On May 31, 2000, Survivor premiered on national television.
Jump ahead 17 years, 35 seasons and over 500 episodes,the Survivor franchise has become one of the most successful televised reality competitions ever.
Zeke Smith, a fan favourite from Survivor, brought his sharp, devilish, insightful and witty personality to the Algonquin Commons Theatre on Sept. 21.
A contestant on the Fiji-based Survivor: Milennials vs. Gen X and Survivor: Game Changers; Smith had plenty of information to share about life before, during and after Survivor.
With eight million people watching, Smith was the subject of the most controversial and talked about episodes in the history of the show. Fellow contestant, Jeff Varner, outed Smith as transgender in an attempt to turn his team in his favour.
Talks between Smith and CBS, the show’s network, had been going on for about nine months to ensure the episode and overall situation was handled properly.
“My life revolved around this moment to air; it was the right time and I wanted it to happen,” said Smith to the Algonquin audience. “When the episode aired it was a celebration of it being out there. I’m happy how the moment was handled and how the viewers of Survivor responded.”
Finally the biggest burden on Smith was out there, the weight was lifted off of his shoulders and by speaking on his experiences maybe it wouldn’t be a problem for someone else.
Separated by only flowers and a bottle of Fiji water, which Smith said tasted better than the Fijian water he had when on Survivor, was host for the evening Breanna Jackson, a graduate from Algonquin College and current Bell Media employee.
Viewers tune in every week in anticipation of the new struggles, challenges and obstacles that the contestants will be faced with while on the show. Maybe it’s the mental stress or maybe it’s the physical exhaustion, but what about hygiene; what about smell?
“Imagine if you go to the gym and leave your sweaty clothes in a non-ventilated locker and don’t go to the gym for six months,” said Smith assuring the audience Survivor is as real as it gets. “That’s what it smells like. The sweet smell of rotten poop with a hint of smokiness from the fire.”
You can’t forget about Coconut Grove, better known as a washroom, where contestants would find a nice spot on the beach to dig a hole and enjoy the Fijian sunrise.
“Coconuts are a natural laxative so it helped with the process,” said Smith on sunrises.
The biggest relief didn’t come from coconuts, however; it happens when you get voted off of the island. The idea of a nice, hearty plate of food to go alongside with a refreshing shower is the best feeling – unfortunately that feeling doesn’t last.
“Survivor is real so when you get voted off you’re happy it’s over. It’s full of stress so in the immediate moment you’re relieved,” said Smith. “It’s the weeks and months after you’re voted off you feel regret knowing you could of done something different to win.”
From being outed on national television to experiencing life on the edge, Smith shared his life with a very eager and attentive audience. Lastly, Smith had some advice for anybody who wants to audition for Survivor.
“The most important advice I could give is that you need to get along with people,” he said, on being a successful contestant. “Obviously working out will help you be physically prepared for the challenges – plus you’ll be in your underwear on national television so it’s a smart move.”