[PHOTOS] ‘Survivor’: All 44 Seasons Ranked

SURVIVOR: THAILAND (Season 5)

Not even the pretend merge twist might save Thailand from its spot on the backside of the barrel. This solid was maybe probably the most unlikeable bunch in franchise historical past, leaving us with completely nobody to root for.

SURVIVOR: ISLAND OF THE IDOLS (Season 39)

There was potential right here — wonderful characters to root for in Janet and Jamal, a solid filled with educated players, a Boston Rob/Sandra twist that was enjoyable sufficient — however the season took a nosedive after castaway Dan Spilo was accused of inappropriately touching feminine contestants. The present ought to’ve instantly ejected him, however didn’t; he was later faraway from the sport following an off-camera run-in involving a crew member. The incident sparked much more ugly conduct from different gamers, and the entire shebang left us shaking our heads in disgust.

SURVIVOR: FIJI (Season 14)

The Haves Vs. Have-Nots twist was an actual buzzkill to the sport. The unfair benefit in the end delivered a really lopsided first half, and it didn’t get significantly better from there. Simply ask Yau-Man, who gifted Dreamz a truck in trade for the ultimate immunity necklace, solely to have Dreamz reneg on the deal later. This season left us with such a bitter style that we’re in no rush to rewatch this one.

SURVIVOR: NICARAGUA (Season 21)

Not solely was splitting the tribes up by age an enormous flop, however the Medallion of Energy — a necklace that allowed the tribe holding it to obtain a bonus for a problem of their selecting — rivals the aforementioned Haves/Have-Nots twist as being one of many worst ever. Challenges turned method too predictable, and the dearth of water competitions was actually felt in Nicaragua. Additionally, two castaways stop the sport on the identical Tribal Council! Jane Vibrant (pictured above) and Holly Hoffman had been maybe the season’s solely saving graces, however total, this wasn’t it.

SURVIVOR: REDEMPTION ISLAND (Season 22)

OK, Boston Rob followers, earlier than you get out the torches and pitchforks, we admit: Rob deserved all the accolades right here. However take a look at the individuals he performed in opposition to! Think about if knowledgeable footballer went head-to-head with a children’ Pee Wee crew. Redemption Island was B.R.’s fourth time on the island, and this group of beginner recruits couldn’t come near touching that in-game expertise. They adopted his lead like starstruck center schoolers who had by no means even seen the present earlier than. Plus, don’t get us began on the precise Redemption Island twist.

SURVIVOR: GUATEMALA (Season 11)

Palau‘s Stephenie LaGrossa got here again with a vengeance. And hear: In case you’re going to return to play a actuality TV recreation once more, don’t play the identical recreation twice like Russell Hantz; relatively, pull a Dan Gheesling (Large Brother). That’s precisely what Steph tried to do. However regardless of her change in technique and savage gameplay, the jury nonetheless didn’t reward the best winner. Guatemala did introduce the first-ever hidden immunity idol although, so factors for that, I suppose.

SURVIVOR: ONE WORLD (Season 24)

Kim Spradlin’s recreation right here was probably the most flawless actuality TV runs of all time. She dominated the season strategically, socially and bodily, completely exemplifying the present’s tagline of outwitting, outplaying and outlasting her competitors. If solely her competitors had any fireplace inside to battle again. And whereas we love-to-hate a high quality villain, there was nothing to like in regards to the mean-spirited Colton, whose petty conduct bordered on cruelty.

SURVIVOR: SAN JUAN DEL SUR — BLOOD VS. WATER (Season 29)

The Blood vs. Water idea labored so nicely two seasons prior when returning gamers introduced a beloved one to the island with them. However this sequel season lacked the depth and originality of its predecessor. It did bless us with future returnees Kelley Wentworth and Jeremy Collins, along with a really succesful winner.

SURVIVOR: GABON (Season 17)

Bear in mind when Corinne lambasted Sugar for being unhappy about her just lately deceased father? Not an excellent look. Regardless of its likable winner, too many weak gamers made it method too far within the recreation. In hindsight, Gabon deserves its place within the decrease half of this rating.

SURVIVOR: EDGE OF EXTINCTION (Season 38)

Twists that give ousted gamers an opportunity to return to the sport can typically be controversial, and the Fringe of Extinction was no exception. Not solely do blended seasons of returning vets and newbies ship blended outcomes, however the third individual voted out of the sport went on to win! Huge props for the hustle there, however will we love the Edge twist? Hardly. However don’t hate the participant, hate the sport.

SURVIVOR: WORLDS APART — WHITE COLLAR VS. BLUE COLLAR VS. NO COLLAR (Season 30)

A lot misogyny! Worlds Aside may’ve ranked larger had it not been for the rampant assaults in opposition to ladies within the solid, and the gross verbal diarrhea of a few of its males. (Poor Shirin!) It delivered a strong winner, nevertheless, and you already know we’ve received a lot love for Mama C. Nonetheless, the season didn’t do a lot else to notch itself any larger or make a long-lasting impression in any other case.

SURVIVOR: AFRICA (Season 3)

Survivor: Africa is a superbly mediocre entry. It had the first-ever tribe swap, and the solid always needed to stave off lions, which upped the survival components from the primary two seasons. The shortage of water challenges was a bummer, and a few of the castaways had been far too younger, immature and salty. Although it does make us miss the times when the present traveled to unique places.

SURVIVOR: VANUATU (Season 9)

The lads vs. ladies set-up labored nicely for The Amazon, however Vanuatu stays one of many extra forgettable outings. Kudos to its winner, although, for pulling out a victory when all of the playing cards had been stacked in opposition to him.

SURVIVOR: ALL-STARS (Season 8)

When this recreation will get private, it will get private — simply ask Lex and Kathy. Boston Rob performed a masterful recreation right here, and looking out again, it’s absurd how a lot individuals trusted the man. However the season’s a bit overrated, in the event you ask us. So many nice gamers went out far too early (Colby, Rob C.), plus, back-to-back seasons with Rupert was exhausting. However that closing Tribal Council? Savage, even when it did give us one of many worst winners ever.

SURVIVOR: PANAMA — EXILE ISLAND (Season 12)

Justice for Shane Powers! That man might’ve and ought to’ve been introduced again for an additional go-around. In addition to that, Exile Island was a neat twist (that was initially examined out in Survivor: Palau), however that Closing 2? No thanks.

SURVIVOR: GHOST ISLAND (Season 36)

The season that lastly gave us the reply to: What would occur if the jury vote is tied? Watching Wendell Holland and Domenic Abbate battle it out all season lengthy was thrilling to observe. They knew precisely when to work collectively, and precisely when to chop that deal off. Whereas the Ghost Island twist was good in concept, by season’s finish it appeared like a bunch of hyped-up hullabaloo, with many of the older benefits nonetheless getting used incorrectly and in the end tossed. Cool idea, less-than-stellar execution.

SURVIVOR 43

Sadly, the brand new period of Survivor has reached a low. Even though producers nixed the Do or Die twist and that horrendous hourglass, Season 43 had few fireworks to have fun (outdoors of that good Cody blindside, after all). With many of the benefits touchdown within the arms of the bulk, we didn’t see a bevy of wowing strikes at Tribal Council. In truth, it’s secure to say the gameplay this season was secure and downright sleepy.

With the zanier inventive components fortunately trimmed, the solid, for some cause, felt that stealth-mode was the suitable modus operandi. And it’s not like we didn’t have dynamic personalities who needed to play; Cody, Jesse and Karla had been all nice gamers who ought to be requested again. However with barely any big moments, 43 lands comfortably within the collection’ backside half and nicely beneath the 2 seasons that preceded it. If one of many frontrunners had received, possibly it could’ve notched it up a tick. However that winner? Controversial, to say the least. (Simply ask Twitter.)

SURVIVOR: TOCANTINS (Season 18)

Tocantins could be very a lot the definition of “center of the street.” J.T. and Stephen’s blossoming bromance made them a worthy duo to root for, whereas Coach gave us a Survivor “character” we had actually by no means seen earlier than. Additionally, particular shoutout to Taj, a member of the R&B trio SWV who made all of it the best way to the Closing 4. Past that, it was… advantageous.

SURVIVOR: SOUTH PACIFIC (Season 23)

Survivor simply couldn’t get sufficient of Ozzy Lusth, who returned for his third island journey (of 4). He and Coach spearheaded two tribes of recent gamers, and the outcome was a blended bag. The Redemption Island twist was again in play (ugh), which gave Ozzy what felt like 10 pictures at returning, however he nonetheless couldn’t pull it off.

SURVIVOR: SAMOA (Season 19)

One of many present’s most despicable gamers was additionally one of many craftiest. Russell Hantz took the sport by storm, searching down idols with out clues (which on the time was craaazy!), and being a normal thorn in his tribe’s facet. He lied about all the pieces (he claimed he was a sufferer of Hurricane Katrina — Johnny Fairplay could be proud!), dumped out his tribe’s water cannisters and even burned a man’s socks. His idol-hunting expertise buoyed him all the best way to the tip, the place his lack of jury administration misplaced him the sport. Whereas we wouldn’t declare to be followers of his, he certain was… one thing.

SURVIVOR 41

It’s unlucky that Survivor‘s massive post-pandemic return was this a lot of a blended bag. On one hand, the casting for this season was a few of its greatest but. Not solely did these gamers have a deep understanding of the sport’s technique, however they got here to play, swinging for the fences at nearly each flip. We had some quirky characters (Brad and Naseer), massive time strategists (Shan and Ricard) and simply plain likable castaways (Evvie and Danny). Everybody right here had one thing so as to add. Plus, the rise in variety introduced real-life components to the season, which at all times fuels dialog and complicates an already advanced recreation for its gamers.

Nonetheless, the over-abundance of idols, benefits and twists made it tough to maintain observe of who held what. Regardless of the enjoyable and silliness of the key phrases, it revealed an excessive amount of data, and as soon as everybody knew what was in every participant’s arsenals, the thriller of all of it quickly deflated. As well as, the hourglass debacle was probably the most manufactured and nonsensical “twists” ever (a couple of castaway referred to it as “a lie“), rewarding dropping gamers, whereas punishing others who had received truthful and sq.. The Shot within the Darkish was form of a flop, too.

Whereas we are able to respect the truth that benefits aren’t going wherever on this recreation, there must be a stability, in order that the social dynamics of camp life aren’t snuffed out together with its torches. This solid might’ve delivered compelling moments with out all of the gimmicky hoopla.

SURVIVOR: HEROES VS. HEALERS VS. HUSTLERS (Season 35)

The season the place Chrissy was robbed. HHH began sluggish, however picked up pace because it went. Whereas the present actually began to kick the benefits into excessive gear all through its fourth decade, at the least it began inserting expiration dates on them. However the Closing 4 fire-making twist that was launched right here felt like an affordable ruse particularly put in place to get Ben to the ultimate Tribal.

SURVIVOR: CARAMOAN — FANS VS. FAVORITES (Season 26)

We won’t communicate of this season’s grating pre-merge episodes, however what got here post-merge makes this one a pure and whole standout. From the Corinne blindside to the plight of the Three Amigos, as soon as these tribes merged, the season took off like a bat outta hell. The Tribal Councils had been hectic and unpredictable, leading to blindside after blindside. Plus, it was a pure redemption season for former South Pacific gamers Daybreak and Cochrane.

SURVIVOR: CHINA (Season 15)

Ah, the season that blessed us with Courtney Yates. China featured a decent roster of players, and in addition taught viewers all over the place how not to make use of an immunity idol (James, above, was voted out with two idols in his pocket). Whereas the placement appeared like an odd alternative, the season saved its gamers — and us — on their toes. Plus, Todd’s closing Tribal Council efficiency ought to be necessary viewing for any Survivor hopefuls on the market.

SURVIVOR 44

As soon as once more, the brand new period of Survivor delivered a monumentally spectacular solid. There have been so many individuals to like together with college students of the sport (Matthew and Carson), some wacky oddballs (Yam Yam and Carolyn) and a few straight up showmen (Danny). For the primary time shortly, the sport didn’t really feel slowed down by a slew of benefits. The birdcage added a singular twist to the immunity idol, and the Beware Benefits lastly took a much-needed break. (Plus, the hourglass and do-or-die twist fortunately stayed dormant.)

Nothing on 44 was too explosive or flashy, nor did it comply with in 43’s stealthy (learn: boring) footsteps. There was no Cirie-ing (see Recreation Changers), nor had been there any crushing betrayals or backstabs. Whereas this all might sound like cause sufficient to rank this decrease, the season felt refreshing in a method. A bit after all correction for the reason that days of 41, even. It wasn’t overly produced or manufactured, but it surely was constant. Whereas 42 has the slight edge compared because of its larger performs, 44’s colourful characters and zany antics had been extremely watchable, plus the Closing 3 — and its winner — had been completely deserving. No complaints right here. (Watch our exit interviews with Yam Yam and Carolyn.)

SURVIVOR 42

Let’s begin with the professionals: We couldn’t assist however love the enhancing. Much less time spent explaining benefit guidelines gave us extra time to hang around at camp, analyzing relationships and techniques that got here into play in main methods at Tribal Council. The solid was an important mixture of players, which gave us a few of the greatest gamers we’ve seen lately together with Omar, Drea, Hai and Maryanne. The season as soon as once more dived deep into the non-public lives of its solid, offering us with extra intricate storytelling, and consequently, extra gut-wrenching vote-offs. And the strikes? They had been BIG.

Now on to the cons. Whereas we perceive 42 was thrown collectively mid-pandemic, we didn’t love the truth that so a lot of 41‘s lackluster twists had been merely copied over. We didn’t must see the Do or Die twist once more, and that rattling hourglass wanted to be smashed for good. Add to that the prisoner’s dilemmas and secret phrases, and what we had been left with was stale inventive that teetered on boring.

All issues thought-about, 42 felt like one other center of the street season, however that’s not essentially a foul factor! We had been nonetheless left feeling entertained and engaged because of its top-notch casting and tremendous savvy gamers, whose understanding of the sport was each spectacular and extremely enjoyable to observe.

SURVIVOR: COOK ISLANDS (Season 13)

Parvati, Penner, Ozzy, Yul? So many legends within the making! This season can be remembered for its mutiny twist. Probst supplied the complete solid the chance to commit mutiny and instantly swap tribes, no questions requested. Penner and Candice selected to leap ship, shaking the sport up and creating fairly the TV second. Past that, Cook dinner Islands feels fairly common. Not unhealthy, however not nice both.

SURVIVOR: BLOOD VS. WATER (Season 27)

By no means appreciated Redemption Island, and we by no means will. However Blood vs. Water, a season the place 10 returning gamers competed alongside their family members, took the sport to new emotional heights and strategic depths. There’s a cause why a actuality present like Survivor can final on tv for 20-plus years, and inventive tweaks like this one right here turned the sport the wrong way up in the very best method. Not even Colton might sink our love for this mighty advantageous installment.

SURVIVOR: THE AUSTRALIAN OUTBACK (Season 2)

The battle between Ogakor and Kucha goes to indicate: In case you’re ever taking part in Survivor and really feel down within the dumps, simply know you’re just one dude-falling-into-the-fire away from a whole reversal of destiny. Had Michael Skupin not burned the pores and skin off his arms, Tina and Colby by no means would have made the Closing 2 seats (however we’re additionally form of glad they did). We beloved rooting for Elisabeth and Rodger’s friendship, and cackled over Alicia and Kimmi’s argument over chickens. Australia additionally delivered the beginning of an OG actuality TV villainess: Jerri Manthey. Not sufficient to crack the High 10 right here, however a really worthy follow-up to Borneo.

SURVIVOR: KAOH RONG — BRAINS VS. BRAWN VS. BEAUTY (Season 32)

Oh, the bitterness of this jury! Was Aubry robbed? Sure. However was this season extremely unpredictable all through? Additionally, sure. Not solely did Kaoh Rong have a few of the quirkiest characters ever (Tai and Debbie), but it surely additionally delivered some record-book moments, like Tai turning on Scot and Jason, and, oh, I don’t know, the reward problem that nearly killed individuals? Watching Caleb’s emergency helicopter evacuation and the chaos of manufacturing exploding round it was a jaw-dropping and actually horrifying TV second that may endlessly be embedded in our brains. (When Jeff Probst yelled, “All people on the crew is important personnel!” after the third castaway collapsed, you knew this slice of actuality TV had gotten a bit too actual.) The ultimate vote might have been controversial, however its winner hustled onerous and deserved that cash.

SURVIVOR: MARQUESAS (Season 4)

We received’t maintain this weak Closing 2 in opposition to it as a result of Marquesas gave us the first-ever purple rock tie-breaker! Watching the “weaker” gamers gang as much as overthrow the robust ones was a refreshing plot twist for the nascent collection. Additionally, who didn’t love Kathy Vavrick-O’Brien? If solely she might’ve received that closing immunity problem, and subsequently, the season.

SURVIVOR: PALAU (Season 10)

Palau is memorable for a large number of causes: Stephenie LaGrossa changing into her personal tribe of 1; Tom’s flawless, million dollar-winning run; that almost 12-hour closing endurance problem that Ian simply gave to Tom, whereas asking to be voted out whatwhydidhedothat!? One might name Season 10 predictable, however that will be downplaying its wowing instance of run an alliance and keep loyal to it. (Although in hindsight, we suppose Tom’s tribe actually ought to’ve flipped the script on him.)

SURVIVOR: THE AMAZON (Season 6)

By Season 6, Survivor had gotten right into a groove, and The Amazon‘s males vs. ladies theme, whereas positively a dangerous gambit, paid off in spades. Not solely was the placement unique, however the solid delivered coronary heart and gusto week after week. It was additionally extraordinarily unpredictable because of Rob Cesternino, Heidi Strobel, Jenna Morasca, Alex Bell and extra, all of whom turned the sport’s strategic components as much as 11. From this level on, the tagline “Outwit, outplay, outlast” could be taken very significantly, and technique began to turn into the focus over surviving the weather.

SURVIVOR: GAME CHANGERS (Season 34)

This season might be thought-about Caramoan‘s polar reverse. The pre-season was so fireplace, it nearly left us underwhelmed throughout its again half. However Sandra ousting Tony! Malcolm’s jaw-dropping blindside! Queen Sandra’s very first exit in three seasons! There merely aren’t sufficient exclamation factors for the primary portion of this recreation. It has its downsides. Jeff Varner outing Zeke for being trans (on nationwide tv) will endlessly be nauseating. Plus, Cirie’s elimination (by default, actually — everybody else held and performed a bonus that granted them security) proved that the present’s advantage-palooza had gotten method uncontrolled. However we at all times knew Sarah Lacina left her authentic season far too early, and her true grit and aggressive spirit was a pleasure to observe. Brownie factors for the change made to the ultimate tribal, which allowed gamers to have extra of a dialog with the jury, relatively than a cut-and-dry Q&A.

SURVIVOR: PHILIPPINES (Season 25)

This season included three earlier castaways who had been all medically evacuated from their authentic video games: Jonathan Penner (Micronesia), Russell Swan (South Pacific) and Michael Skupin (Australian Outback). Additionally showing had been The Info of Life star Lisa Whelchel and former MLB participant Jeff “it’s 600 grand by the point Obama takes it” Kent. Denise Stapley and Malcolm Freberg had been a duo that fought from the underside the complete recreation; Stapley even turned the primary (and solely!) participant in historical past to attend every. and. each. Tribal Council. Like a boss. 

SURVIVOR: WINNERS AT WAR (Season 40)

Talking of Denise, she and 19 different memorable winners went on to compete on this all-winners battle royale, which gave us our second two-time winner in Tony Vlachos (Learn an interview with the champ right here.) The season introduced again the extremely controversial Fringe of Extinction twist (which at the least gave us extra time with our favourite old-school survivors, who had been whopped this season), and in addition launched a Survivor forex in Fireplace Tokens. The entire twists and benefits saved these winners on their toes, and delivered heaps of memorable moments: Natalie being a complete beast on the Edge, Denise changing into the “Queen Slayer,” Sarah and Tony’s emotional, but epic fire-making problem. It wasn’t an ideal season, but it surely saved us on the sting of our seats, and most significantly, the best individual received ultimately.

SURVIVOR: PEARL ISLANDS (Season 7)

One other one for the report books. Bear in mind Johnny Fairplay’s ruse of faking his grandma’s loss of life to realize sympathy together with his tribe? The man waited aaaall the best way till the household go to, solely to have his visiting good friend break the “unhealthy information.” Whereas one might actually throw shade on the Outcasts twist (meh) which despatched two eradicated contestants again into the sport, it was a pure instance of a present that was prepared to attempt new issues to shake up the formulation. It additionally launched us to the Queen, Sandra Diaz-Twine, who went on to turn into the present’s first two-time winner. Her “so long as it isn’t me” technique was sneaky and enjoyable to observe, and it paid off.

SURVIVOR: MILLENNIALS VS. GEN-X (Season 33)

What nonetheless resonates 5 years after the very fact is how tight-knit this solid nonetheless appears. Although it was a grueling battle as soon as once more based mostly on age, these castaways didn’t appear to take something private. (Properly, until your identify is Michaela, although in her protection, that blindside needed to buuurn.) And for the primary time ever, manufacturing evacuated the contestants because of an impending cyclone! However Millennials vs. Gen-X had some stellar gameplay filled with flips, and David’s story arc from being a scardey-cat newb to one of many recreation’s most dominant gamers was completely nice storytelling. Plus, a rock draw is at all times riveting.

SURVIVOR: DAVID VS. GOLIATH (Season 37)

Sure, the present might have been operating low on gimmicky themes by the point Season 37 got here alongside, however David vs. Goliath was yet one more completely casted season of well-versed followers and players. (The much less recruits, the higher!) This season can be the counterpoint to the viewer who might imagine the present has gotten too advantage-heavy. When the Davids had been down on their luck, they in contrast notes, and utilizing Christian’s idol, Nick’s steal-a-vote and Carl’s idol nullifier, they pulled off one of many craziest Hail Mary performs the present has ever seen. Additionally, we’d be remiss to not point out Angelina’s plea for heat, which spawned loads of Survivor memes on-line. (“Natalie, can I’ve your jacket?”) Can’t blame her for attempting!

SURVIVOR: CAMBODIA — SECOND CHANCE (Season 31)

Second Likelihood was a enjoyable experiment that paid off in dividends. For the primary time in Survivor historical past, viewers received to take part in a fan vote, permitting us at house to decide on which castaways (from a pre-selected checklist) had been going to go out to the island. (Shane Powers and T-Fowl not being chosen? We ought to be ashamed of ourselves.) And what a solid! It was a season the place you needed to root for everybody! Kelley Wentworth rose to her true potential, Cagayan‘s Spencer and Tasha performed more durable than ever, and Jeremy Collins bobbed and weaved all the best way to the million.

Plus, the evolution of the sport continued with the formation of voting blocks — short-term alliances made out of necessity relatively than loyalty — shook up the sport all season lengthy. It didn’t cease there. Idols hidden at challenges, benefit temptations at immunities, the Andrew Savage vote-off? And don’t get us began on Jeremy’s tear-soaked loves ones go to, the place his spouse revealed they had been having a boy. Shock, drama, tears, motion. Cambodia. Had. It. All.

SURVIVOR: CAGAYAN — BRAINS VS. BRAWN VS. BEAUTY (Season 28)

Cagayan is hands-down one of many biggest all-newbie seasons of all time. Not solely had been these personalities robust, however these rooks got here to compete. Utterly unpredictable and wildly refreshing, Brains vs. Brawn vs. Magnificence felt like Survivor on pace. These gamers hustled onerous whereas attempting to outwit, outplay and outlast, and their many lows and highs had been felt by way of the display screen. Six of its gamers would play once more (and rightfully so, because of the season’s unimaginable casting), together with winner Tony Vlachos, who secured the bag because of an astounding, WTF?! determination by tribemate Woo Hwang. What a very wonderful season, from begin to end.

SURVIVOR: BORNEO (Season 1)

By at this time’s requirements, Borneo might be seen as a bit sluggish, archaic even. Whereas many of the gamers had no concept what technique was, Richard Hatch and his Tagi alliance ran circles across the Pagong tribe, and the poor chaps by no means noticed it coming. However we’ll always remember the fact TV legends that had been made right here — Hatch, Rudy, Sue, Colleen and extra — and the quantity of press that ensued after the castaways ate their first rat. Not solely did Borneo launch what would turn into an extremely profitable franchise that’s nonetheless churning out high quality tales over 20 years later (let that sink in), but it surely additionally will get cred for launching actuality TV into the stratosphere. (Over 51 million viewers tuned in to its season finale!) The quantity of copycat competitors collection that aired afterward are incalculable, and stay a testomony to Survivor‘s long-reaching hand and total legacy within the style.

SURVIVOR: HEROES VS. VILLAINS (Season 20)

Adore it or hate it, there’s a cause why returning gamers are referred to as again so typically: They know the sport inside and outside, and so they know convey it. And what higher method to have fun 10 years on the air than a recent tackle an all stars season? The solid was the proper mix of the present’s fiercest villains (Russell, Boston Rob, Jerri) and most beloved heroes (Colby, Tom, Cirie), and there’s not a single dud within the bunch. Rob and Russell’s incessant feuding gave us a tremendous pre-merge string, whereas all the pieces that adopted was a laundry checklist of memorable moments that included Tyson basically voting himself out, Parvati utilizing two idols at a single Tribal (neither on herself), and J.T. giving an idol to a member of the opposing tribe. (You recognize what? We’re going to say that once more: He gave an idol away to a villain!)

SURVIVOR: MICRONESIA — FANS VS. FAVORITES (Season 16)

Micronesia (aka the season the place a younger ice cream scooper discovered a really helpful life lesson) pitted 10 returnees in opposition to 10 new castaways, serving up one jaw-dropping second after one other. Equally as entertaining (Joel and Chet’s hellish cat and mouse problem) because it was strategic (see the Black Widow Alliance — who mentioned all-female alliances by no means work in actuality TV?), Followers vs. Favorites was a must-watch season that thrilled every week, together with Ozzy’s blindside by the Widows (idol in pocket, after all), and Erik’s immunity snafu, which noticed him hand over his immunity idol at Tribal solely to be rapidly despatched packing. And after three seasons of getting a Closing 3, Survivor pulled a switcheroo, unexpectedly reverting again to a Closing 2 when it was least anticipated. It was simply one other epic second in an almost excellent 14-episode run. Not fairly old style, but removed from new (is “center college” a factor?), Micronesia wasn’t solely unpredictable, it was unforgettable.