Wanted: Contestants for 'Survivor 9'

[Brian]

All you would-be Ruperts and Johnny Fairplays out there, now's your chance to become one of the next group of 16 "Survivors."
CBS has started taking applications for the ninth edition of the million-dollar game, which will air in fall 2004. Its location hasn't been announced yet.

Anyone who wants to be part of the game must also submit a three-minute videotape explaining why he or she would make a good contestant. CBS will also hold open casting calls at some of its affiliates; details will be announced later.


Applications and more information are available online at CBS.com. The deadline for submissions is Jan. 27.
It's no surprise that CBS is continuing "Survivor" into its fifth TV season. The show helped touch off the reality-TV boom when it debuted in summer 2000 and consistently finishes in the Nielsen Top 10.

The current edition of the game, "Survivor: Pearl Islands," brings in about 20 million viewers a week. CBS will begin an all-star version of the game, featuring players from past shows, in February.