Survivor Shines On
Fans of CBS’s “Survivor” series can bring a piece of that reality series to their backyards next year when torches just like the ones on the show go on sale.
Facsimiles of the torches seen in the show’s climactic council segments will hit mass retail outlets next January, marking the first time the network has gone retail. “We’re looking to build out ‘Survivor’ in products that are true to the show,” says J.J. Ahearn, CBS director of licensing. “Torches made a lot of sense.”
“Survivor” items are currently available on CBS.com and range in price from $20 branded hats to engraved iPods that go for $219 or $599, depending on the unit’s memory. Products created around the reality series rank among the top sellers for the network, according to Ahearn.
Torches from the set were used to create a mock-up display at retail. And the citronella-fueled duplicates won’t come cheap. “It’s going to be more of a premium torch than many of those in the marketplace. It’s a high-quality torch,” says Ahearn, who says price will vary by retailer.
The series, now in its eighth season, has very loyal fans who are always looking for some new branded gewgaw, according to Ahearn.
Meanwhile, CBS auctioned off a handmade EvolutionSurf surfboard in May. Signed by the cast of “Survivor: Micronesia,” it went for $1,700. CBS plans to make similar online auctions an annual event.
