By Sophie Shatzky, Arts and Community Editor
• October 6, 2025
Over the past seven years, Boston University sophomore Emmett Whitaker has casted, funded, produced and edited five seasons of “Survivor Palisades” — a fan-made version of the competition reality television series “Survivor.” After disaster struck his community, the footage was all that remained.
Earlier this year, a highly destructive series of wildfires swept California, primarily affecting the Pacific Palisades. Whitaker, a Palisades native, was editing his fifth and final season of “Survivor Palisades” when the fires destroyed his home.
The people that reality competition shows attract vary from cliché stereotypes — like the villain or the underdog — to some of the most fascinating and unique individuals. After sifting through multiple seasons across the gambit of competition shows, I can only imagine how constant scheming and acting like a caricature of oneself shifts one’s views on work, relationships and life.
BU students have created their own version of the show Survivor. Season two is being filmed and season one is expected to be released by the end of the semester.
Content Warning. This episode contains mention of sexual assault.
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