Surviving Paradise is a new Netflix reality TV series, and there's curiosity surrounding what the unique cast is up to after the show.
Surviving Paradise is a new Netflix show that premiered October 20, and there's curiosity about where to find the cast on social media and what they're up to today. Combining elements of Too Hot To Handle, The Circle, and Survivor, Surviving Paradise forced competitors to vote each other in and out of a villa and the surrounding wilderness in the hopes of winning a $200,000 prize. The catch? Contestants had to be in the villa to win.
While not one of the best reality TV shows, Surviving Paradise was a moderately entertaining binge-watch. Engaging characters such as Lellies Santiago and Tabitha Sloane propelled the game forward, whereas other cast members faded into the background. Linda Okoli was voted the winner but chose to split the prize with bestie Lellies. Where are the Surviving Paradise season 1 contestants today?
Justin Assada
Justin was part of the original TAJ alliance but officially left Tabitha out to dry after Alex revealed they said down at camp they would be okay with eliminating him. While there was some speculation Justin and Sarah Kate might get together after the show, this wasn't the case. The "rugged Ken" can be found on Instagram @justinassada, and while it's been rumored he will star in Perfect Match season 2, this hasn't been confirmed.
Aaron Chambers
Aaron was part of the ill-fated TAJ crew until he and Justin realized Tabitha was never going to fight for them. Though he posts infrequently, Aaron can be found at @itsaaronblake on Instagram. While it's unclear precisely what he's up to today, as he posts infrequently, he seems to have been signed to a modeling agency. Before going on the show, he was a Microsoft Associate Consultant who graduated with honors from his university alongside his sister, Amber. He may still be working his traditional job as his modeling career takes off, but it's not clear.
Copan Combs
Copan graced screens as a man too good for this world from a tiny town in Oklahoma. After Tabitha conversed with him for all of five minutes, he became the only contestant genuinely loyal to them until the end. Siding with Tabitha was his downfall, as it caused him to be voted back to camp and ultimately eliminated due to not siding with the rest of the crew. Today, Copan posts hilarious videos on his Instagram, @copanjoe, where he now dons an intense mullet and talks regularly about sports. Copan seems more interested in living life and making people laugh than becoming an influencer, but he has garnered over 2,000 followers.
Gabriel Dannenbring
As the last contestant to join the competition, Gabe did surprisingly well. The conniving runner was the cast member who got controversial competitor Tabitha eliminated, who wasn't impressed by his assertations of helping kids and buying a luxury car with the money. Gabe can be found on Instagram at @gabedannenbring, where he reposts his adventures as a teacher. He appears to be still teaching and has also reached influencer status, with over 279,000 followers on Instagram and 1.6 million on TikTok.
Eva Desjardins
Eva was a late addition to Surviving Paradise, whom the women felt immediately threatened by. However, she proved to be well-liked by everyone in the villa and at camp. Today, Eva can be found on Instagram @littlemissevaa, where she posts modeling photos and her photography. Like many cast members of reality TV shows, she is a model and influencer,
Alex Dourassof
Alex was the sometimes villain masking as an angel on Surviving Paradise. As the crew's only gay man, he played up his relationships with the women but noted his discomfort with forming friendships with straight men. He seemingly got close to winning until Justin and Aaron turned their backs and sent him back to camp. The self-proclaimed French boy in Miami can be found @adourassof on Instagram, where he posts modeling and acting shots. With just over 6,000 followers, he has yet to reach influencer status but has potential after the show.
Shea Foster
Shea caught viewers' attention when there were rumors Taylor and Shea were together after Surviving Paradise. Unfortunately, the pair don't seem to be together anymore after Shea scorned Taylor for not offering to go down to camp in the finale episodes. Taylor was eliminated, and Shea made it to the final four. The private jet broker doesn't seem to be in a relationship, but he's enjoying his life post-show. He can be found on Instagram @shea_foster.
Linda Okoli
As the winner of Surviving Paradise, Linda played the game right. She was consistently honest, kind, and forthright, and knew what alliances were worth it and when to keep her mouth shut. By tying herself to Lellies, she won the game. Perhaps this is why she chose to split the prize with her. Today, Linda is modeling, showing off her fitness journey, and working as a radio personality. Clearly, the $100,000 isn't stopping her from continuing to elevate her career. She can be found on Instagram @lifeonloc.
Taylor Olympios
Taylor was best known on Surviving Paradise for being Shea's love interest, but outside the villa, she's a bona fide influencer. The model appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated and also partnered with vintage brands. If her last name sounds familiar, it's because her sister is House of Villains and The Bachelor star Corinne Olympios. Her modeling and lifestyle career can be followed at @taylorolympios.
Kelso Pierce
Kelso was a late addition to the cast, having been added alongside Eva. The military man from the south seemed like he could shake things up, but he didn't make a dent. While Kelso isn't super active on social media, he claims to be a fitness enthusiast, outdoorsman, and entrepreneur. He can be found on Instagram @kelsopierce.
Sarah Kate Reynolds
Sarah Kate was a beautiful Barbie doll with a kind heart who didn't stand a chance in the game. However, she's winning at life after Surviving Paradise. She is an influencer with over 38,000 followers @sarahkatereynolds, and even has her own swimwear line. Additionally, she just got engaged to NIL and NBA Marketing Agent Landon Goesling in August.
Lellies Santiago
Lellies was a fierce player throughout the game and made just as many enemies as she did friends. The smartest thing the New Jersey native did was form a friendship with winner Linda, whose heart was big enough to share the $200,000 prize with Lellies rather than take home $250,000 for herself. Lellies can be found on Instagram @lelliessantiago, where she has become a budding influencer with over 100,000 followers. She started her own fashion brand, Bad B*ches Don't Crease.
Tabitha Sloane
Tabitha was a highly controversial figure in Surviving Paradise, and their conniving ways were their downfall. While TAJ was a solid alliance from the start, Tabitha's gameplay was too obvious to the other players. At one point, Tabitha seemed to have more allies than Lellies, but no one trusted them. Tabitha can be found on Instagram @tabitha.slone, where they promote their advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights. They are a black-biracial and non-binary model who has been dating Kyra Beck for over a year.
Hayley Smith-Rose
Hayley was a ray of sunshine who wasn't afraid to be honest on Surviving Paradise. While she never really stood out as a potential winner, she stayed decently long in the house. After the show, Hayley returned to Maine, where she is a DJ on Hot Radio Maine and co-hosts a nostalgic comedy podcast called Fever Dream Diaries. She can be found on Instagram @radiohaylstorm and seems to have formed a close friendship with fellow cast member Aaron.
Francisco "Sisco" Williams
Sisco had his eye on Lellies on Surviving Paradise. However, after realizing she wasn't interested, he attempted to form an alliance instead, but Lellies seemed to be the only one really on Sisco's side. He was genuinely hurt by Alex's vote back to camp and was an entertaining character. Sisco can be found on Instagram @siscostory. He has garnered over 11,000 followers and lists himself as an entrepreneur living in New York City. He posts plenty of modeling shirts, mostly showing off the tattoos on his shirtless torso.
