'Teen Mom' Star Maci Bookout Had One of the Shortest Runs of Her Career on 'Naked and Afraid'

Armchair survivalists are not welcome. Teenage Mom Star Maci Bookout thought she had what it took to last 14 days in the Nicaraguan jungle on Discovery Channel Naked and scared. But a few hours in the wild taught him how difficult it is to survive on the show.

Maci Bookout appeared in “Naked and Afraid” in 2018

Bookout made its highly publicized appearance on Naked and scared in 2018. Despite her lack of survival experience, she was confident about her chances of meeting the challenge.

“Being a mom prepares you for a situation like this because the maternal instinct kicks in and gives me an advantage,” she said.

The reality TV star had also watched many Naked and scared episodes, and she had strong opinions about people who gave up early. She swore she wouldn't be one of them.

“When I watch this show, what drives me crazy is that people give up too early. They don’t give themselves a chance,” Bookout said. “At the first sign of distress, they give up and that’s it. It’s going to suck, for sure, but I’m not going to give up.”

The 'Teen Mom' star quit after just 24 hours

While Bookout felt good entering his Naked and scared challenge, she quickly faced the reality of trying to survive in a hostile environment without clothing, food or supplies.

Although Bookout was able to start a fire, she had trouble walking barefoot over thorns. At one point, her partner had to carry her on his back because she couldn’t walk. “I feel like my feet are dying,” she said.

After spending a night in the jungle, Bookout realized she couldn't continue.

“Last night was hell… Sitting on the couch watching the show is not the same. It's really, really hard,” she said.

Bookout chose to abandon the challenge for his mental health and for the sake of his partner.

“I’m stepping away from this challenge,” she said. “It’s the best decision for me. I feel like if I stay here any longer, I’m really going to lose my mind. The way I was mentally behaving wasn’t doing him any good, so it’s best for me to get out of his way.”

Maci Bookout Says Her 'Naked and Afraid' Experience Was 'Amazing'

Although Bookout had one of the shortest stays of Naked and scared Historically, she has not regretted signing up for the show.

[Naked and Afraid] “This was the most incredible (and painful) experience…even though I didn’t complete the challenge,” she tweeted after the episode aired. “I’m proud of myself for attempting something completely terrifying and out of my comfort zone. I can’t wait to see my partner Justin kick some ass.”

“The whole N&A process (training/attempting) has changed my life,” she added in a follow-up tweet. “My perspective and outlook are much healthier than I could have ever imagined. Thank you to everyone who watched tonight, I hope you’re not too disappointed, but if you are, I hope you’re grateful for your couch and TV.”

For more entertainment news and exclusive interviews, subscribe to Showbiz Cheat Sheet YouTube Channel.