It’s not unusual for shows like Naked and Afraid to have some very obvious rules that the contestants have to follow. The program is pretty simple, two individuals are dumped in the wild and forced to endure fend for themselves in the outdoors. It’s not all random, the contestants are given at least some survival training.
Even more, the screening process is usually good enough that they’re not dumping people who can’t lift a finger in the wild. However, it can still get pretty brutal. Nevertheless, it’s still a solid show in its own way. Additionally, there are some aspects of Naked and Afraid that obviously come off as dangerous —but not life-threatening. That’s one fact interesting fact about the show; here are some others.
1. Contestants Have To Be US Citizens and at Least 18 Years Old
This makes a lot of sense, considering that it would be illegal to televise a show this dangerous with underage contestants. Additionally, the fact that it’s a US-based show probably covers the whole “US citizens only” angle. Overall, “them’s the rules,” and everyone who applies has to adhere to them.
2. Everyone Is Given An Emergency Radio
On a show about surviving in the wild, a few dangers are bound to creep up here and there. However, the producers have found a few ways around that. One major one is that they give competitors radios so they can reach out in dire situations. But then again, they do have a camera crew that follows them all over the place. So, the radios are perhaps an added layer of security.
3. Contestants Can’t Have Pre-existing Medical Conditions
This one makes total sense considering the conditions the competitors have to exist in. So, if someone prone to strokes, seizures, or any major condition applies, they’d be turned down. It’d no doubt be unethical to cast them.
4. Participants Are Compensated For Their Time
There’s always the discussion of whether they get paid or not. In this case, the contestants do get compensated about $5,000 each to appear on the show. It’s kind of a trade-off since winning the show is the true prize.
5. The Women Get Sanitary Products
Naked And Afraid may be a show about surviving in the wild, but the producers don’t leave everything up to mother nature. Women do have feminine products provided for them since the show is not about to go totally savage. The alternative would be too crass for TV and would probably result in tons of hate for the show.
6. Contestants Truly Have To Brave The Wild
There have been cases of food poisoning, broken bones, and even a case of Dengue fever at one point on the show. While contestants affected by this can opt-out, they could choose to stick it out. The only time it’s off the table to remain in the game is when things get life-threatening.
7. The Contestants Can Make Requests
It’s not a private getaway show, so for the most part contestants don’t get everything they want or need. However, they can make requests when it’s within reason. One of the more alarming requests on the show came from a male contestant. He asked for a larger patch of blurred pixels covering his manhood.
8. No One Is Allowed To Interact With The Off Set World
The show takes place not too far from civilization. In fact, some contestants confessed to hearing the bubbling sounds of the big city when they sleep. So it’s not as isolated as it looks. However, the idea is to make it seem as though they’re out in the wild and having to rough it.
9. There’s No Rule Against Hooking Up
As warm-blooded adults, it’s natural for some urges to creep up during the course of the show. However, the last thing anyone wants when they’re dirty and hungry is a roll in the hay. There have been many questions about contestants hooking up. But most of them revealed that it’s not where the mind goes when they’re sleeping out in the wild.
10. Contestants Aren’t Supposed To Reveal What Happens While Filming
Seeing as the show airs after its shot, the contestants aren’t supposed to let details about the show slip. Now, they’re not supposed to, but the temptation is obviously way too great. There have been lawsuits filed against a few contestants that decided to step up and say what they had to say about the show. .
