Ep 1. Not a Drop to Drink

The highly anticipated fifth season of Naked and Afraid XL premieres with an episode titled "Not a Drop to Drink." In this episode, 12 former survivalists who were unable to complete their challenging 40-day journey in past seasons, return to the South African savannah for another chance at redemption.

The stakes are higher this time around as the already harsh conditions are compounded by an extreme drought, leaving the survivalists without a reliable source of water. Without any access to potable water, the stakes are raised as all the survivalists will have to push their boundaries to survive, rationing the very limited supplies available.

As the survivalists reunite, they express their hopes and apprehensions for this season's challenge. Some former partners are reunited, while others are paired with new teammates. As they embark on their journey, each survivalist is allowed to bring two essential items of their choice and a machete, while they all have to do without shoes again, as they did in their initial seasons.

The first obstacle that the group faces is to find a source of water. They split into three teams and head out in different directions to search for water holes, streams, and any sign of precipitation. One team discovers a small stream, only to find out that it is full of crocodiles. Another team comes across a dried out river bed with no indication of rain. The third team climbs to a higher altitude, to see if there are any signs of water, only to find a dry landscape stretching out as far as the eye can see.

Despite the lack of water, the survivalists press on, setting up temporary camps and learning to adapt to their surroundings. They start building shelters from the natural available materials, and began foraging for food. They collect palm nuts, ants, and other bugs, but hunger soon sets in as these are not enough.

As they start to get weaker from dehydration and hunger, tempers flare, and disagreements arise. Some survivalists argue about the best way to approach the situation to solve the problem, while others keep quiet, knowing the importance of conserving energy during this crucial period.

As the situation worsens, the survivalists realize the necessity of coming together to survive. They pool their limited resources, share their knowledge and experiences, and focus on finding more water sources. They use their machetes to dig and create traps, hoping to catch some of the elusive wildlife that roams the savannah.

The episode is packed with moments of triumph and struggle for the survivalists. They work hard to find sustainable sources of food and water while wrestling with their personal demons and confrontations with nature. At the same time, the scenery is stunning, with sweeping views of the African landscape and incredible close-ups of the diverse wildlife that share the survivalist's habitat.

Overall, the season five premiere of Naked and Afraid XL, titled "Not a Drop to Drink," sets the stage for a thrilling season of high stakes adventuring, with a cast of former survivalists who are more determined than ever to conquer their demons and emerge victorious.