For the month of October, I was stranded on a deserted island in Puerto Rico hosting the survivalist game show series Samsung’s SOS Island: Survival of the Smartest. It is one of my favorite jobs to date.

I put our contestants through the wringer, as well as myself. Not only did we have to battle the elements – 105 heat with 70% humidity and ravenous daytime mosquitoes- but we were also putting together a live show in the midst of an already tight shooting schedule… in the middle of nowhere! Luxuries like a teleprompter or multiple takes were left on the mainland.

We shot a live stream every other day during our intense shooting schedule, usually with no rehearsal. I had no teleprompter and sometimes a barely functioning IFB (ear piece to hear the director). It was 45 minutes of pure adrenaline… and a lot of fun. Everyone involved in this project is supremely talented; they turned challenges into opportunities to shine. It was awesome to be around.

For anyone who has had a challenge and has overcome it, you can understand why I am so proud of this show.

Here are my favorite live episodes from Samsung’s SOS Island.

This “Sur-Vine-Al” live stream is my favorite episode by far.
At this time we were all a family and it really comes across on screen. I’ve literally watched it all the way through multiple times. Yes, that means I’ve spent hours of my life reliving something I’ve already done. And dammit, it’s worth it!

 

 

I like to call this one “Andrea’s Island Party.”
At the time, the contestants had been on the island for three days and were really starting to feel the realities of being on a deserted island. They were given three pieces of fruit- a banana, pineapple, and mango- and that’s it! So it was great to see their excitement amongst all the food. And I must say, Graham’s dish was by far the winner! Wow, he knows how to cook.
7:45 –> Karen’s hilarious video
22:00 –> We start the cooking!

 

 

Beach Party!
Like the above episode, this live stream had a great concept around it. We were well into our second week on the island and everyone was missing home, so we had our contestants use their imagination and take random stuff on the beach and turn it into their creature comforts.
22:00 –> Mert’s hilarious video on how he ordered pizza to the island!!
29:00 –> Great laughs with the survivalists.
32:00 –> The challenge starts. Make sure to check out Graham and Brittany’s “comforts,” they make me laugh to this day.

 

Home!
This was our final episode and they were in a great mood! But really, I like this episode for selfish reasons:
1:30 –> The survivalists gave me a round of applause that made my heart soar.
34:00 –> We all get a beer! I hadn’t had a sip of alcohol in a few weeks and let me tell you, Medalla hits the spot.