Here’s everything we know about the filming for Survivor 41 so far.
When is Survivor 41 filming?
Soon, according to host and executive producer Jeff Probst! The face of the series posted a surprise tweet announcement on March 22 to fans, saying the show is going back into production. “I gotta tell you,” he said, “I can’t remember a time I’ve been this pumped to shoot Survivor, and I’ll tell you why: The past year has reminded me, and I hope it’s reminded you, that you’ve got to live your life like it’s one big great adventure, and Survivor fulfills that. So I am thrilled to say, I will see you on the island for Survivor 41. Let’s do it!” The video does not go into specifics as to whether Probst is currently in pre-production or on the precipice of the beginning of the season. But it is rumored that the season 41 cast is flying out this week, undergoing a 14-day quarantine before hopefully starting filming in April.
Where is Survivor 41 filming?
Probst’s video took place in the lush tropical background of Fiji, where he said the show will be filming for season 41. Survivor has found a home in the Mamanuca Islands since season 33 back in 2016, and has filmed there ever since. The return to Fiji comes after a year of speculation as to whether the show would go back for the new season, or pick somewhere more domestic. The Fijian government kept its borders closed to non-citizens as part of its latest COVID-Safe Economic Recovery plan. However, the country announced in February 2021 it would be making an exception for the veteran reality series.
When was Survivor 41 originally supposed to film?
In early 2020, Survivor was all set to film its typical slate of two seasons a year in March and May. However, as crew members were preparing to film season 41, the coronavirus situation began to rapidly accelerate around the world. Production was forced to shutter before filming began, with the show’s 400 international crew members being forced to be sent home. Survivor still remained optimistic throughout the spring, though. Probst wrote a letter to the crew, thanking them for their determination and declaring that season 41 would be filming in May instead, shortly after the finale of season 40. Even when the finale aired–including a small virtual reunion with the contestants–he told viewers that Survivor was dedicated to returning in the fall. But it soon became abundantly clear how serious the COVID-19 situation was, leaving it unsafe to film until recently.
What health and safety measures will Survivor 41 use?
In his video, Probst said, “We have all of our COVID protocols in place so that everyone in Fiji will remain safe, all of our crew will be safe, and, of course, our players will be safe.” Though he did not go into specifics, it’s safe to say Survivor will use similar protocols as other shows like Big Brother, The Bachelor, and Tough as Nails have used while filming in the pandemic. That includes a mandatory two-week quarantine period prior to entering the filming space, constant testing, and cycling between crews to reduce contact.
When will Survivor 41 air?
With season 41 filming in the spring, it should be fairly easy for Survivor to get the season edited and ready for this fall. Though CBS has yet to announce their lineup for the 2021-2022 season, it’s safe to say that the network is excited to get one of their flagship reality series back with new episodes. The past year, they filled Survivor’s coveted time slot of Wednesday at 8 p.m. with other reality shows, including The Amazing Race 32 and Tough as Nails season 2. Next, check out the new diversity initiatives Survivor used for its season 41 cast.
