WHEN THE CASTAWAYS ARRIVE IN THE UNFORGIVING WILDERNESS, THEY ARE SHOCKED TO DISCOVER THAT THE GAME HAS BEGUN BEFORE THEY EVEN STEP FOOT IN CAMP, ON THE PREMIERE OF THE 18th INSTALLMENT OF “SURVIVOR TOCANTINS — THE BRAZILIAN HIGHLANDS,” THURSDAY, FEB. 12

“Let’s Get Rid Of The Weak Players Before We Even Start” – Prior to the tribes embarking on a grueling first challenge where they have the opportunity to impress their tribemates, the castaways are faced with a surprise vote based solely on first impressions, on the premiere of the 18th installment of SURVIVOR: TOCANTINS – THE BRAZILIAN HIGHLANDS, Thursday, Feb. 12 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.

SURVIVOR: TOCANTINS will prove to be one of the most rugged locations ever visited and the only relief from these harsh conditions will be a river oasis known as the Rio Novo. Left stranded in the majestic interior of Brazil for 39 days, these castaways will battle scorching temperatures, torrential downpours, and dangerous wildlife all in an effort to outwit, outplay, and outlast one another in order to win the title of Sole Survivor.

This season, the castaways will be divided into two separate tribes from the very beginning and these diverse individuals must immediately begin their game based solely on their first impressions of each other. In advance of any formal introduction and before the castaways speak their first words to each other, one person from each tribe will be chosen to remain behind and will not continue with their group on the journey that lies ahead. Will this mean the end for these two individuals or will they get a second chance to make a first impression?

Castaways competing on SURVIVOR: TOCANTINS THE BRAZILIAN HIGHLANDS (in alphabetical order separated by tribes) are:

JALAPAO TRIBE TIMBIRA TRIBE

SANDY BURGIN TYSON APOSTOL

Age: 53 29

Hometown: Louisville, Kentucky Hometown: Lindon, Utah

Occupation: Bus Driver Occupation: Professional Cyclist

JOE DOWDLE DEBRA Debbie BEEBE

Age: 26 Age: 46

Hometown: Austin, Texas Hometown: Auburn, Alabama

Occupation: Real Estate Sales Occupation: School Principal

SPENCER DUHM ERINN LOBDELL

Age: 19 Age: 26

Hometown: Lakeland, Florida Hometown: Waukesha, Wisconsin

Occupation: Student Occupation: Hairstylist

CAROLINA EASTWOOD SIERRA REED

Age: 26 Age: 23

Hometown: West Hollywood, California Hometown: Los Angeles, California

Occupation: Bartender Occupation: Model

STEPHEN FISHBACH JERRY SIMS

Age: 29 Age: 49

Hometown: New York, NY Hometown: Rock Hill, South Carolina

Occupation: Corporate Consultant Occupation: Sgt. U.S. Army

TAJ JOHNSON-GEORGE CANDACE SMITH

Age: 37 Age: 31

Hometown: Nashville, Tennessee Hometown: Dayton, Ohio

Occupation: Former Pop Star Occupation: Attorney

JAMES JT THOMAS JR. BRENDAN SYNNOTT

Age: 24 Age: 30

Hometown: Samson, Alabama. Hometown: New York

Occupation: Cattle Rancher Occupation: Entrepreneur

SYDNEY WHEELER BENJAMIN Coach WADE

Age: 24 Age: 37

Hometown: Raleigh, North Carolina Hometown: Bolivar, Missouri

Occupation: Model Occupation: Soccer Coach

SURVIVOR: TOCANTINS THE BRAZILIAN HIGHLANDS is hosted by Emmy Award-winning host Jeff Probst and produced by SEG, Inc. Mark Burnett is executive producer and David Burris and Leisa Francis are co-executive producers.

Source: CBS Press Releases