Monty Brinton/CBSTime will tell if Eden proves heavenly for CBS' ratings.
The network has unveiled the 18 castaways for the 17th installment of its time-tested and slightly ratings-worn reality stalwart, Survivor Gabon—Earth's Last Eden.
Befitting its verbose title, the new season marks the Emmy-winning show's first time broadcasting in high definition, and will, per host Jeff Probst, live up to its name.
"In a strange coincidence to Earth's Last Eden, good vs. evil emerges as a major theme this season. I think the audience will quickly identify with one group or the other."
Among the competitors: a maintenance man, a pinup model, a wedding videographer, a professional gamer and—topical ringer alert?—a former track Olympic gold medalist in Athens.
The new season kicks off on CBS Sept. 25, a week later than originally announced, but as a two-hour event, a first for the reality series.
Here's the complete list of Africa-bound contenders for the million-dollar prize:
- Randy Bailey, 49; wedding videographer
- Jacque Berg, 25; medical sales
- Danny "GC" Brown, 26; maintenance man
- Michelle Chase, 24; music production assistant
- Crystal Cox, 29; former Olympic gold medalist
- Robert "Bob" Crowley, 58; physics teacher
- Kelly Czarnecki, 22; retail sales
- Ace Gordon, 27; jewelry sales
- Charlie Herschel, 29; lawyer
- Ken Hoang, 22; professional gamer
- Corinne Kaplan, 29; pharmaceutical sales
- Dan Kay, 32; lawyer
- Jessica "Sugar" Kiper, 29; pinup model
- Gillian Larson, 61; retired nurse
- Marcus Lehman, 28; doctor
- Susie Smith, 47; hairdresser
- Paloma Soto-Castillo, 24; student
- Matty Whitmore, 29; personal trainer