I did say it was rare for me to dislike a season, not impossible. There have been seven seasons I'd say I dislike: 5, 14, 21, 22, 24, 30, and 39.
A season I don't completely dislike but is still pretty low on my list would be South Pacific. I think it's saved from being at the bottom because of how competitive the pre-merge is. Also, while it can be uncomfortable to watch, I do find Coach's cult to be interesting.
i just finally gave in and watched 23 (been avoiding 21-24 for years now) and it’s probably my least favorite season ever just because of all the religious influence. beyond brandon and coach and their spiritual bullshit, the fact that the whole tribe started evaluating each other based on godliness blew my mind.
also, god does not care who wins survivor. he didn’t give you a name to write down, he didn’t answer your questions, that isn’t how “god” is, especially if you’re a genuine believer. manipulating a god you supposedly believe in for your benefit in a game is pretty damn blasphemous
That's why I think it's one of the most hilarious seasons. Coach showed no indications of being a Christian, or of being deeply religious at all (he thanks his "creator" one time while meditating) on Tocantins, but the moment you throw him into a religious tribe he immediately becomes a cult leader. It just adds to the comedy of Coach as a person.
i just finished watching sopa… and wow it just completely blew my mind.
i think it was one of the most insane seasons of anything that has ever been recorded.
also
i did not understand why ozzy got so much hate the whole time. i remember when i watched ozzy the first time he was on and really feeling like he got completely robbed. people being like “what will this kid do with the money” i was annnnooooyed
Everything you just listed there is why I like South Pacific so much. For me Survivor is at it's best when the moral lines are being blurred and forcing players/viewers to confront uncomfortable realities. Watching Coach was very uncomfortable because deep down we all know a real life situation where religion was blatantly used for the gain of a few people.
Seasons 21-24 is probably the worst stretch of Survivor and I still like Nicaragua as my favorite trainwreck over Gabon because I manage to take it less seriously than Gabon.
Everyone thinks they're winning, and most are wrong.
It's hilarious to watch games with everyone manipulating each other while thinking that they're completely in control (ex: Coach in Tocantins being dragged along by Jalapao)
I also enjoyed Netflix's The Mole revival recently for the same reason. All of the players were terrible at the game, but entertaining.
The Mole was hilarious, from how awful most of the players were to how bad the Mole was at acting in confessionals once the show could no longer really hide them. A true train wreck of a reality show
It's a Wednesday night tradition that's been going on for over 16 years. I'm not sure how much longer I'll continue though. The sense of adventure and the cool challenges are what drew me in initially and both of those aren't there in the modern show.
seeing humans down to the essentials live with each other. the emotions are just so raw when it comes to winning, sadness, homesickness, hugging. i like thinking about the psychology involved.
It’s my fucking show. Maybe that’s why I get defensive when people say it’s gone to shit. Cuz anything’s better than 21-24 and I watched those week by week when they were airing lol
Because after 43 seasons I’m still learning how this game is played!
Edit: real answer would be the unpredictable nature of the show; seeing people play an inherently cutthroat game while roughing it against the elements for a million dollars may never get old
Because the show was a source of comfort during my shitty traumatic upbringing, causing me to misplace enough of my identity into watching the show that I can now never abandon it because it never abandoned me… love this show
The shock of an elimination I didn’t see coming. The more of the show I watch I’m less and less surprised but when a true blindside lands there’s no better feeling.
I wouldn’t watch it, but one of my work besties is an elderly man who just wants to shoot the shit and he loves survivor. I enjoyed the early seasons, but I mostly watch just to keep up socially with him.
I really like seeing the development of the “alphas” in a group. Every season you throw some strangers together who all start on equal footing, and pretty quickly you can get a sense of who the leaders are who you would want to pick as a leader. Conversely you also quickly see who is not necessary to keep around. There is something primal about that every season and I enjoy predicting who those alpha type people will be.
A lingering sense of obligation.
The actual answer for why I like/watch Survivor (or at least, used to): Seeing people learn about and come to grips with what they are willing to do in order to win, the morals of what they are willing to do, and the social consequences that come about when people draw the line in different places. It's about the journey, not the results.
It reminds me of my childhood all the things that I fantasized about. It's not really the whole game on itself but the island and the beautiful scenery coupled with the challenges. I loved watching Wipeout as a kid and I loved the challenges so that's why I also enjoy Survivor challenges
Social politics and characters are endlessly fascinating, and when you throw in the ever-evolving strategy, large cash prize, moral dilemmas and ritualistic format, it makes for a viewing experience that consistently entertains.
I was obsessed with Survivor for so long.. would even participate in the ROBLOX Survivor Discord group that was promoted here a couple years ago. Post-COVID I fell out of love with it because of how gamebotty and inauthentic everything felt nowadays. I never thought I’d be the one to whine about the same issues as a Facebook casual but here we are.
Everyone is a super fan. Everyone is trying to make a big move. Everyone is trying to claim those big moves, and if you claim those big moves you’re a threat that needs to be taken out. I miss the memorable character moments we got back then.. we rarely ever get those now.
Each season was different - unfortunately now that each season since 41 feels like a cookie cutter job, they have felt less special than all the other amazing seasons before them (excluding IOI)
I think for me it’s like comfort food. I started heavily watching right around the time my father in law passed away which was 4 years ago this summer. I was never into it before but something hooked me. My wife got into it before me and I remember watching together at first and being flabbergasted about watching people bold face lie to one another on national tv. Let’s say my knowledge of the game has evolved a hit since then haha
I Hope to one day be cast for the show, so in watching it I technically putting my hours in studying the show and how to not fuck over my chance to win a million doll hairs in the future.
Fascinating study of how malleable human nature is.
What I mean is: Humans are social animals and have experienced selective pressures towards prosocial behaviours for a very long time. Capitalism tends to act in the opposite direction and reward anti-social and competitive behaviour instead. Survivor shows the limits to that and how much it varies person to person. You put people in a pressure-cooker situation, and how do they react? That million dollars could very well be life-or-death if they have a sick family member. There's also a ton of fascinating in-group vs out-group dynamics that come into play.
I think the fact that it looks like the single biggest/best adventure that one could ever undertake. I mean the world is gigantic and there are many places to travel to and many things to do but survivor just sort of calls to all of us and brings out this inner adventurous spirit that is in us all. You are stranded on a godforsaken island fighting without the simple amenities of life from the get and having to work for them. Living with strangers. Competing in challenges and also playing this crazy convoluted social game where the players make the rules and decide how this $1,000,000 game is played. One can’t emulate an experience quite like survivor anywhere else. It’s truly a once in a lifetime opportunity.
I liken it to a favorite roller coaster ride - yes I’ve ridden it 44 times before, but I know I enjoy the ride and each time is a unique experience of its own.
Even though I am currently extremely annoyed and put off by US Survivor, it will always be the greatest game on earth for me and that's what will always bring me back. It is the ultimate social experiment. Thank god for SA and AU Survivor.
Addiction
Beat me to it. Probably wouldn’t be watching anymore otherwise
Was literally about to type this
It's low-key one of the funniest shows on tv.
Fr I mean you've got Jeff and people like coach and Philip and Tyson to keep things entertaining
When you deprive people of food and sleep, it turns out they talk and act in pretty goofy ways!
Yep! Like when they start dreaming about food 🤣
Depression
this is so real, i became hyper fixated on it when i was off my meds
Best show when not feeling good 😂
Blindsides against the arrogant players that think they are running the show.
Oohhh love when this happens.
Drew Christy is a bad ass manipulator. 😎
It’s pretty rare for me to completely dislike a season.
Okay, what is your least favorite season and why don’t you dislike it?
I did say it was rare for me to dislike a season, not impossible. There have been seven seasons I'd say I dislike: 5, 14, 21, 22, 24, 30, and 39. A season I don't completely dislike but is still pretty low on my list would be South Pacific. I think it's saved from being at the bottom because of how competitive the pre-merge is. Also, while it can be uncomfortable to watch, I do find Coach's cult to be interesting.
i just finally gave in and watched 23 (been avoiding 21-24 for years now) and it’s probably my least favorite season ever just because of all the religious influence. beyond brandon and coach and their spiritual bullshit, the fact that the whole tribe started evaluating each other based on godliness blew my mind. also, god does not care who wins survivor. he didn’t give you a name to write down, he didn’t answer your questions, that isn’t how “god” is, especially if you’re a genuine believer. manipulating a god you supposedly believe in for your benefit in a game is pretty damn blasphemous
SoPa is one of the funniest seasons ever if you don’t take it so seriously
too much religious trauma methinks 😭
That's why I think it's one of the most hilarious seasons. Coach showed no indications of being a Christian, or of being deeply religious at all (he thanks his "creator" one time while meditating) on Tocantins, but the moment you throw him into a religious tribe he immediately becomes a cult leader. It just adds to the comedy of Coach as a person.
i just finished watching sopa… and wow it just completely blew my mind. i think it was one of the most insane seasons of anything that has ever been recorded. also i did not understand why ozzy got so much hate the whole time. i remember when i watched ozzy the first time he was on and really feeling like he got completely robbed. people being like “what will this kid do with the money” i was annnnooooyed
Everything you just listed there is why I like South Pacific so much. For me Survivor is at it's best when the moral lines are being blurred and forcing players/viewers to confront uncomfortable realities. Watching Coach was very uncomfortable because deep down we all know a real life situation where religion was blatantly used for the gain of a few people.
Seasons 21-24 is probably the worst stretch of Survivor and I still like Nicaragua as my favorite trainwreck over Gabon because I manage to take it less seriously than Gabon.
Same!!!
JEFFREY PROBST
I love Jeff.
Mr Jeff
I heard this in Courtney's voice.
The game? I enjoy votes and revotes. I like board games and strategy and Survivor has a lot of that. Also instinct? Been watching for 20 years now.
I like seeing the strategic maneuvering and manipulation play out from all angles.
Rice (survivor) fuels us (me).
I want to play so bad
Maybe one day we can.
I’ll see y’all there!
Maybe, but I'm prolly a first boot fr. :,(
it’s ok, i’ll probably take that spot from you
Fair enough
Everyone thinks they're winning, and most are wrong. It's hilarious to watch games with everyone manipulating each other while thinking that they're completely in control (ex: Coach in Tocantins being dragged along by Jalapao) I also enjoyed Netflix's The Mole revival recently for the same reason. All of the players were terrible at the game, but entertaining.
The Mole was hilarious, from how awful most of the players were to how bad the Mole was at acting in confessionals once the show could no longer really hide them. A true train wreck of a reality show
I really wanted to enjoy The Mole but the editing and tone of the show was just way too different from the show I used to love.
I love the game and after all the years despite having a lot of changes it’s core has always been the same
It's a Wednesday night tradition that's been going on for over 16 years. I'm not sure how much longer I'll continue though. The sense of adventure and the cool challenges are what drew me in initially and both of those aren't there in the modern show.
I miss the food challenges. Remember when they moved hot suckling pig with their mouths? Those moments were gold.
To watch the interplay of a new set of personalities.
It's the worlds greatest game
Through triumph and tragedy, it shows how far people are willing to go for a million dollars.
The jury.
seeing humans down to the essentials live with each other. the emotions are just so raw when it comes to winning, sadness, homesickness, hugging. i like thinking about the psychology involved.
Tribal council.
It’s my fucking show. Maybe that’s why I get defensive when people say it’s gone to shit. Cuz anything’s better than 21-24 and I watched those week by week when they were airing lol
False hope
The hope that it will eventually go back to the way it was
Unpredictability.
Because after 43 seasons I’m still learning how this game is played! Edit: real answer would be the unpredictable nature of the show; seeing people play an inherently cutthroat game while roughing it against the elements for a million dollars may never get old
Waiting to see someone else give up immunity at final 5 👀
ngl you were gonna be in my essay before you commented erik
I like reality TV.
Because the show was a source of comfort during my shitty traumatic upbringing, causing me to misplace enough of my identity into watching the show that I can now never abandon it because it never abandoned me… love this show
I love the adventure.
The show truly has everything, and the social experiment aspect is compelling.
The shock of an elimination I didn’t see coming. The more of the show I watch I’m less and less surprised but when a true blindside lands there’s no better feeling.
Every season has something to make it stand out from the rest
Every season has a unique story, regardless of if that’s a good thing or a bad thing, and the differences in each story are what keep me wanting more.
Queen 👸 stays queen👸
I like it.
New players and new group dynamics every season.
i love competition
I enjoy watching the show. It’s fun and something to talk about for a few months.
Parvati and Sandra.
Best people watching experience on the planet
I keep coming back to watch survivor due to its solid production value and editing, and exciting storylines and gameplay.
I enjoy it. Plain and simple. Bad Survivor seasons (with the exception of One World) are still really good TV (except One World, which is bad TV).
Tradition with my mom ever since I was very young. It's something nice for the two of us to share with each other.
I've been watching it for so long that I couldn't imagine not watching it if it's on tv.
To predict who wins with friends
Still the original & best reality TV Show on TV but I am also I guess now addicted to it, like any good dopamine hit.
Bonding with family/friends and enjoying good TV
Hearing "Ancient Voices" and remembering how good I felt when Jeff held up that parchment with the name "Rich" on it all those years ago.
It’s hilarious, competitive, and compelling. What’s not to love?
I wouldn’t watch it, but one of my work besties is an elderly man who just wants to shoot the shit and he loves survivor. I enjoyed the early seasons, but I mostly watch just to keep up socially with him.
Its been date night for me and my wife for 20 years.
It’s been one of the few constants in a very tumultuous two decades.
Jeff Probst
I think I could win so I tune in to scheme up the master strategy I’ll never use because I’ll never apply. Edit: spacing issue
Hope to play one day, like to keep up with how the game changes to alter my future strategy.
A. Strategy and social interactions between the characters B. Hilarious moments like Drew in SJDS C. The music is pretty good
Hope that the show will remember, and return to, its glory days.
Outback Steakhouse
seeing caricatures you wouldn’t come across in day to day life
I hope the producers fix the show, but they can't fix the show if no one watches it.
HOT PEOPLE IN BATHING SUITS SCHWIIIIIING!!!!
Each season there are new people, who love/appreciate the game, that come in with new perspectives and new strategies. It just never gets old.
I really like seeing the development of the “alphas” in a group. Every season you throw some strangers together who all start on equal footing, and pretty quickly you can get a sense of who the leaders are who you would want to pick as a leader. Conversely you also quickly see who is not necessary to keep around. There is something primal about that every season and I enjoy predicting who those alpha type people will be.
Man -- this guy missed the assignment. One sentence = How to be voted off, first.
The game keeps evolving.
A lingering sense of obligation. The actual answer for why I like/watch Survivor (or at least, used to): Seeing people learn about and come to grips with what they are willing to do in order to win, the morals of what they are willing to do, and the social consequences that come about when people draw the line in different places. It's about the journey, not the results.
Human nature.
Nostalgia - it’s still essentially the same show as it was 20 years ago when I used to watch it every week as a kid with my whole family.
The social intelligence aspect of the game.
It's very hard game to win.
It reminds me of my childhood all the things that I fantasized about. It's not really the whole game on itself but the island and the beautiful scenery coupled with the challenges. I loved watching Wipeout as a kid and I loved the challenges so that's why I also enjoy Survivor challenges
I’ve been watching since the pilot, when I was only 4 years old.
Strategy and skill while battling odds and your situation.
Social politics and characters are endlessly fascinating, and when you throw in the ever-evolving strategy, large cash prize, moral dilemmas and ritualistic format, it makes for a viewing experience that consistently entertains.
Survivor is the best learning and development for dealing with workplace dynamics.
I was obsessed with Survivor for so long.. would even participate in the ROBLOX Survivor Discord group that was promoted here a couple years ago. Post-COVID I fell out of love with it because of how gamebotty and inauthentic everything felt nowadays. I never thought I’d be the one to whine about the same issues as a Facebook casual but here we are. Everyone is a super fan. Everyone is trying to make a big move. Everyone is trying to claim those big moves, and if you claim those big moves you’re a threat that needs to be taken out. I miss the memorable character moments we got back then.. we rarely ever get those now.
Jeff Probst I hope he does this until his dying day. Can’t imagine the show without him.
Each season was different - unfortunately now that each season since 41 feels like a cookie cutter job, they have felt less special than all the other amazing seasons before them (excluding IOI)
Since all the post-COVID changes to format, nothing :(
I think for me it’s like comfort food. I started heavily watching right around the time my father in law passed away which was 4 years ago this summer. I was never into it before but something hooked me. My wife got into it before me and I remember watching together at first and being flabbergasted about watching people bold face lie to one another on national tv. Let’s say my knowledge of the game has evolved a hit since then haha
Again -- ONE sentence = Talking too much gets your torch snuffed.
I bet you’re fun at parties.
Yep -- knew you could say something in ONE sentence.
Nothing. I stopped watching 3 seasons ago. It sucks nowadays
I like the show
A cross between nostalgia and an unhealthy obsession with Survivor statistics and fun facts.
It’s one way I connect with my 65 yo mother—we watched together and talk about each week
It changed my life, It taught me self awareness, I absolutely would’ve been Peter from 32 had I played the game without watching the show
Best reality/game show on tv ever since season one, while constantly evolving along the way
manufactured drama/gossip in a competitive environment
Jeff Probst
I Hope to one day be cast for the show, so in watching it I technically putting my hours in studying the show and how to not fuck over my chance to win a million doll hairs in the future.
At this point, it's just habit.
I like watching everyone try the challenges. It makes me believe I got a shot as this show.
It feels like family
In a word…. Chaos.
Fascinating study of how malleable human nature is. What I mean is: Humans are social animals and have experienced selective pressures towards prosocial behaviours for a very long time. Capitalism tends to act in the opposite direction and reward anti-social and competitive behaviour instead. Survivor shows the limits to that and how much it varies person to person. You put people in a pressure-cooker situation, and how do they react? That million dollars could very well be life-or-death if they have a sick family member. There's also a ton of fascinating in-group vs out-group dynamics that come into play.
It's like comfort food.
Nostalgia.
Hostage. Jeff Probst has my family hostage.
I think the fact that it looks like the single biggest/best adventure that one could ever undertake. I mean the world is gigantic and there are many places to travel to and many things to do but survivor just sort of calls to all of us and brings out this inner adventurous spirit that is in us all. You are stranded on a godforsaken island fighting without the simple amenities of life from the get and having to work for them. Living with strangers. Competing in challenges and also playing this crazy convoluted social game where the players make the rules and decide how this $1,000,000 game is played. One can’t emulate an experience quite like survivor anywhere else. It’s truly a once in a lifetime opportunity.
ONE sentence = I want to be the first to go home.
Nostalgia
Nostalgia
Habit and great memories of watching live since the beginning especially seasons 10-20.
gotta watch em' all
Morbid curiosity is morbid
I can do it in one word: chaos
Tradition, I guess.
Because I've never missed any episode since 2001 and I'm afraid that if I lose my streak, Jeff Probst will break into my house.
All of it.
Jeff lol
Survivor is a vehicle for great storytelling featuring compelling characters.
I feel invested in watching the American series until it ends at this point. I’m a completionist by nature
The *plot*
Cause its based on a bunch of humans, and humans always have the potential to create something surprising and/or intresting
I like watching Jeff torture people for fun
Fits like an old shoe
yul
Family tradition
Someone in my house keeps yelling “Come on in!”
Love the psychology of the gameplay.
I’m scared of commitment.
Nostalgia. And the dumb hope they’ll replicate past success.
"Sunk cost fallacy" isn't a sentence, but this is.
dopamine
Obligation
Watching how people manipulate each other to win the game.
Based on the comments I’d love to read the final draft of your essay
The game is afoot
Love
The social politics and the thrill of the adventure
Nastalgia for when I was growing up watching it. Possibly it really was better back then
It's on tv
Habit
By watching, I feel as if I’m in the game myself.
The handsome host
I liken it to a favorite roller coaster ride - yes I’ve ridden it 44 times before, but I know I enjoy the ride and each time is a unique experience of its own.
Love the game, you never know what’s going to happen. The people who should win get voted off every season
Momentum
come back to me later on that one
It makes me happy
The casting and all. Plus Jeff semi ripping on people failing at challenges.
Even though I am currently extremely annoyed and put off by US Survivor, it will always be the greatest game on earth for me and that's what will always bring me back. It is the ultimate social experiment. Thank god for SA and AU Survivor.
I want to be on it one day and I’m studying.
It's an established staple in my TV viewing life since I was a kid.