Survivor has been 'axed' by the BBC after one rebooted series
The show made a return in 2023
If you cast your minds back to the early Noughties, you'll no doubt remember watching competitive gameshow Survivor, which aired on ITV for two series between 2001-2002.
The show, which was based on the international franchise of the same name, featured a group of 'castaways' as they attempted to provide food, water, shelter, and fire for themselves, as well as competing in challenges for rewards and immunity from being dumped from the island.
Despite being cancelled by ITV after two series, BBC bosses confirmed last year that they've revived the series, with the show starting in October. However, after 'poor ratings', it looks like it's been axed once again.
Will there be another series of Survivor?
According to reports, BBC bosses have quietly axed the show, despite previously opening up applications to allow hopeful contestants to express interest.
A TV source told the Mail: "It got just the same response as it did back in 2001 and 2002 on ITV — which is that audiences thought it was boring. It's not going into production this year."
The news comes after applications closed prematurely in February this year, with the website stating: "As things stand, we are not processing or taking any further applications at this time."
As we await any further details, check out a full recap of the first series below.
When was Survivor rebooted?
Survivor launched on Saturday 28th October 2023, with the second episode on Sunday 29th October 2023
The series then aired every Saturday and Sunday night for eight weeks.
What is Survivor?
Survivor is a reality TV show which first aired on ITV between 2001-2002. The show is known as the 'greatest game on earth' with over 50 adaptations across the world.
In 2022, the BBC announced they had plans to reboot the show, with Kate Phillips, Director of Unscripted at the BBC saying: "Survivor is a global television hit and to be able to bring one of TV’s most successful formats to audiences in the UK in a uniquely BBC way is a very exciting prospect indeed.”
The BBC describe the new series as: 'The ultimate physical and psychological gameshow promises viewers a compelling test of brains, brawn and betrayal as players compete to outwit, out play and outlast their rivals to be crowned the Ultimate Survivor.'
How does Survivor work?
The 18 contestants were divided into 'two tribes' as they went head-to-head in a range of physical and psychological challenges, before merging into one group as one person took the cash prize and become the Ultimate Survivor.
The brand new series in 2023 was made up of 16 episodes, featuring 20 carefully selected contestants from across the UK.
Who were the contestants on Survivor?
The contestants were revealed in mid-October. Check out the series one cast below:
Sabrina
Lee
Christopher S
Hannah
Shai
Rach C
Jess
Rachel G
Tinuke
Doug
Leilani
Ren
Ashleigh
Laurence
Richard
Matthew
Nathan
Pegleg
Who won Survivor?
21-year-old Matthew Haywood was crowned the winner of 2023 series, picking up a prize of £100,000.
Who hosted Survivor?
Joel Dommett hosted the rebooted series on BBC One.
Where was Survivor filmed?
The series was filmed in the Dominican Republic in early 2023.
What is the prize for Survivor?
Matthew Haywood won a cash prize of £100,000 and the title of Sole Survivor.
Natalka Znak, CEO Remarkable Entertainment said: “Survivor is ‘the greatest gameshow on earth’ for a reason - it has everything - reality, adventure, drama, and the ultimate game. I can’t wait to be boots on the ground, working with Paul Osborne, Stephen Lovelock and the fantastic team at Remarkable to make this epic series for the BBC.”
How to apply for Survivor?
Applications for the show are closed.
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Series one of Survivor is available to watch on BBC iPlayer now.
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