‘Naked and Afraid XL’ Producers Answer Burning Questions About the All-Star Episodes

John Russell
8 Comments
Naked and Afraid
Q&A
Discovery Channel

Still nude, still scared. Thirteen veterans of Naked and Afraid are once again testing their survival skills in the wilderness (South Africa’s Selati River Basin) for 40 days and nights on the reality series Naked and Afraid XL.

On Season 4 of the spinoff, participants hunt for food and make shelter in groups of three, except for one guy who’s braving it alone! We asked producers Jimmy Sprague and David Kirkwood for more of the bare facts.

Who are the standouts to watch?

Matt Wright, the solo act. The NAA alum—who once killed a wild pig on the show—hopes to prove himself after a flesh-eating virus forced him to bail during a previous season. “People call him the Captain America of survival,” Kirkwood says. And another guy, Gary Golding, “makes choices that a lot of his group probably would not,” Kirkwood hints.

What unique challenges do the contestants face here?

In addition to a major lack of water and resources in the drought-stricken region, the survivalists will have to deal with some of nature’s most lethal predators. Says Kirkwood: “Lions, leopards, hyenas and crocodiles are prevalent.”

Speaking of dangers, how close is professional help?

Medics on location work 12-hour shifts and are never more than a five-minute walk from the survivalists.

Are the veterans comfortable being naked on camera?

It differs from person to person, but one thing takes everyone’s mind off their lack of clothes. “Once it’s time to start walking on thorny ground or hot sand with no shoes, you forget that you’re naked,” Kirkwood says. “All you know is that your feet are super exposed!”

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Is anything off-limits when filming?

“We would normally not film them going to the bathroom,” Sprague says. “Other than that, the cameras roll 24/7.”

Naked and Afraid XL, Sunday, May 27, 10/9c, Discovery

Naked and AfraidNaked and Afraid XL



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  1. G

    GreenRocket

    I would like to know why the producers or the TV channel has to get so carried away with blurring people's private parts.

    It takes a very good show and ruins it

    You can see more body parts going down to the beachThis is my favorite show with the exception of getting carried away with blurring out private parts

    2

  2. R

    RedCoffee

    Hey anybody; on the show naked and afraid, do you know what that black cord and tan ball is they all wear around their neck.

    is it item they all must wear or does it serve some purpose ??

    1

  3. G

    GoldChilli

    Matt Wright is a great asset to any series. He is an all round great guy to have around, personality and attitude wise; and he is an excellent hunter in any and every situation. Any individual in a team that he is in, has a much higher chance of making the full distance.

    Lacey is a whiny, egotistical, arrogant, whiney, mean and rude; and is never an asset. I hate hearing her every second she's on! I was glad when she finally burnt her hand and eventually left.. it couldn't have come soon enough and couldn't have happened to a more deserving person. And I've had 2nd and 3rd degree burns on my leg, from above the knee, down to my toes... so I know how it feels. WTG KARMA!

    Gary is a bull-headed fool, who deserves to get sick, eating rotten meat, etc.

    Most of the others were ok. Good luck all the rest, but Matt Wright will definitely make his own luck (if that's possible) and success in his life - all the best, dude!

  4. R

    RedRocket

    Please dig a pig hole with bamboo spikes

  5. P

    PurpleCorn

    They need to go back to old format. Now their all just acting for the cameraman

  6. G

    GoldTeepee

    microphone

  7. G

    GreenRocket

    Human beings are born completely naked

    If you can't look at a naked person don't watch the show

  8. P

    PurpleChilli

    Why would you invite someone as vindictive, mean, and a hateful liar like Lacey to return so many times? She's obviously there just to start drama, and not to survive with others!