Fans lined up for hours at the Creole Queen riverboat after a social media clue led to New Orleans’ hidden “Survivor” immunity idol.
Hundreds of “Survivor” fans lined up near the Creole Queen on Sunday in search of New Orleans’ hidden immunity idol.
The excitement surrounds the milestone season, titled “Survivor 50: In the Hands of the Fans.” Host and executive producer Jeff Probst launched a nationwide scavenger hunt on Jan. 30, giving thousands of viewers a chance to find hidden idols in their state for a chance to attend the taping of the finale in Los Angeles.
“‘Survivor’ has always been about testing yourself – solving problems, facing the unknown and finding out what you’re made of,” Probst said in a news release. “For 25 years, fans have watched players take that journey. Now, with the Survivor 50 Challenge, we’re letting fans try it for themselves.”
The scavenger hunt’s Instagram account posted a clue for the Louisiana totem on Saturday night. Seasoned viewers quickly solved the riddle and identified the hiding spot as the Creole Queen along the Riverwalk. The location reveal comes just days before the Season 50 premiere, which Probst described as a fan-focused installment.
The boat opened to hundreds of fans at 4 p.m. Sunday, but many viewers began lining up much earlier that morning. Some told WWL they had waited more than eight hours in line for a chance to claim the idol.
“For me, it’s the chance for those people that don’t get the chance to play the game to actually do something and feel like they’re part of the show,” said fan Ricky Poche.
Those who boarded the famed paddlewheeler were greeted with not only the iconic totem, but also a themed display featuring a Creole Queen life raft and a green-lit decorative campfire. Hundreds took photos with the idol until the event ended at 8 p.m.
Season 50 premieres Wednesday, Feb. 25, at 7 p.m. CT on CBS and streams on Paramount+.
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