You, Too, Can Survive

By Stephen M. Silverman

05/19/1998 at 12:00 AM EDT

The cross-country search has begun: Producers of CBS's "Survivor" have officially begun looking for participants for the hit reality show's third installment, the location of which has yet to be disclosed. Would-be rat eaters hoping to win $1 million may apply through the CBS Web site. And talk about how familiarity leads to attempt: About 6,000 people reportedly applied for the first installment of the show, which was broadcast last summer. For the second edition, the current "Survivor: The Australian Outback," the number of applicants zoomed to 49,000, clearly in reaction to the realization that the show could serve as a springboard to other careers. CBS spokesman Chris Ender told Reuters that the network will accept applications for the show through April 13 and then whittle the list down to 800 people who will be invited to come in for auditions -- at their own expense. Those who apply m ust be in good physical health, be U.S. citizens and not be political candidates. (Being a vegetarian is also not a good idea.) At least 16 finalists will be chosen for the filming of the third show this summer.