“Surviving Paradise” is a reality TV contest now streaming on Netflix.
“They think they are here for a summer of luxury and a chance to win a life changing cash prize [100 k]…. They do not know the rules of the game, and have no idea that the good life will be ripped away from them…”
Jessimae Peluso, the show’s host
This is how we are introduced to this new reality TV show on Netflix, where, in 9 episodes, we follow Sisco, Taylor, Sarah Kate, Aaron, Justin, Tabitha, Lellies, Shea and Alex. Oh, and Copan, and Hayley…. I think I have covered them all, or so I hope. They seem to keep on showing up.
What is the contest about?
Well, in “Surviving Paradise” we are offered yet another reality TV show, where ruthless competitiveness comes to the fore. All the while we get to see how the players go about their “daily” routines (albeit, in a foreign environment them), and we witness how they build a rapport with their fellow contestants, to then become “foes”, and then, maybe, “friends” again. And of course, we are given an insight into their strategizing.
Once the contestants are given a taste of the good life by being shipped, champagne in hand, to a luxury villa on an island (I am guessing in Greece), in the belief that it is there the contest will take place, they are told that unfortunately that is not where it will unfold.
During their first night at the villa, and while they are enjoying a lovely party by the pool, the lights go out, and Jessimae, the show’s host, makes her entrance, emerging from the shadows to present the countless contestants with the rules of the game. Oh, the suspense. Here is the plot: they are in fact supposed to live in the “wilderness” (the adjoining plot of land to the luxury property, I suspect though, it is the unattended section of the property’s garden), where there is already a nice campsite-like setting, with a bonfire burning, and perfectly placed logs of wood around it for “comfy” seating. Indeed, the living conditions are far from optimal for the VIP expectations that had been building up in the minds of the players. Worry not, they are not in a life threatening environment.
This leads us to the real game. Now is when the strategizing begins, around the bonfire, and where the allegiances are made, and broken, and perhaps, repaired along the way….
Episode List
Paradise Lost: Contestants arrive a a jaw-dropping luxury villa only to learn that they’ll be sleeping outside in the woods – unless they can get voted back in.The Betrayal: Two players face a dilemma at the end of a grueling trek. A vote brings a new Outsider into the villa. A shocking choice rocks a seemingly solid bond.
The Betrayal: Two players face a dilemma at the end of a grueling trek. A vote brings a new Outsider into the villa. A shocking choice rocks a seemingly solid bond.
I’m Back B**ches: As a power player does damage control, a rival sows doubts. A special delivery comes with a catch, and a fishing mission offers an opportunity.Do not Take This Box: After two new contestants crash a poolside party, a trust-testing Survival Drop challenge shakes up the group dynamics and raises the stakes.
Do not Take This Box: After two new contestants crash a poolside party, a trust-testing Survival Drop challenge shakes up the group dynamics and raises the stakes.
The Boat Gets Rocked: An emotional elimination rattles the contestants. An Outsider’s strategy ruffles feathers at camp, throwing an alliance into jeopardy.
Alliances Crumble: After and Insider’s shocking selection, a reunion leads to romance. Outsiders returning to the villa bring game-changing gossip from camp.Race to Survive: Two Outsiders go head-to-head in a Survival Drop duel that results in one player going home. A dramatic vote creates bad blood between former allies.
Race to Survive: Two Outsiders go head-to-head in a Survival Drop duel that results in one player going home. A dramatic vote creates bad blood between former allies.
The Tables Are Turned: A player exiled from the villa gets payback on the way out. An excruciating decision forces the Insiders to reveal where their true loyalties lie.One Final Twist: After a brutal round of eliminations, finalists inch closer to a life-changing prize but soon learn that the past could threaten their chances of winning.
One Final Twist: After a brutal round of eliminations, finalists inch closer to a life-changing prize but soon learn that the past could threaten their chances of winning.
Visitor Rating: 3 Stars