USA vs Australia

Survivor: USA vs Australia - Episode 1: "A Clash of Titans"

Day 1: Marooning

(The scene opens with clips of previous Survivor seasons accompanied by a voiceover from Jeff Probst.)

Jeff: It started on a small boat off the Malaysian coast of Borneo, and now, over 20 years later, Survivor has evolved into one of America’s biggest social experiments. Over the years, we’ve seen iconic players and even more iconic moments, and we’ve invited some of the best players the USA has ever seen for another shot at the million-dollar prize.

(Cut to a shot of a boat speeding through the water, in it, the USA contestants. Jeff Probst continues speaking.)

Jeff: From strategic minds to challenge beasts like no other, they’ve shown us they’re ready to add winning to their Survivor résumé.

Carson: Coming back to Survivor is like debugging a complex algorithm—you have to analyze your previous errors and optimize your strategy. Last time, I focused too much on the logical aspects of the game and neglected the social dynamics. This time, I'm going to balance my analytical approach with stronger relationship-building. I may be young, but I've learned from my mistakes and I’m ready to prove that a nerd can outwit, outplay, and outlast anyone out here. 

Charlie: Coming back to Survivor feels like my 'Begin Again.' Last time, I played with too much 'Innocent' trust, and I ended up in second place. I've been 'Out of the Woods' long enough to know how to navigate the twists and turns of this game. My strategy is to be 'Fearless' and stay 'Red'-hot in challenges, all while keeping my 'Eyes Open' for any blindsides. I know that at any moment, the game can change 'All Too Well,' but I'm prepared to handle whatever comes my way. I’m playing to win. My message to the million-dollar check is, ‘You Belong With Me.’ Let me get ‘The Story of Us’ started. Are you ‘...Ready for It?’ Because I am!

Christian: Well, never in a million years did I think this would happen, but I'm still excited nonetheless. Last time, my flaw was that I was too likable, which I find hard to believe even to this day. But now, I'm representing the U.S. of A against the Australians. I'm in the boat, looking at the sea...and then I see Gabby across from me. This is gonna be harder than I thought. But it won't stop me. I'm back, better than ever, determined to take the title and prize home.

Cirie: I've been playing this game for a long time, and I've learned that it's not about being the strongest or the loudest. It's about being smart, strategic, and subtle. I've flown under the radar, made moves when necessary, and manipulated the game to my advantage. People underestimate me because I'm not a physical threat, but that's exactly what I want them to think. I'm a mastermind, a puppeteer, and a game-changer. I've made moves that have changed the course of this game, and I'll continue to do so. I’m willing to get my hands dirty, and win the game! 

Emily: Ugh… it stung real hard to watch my torch get snuffed. I was voted out with Julie’s sole vote. But I've spent every moment since then thinking about what went wrong and how I can do better. This time, I’ll think real hard if the vote is unanimous. I've learned that adaptability is key – you have to be ready to change your vote at a moment's notice. Who knows? What if I’m the one who received a sole vote again? I would be more than happy to force a tie despite having the majority of the votes being negated. Can’t wait to see what’s on the plate this season. Let’s go!

Gabby: I thought I knew what Survivor was all about after my first season, but I was wrong. I thought I could play it safe, fly under the radar, and make it to the end. But that's not how this game works. This time around, I'm playing with a newfound sense of confidence and determination. I'm not afraid to take risks, to make big moves, and to get my hands dirty. I know I have what it takes to win, and I'm not going to let anyone stand in my way. I see Christian on the other side and I have a feeling we might be rivals. I’m gonna win it and blindside Christian if possible. So, game on!

Jesse L: I'm not here to make friends or win popularity contests. I'm here to win the game! If I can blindside my closest ally, I’m confident I can blindside more people and leave them in awe. I’m the mastermind and I know the best way to win the game. To all the cast, you guys better watch out!

Kelley: I can't believe I'm back here again. Three seasons, three different chances to win, and I celebrated my birthday all three times on Survivor. And yet, I still haven't taken home that million-dollar check. It's like I'm cursed. People call me an underdog queen for a reason. So, I'm not giving up. I've learned from my mistakes, I've adapted my game, and I've come back stronger each time. I know I'm a threat, and I know people are gunning for me. I’m gonna use the same strategy by volunteering to collect coconuts and wood in order to find the idol, as that got me to the top 4. But I'm Kelley Wentworth, the queen of Survivor Second Chance. Hence, I’m not going down without a fight. So… fourth time's a charm, right?

Lauren: The first time I played, I did a pretty amazing job. I set the record for the most days possessing a hidden immunity idol with a total of 34 days, finding that idol on Day 2. I aligned myself with Kelley and it worked out well. Even though I was blindsided when she was sent to the Edge of Extinction, I used my social game to progress myself to the top 5. Really looking forward to this season and let’s get this started!

Malcolm: Fourth time’s the charm, right? Coming back to Survivor for my fourth season feels surreal, but I'm more determined than ever. I've been so close before, and each time, I've learned something new about myself and this game. I've faced blindsides, made some epic moves, and experienced the heartbreak of coming up short. This time, I'm bringing everything I've learned from my past seasons. I'm ready to adapt, outthink my competition, and form alliances that can actually take me to the end. I know my reputation precedes me, and I’m sure there are people already plotting against me, but I thrive under pressure. I’m ready to be the Sole Survivor. So, let’s do this!

Rob: If they don’t know who I am, what are they doing out here? I have a Survivor podcast called Rob Has A Podcast! Playing Survivor for the third time just proves that I have to treasure every single moment on this game. Podcasting Survivor on social media will really help me because I know what other players did wrong and what I should improve on if I’m called back for a third season. I’m gonna show not just these Aussies, but everyone here, why I’m called the greatest player to never win.

Victoria: I made moves that allowed me to make it to top 6 in my last season. Playing an under-the-radar helped me a lot but I got screwed over with the Edge of Extinction twist. This time, I’m really hoping to lay low, make moves that benefit my game and hopefully there isn’t any Edge of Extinction twist coming by. I’m fueled up and determined to win the game this time. It’s Game on baby!

(Cut to Jeff standing on a large boat. Suddenly, Jonathan LaPaglia walks on-screen as clips of previous Australian Survivor seasons play. Jonathan then begins talking.)

Jonathan: But this is different. You see, in 2016 Australia decided to throw its hat into the Survivor ring, and no offense, Jeff, but I’d argue that Australia has given even more iconic players and even more iconic moments in 9 seasons than you Americans have in 48 seasons.

(Cut to a shot of another boat where we see the Australian contestants as Jonathan continues speaking.)

Jonathan: We’ve got challenge beasts, strategic and social titans, oh, and unlike the American players who Jeff brought, we’ve actually got some winners.

David: I’m not gonna lie. When I look back at my last 2 seasons. I can understand why people are threatened by the golden god. In my first season I played hard, I made some flashy moves but that led me to being blindsided with an idol in my pocket. When I returned I still played hard but I focused more on building relationships. I even got revenge on everyone who blindsided me. I was the first person in Australian Survivor history to hold multiple idols at once and the first returning player to win. Now I’m looking forward to making even more history as the first person to win 2 seasons of Australian Survivor. The golden god has been reincarnated for round 3.

Feras: Coming back to Survivor as a returning winner is a whole new ball game. Last time, I managed to outwit, outplay, and outlast everyone to take home the title, but I know that puts a massive target on my back. Everyone here knows what I'm capable of, and they'll be gunning to take me out first chance they get. I've been through the highs and lows, the betrayals, and the blindsides. I've tasted victory and I know what it takes to get there. The pressure is on, but I thrive under pressure. I'm here to prove that winning once wasn't a fluke and that I have what it takes to do it again. Survivor is my game, and I'm ready to play it better than ever.

George: If you don’t know who I am by now, then what are you even doing here? I am one of the most successful players in the history of Australian Survivor. When I first came out, I dominated my tribe, proving that you don’t need a good social game to get to the end, but alas, Hayley beat me. But when I came back, I worked my tribe like never before and almost took the crown. This time, there will be no excuses or mistakes, either George Mladenov will take the crown, or die trying.

Harry: Dirty Harry is back for a third chance. First time I played I was definitely deemed to be untrustworthy. I mean I made up a convoluted lie about my fake son Oscar in order to socially bond with some of my tribemates. I made it all the way to the final 3 and was voted out after losing the final immunity challenge. When I returned I definitely felt like I was in the minority, but I persevered and made it to the merge. But, as if things couldn’t be any worse. I was voted out after losing the exact same challenge that cost me the game the first time. So, it’s safe to say that I’m looking for redemption in more ways than one. But I’ve got a message for everyone on my tribe and all of those Americans “you gotta ask yourself, Do I feel lucky?" Well, do ya, punk”?

Hayley: There’s definitely an argument to be made that of all the women in my tribe, I have the biggest threat level. In brains vs brawn I was making big moves early on but outing my biggest rival as a double agent got me unanimously voted out. But if it wasn’t for redemption rock I would’ve been gone, so when I won my way back in the game, I switched things into overdrive. I won not only the most individual immunity challenges in my season, but I also hold the record for the most individual immunity challenge wins of any winner in Australian Survivor history. When I returned for heroes vs villains I even more made history by being the first returning winner to survive my tribe’s first tribal council. When I made the merge I aligned myself with the player who was not only responsible for my initial vote out, but the player who I beat last season, we started working well together but when I decided to start playing my own game, I was blindsided. Now I’m playing with not only legends from my country, but legends from America, and I have every intention of showing these American players why you don’t underestimate Australians.

Jesse H: Wow! I can’t believe I’m playing with my brother on the same tribe. Playing  Survivor again is my shot at redemption. I’ve learned from my mistakes, and this time, I’m ready to play harder and smarter. If I find any idols, I’m gonna have to keep it a secret. I’m here to prove that I have what it takes to go all the way.

Jordie: The first time I played I was given the moniker of “the joker”. And that all really started when my brother was blindsided and I was unanimously voted out and subsequently won my way back into the game and even though I didn't win any individual immunity challenges after that point I still made it to the top 5 through advantages and social plays. When I returned for a second time I definitely embraced the joker moniker. But I was blindsided with an idol in my pocket that was given to me by an ally on the other tribe. But now, the joker is back and I’m ready to rain chaos down on everyone. After all, I’m great at the game of Survivor, and If you’re great at something, never do it for free. And that million dollars has my name on it.

Liz: I can't believe I'm back here again, fighting for the title of Sole Survivor. My first win was amazing, but this time around, I'm hungrier than ever. I know the game has evolved, and the players are more cunning than ever. But I've evolved too!  I've come back stronger, more strategic, and more determined. They think they can take me down? Well… I'm here to prove them wrong. I'm not just a one-time winner, I'm a legend in the making. And I'll do whatever it takes to make it to the end and bring home the money!

Monika: The first time I played, I flew under-the-radar way too much. When I started playing actively by making moves, I was unfortunately seen as a threat and that sealed my fate. Coming back to play again is a pleasure. This game has taught me when to make moves and when to sit back and relax. I’m determined to prove that I know how to control my threat level in order for me to make it further than just top 5. Let’s get the game started baby!

Nina: I was blindsided by people I trusted and it stung, but it was a wake-up call. I've spent the time since then analyzing every move I made, every alliance I formed, and every mistake that cost me the game. This time, I'm not the same player. I've learned from my mistakes and I'm ready to outwit, outplay, and outlast. I've been training physically, studying strategies, and mentally preparing for the rollercoaster that's about to come. I know what it feels like to be on the bottom and I know how crucial it is to build trust, but also to keep my cards close to my chest. Hence, if my mum can be the queen, I’ll be the princess! 

Shonee: Well, first Australian to play Survivor 4 times. And I’m more determined than ever to win. Especially how I went out last time. Now coming into this season I’ve got the strategic and social game on lockdown, and my physical game isn’t that bad either. I currently hold the Australian Survivor record for most days played with 124 and I’m hoping that I can finally get my first win. After all, fourth times the charm, right?

Valeria: Coming back to Survivor feels like a second chance at redemption. Last time, I didn’t trust my gut instincts or my social game, and I paid the price with an ultimate vote-advantage blindside. This time, I've come back stronger than ever and learned to trust my gut instincts better and I'm ready to outwit, outplay, and outlast. I'm here to prove to myself that I can be the sole Survivor.

(The scene transitions to Jeff and Jonathan addressing both tribes on the large boat.)

Jeff: Well then Jonathan, it seems that your players talk a big game, but don’t get too cocky, cause as you know, anything can happen in Survivor.

Jonathan: You’re right Jeff, and with what the game of Survivor has in store for our players this season, they better be ready for anything.

Jeff: 39 days

Jonathan: 24 people

Jeff: 2 countries 

Jeff and Jonathan: One Survivor!

(The contestants board the large boat and stand on their tribe mats, Jeff and Jonathan address them)

Jeff and Jonathan: Welcome to Survivor: USA vs Australia.

(The contestants cheer for a minute) 

Jeff: This is history right here, the first ever Survivor season with multiple continents being represented. 

Jonathan: Now don’t get me wrong Jeff, we’ve had American Survivor contestants appear on Australian seasons before, but we’ve never seen anything like this before and I must say, this is well overdue.

Jeff: Rob, you haven’t played this game in 20 years yet you’ve been incredibly active in the Survivor community. Compared to the last time you played, how has the game changed?

Rob: Yeah, God, I feel old saying this but, back when I played this game there was definitely more of an importance and emphasis on the physical and social aspects of the game, but with all of these new advantages coming in, idols, extra votes, steal a vote, shot in the dark. It definitely has made the strategic aspect of the game become just as important, if not more.

Jonathan: On the other side of things. Valeria, you’re one of the most recent players on your tribe, do you think coming back in after playing so soon could be an advantage or a disadvantage?

Valeria: I feel like there’s a solid argument for both sides here. Because you played so recently, you get somewhat used to living in these harsh conditions. But then again, if you’re someone who played really well last time. You’re coming in with a target on your back. But honestly, looking at the lineups for both of these tribes, if you don’t feel like you’ve got a target on your back, then you might be the one going home.

Jeff: Alright, ready to get to your first reward challenge of the season?

(The contestants cheer for a minute) 

Jeff: Great, on our go. You’ll get as many supplies as you need off this boat, onto your tribe rafts and row those rafts to shore.

Jonathan: Once you reach the shore, one tribe member will take on either a physical or mental challenge. For the physical challenge, you will use a crowbar to open a crate containing a shovel. Then, use the shovel to dig up an axe, use the axe to chop through a log and release a saw, use the saw to cut through a wooden cage and release a hammer, and finally, use the hammer to drive in five nails to break five tiles.

Jeff: For the mental challenge, you’ll need to decrypt a message hidden within a cipher. To get the key to the cipher, you’ll first solve a 36-piece puzzle.

Jonathan: Finally, 2 tribe members will race to untie some fire making supplies and build a fire high enough and hot enough to burn through a rope, raising a tribe flag. First tribe to raise their flag, wins reward.

Jeff: Wanna know what you’re playing for?

(Contestants respond enthusiastically with variations of "Yeah!" "Yes!" and "Got it!")

Jonathan: Now whilst both tribes will be taking everything they grab from the boat to their camps, the winning tribe will be staying at the ultimate Survivor camp, complete with a deluxe shelter and a working fire pit. Worth playing for?

(Contestants respond enthusiastically again.)

Jeff: Oh, one more thing, out in the middle of the ocean in between the boat and land is a platform with a lit torch. The first player to swim to that platform and grab the torch will win fire for their tribe.

Jonathan: We’ll give you guys a minute to strategise. Let’s get it on.

(A sweeping shot of the boat and the surrounding ocean, cut back to the contestants on their mats, ready to go.)

Jeff: Alright, for the ultimate Survivor camp and fire.

Jonathan: Survivors ready…

Jeff and Jonathan: GO!!!

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