Advertisement
Survivor has historically been a reality TV series that tends to favor younger contestants, and there are several reasons behind this trend.
While the show is physically demanding, as contestants are marooned on an island and endure challenging living conditions along with competing in arduous tasks, older contestants have still managed to excel in various seasons. For instance, notable older players like Rudy Boesch (72 years old during season 1), Tina Wesson (40-year-old winner of season 2), and Terry Deitz (a 46-year-old competitor with multiple Immunity wins) have proved that age isn’t always a limiting factor in the game.
However, the number of older contestants in the franchise is considerably lower compared to younger applicants. Host and showrunner Jeff Probst addressed this during an episode of On Fire: The Official Survivor Podcast, explaining that there’s a smaller percentage of older individuals who apply to be on Survivor.
Probst emphasized that Survivor welcomes applicants of all ages but pointed out that simply being older doesn’t guarantee selection. The production team seeks a diverse pool of contestants with compelling stories and experiences that align with the show’s objectives. They aim for individuals who bring depth and complexity to the game, regardless of their age.
In the case of Survivor 45, contestants like Bruce Perreault (47 years old) and Julie Alley (49 years old) have showcased their prowess in individual Immunity Challenges. However, Probst highlighted that they were chosen not solely based on their age but because of their compelling personalities and depth.
Ultimately, Survivor looks for contestants with layered personalities and experiences that add depth to the show. Probst expressed admiration for Bruce and Julie, suggesting he’d welcome their return for another Survivor stint based on their engaging qualities. As the season progresses, the chances remain open for contestants over 40 to claim the grand prize.