FOX’s new reality competition series Extracted follows 12 amateur survivalists with no training who are abandoned in a remote forest where surveillance cameras film them 24-7. And miles away their families watch every move they make.
And if that’s not dramatic enough, the survivalists are only allowed to bring the clothes on their backs, while they’re forced to contend with the unpredictable conditions and scarcity of food, water and shelter. Back at headquarters, their loved ones have to work together to decide on the critical supplies they need to survive the wilderness.
And why are they risking it all? A $250,000 cash prize.
Executive produced by Rambo himself, Sylvester Stallone, the survivalists push themselves to the brink, while their family members have the power to pull them from the competition at any time – by pushing the extraction button.
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Us Weekly talks to one of the show’s breakout stars, Blake Kaminer, below about what it really takes to survive in the wild and to navigate his newfound fame in the social media jungle.
Your father Woody is a retired law enforcement officer. He said in the beginning of the show that you’re actually more outdoorsy than he is, so did you want to be the survivalist?
Yes, I wanted to be the survivalist. I spent my teenage years in the outdoors hunting, fishing, making fires, forts and pretty much anything else outdoors. Being comfortable in that environment definitely gives you the upper hand in this type of competition.
You’re a boat captain and you revealed on the show you’ve trapped and hunted animals. Are you best suited in HQ? Or out in the wild?
My first thought is that I would be better in the wild, but now that the competition has begun, I realized I’m better off in HQ. Receiving the best supplies with less experience is better than great experience but no good supplies, which makes it cool to have [my dad’s] support.
So far, do you still think you’d do better than your dad?
I can’t say I would be doing any better than my dad. At the end of the day, I know he is giving his all which is exactly what I would do.
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Alliances and strategy are crucial in survival games. How do you strategize alliances? How difficult was it to strategize on the spot with your cousin Collin?
With competitions like this, you always have to have your head on a swivel, watching who you can and can’t trust. But me and Collin have that type of relationship where we can work together and make crucial decisions in the heat of the moment.
Who will we see you ally with coming up? Who are you wary of and have your eye out for?
Each day is different in HQ, so you’ll have to watch and see. But I know I can always count on Cousin Collin.
What did you think of Anthony being the first one extracted? Surprised? What was it like watching how he was acting from HQ?
It was tough watching Anthony yell at his parents. Knowing they were doing all they could to get him some of the best supplies. Considering his setup, I was surprised he was extracted this early in the competition.
How about Davina as the second survivalist extracted. Did you see that coming?
I think Davina did an amazing job out in the wild, especially considering her outdoors experience. She definitely lasted longer than I expected, respectfully.
What’s the hardest part of watching your loved one from HQ? Did you ever want to trade places?
The hardest part of watching my dad while in HQ was watching him struggle and not being able to help him. I remember the moment my dad got the bow drill and all I wanted to do was reach through the screen and do it for him. So frustrating! I wanted to trade places every single day.
It’s a game of survival. From what you’ve seen and experienced so far, what are your tips for surviving the wild? What have you learned to do and not to do?
If I had any tips for surviving in the wild it would be to prioritize water, shelter and fire. Acquiring those three things could be the difference between surviving or not. One main thing to do is to keep your clothes as dry as possible, including shoes. Trench foot in the woods makes for a bad day.
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What have you learned from other survival reality shows before starring in one yourself? Do you have any favorites?
The biggest thing I’ve learned from watching other survival reality shows is not to drink the lake water! My favorite show is Man vs Wild. I’ve always looked up to Bear Grylls.
You star on a real survival show, but did anyone prepare you for surviving social media fame? Has it been a fun ride?
So far, it’s been a blast to interact with everyone and answer questions about the show. I didn’t have any preparation coming into this, but I’m looking forward to what’s to come.
Have there been any celebrity fans of the show you’ve been excited about or to hear from?
I’m super excited to know Stallone is involved with this production. He is a household name and is very well known which makes it cool to have his support.
Watch an all-new Extracted on FOX Monday, March 10, at 8 p.m. ET.
