Time will tell if Eden proves heavenly for CBS' ratings.
The network has unveiled the 18 castaways for the 17th installment of its time-tested and slightly ratings-worn reality stalwart, Survivor Gabon—Earth's Last Eden.
Befitting its verbose title, the new season marks the Emmy-winning show's first time broadcasting in high definition, and will, per host Jeff Probst, live up to its name.
"In a strange coincidence to Earth's Last Eden, good vs. evil emerges as a major theme this season. I think the audience will quickly identify with one group or the other."
Among the competitors: a maintenance man, a pinup model, a wedding videographer, a professional gamer and—topical ringer alert?—a former track Olympic gold medalist in Athens.
The new season kicks off on CBS Sept. 25, a week later than originally announced, but as a two-hour event, a first for the reality series.
Here's the complete list of Africa-bound contenders for the million-dollar prize:
Randy Bailey, 49; wedding videographer
Jacque Berg, 25; medical sales
Danny "GC" Brown, 26; maintenance man
Michelle Chase, 24; music production assistant
Crystal Cox, 29; former Olympic gold medalist
Robert "Bob" Crowley, 58; physics teacher
Kelly Czarnecki, 22; retail sales
Ace Gordon, 27; jewelry sales
Charlie Herschel, 29; lawyer
Ken Hoang, 22; professional gamer
Corinne Kaplan, 29; pharmaceutical sales
Dan Kay, 32; lawyer
Jessica "Sugar" Kiper, 29; pinup model
Gillian Larson, 61; retired nurse
Marcus Lehman, 28; doctor
Susie Smith, 47; hairdresser
Paloma Soto-Castillo, 24; student
Matty Whitmore, 29; personal trainer
Image:© 2008, , Monty Brinton/CBS
