“For 22 years, Survivor has been exploring the idea of group dynamics and interpersonal relationships in a really unique way. You take a group of strangers, strip them of everything. You abandon them, force them to create a new society while relying on each other. That’s the group dynamic. Then you put this game on top of it where you have to vote players out. And in the end, the last player left wins a million.”
That’s how Jeff Probst opens up the clip below, a sneak peek of the upcoming premiere of Survivor 44. But for the 18 people standing in front of the host and executive producer, it’s not any new information. Despite coming from all locations and walks of life, they share an unabashed love of the longtime reality show, from newer fans to people watching back in May 2000. And apparently with this cast, they also share a desire to express their excitement in odd ways.
Related: Meet the Full Cast of Survivor 44
Probst begins the season with something customary to the show at this point: Going around the horn and gauging everyone’s first impressions. But he gets more than he bargained for when he goes to excitable 36-year-old Puerto Rican salon owner Yamil “Yam Yam” Arocho. He wants to have a tribe that will give it all. “If you have to puke out everything you have inside. If you have to sweat every tear,” he describes. “We’re a family here. So, bring it! I’ll grab your puke bag. I’ll wipe your tears.”
Probst then goes to 23-year-old research manager Frannie Marin, surprised at Yam Yam’s mention of family after only being on the beach for a minute. But she says them touching the beaches of Fiji has already brought them together. “We’re just standing here. It’s something about this color. We’re breathing each other’s bad breath already. The bonds are forming quickly, and I think they’ll be really tight.”
Related: Everything to Know About Survivor 44 (Including When It Premieres)
Finally, Probst polls the “guy on the end,” 43-year-old Matthew Grinstead-Mayle. When asked about his current level of anxiety, the barbershop owner replies, “I’m just trying to figure out what’s going on right now. I’m sure I should be fearful, but I’m not there right now. I’m just trying to take deep breaths and hold it in. Because if I don’t, I feel like my heart is gonna plop right out here and make a mess out of everybody in the front row.”
These are wildly fitting introductions for this cast, given how much Probst has talked about season 44 as “intense, unpredictable, inspirational, and most entertaining.” The trailer for the season showed several intense elements, including a challenge being stopped for someone to get medical attention. So it may turn out that Yam Yam’s offer of puke bags and Matthew’s talk of organs spilling out is a sign of things to come on Survivor 44.
Check out the clip above to get a sneak peek of the premiere. Survivor 44 premieres with a special two-hour episode on March 1 at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT on CBS.
Next, check out our interview with Survivor 43 winner Mike Gabler.
