Alone

The History Channel series *Alone* drops ten contestants into a remote wilderness environment, where they must survive entirely by themselves for as long as possible. There are no camera crews; the participants are required to self-document their daily survival efforts. The last person remaining wins a $500,000 cash prize.

Contestants are given a long list of approved gear from which they can select exactly 10 items to bring into the wilderness, along with basic clothing and a first aid kit. They are also provided with a satellite phone, a GPS tracker, and a specific ration of camera equipment. Prohibited items include modern firearms, tents, and water filters.

Over its many seasons, *Alone* has placed survivalists in incredibly harsh environments like Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Patagonia, Mongolia, and the Great Slave Lake in Canada. These locations are chosen for their extreme weather, dangerous wildlife, and isolation. The terrain is often as much of an antagonist as the psychological toll.

If a contestant can no longer physically or mentally handle the isolation, or if they suffer a medical emergency, they must 'tap out.' To do this, they use their satellite phone to call the extraction team. If a contestant misses a scheduled daily check-in, the medical team is immediately dispatched to ensure their safety.