In fact, as host and executive producer Jeff Probst outlines in the opening minutes of season 42, seen below, that’s precisely what the show is banking on. Season 41 began a self-proclaimed “new era” of the game, minimizing both the days and the rations, and providing brand-new twists that drastically changed strategy. Probst starts the season with a talk to the viewers at home once again, outlining the unique position the show is in. As seasons 41 and 42 filmed back-to-back, these new contestants had no idea about anything that happened in the previous iteration. And so, the social experiment begins once more, but many constants are kept the same to see if the outcome changes. Some twists will remain exactly the same, like the odd phrases that must be said at challenges to earn idols. With others, Probst says, “We’re going to change the variables a little bit to see how they respond.” But despite wanting to keep the skeleton between seasons 41 and 42, it doesn’t mean there’s no room for new twists. As highlighted in a small moment from the video, it appears the first challenge will provide such an opportunity. One person from each tribe will run to a part of the beach to grab a paddle. There, they’ll be presented with a choice. They can take the paddles right back and proceed with the rest of the challenge. Or they can take part in a secret task for an advantage, untying 20 knots to get a possible leg up on the rest of their competitors. What’s more, all three contestants have to decide together, creating early bonds or rivalries in the opening minutes of the game. The video doesn’t just highlight the twists, but also the test subjects submitting themselves to what Probst calls “the greatest social experiment ever seen on television.” We get a look into castaways like beach services company owner Jonathan Young, who holds the world record for most pull-ups with 100 pounds on his back, and fitness consultant Drea Wheeler, who overcame the odds and became an all-American track star despite being half-blind. Then there are the quirkier contestants, like exotic animal veterinarian Omar Zaheer, who prides himself on adaptability given the creatures great and small he treats every day. And waitress Lydia Meredith becomes an immediate highlight with her extended sequence about how out of her comfort zone she is in Fiji, including self-deprecating comments about her running and swimming, anxiety about an oncoming sunburn, and vehement hatred of sand. Will any of them be the ones to claim the million-dollar check at the end of this 26-day roller coaster? Who will get saved or spurned by that opening challenge advantage, as well as the many twists to come? And will we ever meet this “monster” that Probst keeps speaking about? We’ll begin searching for these answers when Survivor 42 begins tomorrow. Check out the clip above to get a sneak peek of the premiere. Survivor 42 premieres with a special two-hour episode on March 9 at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT on CBS. Next, read our interview with Survivor 41 winner Erika Casupanan.
