Ohio has local ties in CBS’ upcoming 44th season of “Survivor.” The show, which premiers on March 1, will feature Columbus’ own Matthew Grinstead-Mayle, a 43-year-old local business owner, resident, father, and husband. He will compete with 17 other contestants for the $1 million prize, including fellow Ohio native Josh Wilder, a 34-year-old surgical podiatrist from Cincinnati who now resides in Atlanta, Georgia.
What can viewers look forward to on this season of “Survivor?” In 44 seasons, not much has changed in terms of gameplay. The program, which was filmed over 26 days last year, will once more feature contestants traversing the jungle while taking on challenges involving teamwork, seeking out hidden idols… and backstabbing, of course. Each week, one player will be voted off the island.
How will Grinstead-Mayle fare on the show? He is a self-proclaimed “Adventurer,” who told Entertainment Weekly that he attributes his love for the outdoors to his mother, who worked for the YMCA. And that he developed a passion for the outdoors and people growing up in a unique childhood surrounded by friends and nature where he honed his skills in climbing and swimming.
Contestant Josh Wilder overcame a serious medical condition as a child. He wants to prove to himself and others like him that with ambition and determination, anyone can defy the odds and push boundaries beyond what anyone says – no matter the conditions they may be facing. He told Entertainment Weekly that he’s relying on his abilities as a physician to enhance his social game to build trust and alliances quickly.
Be sure to tune in to the CBS’ 44th season premiere of “Survivor” on March 1 to see who will be the one to outwit, outplay and outlast the other contestants.