“Survivor” is a game that ends with one person claiming the life-changing $1 million prize, but sometimes the winner is not the one people expect. The title of Sole Survivor is the result of taking out the biggest competitors, being likable in the cast, and appealing to the jury, all while arguing the case of why you’re the most deserving of the win. While many of the champions are well-deserved, at least according to the passionate fans at home, others spark massive debate when Jeff Probst reads their names out loud. Scroll through our photo gallery above (or click here for direct access) where we detail the Top 10 biggest “Survivor” upset winners of all time.
Tina Wesson (Season 2 — “Survivor: The Australian Outback”)
Back when “Survivor” was watched by almost 50 million people, Colby Donaldson was the young, fit, charming cowboy who the public wanted to prevail — and he almost did, making it to the Final Two.
Tina Wesson (Season 2 — “Survivor: The Australian Outback”)
Back when “Survivor” was watched by almost 50 million people, Colby Donaldson was the young, fit, charming cowboy who the public wanted to prevail — and he almost did, making it to the Final Two.
- 5/24/2023
- by Christopher Tsang and Marcus James Dixon
- Gold Derby
Looking for another fix of “Survivor” after season 43 wrapped up on December 14, 2022? We are too and wondered is “Survivor” on Netflix? We did some digging and it turns out that the long-running reality competition TV show hosted by Jeff Probst is available on the streaming service.
But be warned: there is only season of “Survivor” on Netflix. It is the 18th edition, which was subtitled “Tocantins – The Brazilian Highlands.” The 14 episodes of “Survivor 18” aired on CBS from February 12, 2009 to May 17, 2009. Season 18 of “Survivor” saw 16 players pitted against each other. The cast was initially split into two tribes — Jalapao and Timbira — before merging into one, Forza, in episode eight.
Among those contending for the title of Sole Survivor were R&b singer Tamara Johnson-George and beauty queen Candace Smith. While neither of them returned to the “Survivor” franchise in later seasons, four of their castmates did. Stephen Fishbach made a return...
But be warned: there is only season of “Survivor” on Netflix. It is the 18th edition, which was subtitled “Tocantins – The Brazilian Highlands.” The 14 episodes of “Survivor 18” aired on CBS from February 12, 2009 to May 17, 2009. Season 18 of “Survivor” saw 16 players pitted against each other. The cast was initially split into two tribes — Jalapao and Timbira — before merging into one, Forza, in episode eight.
Among those contending for the title of Sole Survivor were R&b singer Tamara Johnson-George and beauty queen Candace Smith. While neither of them returned to the “Survivor” franchise in later seasons, four of their castmates did. Stephen Fishbach made a return...
- 1/1/2023
- by Paul Sheehan
- Gold Derby
“Survivor: Winners at War” sees 20 winners return to duke it out. It’s the greatest crop of contenders the game has ever seen. In my weekly “Battlelines” recap I will diagnose the casualty, declare who I think won the episode’s battle and who is best positioned to win the war. Please feel free to give me your thoughts in the comments below.
Battlelines are redrawn
One man, Tony Vlachos, completely redrew the battlelines. The previous episode he voted with Sophie Clarke, Sarah Lacina, Ben Driebergen and Nick Wilson. This time with Kim Spradlin and Denise Stapley joining that group to split votes between Jeremy Collins and Michele Fitzgerald, Tony saw an opening. Four votes from nine would now be enough to send someone to Extinction. He pulled Nick away and brought in Jeremy and Michele to blindside Sophie. If these new battlelines remain, we’ll see Tony, Nick, Jeremy and Michele against Sarah,...
Battlelines are redrawn
One man, Tony Vlachos, completely redrew the battlelines. The previous episode he voted with Sophie Clarke, Sarah Lacina, Ben Driebergen and Nick Wilson. This time with Kim Spradlin and Denise Stapley joining that group to split votes between Jeremy Collins and Michele Fitzgerald, Tony saw an opening. Four votes from nine would now be enough to send someone to Extinction. He pulled Nick away and brought in Jeremy and Michele to blindside Sophie. If these new battlelines remain, we’ll see Tony, Nick, Jeremy and Michele against Sarah,...
- 4/28/2020
- by Matt Noble
- Gold Derby
Stephen Fishbach was the runner-up on Survivor: Tocantins and a member of the jury on Survivor Cambodia: Second Chance. He has been blogging about Survivor strategy for People since 2009. Follow him on Twitter @stephenfishbach.
"Somebody had to be the first one kicked off, and somebody's gotta win the million" –Clay Jordan, Survivor: Thailand
Survivor is back with an episode so intense that it could crawl into your brain and live there forever. Kaoh Rong introduces three tribes – Brains, Brawn and Beauty – who are battling for island supremacy in the brutal heat of Cambodia's dry season.
Kaoh Rong has an old-school flavor,...
"Somebody had to be the first one kicked off, and somebody's gotta win the million" –Clay Jordan, Survivor: Thailand
Survivor is back with an episode so intense that it could crawl into your brain and live there forever. Kaoh Rong introduces three tribes – Brains, Brawn and Beauty – who are battling for island supremacy in the brutal heat of Cambodia's dry season.
Kaoh Rong has an old-school flavor,...
- 2/18/2016
- by Stephen Fishbach, @stephenfishbach
- People.com - TV Watch
Stephen Fishbach was the runner-up on Survivor: Tocantins and a member of the jury on Survivor Cambodia: Second Chance. He has been blogging about Survivor strategy for People since 2009. Follow him on Twitter @stephenfishbach."Somebody had to be the first one kicked off, and somebody's gotta win the million" -Clay Jordan, Survivor: Thailand Survivor is back with an episode so intense that it could crawl into your brain and live there forever. Kaoh Rong introduces three tribes - Brains, Brawn and Beauty - who are battling for island supremacy in the brutal heat of Cambodia's dry season. Kaoh Rong has an old-school flavor,...
- 2/18/2016
- by Stephen Fishbach, @stephenfishbach
- PEOPLE.com
Stephen Fishbach was the runner-up on Survivor: Tocantins and a member of the jury on Survivor Cambodia: Second Chance. He has been blogging about Survivor strategy for People since 2009. Follow him on Twitter @stephenfishbach."Somebody had to be the first one kicked off, and somebody's gotta win the million" -Clay Jordan, Survivor: Thailand Survivor is back with an episode so intense that it could crawl into your brain and live there forever. Kaoh Rong introduces three tribes - Brains, Brawn and Beauty - who are battling for island supremacy in the brutal heat of Cambodia's dry season. Kaoh Rong has an old-school flavor,...
- 2/18/2016
- by Stephen Fishbach, @stephenfishbach
- PEOPLE.com
Recently, CBS served up the new,official synopsis/spoilers for their upcoming "Criminal Minds" episode 4 of season 11. The episode is entitled, "Outlaw," and it turns out that we're going to see some very interesting stuff go down as the Bau digs 6 years into the past when restaurant workers get killed, and more. In the new, 4th episode press release: Restaurant Workers Killed In A Las Vegas, N.M. Robbery/Homicide Has The Bau Revisiting A Cold Case To Find The Unsub, On "Criminal Minds," Wednesday, Oct. 21. Press release number 2: When three restaurant workers are killed in a robbery/homicide in Las Vegas, N.M., the Bau is going to look at a cold case that happened in the town six years ago for leads. Guest stars feature: Stephen Monroe Taylor (Lester Turner), Jesse Luken (William Duke Mason), Benito Martinez (Chief Raul Montoya), Grainger Hines (Brooks Tanner), Mauricio Mendoza (Oscar Acosta...
- 10/14/2015
- by Andre Braddox
- OnTheFlix
Because Greg Berlanti didn’t have quite enough on his plate… the prolific TV producer (Arrow, The Flash, Supergirl, Mysteries of Laura) is teaming with Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa (Glee) on Brides, a gothic soap drama inspired by Bram Stoker’s classic novel Dracula.
RelatedNBC Cancels Coach Revival Series
According to our sister site Deadline, the potential NBC series would be based on the three brides of Dracula, who appear in literature as beautiful, powerful vampire “sisters” who reside with the Count in Transylvania, seducing men before killing them.
Although the women are vanquished by Van Helsing in the source material, Brides...
RelatedNBC Cancels Coach Revival Series
According to our sister site Deadline, the potential NBC series would be based on the three brides of Dracula, who appear in literature as beautiful, powerful vampire “sisters” who reside with the Count in Transylvania, seducing men before killing them.
Although the women are vanquished by Van Helsing in the source material, Brides...
- 9/2/2015
- TVLine.com
Stephen Fishbach was the runner-up on Survivor: Tocantins and has been blogging about Survivor strategy for People since 2009. Follow him on Twitter @stephenfishbach."I will do what everybody feels most comfortable doing. I don't care what that is." -Todd Herzog, Survivor: China winnerPeople on Survivor just want to feel safe. Before you ever hit the beach, you've suffered months of preparation. You've passed the grueling gauntlet of casting, where you are assessed against a dozen people who look vaguely like you. You have trained - swum, sprinted and Crossfit Wod-ed until you had nothing left to snatch. You...
- 3/5/2015
- by Stephen Fishbach, @stephenfishbach
- PEOPLE.com
Stephen Fishbach was the runner-up on Survivor: Tocantins and has been blogging about Survivor strategy for People since 2009. Follow him on Twitter @stephenfishbach.
"I will do what everybody feels most comfortable doing. I don't care what that is." –Todd Herzog, Survivor: China winner
People on Survivor just want to feel safe.
Before you ever hit the beach, you've suffered months of preparation.
You've passed the grueling gauntlet of casting, where you are assessed against a dozen people who look vaguely like you.
You have trained – swum, sprinted and Crossfit Wod-ed until you had nothing left to snatch.
You have...
"I will do what everybody feels most comfortable doing. I don't care what that is." –Todd Herzog, Survivor: China winner
People on Survivor just want to feel safe.
Before you ever hit the beach, you've suffered months of preparation.
You've passed the grueling gauntlet of casting, where you are assessed against a dozen people who look vaguely like you.
You have trained – swum, sprinted and Crossfit Wod-ed until you had nothing left to snatch.
You have...
- 3/5/2015
- by Stephen Fishbach, @stephenfishbach
- People.com - TV Watch
Stephen Fishbach was the runner-up on Survivor: Tocantins and has been blogging about Survivor strategy for People since 2009. Follow him on Twitter @stephenfishbach."I will do what everybody feels most comfortable doing. I don't care what that is." -Todd Herzog, Survivor: China winnerPeople on Survivor just want to feel safe. Before you ever hit the beach, you've suffered months of preparation. You've passed the grueling gauntlet of casting, where you are assessed against a dozen people who look vaguely like you. You have trained - swum, sprinted and Crossfit Wod-ed until you had nothing left to snatch. You...
- 3/5/2015
- by Stephen Fishbach, @stephenfishbach
- PEOPLE.com
The results of a CBS.com poll of "Survivor" fans are now on newsstands, as part of a special commemorative issue of CBS Watch! magazine. The 100-page, full-color magazine is a pretty great overview of the series, except for the absolute wrongness of its polls. That's especially true for its "all time best seasons" poll. Yes, ranking "Survivor" seasons is about as difficult as stacking cooked spaghetti noodles, and about as useful. It's mostly good for creating disagreement. What one viewer values, another dismisses--but that's one of the many reasons why the series has survived for 30 seasons. There's a lot to argue about. Even looking at objective data about Survivor winners and cast members can prompt discussion. So, here are the results of CBS' poll, and one fan's thoughts and arguments about why the other fans' collective wisdom often seems screwed up. #1: Survivor Heroes vs. Villains, season 20, 2010 Why this...
- 2/3/2015
- by Andy Dehnart
- Hitfix
Every week, host Jeff Probst will answer a few questions about the latest episode of 'Survivor: San Juan del Sur — Blood vs. Water.' Entertainment Weekly: What, you didn’t want to take back that flint and give them some fishing gear? I can’t for the life of me figure out why, Jeff! Your thoughts on the proposed re-swap of fishing gear for flint? Jeff Probst: Well, first of all, I loved it! I was so happy that Drew felt comfortable enough to go for it because it was a fun moment. I really think he thought I might be swayed,...
- 10/16/2014
- by Dalton Ross
- EW - Inside TV
Stephen Fishbach was the runner-up on Survivor: Tocantins and has been blogging about Survivor strategy for People since 2009. Follow him on Twitter @stephenfishbach. Erik Reichenbach is a Survivor fan-turned-favorite, a comic book author and artist. He placed fifth on both Survivor: Micronesia and Survivor: Caramoan. Follow him on Twitter @BloodyAmer1can.
"You can lie to me, you can fool me, you can deceive me. Don't insult my intelligence."
– James Clement, Survivor: Micronesia
Lying on Survivor is a fine art. You drop a hint here and a tease there and let people's imaginations run wild. The greats...
"You can lie to me, you can fool me, you can deceive me. Don't insult my intelligence."
– James Clement, Survivor: Micronesia
Lying on Survivor is a fine art. You drop a hint here and a tease there and let people's imaginations run wild. The greats...
- 10/2/2014
- by Stephen Fishbach, @stephenfishbach
- People.com - TV Watch
Stephen Fishbach was the runner-up on Survivor: Tocantins and has been blogging about Survivor strategy for People since 2009. Follow him on Twitter @stephenfishbach. Erik Reichenbach is a Survivor fan-turned-favorite, a comic book author and artist. He placed fifth on both Survivor: Micronesia and Survivor: Caramoan. Follow him on Twitter @BloodyAmer1can. "You can lie to me, you can fool me, you can deceive me. Don't insult my intelligence." - James Clement, Survivor: Micronesia Lying on Survivor is a fine art. You drop a hint here and a tease there and let people's imaginations run wild. The...
- 10/2/2014
- by Stephen Fishbach, @stephenfishbach
- PEOPLE.com
Earlier today, Entertainment Weekly exclusively revealed six of the players who would be competing on Survivor: San Juan del Sur — Blood vs. Water. Now the rest of the cast — which is comprised of pairs of loved ones — that will be challenging for the million dollars can be announced as well. In addition to previously disclosed controversial former baseball player John Rocker and his girlfriend Julie McGee, Amazing Race twins Nadiya and Natalie Anderson, and Broadway boyfriends Reed Kelly and Josh Canfield, there will be 12 other contestants.
Originally there were supposed to be 20 contestants total, but one pair was forced...
Originally there were supposed to be 20 contestants total, but one pair was forced...
- 8/27/2014
- by Dalton Ross
- EW - Inside TV
Is he up for the challenge? Survivor's Benjamin "Coach" Wade welcomed a baby girl named Lenna in Susanville, Calif., on Thursday, May 8. The reality star shared the exciting news and the first picture of his newborn via Instagram later that day. "#welcometotheworld Lenna wade!!!" the 42-year-old captioned the photo. "Born today at noon. 7 lbs 1 oz." In the snapshot, the little tyke is surrounded by her proud dad, mom Jessica and big brother Avvan, 5, in the hospital. "Best selfie ever!!! Lenna Wade and daddy #BestSelfieEver," [...]...
- 5/9/2014
- Us Weekly
Benjamin "Coach" Wade is building a little team of his own. The three-time Survivor contestant, whose sanctimonious ways on the CBS reality competition show earned him the marketable reputation of reality-tv "villain," has welcomed a daughter, his first child with wife Jessica. "@JeffProbst@Survivor_Tweet what life for coach is all about. Lenna newton wade born at noon today! 7 lbs 1 oz.," the proud papa tweeted this afternoon along with a photo of himself holding their wee bundle of joy. How times have changed for the erstwhile "dragon slayer," who first showed up on Survivor: Tocantins in 2009 before also being tapped for Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains (they said...
- 5/8/2014
- E! Online
Pre-credit sequence. When we left, Aparri had decided to keep Jeremiah over Alexis. Everybody is very taken aback by Alexis crying after her elimination, though Spencer is feeling Ok about the vote and about the cohesion of his six-person tribe. Sarah wants to have two fast targets in case there's a Merge the very next morning and the agreement seems to be that either Trish or Jefra should be the votes. They put their hands together and celebrate Final 6. For a tribe that just lost two straight challenges and that only has a one-person number advantage, there's a lot of smugness. "The best laid plans often end up sprawled out on a murder scene floor," Kass says colorfully and portentously. For some reason, Kass thinks it's good strategy to tell Sarah that she and Jeremiah are the only people she worries about, loyalty-wise. "People don't like to be called a...
- 4/3/2014
- by Daniel Fienberg
- Hitfix
Two weeks of exit interview insanity -- Nine interviews between "Amazing Race" and "Survivor" -- comes to a conclusion with my chat with "Survivor: Blood vs. Water" winner Tyson Apostol. You can certainly put Tyson in a category with John Cochran, Jonathan Penner and Malcolm Freberg among the "Survivor" contestants who I always like talking to. He's smart, caustic and, after three times playing the game, he gets "Survivor." That wasn't always the case. In "Tocatins," he was an amusing quote machine, but he was also upstaged by the scenery chewing Coach. He came out less aggressively in "Heroes...
- 12/21/2013
- by Daniel Fienberg
- Hitfix
Stephen Fishbach was the runner-up on Survivor: Tocantins and has been blogging about Survivor strategy for People since 2009. Follow him on Twitter @stephenfishbach. Erik Reichenbach is a Survivor fan-turned-favorite, a comic book author and artist. He placed fifth on both Survivor: Micronesia and Survivor: Caramoan. This is his first season illustrating episodes of the show for People.com. Follow him on Twitter @BloodyAmer1can
"Putting up with the people is the survival part, not putting up with the elements."
– Rudy Boesch, Survivor: All Stars
Well, that was kind of … obvious? Maybe last week's on-the-rocks Survivor bender...
"Putting up with the people is the survival part, not putting up with the elements."
– Rudy Boesch, Survivor: All Stars
Well, that was kind of … obvious? Maybe last week's on-the-rocks Survivor bender...
- 12/12/2013
- by Stephen Fishbach
- People.com - TV Watch
Survivor Review, Season 27, Episode 12
“Rustle Feathers”
Airs Wednesday at 8pm (Et) on CBS
It’s amazing to see just how vibrant Survivor feels this season, and the thrills are about more than picking rocks. It starts with the first scene of Hayden drawing out Gervase by crowning Tyson the victor. That conversation sets the stage for everything that follows, including an insane Tribal Council. It’s a rare case where a player with his back against the wall actually makes the correct arguments. By pressing the “Tyson as inevitable winner” story line, Hayden gets Gervase and Monica to say exactly what he wants. Ciera’s understated reactions say it all. She realizes that her road to victory doesn’t go through the Galang alliance. Monica’s reassurance that “four is better than six” isn’t what she wants to hear. Unlike the recent One World and South Pacific seasons, it...
“Rustle Feathers”
Airs Wednesday at 8pm (Et) on CBS
It’s amazing to see just how vibrant Survivor feels this season, and the thrills are about more than picking rocks. It starts with the first scene of Hayden drawing out Gervase by crowning Tyson the victor. That conversation sets the stage for everything that follows, including an insane Tribal Council. It’s a rare case where a player with his back against the wall actually makes the correct arguments. By pressing the “Tyson as inevitable winner” story line, Hayden gets Gervase and Monica to say exactly what he wants. Ciera’s understated reactions say it all. She realizes that her road to victory doesn’t go through the Galang alliance. Monica’s reassurance that “four is better than six” isn’t what she wants to hear. Unlike the recent One World and South Pacific seasons, it...
- 12/5/2013
- by Dan Heaton
- SoundOnSight
Stephen Fishbach was the runner-up on Survivor: Tocantins and has been blogging about Survivor strategy for People since 2009. Follow him on Twitter @stephenfishbach. Erik Reichenbach is a Survivor fan-turned-favorite, a comic book author and artist. He placed fifth on both Survivor: Micronesia and Survivor: Caramoan. Follow him on Twitter @BloodyAmer1can.
"I can go to tribal council willing to take the rock ... I'm willing to make that gamble. I came to play a game."
– Ian Rosenberger, Survivor: Palau
Last night on Survivor, for the second time in the show's history, the contestants drew rocks to determine who was eliminated.
"I can go to tribal council willing to take the rock ... I'm willing to make that gamble. I came to play a game."
– Ian Rosenberger, Survivor: Palau
Last night on Survivor, for the second time in the show's history, the contestants drew rocks to determine who was eliminated.
- 12/5/2013
- by Stephen Fishbach
- People.com - TV Watch
Stephen Fishbach was the runner-up on Survivor: Tocantins and has been blogging about Survivor strategy for People since 2009. Follow him on Twitter @stephenfishbach. Erik Reichenbach is a Survivor fan-turned-favorite, a comic book author and artist. He placed fifth on both Survivor: Micronesia and Survivor: Caramoan. Follow him on Twitter @BloodyAmer1can. "I can go to tribal council willing to take the rock ... I'm willing to make that gamble. I came to play a game." - Ian Rosenberger, Survivor: PalauLast night on Survivor, for the second time in the show's history, the contestants drew rocks to determine who was eliminated.
- 12/5/2013
- by Stephen Fishbach
- PEOPLE.com
New Castle season 6,episode 6 intense spoilers & clips hit the net. Last night,ABC dropped the new spoilers and sneak peek/spoiler clip (below) for their upcoming "Castle" episode 6 of season 6. The episode is entitled, "Get A Clue, " and it appears that it will get pretty wild and crazy as Castle engages in an action-filled sword fight, killer monks arrive on the scene, and more! In the new "Get A Clue" episode, Castle will be certain that a woman's ritualistic murder is tied to a "Da Vinci Code" type conspiracy. Castle and Beckett will end up, investigating the bizarre murder of a young woman who was found ritually posed. When the team finds a collection of strange symbols in her apartment and the prime suspect turns out to be a mysterious monk, Castle will become convinced that they’ve stumbled onto a “Da Vinci Code” style conspiracy. In the meantime, Castle...
- 10/22/2013
- by Eric
- OnTheFlix
New Castle season 6,episode 6 official spoilers,plotline revealed by ABC. Recently, ABC released the new, official,synopsis/spoilers for their upcoming "Castle" episode 6 of season 6. The episode is entitled, "Get A Clue," and it sounds like it'll be pretty intriguing as Beckett and Castle investigate a very bizarre ,ritualistic-style murder, and more. In the new,6th episode press release: Castle is going to be certain a woman's ritualistic murder is tied to a "Da Vinci Code" type conspiracy. Press release number 2: Castle and Beckett will investigate the bizarre murder of a young woman who was found ritually posed. When the team finds a collection of strange symbols in her apartment and the prime suspect turns out to be a mysterious monk, Castle will become convinced they’ve stumbled onto a “Da Vinci Code” style conspiracy. Meanwhile, Castle will try to come to grips with the fact that Alexis and Pi have moved in together.
- 10/21/2013
- by Chris
- OnTheFlix
Survivor Review, Season 27, Episode 5
“The Dead Can Still Talk”
Airs Wednesdays at 8pm (Et) on CBS
Considering all the twists in Survivor: Blood vs. Water, the old-school vibe has been a refreshing surprise. The family connections are forcing the editors to show the personalities of more than just a few star players. Laura Morett hasn’t received many interviews, but there’s been enough to show her place in the tribe. She thinks creepily flirting with Aras and doing well in challenges will keep her alive. Meanwhile, Laura Boneham is struggling to connect with players who’ve known each other for years. The promos spotlighted a huge blindside, but the logic in the vote is pretty simple. The five-person alliance picks their second or third choice with hopes of thwarting Brad at Redemption Island. The “no strategy” plan is keeping several players in the dark and hiding the alliance’s existence.
“The Dead Can Still Talk”
Airs Wednesdays at 8pm (Et) on CBS
Considering all the twists in Survivor: Blood vs. Water, the old-school vibe has been a refreshing surprise. The family connections are forcing the editors to show the personalities of more than just a few star players. Laura Morett hasn’t received many interviews, but there’s been enough to show her place in the tribe. She thinks creepily flirting with Aras and doing well in challenges will keep her alive. Meanwhile, Laura Boneham is struggling to connect with players who’ve known each other for years. The promos spotlighted a huge blindside, but the logic in the vote is pretty simple. The five-person alliance picks their second or third choice with hopes of thwarting Brad at Redemption Island. The “no strategy” plan is keeping several players in the dark and hiding the alliance’s existence.
- 10/17/2013
- by Dan Heaton
- SoundOnSight
Say what you will about whether or not returning players have an unfair advantage within the game of "Survivor," I can say with certainty that returning players make the best "Survivor" exit interviews. If you think back on past seasons, folks like Coach and Russell Swan and Jonathan Penner have been responsible for my favorite post-elimination conversations, while highlights this season have come from veterans like Corinne Kaplan, Malcolm Freberg (a great interview when he was a newbie as well) and the always excitable Phillip Sheppard. The last of this season's exit interviews is, of course, with the season's...
- 5/16/2013
- by Daniel Fienberg
- Hitfix
Dawn Meehan is not usually the type of person to end up in a controversy. But the bread-baking Mormon mother of six adopted children created a firestorm when she voted off buddy Brenda Lowe on Survivor: Caramoan after Brenda had found her missing fake teeth and tried to bring Dawn with her on a loved ones reward challenge. A revenge-seeking Brenda fired back at last night’s final Tribal Council, as she sought to humiliate her former friend by making her remove her teeth in front of the entire jury (and country watching at home.) We caught up with...
- 5/13/2013
- by Dalton Ross
- EW - Inside TV
Survivor: Caramoan Review, Season 26, Episode 7
“Tubby Lunchbox”
Airs Wednesdays at 8pm (Et) on CBS
The “Fans vs. Favorites” concept on Survivor is tricky because there’s such a big difference in playing as a newbie. The returnees are savvier in both game play and hogging the camera, so it pushes the fans into the background. Such is the case with Julia, a quiet 21-year-old who seems nice but lacks the big personality. It seems unfair to be too critical of her; not everyone can be Phillip. Despite the editors’ attempts to show dissension in the favorites’ ranks, it’s clear that none of them are going home. Their numbers advantage makes it a foregone conclusion, and even volatile players recognize the importance of proving their trustworthiness. Cochran wisely explains that their former allies are going to be skeptical if they don’t follow the plan before the merge. It...
“Tubby Lunchbox”
Airs Wednesdays at 8pm (Et) on CBS
The “Fans vs. Favorites” concept on Survivor is tricky because there’s such a big difference in playing as a newbie. The returnees are savvier in both game play and hogging the camera, so it pushes the fans into the background. Such is the case with Julia, a quiet 21-year-old who seems nice but lacks the big personality. It seems unfair to be too critical of her; not everyone can be Phillip. Despite the editors’ attempts to show dissension in the favorites’ ranks, it’s clear that none of them are going home. Their numbers advantage makes it a foregone conclusion, and even volatile players recognize the importance of proving their trustworthiness. Cochran wisely explains that their former allies are going to be skeptical if they don’t follow the plan before the merge. It...
- 3/29/2013
- by Dan Heaton
- SoundOnSight
Survivor: Caramoan Review, Season 26, Episode 5
“Persona Non Grata”
Airs Wednesdays at 8pm (Et) on CBS
When Survivor announced their cast of returning players for this second “Fans vs. Favorites” season, the one that stood out was Brandon Hantz. Although he provided memorable television in his first appearance, he’s also an unstable guy who demonstrated awful gameplay. Putting him back on the island felt like a bad idea, and it was only a matter of time before he lost his marbles. When his fragile state combines with nasty weather conditions and other volatile personalities, it creates a powder keg that’s ready to explode. This week, a minor squabble with Phillip winds up Brandon and pushes him to new levels of rage. His choice to dump out the rice and beans is stunning even when compared to other wild moves. Never has a player so openly destroyed a tribe...
“Persona Non Grata”
Airs Wednesdays at 8pm (Et) on CBS
When Survivor announced their cast of returning players for this second “Fans vs. Favorites” season, the one that stood out was Brandon Hantz. Although he provided memorable television in his first appearance, he’s also an unstable guy who demonstrated awful gameplay. Putting him back on the island felt like a bad idea, and it was only a matter of time before he lost his marbles. When his fragile state combines with nasty weather conditions and other volatile personalities, it creates a powder keg that’s ready to explode. This week, a minor squabble with Phillip winds up Brandon and pushes him to new levels of rage. His choice to dump out the rice and beans is stunning even when compared to other wild moves. Never has a player so openly destroyed a tribe...
- 3/14/2013
- by Dan Heaton
- SoundOnSight
Stephen Fishbach was the runner-up on Survivor: Tocantins and has been blogging about Survivor strategy for People.com since 2009. Follow him on Twitter @stephenfishbach.
"This is like a constant battle for me – good/evil, good/evil – and I really want to do good."
– Brandon Hantz, Survivor: South Pacific
Wednesday's episode of Survivor may have been my least favorite in the show's 13-year history. Brandon Hantz, of the Louisiana Hantzes, had a complete mental breakdown. He threatened people's safety and poured out the tribe's rice. It was gripping viewing, no doubt. But it was also very sad.
Survivor is psychologically...
"This is like a constant battle for me – good/evil, good/evil – and I really want to do good."
– Brandon Hantz, Survivor: South Pacific
Wednesday's episode of Survivor may have been my least favorite in the show's 13-year history. Brandon Hantz, of the Louisiana Hantzes, had a complete mental breakdown. He threatened people's safety and poured out the tribe's rice. It was gripping viewing, no doubt. But it was also very sad.
Survivor is psychologically...
- 3/14/2013
- by Stephen Fishbach
- People.com - TV Watch
Stephen Fishbach was the runner-up on Survivor: Tocantins and has been blogging about Survivor strategy for People.com since 2009. Follow him on Twitter @stephenfishbach. "This is like a constant battle for me - good/evil, good/evil - and I really want to do good." - Brandon Hantz, Survivor: South Pacific Wednesday's episode of Survivor may have been my least favorite in the show's 13-year history. Brandon Hantz, of the Louisiana Hantzes, had a complete mental breakdown. He threatened people's safety and poured out the tribe's rice. It was gripping viewing, no doubt. But it was also very sad.
- 3/14/2013
- by Stephen Fishbach
- PEOPLE.com
Is Phillip Sheppard a character, or was he merely playing one when he appeared on Survivor: Redemption Island? Walking around in pink undies and an occasional feather on his head, Phillip acted crazy and often drove his tribemates equally nutty with his behavior — which included mispronouncing one of their names and complaining about a lack of burnt rice. But the player insists that it was all a well-designed ruse to get him to the end of the game, and get to the end he did thanks to Boston Rob. Now, Phillip is back as one of the familiar faces returning...
- 1/30/2013
- by Dalton Ross
- EW - Inside TV
There really was never any doubt that John Cochran would be coming back to play Survivor again. A huge fan of the show, Cochran became the face — and voice, as he will tell you later — of his South Pacific season from day 1 when he insisted Jeff Probst refer to him by his last name. He vacillated between cocky and self-deprecating and went on to make one of the most controversial moves in Survivor history, opting not to risk going home on a colored-rock-picking tiebreaker and instead turning on his Savaii tribe, which insured that his tribe (including himself) ended up...
- 1/16/2013
- by Dalton Ross
- EW - Inside TV
When I first perused the names of the 10 returning players coming back to play in Survivor: Caramoan — Fans vs. Favorites, I was struck by one thing: How bad so many of them were. Not bad people, necessarily, but people that had performed really poorly in the game. And I wasn’t the only person to notice. When I spoke to returnee Malcolm Freberg before filming in May 2012, he noted that the male cast was filled with men that were best known for making bonehead mistakes.
One of the men that made those mistakes, John Cochran, went even a step...
One of the men that made those mistakes, John Cochran, went even a step...
- 1/15/2013
- by Dalton Ross
- EW - Inside TV
Four finalists remained going into tonight's (Dec. 16) finale of "Survivor: Philippines": (Lisa Whelchel, returning player Michael Skupin, Malcolm Freberg and Denise Stapley.
And after 39 days and sitting in every single Tribal Council, Denise won the million-dollar prize and the title of Sole Survivor.
Before announcing the vote, however, Jeff Probst called for a moment of silence to honor the victims of the Newton tragedy -- offering a sober perspective on what it really means to "survive."
So "Survivor" is just a game, but Denise outwitted, outplayed and outlasted her way from the bottom to win.
Here's how she got there ...
Post-Tribal
Skupin compares voting Abi out to having a tumor removed. Malcolm complains that he was thrown under the bus, "with compliments," again when Abi pointed out how dangerous he was. Unlike Abi and Lisa, Skupin believes he has a "better story" than Malcolm and can beat him in the final three.
And after 39 days and sitting in every single Tribal Council, Denise won the million-dollar prize and the title of Sole Survivor.
Before announcing the vote, however, Jeff Probst called for a moment of silence to honor the victims of the Newton tragedy -- offering a sober perspective on what it really means to "survive."
So "Survivor" is just a game, but Denise outwitted, outplayed and outlasted her way from the bottom to win.
Here's how she got there ...
Post-Tribal
Skupin compares voting Abi out to having a tumor removed. Malcolm complains that he was thrown under the bus, "with compliments," again when Abi pointed out how dangerous he was. Unlike Abi and Lisa, Skupin believes he has a "better story" than Malcolm and can beat him in the final three.
- 12/17/2012
- by [email protected]
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
Each week, host Jeff Probst answers a few questions about the most recent episode of ‘Survivor: Philippines’.
Entertainment Weekly: Jonathan Penner did something really interesting in this episode, where he basically told Lisa that she should base her strategy and game play on the answer to the following question: “What does the audience want to have happen?” Obviously, he’s trying anything he can to stay in the game at this point, but it got me thinking — how much do players base their decisions on what will make them look better to people watching them on television? How greatly does...
Entertainment Weekly: Jonathan Penner did something really interesting in this episode, where he basically told Lisa that she should base her strategy and game play on the answer to the following question: “What does the audience want to have happen?” Obviously, he’s trying anything he can to stay in the game at this point, but it got me thinking — how much do players base their decisions on what will make them look better to people watching them on television? How greatly does...
- 11/15/2012
- by Dalton Ross
- EW - Inside TV
Stephen Fishbach was the runner-up on Survivor: Tocantins and has been blogging about Survivor strategy for People.com since 2009. Follow him on Twitter @stephenfishbach"I take risks in the game. And if you get caught with your hand in the cookie jar, you go home. But I'm well aware of that, and I'll take the risk all day long, to get farther in the game."- Russell Hantz, Heroes vs. VillainsWeep for Russell Swan. He gave his life for Survivor. He actually physically died, was resurrected in a cryogenic chamber owned by Mark Burnett, and had every reason to...
- 10/12/2012
- by Stephen Fishbach
- PEOPLE.com
Stephen Fishbach was the runner-up on Survivor: Tocantins and has been blogging about Survivor strategy for People.com since 2009. Follow him on Twitter @stephenfishbach
"I take risks in the game. And if you get caught with your hand in the cookie jar, you go home. But I'm well aware of that, and I'll take the risk all day long, to get farther in the game."
– Russell Hantz, Heroes vs. Villains
Weep for Russell Swan.
He gave his life for Survivor. He actually physically died, was resurrected in a cryogenic chamber owned by Mark Burnett, and had every reason to...
"I take risks in the game. And if you get caught with your hand in the cookie jar, you go home. But I'm well aware of that, and I'll take the risk all day long, to get farther in the game."
– Russell Hantz, Heroes vs. Villains
Weep for Russell Swan.
He gave his life for Survivor. He actually physically died, was resurrected in a cryogenic chamber owned by Mark Burnett, and had every reason to...
- 10/12/2012
- by Stephen Fishbach
- People.com - TV Watch
Survivor: Philippines Preview
Airs Wednesdays at 8pm (Et) on CBS
For its 25th season, Survivor heads to a new location in The Philippines for an outing that offers some new approaches to the formula. One major change is the split into three tribes with six contestants in each group. This move is designed to avoid the irritating Pagonging that has dominated recent years. This split will likely appear for only a limited time, but it should form different alliances that won’t allow a single group of five to control the game. That’s the general thinking at least. There are three returning players this time, which is another reason for having an extra tribe. The twist is that each guy was medically evacuated from the game during a previous appearance. While it feels like a gimmick, it could be exciting because they’ve chosen interesting players. Thankfully, this was...
Airs Wednesdays at 8pm (Et) on CBS
For its 25th season, Survivor heads to a new location in The Philippines for an outing that offers some new approaches to the formula. One major change is the split into three tribes with six contestants in each group. This move is designed to avoid the irritating Pagonging that has dominated recent years. This split will likely appear for only a limited time, but it should form different alliances that won’t allow a single group of five to control the game. That’s the general thinking at least. There are three returning players this time, which is another reason for having an extra tribe. The twist is that each guy was medically evacuated from the game during a previous appearance. While it feels like a gimmick, it could be exciting because they’ve chosen interesting players. Thankfully, this was...
- 9/15/2012
- by Dan Heaton
- SoundOnSight
Math was never my strongest subject. But it doesn’t take a genius to perform simple arithmetic, and by my count — not including the All Stars or Fans vs. Favorites type seasons — Survivor has now brought back nine returning players to compete alongside newbies. And only one of those nine — Stephenie Lagrossa in Survivor: Guatemala — was a woman. The rest — Bobby Jon Drinkard, Russell Hantz, Boston Rob Mariano, Ozzy Lusth, Benjamin “Coach” Wade, and now Michael Skupin, Russell Swan, and Jonathan Penner on Survivor: Philippines — have all been dudes.
What gives with the discrepancy? I went to the host himself for answers.
What gives with the discrepancy? I went to the host himself for answers.
- 9/13/2012
- by Dalton Ross
- EW - Inside TV
The 15 new players — including Facts of Life star Lisa Whelchel and former National League baseball Mvp Jeff Kent — competing this fall on Survivor: Philippines were announced on Monday. And now we can reveal the three previously medically evacuated players that are returning to play alongside them: Michael Skupin, Jonathan Penner, and Russell Swan — each of whom was evacuated in episode 6 of his season.
Skupin was the star of one of the grisliest scenes in reality TV history when he fell into his tribe’s fire on Survivor: The Australian Outback in 2001. The image of Skupin’s skin melting off his...
Skupin was the star of one of the grisliest scenes in reality TV history when he fell into his tribe’s fire on Survivor: The Australian Outback in 2001. The image of Skupin’s skin melting off his...
- 8/21/2012
- by Dalton Ross
- EW - Inside TV
CBS has unveiled the cast for Survivor: Philippines, and it includes a few familiar, unexpected faces.
Foremost among them - to television fans at least - is Lisa Whelchel, best known for portraying Blair Warner for many years on The Facts of Life. She now works as a motivation speaker.
Also included among the 15 castaways: two past beauty queens and Jeff Kent, the 2000 National League Mvp. They will all be divided into three tribes and we'll meet them for real on the September 19 premiere.
Take a look at the bios for each Survivor below:
Sarah Dawson
Age: 28
Current Residence: Silver Spring, Md.
Occupation: Insurance Sales
Katie Hanson
Age: 22
Current Residence: Newark, Del.
Occupation: Former Miss Delaware 2011
Jeff Kent
Age: 44
Current Residence: Austin, Texas
Occupation: Retired Mlb Player
Dana Lambert
Age: 32
Current Residence: Winston-Salem, N.C.
Occupation: Cosmetologist
Carter Williams
Age: 24
Current Residence: Shawnee, Kan.
Occupation: Track Coach
Abi-Maria Gomes
Age:...
Foremost among them - to television fans at least - is Lisa Whelchel, best known for portraying Blair Warner for many years on The Facts of Life. She now works as a motivation speaker.
Also included among the 15 castaways: two past beauty queens and Jeff Kent, the 2000 National League Mvp. They will all be divided into three tribes and we'll meet them for real on the September 19 premiere.
Take a look at the bios for each Survivor below:
Sarah Dawson
Age: 28
Current Residence: Silver Spring, Md.
Occupation: Insurance Sales
Katie Hanson
Age: 22
Current Residence: Newark, Del.
Occupation: Former Miss Delaware 2011
Jeff Kent
Age: 44
Current Residence: Austin, Texas
Occupation: Retired Mlb Player
Dana Lambert
Age: 32
Current Residence: Winston-Salem, N.C.
Occupation: Cosmetologist
Carter Williams
Age: 24
Current Residence: Shawnee, Kan.
Occupation: Track Coach
Abi-Maria Gomes
Age:...
- 8/20/2012
- by [email protected] (Matt Richenthal)
- TVfanatic
Survivor: Philippines Cast Announced by CBS
Survivor is heading to the Philippines this September and is putting a twist on the traditional format.
According to CBS, "For the first time in eight years, Survivor: Philippines will be comprised of three tribes named after animals in the region: Kalabaw ("Water Buffalo"), Tandang ("Rooster") and Matsing ("Monkey"). The tribes feature individuals from different backgrounds competing for the same ultimate goal: to be Sole Survivor."
Fifteen of the eighteen cast members were announced today, with the final three cast members to be announced later this week. The final three players are "former players who were medically evacuated from the game and are returning to finish what they started."
The cast for Survivor: Philippines (which premieres on Wednesday, September 19 on CBS) includes:
Kalabaw:
Sarah Dawson
Age: 28
Silver Spring, Md.
Insurance Sales
Katie Hanson
Age: 22
Newark, Del.
Former Miss Delaware
Jeff Kent
Age: 44
Austin, Texas...
Survivor is heading to the Philippines this September and is putting a twist on the traditional format.
According to CBS, "For the first time in eight years, Survivor: Philippines will be comprised of three tribes named after animals in the region: Kalabaw ("Water Buffalo"), Tandang ("Rooster") and Matsing ("Monkey"). The tribes feature individuals from different backgrounds competing for the same ultimate goal: to be Sole Survivor."
Fifteen of the eighteen cast members were announced today, with the final three cast members to be announced later this week. The final three players are "former players who were medically evacuated from the game and are returning to finish what they started."
The cast for Survivor: Philippines (which premieres on Wednesday, September 19 on CBS) includes:
Kalabaw:
Sarah Dawson
Age: 28
Silver Spring, Md.
Insurance Sales
Katie Hanson
Age: 22
Newark, Del.
Former Miss Delaware
Jeff Kent
Age: 44
Austin, Texas...
- 8/20/2012
- by Clarissa
- TVovermind.com
A 1980s sitcom star and a major league baseball Mvp will join 13 other new players — as well as three returning ones — when Survivor: Philippines premieres on CBS with a special 90-minute episode at 8 p.m. Et on Sept. 19.
Lisa Whelchel, best known as Blair Warner from The Facts of Life, will do something that preppy Blair never would have considered by volunteering to spend up to 39 days on a remote island. A huge Survivor fan, Whelchel openly campaigned to be on the show, and calls the chance to outwit, outplay and outlast a dream come true. “I’ve watched it from the very first episode,...
Lisa Whelchel, best known as Blair Warner from The Facts of Life, will do something that preppy Blair never would have considered by volunteering to spend up to 39 days on a remote island. A huge Survivor fan, Whelchel openly campaigned to be on the show, and calls the chance to outwit, outplay and outlast a dream come true. “I’ve watched it from the very first episode,...
- 8/20/2012
- by Dalton Ross
- EW - Inside TV
After 13 days in the "Big Brother" (Thu., 9 p.m. Et on CBS) house, chaos ensued under the Hoh reign of Willie. After Britney told him that she thought the coaches may eventually join the game as players, Willie called a meeting of all the players, minus their coaches. There, he tried to encourage everyone to play their own game.
Frank took him at his word -- though Frank has been playing hard since Day 1 -- and managed to quickly turn the entire house against Willie, just as they were in the beginning when they were all speculating that he was "Survivor" villain Russell Hantz' brother; which he is.
After stirring up things in the house below, Frank was able to keep his cool when Willie confronted him about it, and that made Frank look much better in the eyes of the house. Suddenly, Willie looked even more like Public Enemy #1.
Then,...
Frank took him at his word -- though Frank has been playing hard since Day 1 -- and managed to quickly turn the entire house against Willie, just as they were in the beginning when they were all speculating that he was "Survivor" villain Russell Hantz' brother; which he is.
After stirring up things in the house below, Frank was able to keep his cool when Willie confronted him about it, and that made Frank look much better in the eyes of the house. Suddenly, Willie looked even more like Public Enemy #1.
Then,...
- 7/20/2012
- by Jason Hughes
- Huffington Post
After 13 days in the "Big Brother" (Thu., 9 p.m. Et on CBS) house, chaos ensued under the Hoh reign of Willie. After Britney told him that she thought the coaches may eventually join the game as players, Willie called a meeting of all the players, minus their coaches. There, he tried to encourage everyone to play their own game.
Frank took him at his word -- though Frank has been playing hard since Day 1 -- and managed to quickly turn the entire house against Willie, just as they were in the beginning when they were all speculating that he was "Survivor" villain Russell Hantz' brother; which he is.
After stirring up things in the house below, Frank was able to keep his cool when Willie confronted him about it, and that made Frank look much better in the eyes of the house. Suddenly, Willie looked even more like Public Enemy #1.
Then,...
Frank took him at his word -- though Frank has been playing hard since Day 1 -- and managed to quickly turn the entire house against Willie, just as they were in the beginning when they were all speculating that he was "Survivor" villain Russell Hantz' brother; which he is.
After stirring up things in the house below, Frank was able to keep his cool when Willie confronted him about it, and that made Frank look much better in the eyes of the house. Suddenly, Willie looked even more like Public Enemy #1.
Then,...
- 7/20/2012
- by Jason Hughes
- Aol TV.
Survivor: One World Review, Season 24, Episode 14,
“Perception is Not Always Reality”
Airs Wednesdays at 8pm (Et) on CBS
There have been only a few cases where the Survivor winner has been telegraphed so far in advance. A recent example was Boston Rob’s roll through the Redemption Island season, but his edge as a four-time returning player made it easier. Kim has played front and center since the merge and put a huge target on her back. She’s walked the line between staying loyal to her alliance and removing major challengers. During the two-hour finale, she has several opportunities to take out players who could steal the prize. The surprising part is that she resists that temptation and sticks with Sabrina and Chelsea to face the music. Her confidence in the Final Tribal Council is clear, and the only remaining obstacle is bitterness from the jury.
Strong competitors from...
“Perception is Not Always Reality”
Airs Wednesdays at 8pm (Et) on CBS
There have been only a few cases where the Survivor winner has been telegraphed so far in advance. A recent example was Boston Rob’s roll through the Redemption Island season, but his edge as a four-time returning player made it easier. Kim has played front and center since the merge and put a huge target on her back. She’s walked the line between staying loyal to her alliance and removing major challengers. During the two-hour finale, she has several opportunities to take out players who could steal the prize. The surprising part is that she resists that temptation and sticks with Sabrina and Chelsea to face the music. Her confidence in the Final Tribal Council is clear, and the only remaining obstacle is bitterness from the jury.
Strong competitors from...
- 5/15/2012
- by Dan Heaton
- SoundOnSight
Troyzan goes and Kim falters in the latest episode, and MTV News is back with former player Rob Cesternino to recap it all.
By Josh Wigler
Kim Spradlin during the immunity challenge on "Survivor: One World"
Photo: CBS
Few people would have predicted Greg "Tarzan" Smith to be the last man standing on "Survivor: One World," but that's exactly what's happened now that his similarly named competitor Troyzan is no longer in the game.
After an astonishing drop in likability paired with an equally stunning win last week, Troyzan redeemed himself (to a degree) on a personal level in the latest episode, at the expense of his life in the game. Now, six women remain: wishy-washy Christina, foul-mouthed Alicia, dim-witted Kat, savvy Sabrina, the seemingly unbeatable Kim and her partner-in-crime Chelsea — with only Tarzan representing the men of "One World," poop pants and all.
As the season moves toward the end game,...
By Josh Wigler
Kim Spradlin during the immunity challenge on "Survivor: One World"
Photo: CBS
Few people would have predicted Greg "Tarzan" Smith to be the last man standing on "Survivor: One World," but that's exactly what's happened now that his similarly named competitor Troyzan is no longer in the game.
After an astonishing drop in likability paired with an equally stunning win last week, Troyzan redeemed himself (to a degree) on a personal level in the latest episode, at the expense of his life in the game. Now, six women remain: wishy-washy Christina, foul-mouthed Alicia, dim-witted Kat, savvy Sabrina, the seemingly unbeatable Kim and her partner-in-crime Chelsea — with only Tarzan representing the men of "One World," poop pants and all.
As the season moves toward the end game,...
- 4/26/2012
- MTV Movie News
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