Can local environments survive the 'Survivor' franchise?

[Liberal_in_LA]

Can local environments survive the 'Survivor' franchise?
In Panama, international versions of the show are accused of damaging sites during filming. But the U.S. edition's cleanliness is praised.



Rubble left behind in a clearing after filming the Panama "Survivor" season, Mogo Mogo, where the physical challenges were held. (John Henderson / March 22, 2011)

Launched on Swedish television as "Expedition Robinson" in 1997, the popular reality show has spawned the even more famous "Survivor" franchise, which has developed an almost cult-like following in the more than 60 countries and territories where it airs. Many of these spinoffs, which isolate a group of contestants and pit them against each other in a series of intense mental and physical competitions for big prize money, have used the Pearl Islands — and that list includes those from the U.S., Sweden, Colombia, Bulgaria, Serbia, Israel and Turkey.

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Evidence of environmental neglect and insensitivity stemming from "Survivor" shoots around Panama's idyllic settings aren't hard to find, say locals. One "Survivor" production left a large pile of trash including water bottles and feminine napkin boxes on Mogo Mogo, and in Bocas del Toro, a group of 40 islands on Panama's Caribbean side, a local group says the Colombian production disturbed the nesting grounds of turtles during mating season.

But one production company that consistently wins high marks from locals is the U.S. version.

"The U.S. comes in like a military expedition and cleans everything up," Schuttke said. "They don't leave a toothpick."

[Drale]

1. I honestly can not believe that people still watch those shows

I never liked them in general but its been like 10 years, I don't think Americans have ever liked a reality show that long ever.

[Liberal_in_LA]

2. I love Survivor.

[Snoutport]

9. me too...but i always did kind of worry about the environment.

So, I'm glad to see they clean up and I don't have to feel guilty anymore!

[cbdo2007]

3. I love Survivor and still think it's a great show after all these years.

[gratuitous]

4. That's interesting

The headline implies that the U.S. production is environmentally insensitive, but as it turns out, "They don't leave a toothpick." It's the Swedes, Colombians, Bulgarian, Serbians, Israelis and Turks who leave the messes. I wonder how many casual readers even know that "Survivor" is a multi-nation TV show franchise? And for those who don't know, how many will immediately blame the American production for the sins of other countries?

Also, looking at the accompanying picture of the "rubble" left behind, most of it looks biodegradable (wooden pallets and pole). While that's still no reason to be leaving a mess, those artifacts will mostly be gone in the next 25 years. But the production companies should still work to leave the place at least as clean as they found it.

[apocalypsehow]

5. Great to hear - "Survivor" is my guilty pleasure. I've rarely missed an episode in ten years.

Still have to have my bourgeoisie vices to indulge, and that show is one of them.

Rec. :beer:

[Ian David]

6. The only thing wrong with those shows, is that the contestants are there voluntarily. n/t

[GKirk]

7. Are you saying...

...you'd like to see the contestants plucked off the street?

[Ian David]

8. It would certainly make the shows more interesting. n/t

[snooper2]

10. or out of their offices..

:P

[cbdo2007]

11. haha, agree. But the REAL problem with the contestants is that many are models/actors

that are pursued by the producers, rather than people who've sent in tapes.

That being said - I'm a huge Survivor fan, and still enjoy the show immensely because even though they're models/actresses they still have to win the physical/mental/social game of Survivor - but still I would rather there be just more average joes out there than models and actors.

[Ian David]

12. "Help! I'm an Accountant! Get Me Out of Here!" would be a good show.

They could do one season where everyone is an accountant.

And then another season where everyone is a dentist.

Or a season of Massage Therapists vs Yoga Instructors.

[GKirk]

13. Or a season of...

...lingerie models. :)

[cbdo2007]

14. Actually, that's a great idea.....

they would have all have the same skill set, probably somewhat similar backgrounds, and would all probably play the game somewhat similarly. I'd rather see dentists than accountants. Massage Therapists would be annoying because they would all just sit around rubbing each other's shoulders all the time :) And god no, please not all Yoga instructors. They would all just do Yoga nonstop. :)