Finnish reality formats "Saari" (The Island, Nelonen) and "Suuri seikkailu" (Extreme Escapades, MTV3) started the reality television boom in Finland in 2001. While both of these series were inspired by Expedition Robinson and Survivor franchises, it wasn't until 2013 that the official "Selviytyjät Suomi" (Survivor Finland) premiered in Finland. "Suomen Robinson" (Expedition Robinson Finland) premiered earlier, in 2004.
Markus von Reiche, who was at the time the Head of Domestic Programming at Nelonen channel, says they received 2600 applications from people who wanted to take part in the series. From this group, 240 were selected of which 180 arrived to Helsinki for additional teamwork and personality tests, held on June 20, 2001. From this group of 180 people the first group of 12 contestants were finally chosen.