Fox's new reality competition series, Extracted, set to premiere on February 10, 2025, promises to captivate audiences by merging the survival genre with the emotional intensity of familial bonds. Twelve amateur survivalists will be tested to their limits as they navigate the rugged landscapes of British Columbia, all for the chance to secure a massive $250,000 prize. But what sets this series apart from its predecessors is the involvement of family members, who will watch their relatives’ every move from the safety of a headquarters and make life-altering decisions about their survival.
Unlike traditional survival shows, Extracted introduces the concept of family oversight, with each contestant paired with two family members tasked with monitoring their loved one’s progress via extensive surveillance systems. The contestants will face extreme conditions, armed only with the clothes on their backs and little survival training. This high-stakes setup raises the question of how far loved ones are willing to push their family members for financial gain.
Megan Hine, the show's Head of Extraction, describes the program as "a very, very exciting concept"—one where familial dynamics can dramatically influence the survivalist's fate. "It’s another layer of strategy; those families are directly competing to send supplies to their loved ones, yet they must also be prepared to exercise tough love, if necessary," she explains.
Each contestant is isolated, monitored by Hine’s team of experts, who utilize cutting-edge technology—176 cameras, 100 audio feeds, and elaborate fiber connectivity—to provide 24/7 coverage of the contestants’ challenges. "That side of it is insane, and it is groundbreaking," Hine asserts, noting this is the first project she has seen on such a massive scale during her two-decade career working on wilderness survival programs.
Lauren-Ashley Beck, who made her mark as one of the contestants on Survivor's 39th season, also weighs in on the distinct emotional toll this format can exert. She notes, "There are times where you can just lean on your fellow Survivors... they don’t have the same support system here. I truly can’t even fathom how they’re coping alone with the pressure of their loved ones watching from afar.”
Throughout the series, contestants will face not only physical demands but also soaring levels of psychological stress—from worrying about basic survival needs to knowing their loved ones might opt to extract them at any time. The families at HQ will be privy to their survivalists’ biometric data, allowing for informed but potentially agonizing decisions. Hine highlights, “It’s fascinating to see how these families manage the emotional weights of both supporting their loved ones and wanting to win.”
There will also be plenty of interpersonal drama as alliances form between family members. Hine explains, "When they are competing for resources, you have two people making decisions about how best to support their survivalist. Their contrasting opinions can lead to conflict or solidarity as they navigate moral dilemmas." This dynamic aspect is seen as one of the core attractions of Extracted.
The format appeals not only to those who enjoy watching survival shows but also connects with viewers on personal and ethical levels. Hine mentions, “Something they say with Survivor is, ‘You can’t play from the couch.' This is one game where viewers can genuinely engage, debating what they would do if placed under such pressure. Would you extract the one you love or trust them to withstand another trial?” With the stakes set so high, the series promises to be both thrilling and emotionally charged.
Viewers can expect each episode of Extracted to deliver nail-biting tension, as families weigh their options and contestants strive to endure under intense scrutiny—culminated by the looming possibility of extraction. By keeping the audience engaged through the moral quandaries presented to both contestants and families, Extracted may revolutionize how reality survival shows are made.
Fans of adventure reality shows are encouraged to tune in on FOX, with new episodes airing every Monday and available for streaming on Hulu the following day. With its unique concept, Extracted stands poised to leave a significant footprint within the genre, captivating audiences with its blend of raw survival challenges and heart-wrenching family drama.