The first season takes place in Colombia. All of twelve contestants were separated into four teams of three in the first day of the 40-day challenge.

The second season takes place in South Africa.

Nine veteran survivalists take on the Amazon Jungle and try to survive for 40 days with no food, water, or clothes. Their biggest predator is what they can’t see, as the Amazon is home to hundreds of thousands of insects and life-threatening bacteria. This location is out to get them and it’s hunting them off one by one.

Season 4 was filmed in the basin of Selati River in South Africa in October and November 2017. It first aired on April 29, 2018. The season's theme is All Stars.

On May 14, 2019, it was announced that the fifth season would premiere on June 2, 2019. This season's all-star cast faced the challenges of remote areas in the island of Palawan of the Philippines. Four teams of three arrived by boat and were dropped into the South China Sea, forcing them to swim through shark-infested waters to make camp on deserted islands. Some of the survivalists were seeking redemption for obstacles faced in prior seasons. In addition, two all-stars (Jeff and Laura) embarked early on an unprecedented 60-day challenge in jungles of the Philippines, then joined the others for the remaining 40 days. Jeff and Laura's early journey premiered on Discovery's Naked and Afraid: Savage on May 19, 2019.

The survivalists are divided into 4 teams of 3, in 4 locations: Northwest: Gwen, Wes, and Josh. Southeast: Dawn, Suzänne, and Seth. Northeast: Makani, Bulent, and Kate. Southwest: Jon, Sarah, and Ryan.

With no food, water, or clothes a group of the best survival experts in the world take on the Atchafalaya Basin, the largest wetland and swamp on the country, located in south-central Louisiana. The location is full of murky waters and has predators lurking all over its 7,000 acres vast land. The first Naked and Afraid XL challenge where all survivalists attempt 60 days and 60 nights in order to become XL Legends.

On April 8, 2022, it was announced that the eighth season would premiere on May 1, 2022. Season 8 is set in a Peruvian rainforest and is named Naked and Afraid XL: Next Level. During this season, four Naked and Afraid XL veterans attempted an epic 60-day challenge while leading a new generation of survivalists embarking on their first 40 days.

Dropped into one of the most punishing locations ever attempted – Montana’s windswept and snow-covered Rocky Mountains – these elite survivalists will be tested like never before. Their quest to survive will demand knowledge, teamwork, and mental toughness that only the most accomplished NAKED AND AFRAID XL survivalists possess.