CBS Goes for Gold With Gabon Survivors

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:

Image:© 2008, , Monty Brinton/CBS