Since the year 2000, the sound of the horn and tribal chanting signaling the start of an episode of Survivor has filled our home.  Sixteen years and 31 seasons of memories have me reminiscing of my three children’s eyes lighting up when they bust into dance to the ay ay oh ee oh ee oh ee ah ah ay ay oh ee oh ee of the theme song! Along with the dancing and often buckets of popcorn, our family has learned about geography and world cultures thanks to the CBS hit, we’ve rooted for castaways in immunity challenges, and have shed tears for those sent home at tribal council.

Host Jeff Probst feels like a family member that visits our living room weekly.  His even-keel personality, thought-provoking questions at tribal, and adorable dimple that smiles back has us excited all over again for the Emmy Award-winning show’s 32nd season premiere Wednesday, Feb. 17 (8:00-9:30 PM, ET/PT).  The special 90-minute episode of Survivor is filmed on the island Kaôh Rōng in Cambodia and will be themed “Brains vs. Brawn vs. Beauty,” one that has been done before.  It will present one of the most physically grueling seasons in the show’s history, with the location offering the harshest conditions and most relentless weather castaways have seen yet.

The groupings of the three tribes, each comprised of six castaways, possess similar characteristics that make their group unique – high IQ, muscular physique and physical looks – and test whether there is any truth to the pre-conceived notion that certain characteristics will help you win the game. All castaways will compete to outwit, outplay, outlast and ultimately be crowned Sole Survivor.

Watch this trailer and learn about this season’s cast which includes an Army veteran, an emergency room doctor, a bounty hunter, a former FBI agent, a pro poker player, a superfan, a quantitative strategist and a former NBA champion:

Here’s a list of the tribe members so you can refer to them when you watch the premiere, click on it and print it out, check off the castaways who get voted off.

When it comes down to it, I really enjoy this show because the cast inspires me.  No, I don’t think I’d ever apply because I can’t go that long without eating a full meal.  But, each member contributes something to the tribe and the game no matter how long they stay.  It’s a test of mental stamina as well as strength and social compatibility to endure the game and I am always impressed with the contestants each season.  We are all looking forward to getting our snacks and dessert ready for a family night in this Wednesday, February 17 to watch Survivor, it looks like it’s going to be some great reality television all of us can enjoy!

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