Naked and Afraid season 15 aired in early 2023, but it’s fun to think back on favorite cast members of a great reality TV show from the past. The high-concept competition pairs two survivalists to see how long they can live in the wilderness with their wits and wiles. Despite accusations that Naked and Afraid is fake, it’s still highly entertaining. Of course, since the show’s inception in 2013, some contestants have developed a much larger fan base than others on one of the best survival shows.
While the fan favorites on Naked and Afraid are the ones who perform well and rack up the biggest Primitivity Survival Ratings (PSR), others have remained entrenched in the hearts of fans due to their eccentric personality, bizarre tactics, sense of humor, and overall likability. Even though Naked and Afraid can be cringey, these contestants were more entertaining than annoying. With the newest season months behind, it’s a great time to catch up with the best and brightestNaked and Afraid contestants.
EJ “Skullcrusher” Snyder
Naked and Afraid 2013-2021
One of the biggest mainstays on the popular reality show since day one, EJ “Skullcrusher” Snyder, continues to be the most impressive survivalist on the show. While he officially ended his Naked and Afraid run in 2020 and its spin-off Naked and Afraid XL in 2021, Snyder has upped the difficulty level by joining a new spinoff, Naked and Afraid: Alone (per ejsnyder.com).
Skullcrusher has become a fan favorite on the show due to his extensive survival experience, tactical knowledge, and ability to thrive in extreme wilderness conditions. His expertise in primitive survival techniques, along with his charismatic personality, has made him a memorable figure in the world of survival television. Beyond his appearances on Naked and Afraid, Snyder is also a retired Army combat veteran, motivational speaker, and survival instructor. He has shared his expertise online.
Nowadays, Skullcrusher is in partnership with Stroup Knives, a brand he helps promote on his Instagram page, which just topped 100k followers. Whether posting Super Bowl BBQ videos or giving survival advice, Skullcrusher remains committed to the outdoors and continues to tour the country to meet fans at conventions.
Laura Zerra
Naked and Afraid 2013-2019
Thanks to her radiant personality, cool attitude, and superb 9.1 PSR score (equal to Skullcrusher), Laura Zerra instantly became a fan favorite. She’s appeared in three iterations of the show, including the original, XL, and Savage. Since ending her competitive run in 2019, Laura has become a famous social media influencer specializing in survivalism. With 168k followers on Instagram, Laura continues to educate and encourage fans to embrace their outdoor experience.
Following her success on Naked and Afraid, Laura continued to pursue her passion for adventure and survival. She has appeared on several other television programs, including Naked and Afraid XL and Dual Survival. Laura has also authored books on survival and wilderness living, sharing her expertise and experiences with a broader audience.
Beyond her reality TV and writing endeavors, Laura is an advocate for environmental conservation and sustainable living practices. She continues to inspire others to embrace the outdoors and learn survival skills. According to an interview with Free Range Magazine, Laura currently resides in South Dakota, where she lives a simple life off the grid with no real idea of what’s next. She recently wrote a guidebook entitled A Modern Guide to Knifemaking, and, perhaps most excitingly, Laura hosts Decivilized, a survival web series for Carbon Media TV.
Shane Lewis
Naked and Afraid 2013-2018
With roughly 30 Naked and Afraid episodes under his belt (or lack thereof), Shane Lewis earned fan favor for his gruff demeanor and no-nonsense attitude, much of which stemmed from his rough upbringing in foster care. However, Shane’s skills earned him a sterling 8.4 PSR, which only endeared him to fans even more. Shane has a background in outdoor activities and survival training, which prepared him for the challenges presented on the show. He has extensive experience in wilderness survival techniques, bushcraft, and primitive living skills.
Lewis first appeared in season 1, where he was partnered with fellow survivalist Kim Shelton as they attempted to survive in a remote location without food, water, or clothing for 21 days. Despite facing various obstacles and hardships, Shane and Kim demonstrated resourcefulness and determination throughout their journey. In the middle of his Naked and Afraid run from 2013 to 2018, Shane transitioned to acting, appearing in the film Exigence and TV series Pivot Point. After his TV run, Shane starred in the 2020 film Look Into Darkness.
Matt Wright
Naked and Afraid 2016-2021
Few Naked and Afraid personalities stand out like Matt Wright. Known for his rugged demeanor and impressive survival skills, Wright has become a fan favorite among viewers of the show. From his initial appearance on the show to his subsequent challenges and triumphs, Matt provided constant entertainment during his impressive five-year run on the show.
From 2016 to 2021, fan-favorite Matt Wright made roughly 50 appearances in four different iterations of the long-running reality television series. He earned an excellent 8.7 PSR. He even participated in the Shark Week special tie-in and became the first contestant to take down a wild animal with his knife.
Since ending his time on the show, Matt has continued to work as a professional custom knifemaker. He owns and operates the website extremeinstinct.com, which offers merchandise, survival classes, Florida fishing trips, and more. When he isn’t promoting his brand, he spends time with his wife, Brooke Wright, a fellow Naked and Afraid contestant.
Jake Nodar
Naked and Afraid 2016-2022
One of the most eccentric personalities on Naked and Afraid, Jake Nodar remains a fan favorite. Charismatic horse trainer and outdoorsman, Jake, appeared in four seasons of the show, totaling 38 episodes. Throughout his stint on the show, Jake accumulated a fan following, rocketing his social media presence. Jake’s Instagram, as of 2024, boasts 475k followers. Fans of the show eagerly track his whereabouts to stay updated with Jake’s newest quirky venture. For fans interested in reliving his past episodes, Jake’s podcast, Jaked and Afraid, features Jake, as well as other popular alum, recapping their episodes.
This Maryland native, with a PSO of 8.0, won over the hearts of audiences during all four seasons of the show. Notably, the kind-hearted competitor showed his empathetic nature when his partner, Melissa Miller got disoriented and lost in the jungle. While Jake had ventured off in search of food for the woman, she wandered off and got lost. Jake can be seen saying, “I want her to be okay, I really care about her a lot.”
Amber Hargrove
Naked and Afraid 2013-2017
Amber Hargrove earned her place as a memorable and respected figure in the Naked and Afraid world. With her impressive survival skills and engaging personality, Amber captivated audiences. Facing extreme challenges such as harsh environments, lack of food and water, and encounters with dangerous wildlife, she became one of the best cast members of the show.
As one of the most challenging and most impressive contestants of all time, Amber appeared on four seasons of
Naked and Afraid
, winning legions of adoring fans for her excellent fishing and knifemaking skills.
As one of the most challenging and most impressive contestants of all time, Amber appeared on four seasons of Naked and Afraid, winning legions of adoring fans for her excellent fishing and knifemaking skills. She used years of experience as a military instructor to leave her competition in the dust. In addition to selling custom-made knives, Amber is poised to star in her reality survival series titled, Forging Across America. The rugged survivalist resides in Colorado with her husband, Peter Kohler, and their children, Leila and Easton.
Ryan Holt
Naked and Afraid 2015-2021
Marine Corps veteran, Ryan Holt, served for eight years before his five seasons on Naked and Afraid. His involvement in the competition, which spanned over 100 days, established Ryan as one of the hardiest men to be featured on the show. After his stint, he would continue his challenging expeditions, with journeys on the Appalachian Trail and hundred-mile snowshoe hikes. His conviction in the healing power of nature led Ryan to establish a nature reserve in Maine. The “Human Nature Hostel” offers a beautiful retreat aimed at the reconnection of humans with the environment.
With the mantra of “thrive,” Ryan proved to audience members that he was more than capable of taking on the show’s challenges. Ryan successfully hunted snakes, catfish, alligators, and a six-foot monitor lizard. Testing the show’s creditability, he even claimed that the show only showed a portion of his hunting and foraging successes to make the challenge not look too easy. After surviving the treacherous environment, Ryan said he would undoubtedly do it all over again.
Steven Lee Hall Jr.
Naked and Afraid 2013-2022
Steven Lee Hall Jr. was invited to appear on over 30 episodes of the guilty-pleasure reality show thanks to his incredible ability to conjure fire with friction and build a shelter. Throughout his time on Naked and Afraid, Steven demonstrated an impressive ability to navigate challenging environments, from dense jungles to barren deserts. His resourcefulness and ingenuity in sourcing food, water, and shelter are impressive.
The man of faith has been on a personal improvement journey. A true survivalist, he carried favor from fans thanks to his calm personality under pressure and awesome 8.6 PSR. After making his final appearance on the show in 2022, Steven continues to reflect on his experiences and host Q&As. For fans hoping to catch up with Steven’s whereabouts after the show, his Instagram page regularly posts life updates.
Max Djenohan
Naked and Afraid 2018-2022
Max Djenohan proved his invaluable talents throughout his time on the Survivalist series. Appearing in Naked and Afraid, and its spin-offs: Naked and Afraid: Alone and Naked and Afraid XL, Max was one of the few competitors to return for several seasons. Surviving a total of 156 days across five countries, in six of the show’s challenges, Max was undeniably one of the best contestants in the show’s long-running history.
Max’s outdoorsman passions began early in life, with Max’s website crediting hikes with his mother, at just eight years old, igniting his love for the outdoors. By the age of 28, the show had reached out to Max to offer a position as a competitor. Max was eager to accept the challenge. Fortunately, fans can rest assured through updates on Max’s Instagram, that she survivalist continues to pursue meaningful ventures. According to his website, the Seattle native continues to work with “The Service Board,” a non-profit “promoting social justice, equity and opportunities for BIPOC youth to gain access to the outdoors.”
Alison Teal
Naked and Afraid 2013
Hawaiian native Alison Teal instantly won fans’ hearts by appearing on Naked and Afraid, leaving the competition in the dust with her stellar 8.3 PSR, the highest total of the 2013-14 season. Funny, brave, talented, and wildly adventurous, few contestants were as easy to root for as Alison. It’s unfortunate that she only starred in one season.
Funny, brave, talented, and wildly adventurous, few contestants were as easy to root for as Alison.
Nowadays, Alison has parlayed her survival experience and magnetic persona to become a successful author, filmmaker, TED speaker, and massive social media influencer. With 2.2 million TikTok followers to go with roughly 108K Instagram followers, Teal made an autobiographical documentary short film and wrote the book Alison’s Adventures: Your Passport to the World , published in 2020. She continues to share her experience with the show across her social media platforms.
Bulent Gurcan
Naked and Afraid 2019-2024
Naked and Afraid veteran, Bulent Gurcan appeared in both Naked and Afraid: Xl and Naked and Afraid: Castaways, demonstrating his survivalist prowess and likeability among fans. To further prove his determination, this army veteran would take part in Naked and Afraid: Last One Standing, but was ultimately eliminated in episode four of season two. Despite his conclusive elimination, Bulent is still credited as one of the strongest competitors in the show’s history.
This fateful episode would prove Bulent’s breaking point, with the survivalist succumbing to intense dehydration. Following a five-mile treacherous hike, the group was challenged to create a four-pronged spear to catch catfish. In three-digit temperatures, with a shortage of water, Bulent reported feeling dizzy and had lost his vision. When medics arrived, and pronounced that he was at risk of kidney and organ failure, Bulent was eliminated, ending his impressive run on the show.
Luke McLaughlin
Naked and Afraid 2014-2020
From 2014 to 2020, eccentric survival master Luke McLaughlin continued showing off his instinctual prowess, racking up an awesome 8.3 PSR during his time on Naked and Afraid and Naked and Afraid XL. What sets Luke apart is not his survival skills but his authenticity and relatable personality. He brought a down-to-earth approach to the show, which made him much more entertaining to watch. Luke’s holistic approach to survival was appreciated, which he’s continued to promote since ending his TV run.
Preaching what he practices, Luke continues to operate the Holistic Survival School that he founded near Grand Rapids, Michigan, and has since relocated to Earthaven Ecovillage in North Carolina. He teaches about holistic survival strategies, which claim to foster a deep connection with nature by teaching Earth-based skills and ancestral knowledge. Through the teachings, Luke aims to reconnect individuals with themselves, their communities, and the natural world.
Jeff Zausch
Naked and Afraid 2014-2023
Jeff Zausch, an Idaho native, is a renowned survivalist with seven appearances on Naked and Afraid, showcasing his aggressive and unyielding approach to survival. Besides, he has been featured on Peacock’s Snake in the Grass and hosted Dual Survival on Discovery. Jeff isn’t shy about embracing the role of the antagonist, notably in Naked and Afraid: Last One Standing.
Despite not winning the top prize, he remains undeterred, determined to return for another chance at victory. While it’s unclear when he will return to Naked and Afraid next, he’s likely not retired. In the interim, the popular antagonist shares his global adventures on Instagram. Jeff has recently traveled to Cape Town, South Africa, Iceland, Greenland, and even Mount Everest. He has not let his elimination hinder his passion for the outdoors and continues to inspire his fans to push their limits.
Waz Addy
Naked and Afraid 2013-2023
Waz Addy has appeared on multiple iterations of Naked and Afraid, including the original series, Naked and Afraid XL, and Last One Standing, where he last appeared in 2023. Born in Sydney, Australia, Waz is recognized for his military and professional rugby careers. On the show, Waz has demonstrated his survival skills and endurance in challenging wilderness environments, leading to his popularity. He’s likely to appear in upcoming iterations of the popular show and its spin-offs.
Waz was previously married to Jordana Addy, with whom he shares two daughters, Baylee Grace Addy and Tayla Mae Addy. Currently, he is in a relationship with Laura Klug, his fiancé. While he’s enjoying domestic life between seasons, Waz is a formidable competitor. One of his most iconic moments on the show is when he caught a twelve-foot, 80-pound anaconda. It was an impressive feat.
Wes Harper
Naked and Afraid 2019-2023
Wes Harper’s passion for the outdoors started early, with his family moving to Northern Virginia. Here, Wes learned to fish, hunt, and camp, prompting his adoration for survival and wilderness exploration. Seen in 31 episodes of Naked and Afraid, Wes proves that lifestyle changes can come at any point in one’s life. While his primary work for much of his life was his IT company, LightWire, around 30 years old, Wes decided to take up running. Participating in marathons and the Raleigh Half Ironman, Wes was looking for the next best thing. This would be the catalyst for his involvement in the show.
Wes’ lengthy stint on the show was cut short by several factors. During season 6 of Naked and Afraid XL, Wes was dropped from the challenge due to a medical complication. In Africa, Wes had gotten incredibly sick and struggled with a bowel obstruction that would lead to his eventual elimination. Wes didn’t let his survivalist streak end there. He would return for season 12, which unfortunately came to a close due to COVID-19.
Sarah Bartell
Naked and Afraid 2020-2023
Sarah Bartell is a renowned taxidermist and animal advocate who has starred in multiple iterations of Naked and Afraid. While she was born in Portland, Oregon, she was brought up in Jakarta, Indonesia. In addition to competing in Naked and Afraid, she also produced the series Wildheart Homestead. She is a huge animal lover and raises various animals, including hens, wolf dogs, sheep, and cats. Sarah is remembered for her empathetic nature, strong will, and determination during her stint on the show.
An iconic moment for Sara during season 10 was when she embarked on a survival challenge in the Ecuadorian rainforest alongside fellow survivor David Shirley. Her resilience and understanding of nature were evident as she navigated the demanding environment with determination. She also appeared in Naked and Afraid XL: Frozen, further exemplifying her survival skills.
Gary Golding
Naked and Afraid 2018-2023
Gary Golding calls himself the “Tarzan of Los Angeles,” and pushes the limits even by Naked and Afraid standards, advocating for minimal consumption. On the show, he scavenges and consumes unconventional items like rotting meat. He appeared on Last One Standing in 2023 and leads kayaking and snorkeling trips in LA when not on TV. He might return for another season of Last One Standing.
In addition to his reputation as a survivalist, Gary has a background that includes experience as a firefighter and EMT. This background in emergency response and survival likely contributes to his expertise in navigating challenging situations both on and off-screen. Despite facing controversy for his actions, such as grilling a dead baby dolphin, Gary remains a prominent figure in the survivalist community.
Honora Bowen
Naked and Afraid 2015
Honora Bowen may not be a fan favorite, but she is a favorite to hate and certainly left a lasting impression. Her appearance on the show will always be remembered for her lack of sportsmanship. Making her debut in 2015, Honora’s appearances were tumultuous, marked by clashes with her partner and eventually abandoning the challenge before requiring medical evacuation, labeling her foray into Naked and Afraid a failure.
Seeking redemption, Honora returned for Naked and Afraid XL, aiming for a 40-day challenge. However, her time on the show was marred by continued conflicts with fellow survivalists. Resorting to sabotage, she threw their tools into the fire and woods before exiting the show. In a controversial move, Honora later labeled Naked and Afraid as an “experiment“ on her website. While she hasn’t appeared in years, she is a favorite to hate from the hit franchise.
Naked and Afraid
is available to stream on Discovery+.
Sources: ejsnyder.com, Skullcrusher/Instagram, Laura Zerra/Instagram, Free Range Magazine, Alison Teal/TikTok, Alison Teal/Instagram, extremeinstinct.com, Jeff Zausch/Instagram, Steven Lee Hall/Instagram, Bulent Gurcan/Instagram, www.maxdjenohan.com, Max Djenohan/Instagram
