Jeff Probst Says This Was The Absolute Worst Location Survivor Has Ever Filmed
Before deciding to fix a permanent shooting location in Fiji, "Survivor," the iconic reality TV show, had taken its participants (and host!) to some of the most breathtaking landscapes on the planet. From the desolate deserts of Namibia in Season 3 to the stunning archipelago of the Cook Islands in Season 13, the CBS show has tested the resilience of the castaways in the most extreme and diverse environments.
Location is a crucial element of the show, as the players must not only outwit each other but also battle against the unpredictable forces of nature. Truly, it is the location that sets the stage for the ultimate test of survival. Depending on the terrain and climate, some seasons present greater challenges than others. Audiences have applauded certain locations for their raw beauty and unforgiving landscapes while lamenting others for their brutal conditions and unexpected obstacles. However, according to host Jeff Probst, one location stands out as the absolute worst: the Marquesas Islands.
The wrath of the Marquesas Islands
In an interview with People, Probst opened up about the grueling conditions faced during filming in the Marquesas during Season 4, though the reason may not be what you expect. Rather than weather conditions or conflicts among the contestants, which are common reasons "Survivor" contestants have quit the show, Probst states what made filming in Marquesas unbearable were the bugs. He proclaimed that he, the crew, and the cast were constantly swatting away at tiny insects, prompting everyone to repeatedly ask the existential question, "Why are we here?"
For viewers watching from afar, bugs might appear as nothing more than a minor inconvenience. However, the reality experienced by the castaways tells a different story. Contestant Shirin Oskooi highlighted the severity of the situation by sharing a photo on Instagram revealing a multitude of bug bites covering the entirety of her abdomen. If those images weren't convincing enough, fans of the show will recall the unsettling moment on "Survivor: Kaôh Rōng" when a camera crew captured a bug hopping around inside Jenny Lanzetti's ear — gross!