Survivientes has just closed another edition, with Bosco Martínez-Bordiu, Pocholo’s nephew, taking the crown. Yet the buzz around this beloved reality show continues, and Mediaset has just announced a major change for the upcoming season in the last hours.
Mediaset weighs in: Survivors controversy explains why Adara appeared to be eliminated earlier than expected
Survivors stands as one of the most emblematic and solid reality formats on Spanish television. Telecinco has kept the program on air since its 2000 debut, remaining among the most-watched shows on national screens. The concept is straightforward but potent: a group of contestants is stranded on a remote island, living without the comforts of home for weeks. They face physical tests and strategic challenges to secure food, water, and other essentials while learning to navigate the dynamics of living together. Tensions and alliances naturally emerge, adding drama to each survival milestone.
Curious history of a Survivors contestant and its evolving cast
The competition typically spans several months, anchored in the core idea of surviving without modern conveniences and competing for a cash prize of 200,000 euros. Contestants split into teams, tackle a sequence of trials, and the field gradually narrows until only a handful remain. When the group hits the final stretch, the remaining players face one last round of challenges to determine the edition’s champion.
The Spanish version of Survivors began with two anonymous editions before making a broader leap. In 2010, the format underwent changes as Telecinco reconfigured the show, later launching new iterations under different branding. One version even carried the title Island of Celebrities, offering a mix of familiar and lesser-known faces across four installments.
Until now, the production had been handled by Bulldog TV, but with this latest edition the show shifts to Cuarzo Producciones, the team behind The Island of Temptations on the Mediaset network in 2024.
Survivors cast member opens up about illness: the fear remains palpable
What do contestants earn?
Specific weekly earnings for participants are not disclosed publicly. Nevertheless, earnings often mirror the celebrity profile and market value of each contestant, with higher-profile figures commanding larger sums.
Public disclosures and industry chatter have highlighted some ranges. In 2015, statements by a long-time participant, along with commentary from online creators, suggested that top earners could reach tens of thousands of euros per week. A well-known figure was reported to have negotiated around 35,000 euros per week during certain seasons, setting a benchmark for the series’ celebrity participants. A different star reportedly turned down an offer around 50,000 euros weekly in one instance before later joining a later season at a reduced rate. The financial landscape for television in recent years has seen shifts, with several contributors accepting lower terms amid broader changes in the media economy. Some accounts imply that conditions or personal agreements also influence whether private details are shared publicly, including stipulations about speaking on personal matters during broadcasts.