Survivor wrapped yet another stunning, twisting, and shocking season on CBS. More fun will be had with the franchise come the fall when season 47 premieres, which includes Crooked Media's Jon Lovett in the cast, but we're a long way off from the show's return. Sure, you could binge watch your way through past seasons, available on Paramount+, but if you're looking for a new survivalist competition series to sink your teeth into, I recommend Race to Survive: New Zealand.
The season, which is the second installment in the franchise, premiered Monday, May 20 on USA Network. It introduced us to 9 teams, all believing they were prepared for the task of traversing 150 miles of New Zealand's toughest terrain over the course of 40 days. Then, they took their first steps into marshland and found out quickly that the race they're in is going to be one of the most challenging they've ever been a part of.
Race to Survive is a competition where the contestants must make a choice between getting ahead of their competitors or stopping for food. Episode 1, "Water and Ice," showed the toll deciding to skip the food rations have when you're weathering cold and the elements while navigating unfamiliar landscapes. The premiere also had three clear frontrunners who look primed to take the season by storm thanks to their skillsets, determination, and preparation.
Still though, it's early days. As you'll know from Survivor, who's on top in the beginning may be weeded out by the middle or trip just before the end. When episode 2, "Packrafts, Portages and Pain," premieres on May 27 at 11 p.m. ET, we'll be dropped back with the teams as they continue to make their way to the finish line for the first leg of the race. Whoever crosses last will be eliminated from the competition.
What's more, because this series isn't just about skillset and willpower, the decisions the teams make on the course will have an impact on their long game. Namely whether they have enough food stores to sustain an arduous journey like this. They are burning thousands of calories a day and a choice to skip a food cache could come with a hefty price if their energy is too low which causes them to slow down.
If you're looking for a series where teams must test their mettle, their know-how, and their stamina in order to have a chance at winning half a million dollars then Race to Survive: New Zealand is the program for you. The contestants are full of heart and they're quite funny as well, so it won't just be the action that will have you hooked.
New episodes air Mondays at 11 p.m. ET on USA Network. Peacock is the streaming home of the show, however, new episodes won't be available on the platform until 7 days after they air. Stay tuned to Hidden Remote for more news and coverage such as who gets eliminated each week!