoon and includes a controversial former MLB pitcher, like a dozen firefighters, and a duo that “Amazing Race” fans will find very familiar…
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Name: Drew Christy Age: 25 Relationship to Significant Castaway: Alec’s brother Current Residence: Winter Park, FL Occupation: Traveling Sales Representative in the family business Personal Claim to Fame: I seem to pull off the unthinkable with ease. People will ask me, “How did you do that?” Three Words to Describe You: Adventurous, spontaneous, and goofball. “Survivor” Contestant You Are Most Like: Fabio or Malcolm because they are athletic, smart bros that know how to manipulate people and situations to advance themselves. Reason for Being on “Survivor”: I have always watched and thought about what it would be like to be out there. The experience is worth more than the million dollars to me. Why You Think You’ll Survive “Survivor”: I am emotionally and physically strong. Why You Think You Will Be the Sole “Survivor”: I am likeable, manipulative, and a winner. What Does It Mean to You to Play “Survivor” with Your Loved One? It’s going to be an experience we can look back and remember forever. Win or lose I’m proud of my brother. |
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Name: Alec Christy Age: 22 Relationship to Significant Castaway: Drew’s brother Current Residence: Winter Park, FL Occupation: Student at Florida Gulf Coast University Personal Claim to Fame: Going to college and excelling in school and sports. I was very mediocre in high school as far as my performance in the classroom. Three Words to Describe You: Athletic, outgoing, and charismatic. Reason for Being on “Survivor”: Winning the million dollars. Why You Think You’ll Survive “Survivor”: I have no fear. Why You Think You Will Be the Sole “Survivor”: I am smart, determined, fit, and have skills that could help me win the game. What Does It Mean to You to Play Survivor with Your Loved One? Playing “Survivor” with Drew is awesome because we are very competitive, so it will be exciting to see who can last longer. Sharing this experience is going to be incredible as we both compete against one another and support each other at the same time. It’s going to be interesting to play a game where it could literally go either way, and you never know who will go further in it. |
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Name: Keith Nale Age: 53 Relationship to Significant Castaway: Wes’s father Current Residence: Shreveport, LA Occupation: Fire Captain Personal Claim to Fame: My wife and kids. Pet Peeves: Loafers Three Words to Describe You: Easy going, fun loving, and hard working. “Survivor” Contestant You Are Most Like: Rudy because I’m older and wiser. Reason for Being on “Survivor”: Winning the million dollars and spending time with Wes. Why You Think You’ll Survive “Survivor”: I’m a great swimmer, hunter, fisher and I’m a hard worker. Why You Think You Will Be the Sole “Survivor”: I will have a good social game, I’ll be good at challenges, and I work well with others. What Does It Mean to You to Play “Survivor” with Your Loved One? We are both very competitive with others and with each other. I am looking forward to sharing and living out this experience with my son. Can’t wait to show him the old man still has it! |
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Name: Wes Nale Age: 23 Relationship to Significant Castaway: Keith’s son Current Residence: Shreveport, LA Occupation: Firefighter Personal Claim to Fame: Becoming a firefighter like my dad. Three Words to Describe You: Athletic, winner, and crazy. “Survivor” Contestant You Are Most Like: Ozzy and Russell Hantz because I’ll dominate challenges and have girls under my wings making them think I will take them to the end. Reason for Being on “Survivor”: Winning the money so I can get out on my own and to prove to all those who said I could never get on the show, much less win it. Why You Think You’ll Survive “Survivor”: I can provide food for my tribe. I can climb trees and I’m strong as an ox. I can also start fire easily and can talk to people and lift their spirits if they’re having a bad day. Why You Think You Will Be the Sole “Survivor”: I know how to play the game better than anybody. My social game would get me all the way because I’m great at making friends. I have the gift of telling people what they want to hear.What Does It Mean to You to Play Survivor with Your Loved One? Getting to play with my loved one is going to be awesome. I’m sure my dad will impress me with everything he does and how he will play his social game. It will be more fun playing the game of “Survivor” with him because I will have somebody on the island that I could 100% trust when things get tough or when big moves need to be made. |
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Name: Josh Canfield Age: 32 Relationship to Significant Castaway: Reed’s boyfriend Current Residence: New York, NY Occupation: Singer, Actor, Writer Personal Claim to Fame: Writing and directing my first musical in London and being the first person in my family with a Master’s degree. Pet Peeves: Idiots, loud Americans in foreign countries, most audition waiting rooms, people who will only see one side of an argument, and many more. “Survivor”Contestant You Are Most Like: There hasn’t been anyone like me. I’m going to pave my own way. Reason for Being on “Survivor: After each episode I watch from home, I say “I want to do that!” The challenges, the mind games, the pushing your body to its limits, it all gets me so excited! Why You Think You’ll Survive “Survivor: I can make fire, I’m very organized and detail focused which would help in numerous challenges. I’m also strong and have a lot of endurance. Why You Think You Will Be the Sole “Survivor: I have the stamina to make it through the challenges, I have the mental grit to get past the mind games and the gutsiness to make the big moves when they need to be made. I am “Survivor.” What Does It Mean to You to Play “Survivor” with Your Loved One? I’m so excited that I get to play with Reed! This will be a memory that we will share for life. Having someone to go through this with who can help you find strength when you really need it will be invaluable in this game. I’ll be stronger having Reed by my side…it also helps that he’s great to look at as well. |
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Name: Reed Kelly Age: 31 Relationship to Significant Castaway: Josh’s boyfriend Current Residence: New York, NY Occupation: Broadway Performer/Model/Aerialist Personal Claim to Fame: Having raised over $130,000 for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS to date via my personal fundraising group Team Yellow Bucket. I also cook a really great steak and I am an experienced hugger. Three Words to Describe You: Perfectionist, outgoing, overachiever. “Survivor”Contestant You Are Most Like: Yikes. Hopefully I will be unlike anyone thus far (in a good way), but if I had to pick: Malcolm Freberg and Stephenie LaGrossa for their hyper-competitiveness and athleticism; Bob Crowley for his nerdy science knowledge and ingenuity; and Lisa Whelchel for her faith. Reason for Being on “Survivor”: I’m dying to play this game. You can never truly know what your limits are until you push them. I’m tired of watching others do it and I’m ready to experience it for myself firsthand. Why You Think You’ll Survive “Survivor”: I’m good at maintaining a positive mindset, I’m resourceful and I’m physically fit. I’m not a quitter, I enjoy being outdoors plus I can make fire. Why You Think You Will Be the Sole “Survivor”: I’m a people-person who is physically tough, smart, well-spoken and strong willed; that last characteristic makes me a fighter until the end. I can lie when needed, I love to compete and I excel under pressure. What Does It Mean to You to Play “Survivor” with Your Loved One? Having the chance to participate in this adventure together, not to mention the joint lessons I’m certain we will take away from it, will not only strengthen, but help fortify our relationship for the future. I’m really excited about getting to do such a once-in-a-lifetime thing with the guy I love. |
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Name: Missy Payne Age: 47 Relationship to Significant Castaway: Baylor’s mother Current Residence: Dallas, TX Occupation: Owner of a Competitive Cheerleading Gym Personal Claim to Fame: My business is a HUGE accomplishment. I was never a cheerleader, never had taken out a loan before 1998 when I opened the doors and certainly had no idea what it would take to be “on” 24×7 with really no “off” hours. I have a new respect for restaurant owners because my business takes blood, sweat, and tears just like that profession. Pet Peeves: People who conform to a standard without knowing the facts, people who play the victim, snoring, poor hygiene, bad teeth, infidelity, valet parking in the Highland Park village. Reason for Being on “Survivor”: Experience a once in a lifetime opportunity with Baylor and to win the million dollars! Why You Think You’ll Survive “Survivor”: I’ll bring compassion, determination, leadership, respect, athleticism, sense of humor, the ability to dispute resolution and analyzation. What Does It Mean to You to Play “Survivor” with Your Loved One? Playing the game with Baylor whether we are on the same tribe or not will be an unforgettable experience due to our duo determination, competitive edge, and ability to never give up. We are a dynamic duo and have a lasting positive effect on people who we come in contact with. Together, we can accomplish anything and usually succeed at any challenge set in front of us. |
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Name: Baylor Wilson Age: 20 Relationship to Significant Castaway: Missy’s daughter Current Residence: Nashville, TN Occupation: Student at Belmont University Personal Claim to Fame: I am most proud of winning the Cheerleading World Championship in 2009 in Orlando, FL with my competitive cheerleading team. Pet Peeves: My biggest pet peeve is someone who has no passion or desire or goals. Another is probably slow drivers. Three Words to Describe You: Entertaining, determined and passionate. Reason for Being on “Survivor”: I want to compete with myself, first and foremost to be an all-around better me. Why You Think You’ll Survive “Survivor”: I am athletic, strong-willed and competitive. Why You Think You Will Be the Sole “Survivor”: I believe that I am secure and confident enough in myself to not let others’ attitudes, comments, or situations affect me. What Does It Mean to You to Play “Survivor” with Your Loved One? It means more than anyone will ever be able to understand or grasp. The level of commitment and love my mom and I have before going into this journey is already ridiculously high, so knowing we will have each other through this game of “Survivor,” I believe our bond and trust can never be broken. Even if we’re starving, miserable, and literally fighting to survive. |
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Name: Natalie Anderson Age: 28 Relationship to Significant Castaway: Nadiya’s twin sister Current Residence: Edgewater, NJ Occupation: Crossfit Coach and Physical Therapy Student Personal Claim to Fame: Being on “The Amazing Race” twice! Getting kicked off first on All-Stars! Pet Peeves: Girls who can’t do anything for themselves, lazy people and dumb people. Three Words to Describe You: Crazy, strong, and confident. “Survivor” Contestant You Are Most Like: Tony, but hopefully not as insane. Reason for Being on “Survivor”: The million dollars! Also, winning “Survivor” makes you a certified bad ass! Why You Think You’ll Survive “Survivor”: I am physically, mentally, and emotionally strong. I am very strong willed and do not give up! I work well with people and feel like I would be a good tribemate. I know I will pull my weight with the camp chores and not be a burden to my tribe. Physically, I will be able to hang with the guys and be an asset in the team challenges. Also, I love the ocean and if I had to choose one place to spend the rest of my life, it would be the beach. I’m a true island girl! What Does It Mean to You to Play “Survivor” with Your Loved One? Getting to be on “Survivor” with Nadiya means so much to me. No matter what we are doing, Nadiya and I have so much fun; whether we are working together or competing against each other! Doing something this intense and getting to share it with my twinnie is something I will never forget. |
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Name: Nadiya Anderson Age: 28 Relationship to Significant Castaway: Natalie’s twin sister Current Residence: Edgewater, NJ Occupation: Crossfit Coach, Project Coordinator Bridge2Peace Personal Claim to Fame: Being on “Amazing Race” twice, (woohoo) but getting kicked off first. (boooooo!) Pet Peeves: Stupid girls that rely on boys. Three Words to Describe You: Badass, crazy, and carefree. “Survivor”Contestant You Are Most Like: A mixture of Sarah and Cliff Reason for Being on “Survivor”: Show me the money, honey! Why You Think You’ll Survive “Survivor”: I can thug it out! Why You Think You Will Be the Sole “Survivor”: I think I will be the sole “Survivor” because of my physical and mental resilience. My ability to stay positive in situations and being a strong, resourceful and vital teammate/tribemate is going to enable me to make it through this game! What Does It Mean to You to Play “Survivor” with Your Loved One? Playing “Survivor” with Natalie is so exciting, it’s the ultimate adventure and test to our relationship! Being separated from Natalie while playing the game is going to push us to our limits! I can’t wait! |
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Name: Jeremy Collins Age: 36 Relationship to Significant Castaway: Val’s husband Current Residence: Foxboro, MA Occupation: Firefighter Personal Claim to Fame: I am proud of making it to the professional indoor football league without playing college football. Pet Peeves: One-uppers and know-it-alls. Three Words to Describe You: Athletic, straight forward, and smiley. “Survivor” Contestant You Are Most Like: I always liked JT and James but I think Tyson (the third time he played) is similar to how I would have played. Reason for Being on “Survivor”: The million dollars but I also feel my personality, body type and mind set is perfect for this game. Why You Think You’ll Survive “Survivor”: I will help out around camp gathering wood for fires or shelter and getting coconuts. I will also be a monster at physical challenges. Why You Think You Will Be the Sole “Survivor”: I believe my whole make up is prime for this game. I don’t need to eat much, I am athletic, and I am likeable. I also can make people feel like I like them even if I don’t which will help in blindsides. What Does It Mean to You to Play “Survivor” with Your Loved One? Playing with my loved one would be stressful and emotional. I know it is going to be tough out there and I will worry about my wife being hungry, cold, and tired. |
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Name: Val Collins Age: 35 Relationship to Significant Castaway: Jeremy’s wife Current Residence: Foxboro, MA Occupation: Police Officer Personal Claim to Fame: My family. Pet Peeves: Liars. Three Words to Describe You: Competitive, loving, and loyal. “Survivor” Contestant You Are Most Like: Monica and Taj. Reason for Being on “Survivor”: Winning! Why You Think You’ll Survive “Survivor”: I have mental toughness, I’m strong and I’m patient. Why You Think You Will Be the Sole “Survivor”: I have the mental toughness. I respect the game. You need to respect the game to play it. I know how to play the social game and will pay attention to opponents’ advantages before they realize them and use them as options. What Does It Mean to You to Play “Survivor” with Your Loved One? I am excited to play the game with Jeremy but our game will probably be different and that will be hard because I may have to change my game and go against my gut based on his instinct. Playing with a loved one brings emotions to the game right from the beginning. You have to watch their back just as much. |
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Name: Jon Misch Age: 26 Relationship to Significant Castaway: Jaclyn’s boyfriend Current Residence: Waterford, MI Occupation: Financial Assistant Personal Claim to Fame: Winning a Big 10 championship at Michigan State University. Pet Peeves: People with too many pet peeves. Three Words to Describe You: Outgoing, unpredictable, and intuitive. “Survivor” Contestant You Are Most Like: Hayden. I feel my personality is a lot like his and he’s also an athlete that uses his head. Reason for Being on “Survivor”: The experience and the competition. It’s unique and completely social which would be fun to experience. Why You Think You’ll Survive “Survivor”: I can build a fire from scratch, debone/gut a fish, catch lizards, and lift things up and put them down. Why You Think You Will Be the Sole “Survivor”: I have very good social and physical skills. I can read people well and I’m good at telling them what they need to hear. What Does It Mean to You to Play “Survivor” with Your Loved One? Playing with Jaclyn is an incredible opportunity. I’ve learned in the past that experiencing adversity with others can build the relationship you have together (if you do it correctly). Since there is no experience like that of “Survivor,” there’s no telling the amount that can be gained by triumphing through the challenges that present themselves on a daily basis, let alone those found in treemail! |
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Name: Jaclyn Schultz Age: 25 Relationship to Significant Castaway: Jon’s girlfriend Current Residence: Las Vegas, NV Occupation: Media Buyer Personal Claim to Fame: Winning the title of Miss Michigan USA 2013, the first pageant I ever competed in and using the platform to be the first woman to ever come out with having MRKH syndrome (born without a uterus) on an international scale. MRKH syndrome affects one in approximately 4,500 women around the world. Pet Peeves: Waiting in line. Three Words to Describe You: Spontaneous, loyal, and versatile. “Survivor” Contestant You Are Most Like: Jefra Reason for Being on “Survivor”: To challenge myself socially, mentally, and physically. Also, to win the million dollars to be able to adopt and have a surrogate to start a family. Why You Think You’ll Survive “Survivor”: I am a survivor in my everyday life because I was diagnosed with a life-altering syndrome at 16 and didn’t let it destroy me. Being told I wasn’t “normal” and could never have kids was the last thing I wanted to hear at that age. I’ve learned to try and turn every negative into a positive and that life will always throw hard things at you, but it’s how you handle those obstacles that matter the most. What Does It Mean to You to Play “Survivor” with Your Loved One? Jon and I get to experience something that only three or four couples ever have. Blood vs. Water seems to be so much harder than playing as an individual because we have to learn how to maneuver through this social and physical game together. Our sole purpose of being on this show is to challenge ourselves, but to also win to start a family by adoption or surrogacy. |
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Name: John Rocker Age: 39 Current Residence: Atlanta, GA Occupation: Former Major League Baseball Player Pet Peeves: Rude, lazy, selfish people and traffic. Three Words to Describe You: Intense, self-motivating, and responsible. “Survivor” Contestant You Are Most Like: Jeff Kent because we have a similar background as an MLB player. We have a strong understanding of teamwork but are also very driven to attain individual success though Jeff is a bit more subdued than I am. Reason for Being on “Survivor”: To have an extremely unique life experience and to immerse myself in high-level competition and like I’ve done my entire life, figure out a way to be the best. Why You Think You’ll Survive “Survivor”: I have world class athletic abilities and leadership skills. I have the ability to read people and morph my personality in a way that lets me mesh with people from all walks of life. Why You Think You Will Be the Sole “Survivor”: A relatively significant part of “Survivor” depends on athletic ability and I spent more than a decade of my life physically competing at the highest level. I still retain much of that physical ability as well as the mental toughness that is required. I also possess a high quality of outdoor survival skills which will be valuable to those around me as well as leadership skills and the ability to influence people and easily make friends. What Does It Mean to You to Play “Survivor” with Your Loved One? To me, playing “Survivor” with my loved one means having the opportunity to engage in a very unique experience together. Life is about creating new experiences which many times can bind individuals together on a more intimate level. I am hoping that “Survivor” will do this for Julie and me. |
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Name: Julie McGee Age: 34 Relationship to Significant Castaway: John’s girlfriend Current Residence: Atlanta, GA Occupation: Model/Owner of Spray Tan Business Personal Claim to Fame: Creating my company True Glow Spray Tan. Pet Peeves: People that take life too serious, road rage, arrogance, and super demanding people. Three Words to Describe You: Loyal, determined and positive. “Survivor” Contestant You Are Most Like: Colleen Haskell because I think we both are extremely sweet to others around and by this she was able to make allies without being manipulative. Reason for Being on “Survivor”: The experience and for the possibilities of future “Survivor” shows. I would love to compete more than once. Why You Think You’ll Survive “Survivor”: I am the most observant person. I’m told by everyone that knows me that I can figure out someone’s state of mind and intentions within minutes. I’ll bring that strong instinct to the game to help my team win. Why You Think You Will Be the Sole “Survivor”: I am super determined when I put my mind to a task. I am not one to look for help, if I need something, I make it happen. I believe I could be one of the last few on the show. What Does It Mean to You to Play “Survivor” with Your Loved One? The game will allow us to use the difficult nature of the experience to dig deeper into our relationship. I know it will be challenging both physically and mentally but I’m happy to be sharing this new journey with John. |
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Name: Dale Wentworth Age: 55 Relationship to Significant Castaway: Kelley’s father Current Residence: Ephrata, WA Occupation: Farmer Personal Claim to Fame: Watching my kids grow to be responsible adults. After that, being a self-employed farmer all my life and being able to support my family while doing it. Pet Peeves: People who never return phone calls. Three Words to Describe You: Active, outgoing, and adventurous. “Survivor” Contestant You Are Most Like: Big Tom…I have to side with a farmer! Reason for Being on “Survivor”: To spend time with my daughter on a new adventure and the challenge of seeing how far I can go in the game. Why You Think You’ll Survive “Survivor”: I’m a self-starter that can get along with most anyone. I work hard and I am very good at using my hands. I’ve built homes, repaired all sorts of equipment, and I am not afraid of hard work or getting dirty. Why You Think You Will Be the Sole “Survivor”: All my life I have been faced with everything possible; weather, breakdowns, etc. My family and I can usually find a way to improvise a way to survive and still be able to achieve my goals. What Does It Mean to You to Play “Survivor” with Your Loved One? To be given the opportunity to play this game with my daughter is almost indescribable. I am looking forward to being able to watch her in settings that I may not get to see again and hopefully watch her excel in them. I’ll have to move past the image of her being my “little girl” to her having grown into a confident proud woman, one that can handle herself in any situation that life can throw at her, and know that she will come out on top, or at the least, throw some “mean punches” on the way as she will never quit trying, no matter what. I think we will build a deeper and stronger bond together after playing “Survivor.” |
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Name: Kelley Wentworth Age: 28 Relationship to Significant Castaway: Dale’s daughter Current Residence: Seattle, WA Occupation: Marketing Manager Personal Claim to Fame: Moving out of a small town with very little opportunity of “making it” on my own. I’ve never asked for money or help and moved my way up to the position I’m in now. I’ll never stop trying! Pet Peeves: Lazy people, overconfidence, not sticking to your word, bad drivers ,and angry people (get over it already!) Three Words to Describe You: Competitive, reliable, and stubborn. “Survivor” Contestant You Are Most Like: Parvati – she’s a strong, intelligent woman who did what she had to do to get to the top. Reason for Being on “Survivor”: To win, of course! I’d also like to prove to myself and my dad that I can do it. To push myself and never give up in the toughest situations. Why You Think You’ll Survive “Survivor”: I grew up on a farm so I’ve seen and done it all. I’ve fed cows, cleaned up poop, driven a tractor, hauled fire wood, and the list goes on. I’m also very competitive and would never give up in a challenge. Why You Think You Will Be the Sole “Survivor”: I’m competitive and I’ll never back down. I’ll always keep trying to move to the next step and I’m not afraid to fib a little or hurt people to be at the top. Everything I’ve ever tried to do in life I’ve succeeded so I know I can do this too. What Does It Mean to You to Play “Survivor” with Your Loved One? There is no perfect word to describe how it would be to play “Survivor” with my Dad. We’ve had many ups and downs over the past few years and I would love for this unique opportunity to improve our Father/Daughter bond. He is truly the only person I would want to do this with! |
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