Several character designs from Camp TV, Total Drama's prototype series, have been used as minor characters, or even additional contestants, in the finished product.
All of the interns from the first three seasons are recycled from the concept designs for DJ, Cody, Katie, and Tyler.
LeShawna had two concept designs. The second one was recycled into her cousin, Leshaniqua, who shows up in "One Flu Over the Cuckoos".
The Queen Bee's eyes, body shape and outfit are recycled from Eva's concept design, while her name, "Heather", was originally given to the loner who would eventually become Gwen. Also, Heather's alliance with Lindsay is a throwback to how the former's Big Bad role in Island was played by the latter in Camp TV.
Courtney's eyes and freckles are recycled from Bridgette's concept design, while Noah shares a few visual similarities with Ezekiel's concept design.
In the Aftermath episodes, the silhouettes of several concept designs can be seen in the audience.
In Action, Sadie's concept design is recycled into a paparazzi cutout and, later, into Justin's ex-girlfriend.
In World Tour, Katie's concept design is recycled into the show's very first female intern.
B from Revenge of the Island resembles DJ's concept design, with a few modifications.
In Island, Gwen forms a platonic friendship with Geoff. In the show's pre-production stages, they were love interests.
In Action, Gwen and Trent are split up and forced to form opposing teams against each other. In the show's pre-production stages, there seemed to be an actual enmity between the two.
Zoey's final design is recycled from Dakota's concept design, while the hairstyle of Staci's final design is similar to that of Zoey's concept design.
The Season 2 special leading into World Tour has Chris initially refer to Season 3 as Total Drama Musical before changing his mind. Total Drama: The Musical was Season 3's Working Title. Additionally, the challenge in the World Tour episode "Anything Yukon Do, I Can Do Better" is called "Total Drama: The Icicle" as a pun on the original season title.
The pancake eating challenge in the All-Stars episode "Food Fright" was originally intended for "Bigger! Badder! Brutal-er!" from Revenge of the Island before being cut for time.
Due to the Love Triangle events in World Tour, Gwen is referred to as "New Heather" by several characters. In the original Camp TV pitch, Gwen actually was named Heather.
