Notable Atlantans on ‘Survivor’ over 15 years

The show that turned phrases like tribal council, immunity idol and blindside into common “Survivor” terminology enters its 30th season and 15th year on Wednesday. Ratings are a third of what they were at its peak in 2001, but in this day of splintered viewership, “Survivor” is still viable.

Of more than 440 contestants over the years, only a handful hail from metro Atlanta. Here’s a ranking of the five most notable:

5. John Rocker, season 29 (“Survivor: San Juan del Sur”), 16th place

In 1999, the former Atlanta Braves reliever was subsumed in a maelstrom of controversy over racist and insensitive comments in a Sports Illustrated story. That story continues to haunt him. He tried to stay incognito, but some contestants recognized him and put it against him. Natalie Anderson, who would eventually win, verbally insulted him to the point he became angry. That sealed the deal. His tribe voted him out at the next tribal council.

4. Malcolm Freberg, season 25, fourth place (“Survivor: Philippines”); season 26, ninth place (“Survivor: Caramoan”)

On paper, the Walton High School graduate had all the goods to win: charm, model-esque looks, smart game play. But he was also a blatant threat. He just missed the finals in the Philippines after losing an immunity challenge that required steady hands. He took all of two weeks off, then competed the next season. He scrambled for immunity idols but landed in a minority alliance and lost. He did win the "Fan Favorite" award once the season ended. In a recent cbs.com poll of sexiest male contestants, he came in first.

3. Teresa “T Bird” Cooper, season three (“Survivor: Africa”), fifth place

The likable Delta Air Lines flight attendant from Jackson was a colorful personality, a competitive runner who admitted on the show to being part of the Mile High Club. She was in the minority tribe at the merge and was the last one standing from her group. Her efforts to shift the dynamics failed. Ethan Zohn ultimately won.

2. Paschal English, season four (“Survivor: Marquesas”), fourth place

A retired Fayette County Superior Court judge from Thomaston, he was well respected and well liked by virtually everybody who played with him to the point he even received a cute nickname, “Pappy.” His constant companion was a 21-year-old Mormon and eventual runner-up Neleh Dennis. He never had a vote against him, but because of arcane rules during tribal council, he picked a random purple rock and was eliminated by chance.

1. Parvati Shallow, season 13, sixth place (“Survivor: Cook Islands”); season 16, winner (“Survivor: Micronesia”); season 20, runner-up (“Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains”)

The Sprayberry High School and University of Georgia grad showed savvy smarts, survival skills and a sexy air she used on guys when she needed to. She played the game three times and won $1 million on her second try. All the women on the jury that season voted for her. "I think those girls appreciated that I played a very aggressive game and I didn't make any apologies for the moves I made," she said at the time. She spent 114 total days in competition, second only behind "Boston Rob" Mariano, who is the sole four-time participant. Among female contestants in a recent online poll, she was voted second hottest.