Survivor Nicaragua Update

Adapted from TV Squad

This fall, a new set of masochists will descend upon the jungle to compete on the 21st season of CBS's 'Survivor.' This year, however, it won't just be a match of wits that will weed them out. CBS announced Wednesday that the show will divide the contestants by age, creating one tribe of competitors over age 40, and another tribe of those under age 30 for a face-off called 'Young vs. Old.'

"The Espada Tribe, made up of individuals over the age of 40, must prove they have the life experience and knowledge that will ultimately help them outwit and outlast their younger competitors," the network said in a statement. "The La Flor Tribe, consisting of individuals 30 years of age and younger, will have to use their youth and vitality to outplay and ultimately outlast their elders."

'Survivor: Nicaragua' won't be first the time that the series has split its cast along age lines. In season 12, 'Survivor: Panama' divided its cast into four tribes, but split them by both gender and age.





While the sheer physical demands of 'Survivor' would suggest that the young'uns will easily best their elders, some of the old-timers in Nicaragua might just have a fighting chance - and they can look to previous seasons for inspiration. In season 10, it was then-40-year-old Tom Westman who took home the top honor, beating out his nubile jungle-mates on 'Survivor: Palau.' It looks like Nicaragua will feature some similarly tough cast members who were born long before 1980.

The cast of 'Survivor: Nicaragua' has yet to be officially announced, but casting newly leaked casting rumors include hearty elders such as former NFL coach Jimmy Johnson, 67, who was previously suggested to be joining the show, former Massachusetts fisherman Jimmy Tarantino, 48, amateur cycling champ Dr. Jillian Halmi Behm, 43, and former army nurse Wendy Jo Kohlhoff, 48. Other potential members of the Espada tribe include Brooklynite Dan Lembo, 63, rancher and pageant director Holly Hoffman, 44, and dog breeder Jane Bright, 56.

As for the rumored under-30 crew? So far, Team La Flor is all pecs and bikinis, and include model-actor-drummer Jud Birza, 21, ex-cheerleader and paddle board enthusiast Brenda Lowe, 27, hunky club promoter Ben Henry, 24, swimsuit model Alina Wilson, 23, and track athlete Ma Onka Mixon, 27. Of course, there are also a few serious athletes rumored to be in the younger tribe, too, including ex-NCAA linebacker Chase Rice, 24, and marathoner/real estate broker Matt Lenahan, 30, among others. Still, with a potential elder cast this rugged, the nubile flowers better watch their over-tanned, wrinkle-free backs if they want a shot at winning season 21.

'Survivor: Nicaragua' premieres Sept. 15 on CBS (8 pm/ET).