New MTV reality series Stranded With A Million Dollars preview trailer, cast photos

MTV is getting in on the popular survivalist-based reality series genre with its newest offering that documents 10 young and attractive (this is MTV after all) people who are stranded on an island alone for 40 days. Drone cameras roll as the adventurers try to survive with just the clothes on their backs — oh, and one million dollars in cash.

If you’re like me, you’re probably wondering what the hell these folks are supposed to do with a bunch of cash on an uninhabited tropical island, other than use it for toilet paper. For one thing, everyone who makes it the full 40 days gets to split the loot, whether it has poop on it or not. The catch is that the cast members are given the option to spend the money on much needed supplies like mosquito nets, tents, and pizza — but they have to pay Disney World prices.

Here are some examples:

Obviously it seems ridiculous that someone would spend $5,000 for mosquito netting, but I have to confess that if I was on some tropical island and I had to choose between these green pieces of paper with numbers on them or not being bitten by mosquitoes (and whatever else) any more, it would be hard to resist making that purchase!

Here’s the full Stranded With A Million Dollars preview trailer followed by some excerpts from the MTV press release announcing the series:

The participants are free to leave the island at any point by shooting a flare gun indicating they’re ready to throw in the towel and leave their pride and accumulated cash behind. Friends and foes are forced to work together in an intense group dynamic that tests psychological limits, pushes personalities to the brink and leaves everyone wondering who, if anyone, will make it to the end in this genre-busting series that would leave Katniss Everdeen breathless and the Lord of the Flies boys running for the hills.

Adding a modern spin to the survival show construct, Stranded with a Million Dollars relies on retrofitted drone cameras and robo-cam technology for principle photography. The unique fly-on-the wall result provides a rarely seen perspective for viewers, while truly adding a layer of isolation for the survivors as they fight brutal conditions…and each other.

Here is the complete cast list with full names, ages, where they are from, and Instagram links:

Meet Alex ? (@alexapple7) | He's persuasive, fiercely competitive, and boasts about his high IQ. Does the Nashville native have what it takes? | #MTVStranded ?

A photo posted by Stranded with a Million ? (@mtvstranded) on Jan 18, 2017 at 11:04am PST

Alex Apple, 24
South Burlington, Vermont
Instagram: AlexApple7

Introducing Alonzo ? (@iamluckyvalentine) | Bauffo-based Alonzo has endured a tough past, which has made him a true survivor. Does he have the strength to bring home the cash? #MTVStranded

A photo posted by Stranded with a Million ? (@mtvstranded) on Jan 19, 2017 at 2:07pm PST

Alonzo Gordon, 23
Buffalo, New York
Instagram: iamluckyvalentine

Meet Ashley ?? (@themercinater) | Ashley is a "true country tomboy" who grew up hunting and fishing. Can she take home the ?? #MTVStranded

A photo posted by Stranded with a Million ? (@mtvstranded) on Jan 20, 2017 at 9:24am PST

Ashley Mercer, 24
Media, Pennsylvania
Instagram: themercinater

Meet Bria! ✨ (@naomibria) | Bria is determined to prove there's more to her than her good looks, but the catwalk is a long way from the jungle… ? #MTVSrtanded

A photo posted by Stranded with a Million ? (@mtvstranded) on Jan 18, 2017 at 12:50pm PST

Bria Fleming, 20
Los Angeles, California
Instagram: Naomibria

Say hi to Chris ? (@uncle_christopher69) | This construction worker isn't afraid to speak his mind or show off his athletic skills. Will his confidence be enough? #MTVStranded ?

A photo posted by Stranded with a Million ? (@mtvstranded) on Jan 20, 2017 at 9:20am PST

Christopher Lacerra, 19
Watertown, Massachusetts
Instagram: Uncle_christopher69

Meet Cody! ? (@codythrive) | Cody is a proud member of the Army National Guard, and believes himself to be an alpha male and a natural leader. Will he get along with others, or will his cockiness hurt his chances? #MTVStranded ?

A photo posted by Stranded with a Million ? (@mtvstranded) on Jan 20, 2017 at 9:09am PST

Cody Dunlap, 22
San Antonio, Texas
Instagram: CodyThrive

Meet Eilish ? (@tewsdaykate) | Eilish discovered ROTC in high school and excelled. She's also a great mother who says she's in it to win it for her family. Will that motivation make her victorious? #MTVStranded ?

A photo posted by Stranded with a Million ? (@mtvstranded) on Jan 20, 2017 at 9:14am PST

Eilish Rodriguez, 22
Bloomfield, New Mexico
Instagram: tewsdaykate

Hi, Gina! (@ginabaybay) | Gina is a party girl at heart, but this island adventure won't be your typical walk on the beach ?? #MTVStranded

A photo posted by Stranded with a Million ? (@mtvstranded) on Jan 20, 2017 at 8:26am PST

Gina Lam, 25
San Diego, California
Instagram: ginabaybay

Meet Michael ☀️ (@schuurthang) | This Eagle Scout has a clear agenda – try to recruit people to join his team. Is he a sure thing to win it all ?? #MTVStranded ?

A photo posted by Stranded with a Million ? (@mtvstranded) on Jan 20, 2017 at 9:31am PST

Michael Schuur, 18
Palo Alto, California
Instagram: Schuurthang

Say hi to Makani ? (@makanime) | Her name literally means "The Wind," and this free spirit is excited for the challenge ahead of her! #MTVStranded ?

A photo posted by Stranded with a Million ? (@mtvstranded) on Jan 19, 2017 at 8:03am PST

Natalie “Makani” Paul, 21
Venice Beach, California
Instagram: makanime

Stranded With A Million Dollars premieres Tuesday, February 21 at 10/9c on MTV.

Oh, and if you were wondering “Where was MTV’s Stranded With A Million Dollars filmed?” the answer is the Taveuni island of Fiji. Filming took place between March and May of 2016 and according to The Fiji Times, approximately 150 locals were employed during production.