“Survivor 45” contestant Sean Edwards is asking the important questions as he heads to Fiji: “Is there such a thing as loyalty when it comes to Survivor?” But the 35 year old school principal from Utah is mostly just excited to be part of the show that inspired him to live more openly. Watch their full CBS interview below.
Sean describes trying “everything to live a faithful Mormon, straight lifestyle” before making the “decision to live as a proud gay man.” He says the choice to live authentically is “when the world really opened up for” him and now bring “diversity, equity and inclusion into [his] community” as an elementary school leader. He says that living in the “conservative environment” of Utah has taught him “grit and mental tenacity” and “those are the attributes that you need to have on ‘Survivor’ to be successful.”
See Everything to know about ‘Survivor 45’
At the time...
Sean describes trying “everything to live a faithful Mormon, straight lifestyle” before making the “decision to live as a proud gay man.” He says the choice to live authentically is “when the world really opened up for” him and now bring “diversity, equity and inclusion into [his] community” as an elementary school leader. He says that living in the “conservative environment” of Utah has taught him “grit and mental tenacity” and “those are the attributes that you need to have on ‘Survivor’ to be successful.”
See Everything to know about ‘Survivor 45’
At the time...
- 9/25/2023
- by John Benutty
- Gold Derby
The castaways of “Survivor 43” have positioned themselves to set a new record next week — all they need to do is vote out a fifth woman in a row. So far the cast has only eliminated females: Morriah Young, Justine Brennan, Nneka Ejere and Lindsay Carmine were the first four players voted out, matching a franchise record. If they continue on this path and vote another woman out next week, they will go down in infamy as the record holders for longest succession of female eliminations to start a season. Yikes!
Luckily, as it stands in Gold Derby’s racetrack odds, the cast is not headed toward setting such a disastrous record. Instead, Geo Bustamante leads our current predictions to be eliminated in Episode 5 at 19/25. He is followed, however, by four women with decent odds to go: Cassidy Clark at 6/1 and Jeanine Zheng, Elisabeth ‘Elie’ Scott and Noelle Lambert all at...
Luckily, as it stands in Gold Derby’s racetrack odds, the cast is not headed toward setting such a disastrous record. Instead, Geo Bustamante leads our current predictions to be eliminated in Episode 5 at 19/25. He is followed, however, by four women with decent odds to go: Cassidy Clark at 6/1 and Jeanine Zheng, Elisabeth ‘Elie’ Scott and Noelle Lambert all at...
- 10/14/2022
- by John Benutty
- Gold Derby
As the old saying goes, once you reach the top, the only way to go is down. Perhaps that’s a part of the reason why so many “Survivor” winners never returned to play again. There have been 39 winners over the past 41 seasons, and of those a whopping 27 played multiple times. Thus, over the past two decades, 12 “Survivor” champions took home the 1 million check and never looked back — or were never asked back. See the full list below.
Several winners found success on their second go-around, like Amber Brkich (“All-Stars”) and Parvati Shallow (“Micronesia”). For others it took a long while to get there, like Rob Mariano (“Redemption Island”), who didn’t prevail until his fourth season.
Some of the most recent champs like Chris Underwood (Season 38), Tommy Sheehan (Season 39) and Erika Casupanan (Season 41) haven’t had a chance to return to the game quite yet, but we’re optimistic...
Several winners found success on their second go-around, like Amber Brkich (“All-Stars”) and Parvati Shallow (“Micronesia”). For others it took a long while to get there, like Rob Mariano (“Redemption Island”), who didn’t prevail until his fourth season.
Some of the most recent champs like Chris Underwood (Season 38), Tommy Sheehan (Season 39) and Erika Casupanan (Season 41) haven’t had a chance to return to the game quite yet, but we’re optimistic...
- 5/25/2022
- by Marcus James Dixon
- Gold Derby
Daniel Strunk is refreshingly honest about his chances as one of the new contestants on “Survivor 42.” The 30-year-old, who is currently working as a law clerk for a federal judge in Michigan, admits that he doesn’t have the usual attributes that would lend themselves to a successful “Survivor” player. “Las Vegas should not be betting on me,” he jokes in his CBS interview. “I’m short, a little bit chunky, I don’t know if I’ll be able to do well in challenges, I don’t know if I’ll be able to provide around camp. I’m gonna try!” (watch below).
Daniel does have some good qualities that lend themselves to “Survivor,” though, noting that his high school government teacher got him into law, which prepared him in some ways for this game. As he discusses, “I’m obviously a sneaky person. I’m well-educated. I’ll try to be goofy.
Daniel does have some good qualities that lend themselves to “Survivor,” though, noting that his high school government teacher got him into law, which prepared him in some ways for this game. As he discusses, “I’m obviously a sneaky person. I’m well-educated. I’ll try to be goofy.
- 3/7/2022
- by Kevin Jacobsen
- Gold Derby
Zach Wurtenberger believes he has the analytical skills to do very well as one of the contestants on “Survivor 42.” The 22-year-old student from South Florida talks in his CBS interview about how “Survivor” is “one of the most important things in my life,” making it clear that he is a superfan of the long-running reality series. “Knowing the numbers, knowing when to split votes, that stuff just comes super naturally,” he says (watch below).
In high school, Zach was involved in speech and debate, which he believes prepared him to play the game of “Survivor.” “It’s not necessarily about the fact or the argument itself as it is forming your arguments for your judge or your audience,” he observes. This will certainly come in handy should Zach make it to the Final Tribal Council and face the jury, but it may also benefit him in the game itself as...
In high school, Zach was involved in speech and debate, which he believes prepared him to play the game of “Survivor.” “It’s not necessarily about the fact or the argument itself as it is forming your arguments for your judge or your audience,” he observes. This will certainly come in handy should Zach make it to the Final Tribal Council and face the jury, but it may also benefit him in the game itself as...
- 3/3/2022
- by Kevin Jacobsen
- Gold Derby
While a physical show like “Survivor” may appear to favor jock types, some of the best castaways who often thrive the most in the game are the nerds. With strategy dominating the game, it is the brainier among us who stand out from the pack and typically become fan favorites in the process. They are typically described as “superfans” who have seen every episode and studied the game extensively, like Rob Cesternino, who changed how the game was played in “Survivor: The Amazon.” He was such a smart player that he went on to be voted out very early in “All Stars” due to his threat level. Check out our gallery of the Top 18 nerdiest “Survivor” players ever above.
See ‘Survivor 40’ advantages: Who currently has immunity idols, fire tokens in ‘Winners at War’?
One recent season that featured multiple nerdy underdogs was “David vs. Goliath.” Christian Hubicki and Gabby Pascuzzi...
See ‘Survivor 40’ advantages: Who currently has immunity idols, fire tokens in ‘Winners at War’?
One recent season that featured multiple nerdy underdogs was “David vs. Goliath.” Christian Hubicki and Gabby Pascuzzi...
- 3/7/2020
- by Kevin Jacobsen
- Gold Derby
“Survivor: Winners at War” may purport to decide the best winner of all time, but 18 former champions could plausibly dispute that. While Season 40 does have “Survivor” legends like Rob Mariano, Parvati Shallow and Sandra Diaz-Twine, it does not include every past winner. For instance, the first two winners, Richard Hatch and Tina Wesson, are missing from the “Winners at War” cast despite being from two of the most-watched seasons in the show’s history. Check out our photos above of all 18 “Survivor” winners not on the Season 40 cast.
SEERuthless Sandra Diaz-Twine proclaims, ‘I’m gonna vote out every single female’ in ‘Survivor: Winners at War’ [Watch]
Richard and Tina join a number of winners from the first 20 seasons who are not playing in “Survivor: Winners at War.” The others are: Vecepia Towery (“Marquesas”), Brian Heidik (“Thailand”), Jenna Morasca (“The Amazon”), Chris Daugherty (“Vanuatu”), Tom Westman (“Palau”), Aras Baskauskas (“Panama”), Earl Cole...
SEERuthless Sandra Diaz-Twine proclaims, ‘I’m gonna vote out every single female’ in ‘Survivor: Winners at War’ [Watch]
Richard and Tina join a number of winners from the first 20 seasons who are not playing in “Survivor: Winners at War.” The others are: Vecepia Towery (“Marquesas”), Brian Heidik (“Thailand”), Jenna Morasca (“The Amazon”), Chris Daugherty (“Vanuatu”), Tom Westman (“Palau”), Aras Baskauskas (“Panama”), Earl Cole...
- 2/23/2020
- by Kevin Jacobsen
- Gold Derby
It was established in the very first season of “Survivor” in 2000 that playing the game as a winking devil was a viable way to win. Richard Hatch made an alliance and voted out everyone not in that alliance, which was considered taboo at a time when viewers and Richard’s fellow castaways were still trying to figure out the true nature of the show. He also employed a cocky attitude, which naturally led to other villainous winners playing the game with swagger. That was certainly true of Brian Heidik in “Survivor: Thailand” and Todd Herzog in “Survivor: China,” who played their respective castmates like a fiddle. Tour our “Survivor” gallery above featuring nine of the most diabolical winners in the show’s history.
See‘Survivor 40’ advantages: Tracking who has immunity idols, fire tokens in ‘Winners at War’
Several of the most crafty villains to ever play “Survivor” are doing battle...
See‘Survivor 40’ advantages: Tracking who has immunity idols, fire tokens in ‘Winners at War’
Several of the most crafty villains to ever play “Survivor” are doing battle...
- 2/23/2020
- by Kevin Jacobsen
- Gold Derby
“Survivor” fans are buzzing with excitement over the reality TV show’s landmark 40th season, “Winners at War.” For years, superfans have been clamoring for a season with all winners competing against each other to determine the ultimate champion. The Fiji-set installment will see the return of old school favorites like Ethan Zohn and Amber Brkich, newer champs like Wendell Holland and Sarah Lacina and enduring icons like Rob Mariano, Sandra Diaz-Twine and Parvati Shallow. But with 39 seasons of winners and only 20 slots to fill, there are some glaring omissions we won’t see on the island this year. Scroll through our photo gallery above to see the 18 “Survivor” winners who aren’t returning in Season 40.
SEERob Mariano and Yul Kwon top fans’ list of who should win ‘Survivor: Winners at War’ for the men [Poll Results]
While each era of “Survivor” is represented in the “Winners at War” cast, it is...
SEERob Mariano and Yul Kwon top fans’ list of who should win ‘Survivor: Winners at War’ for the men [Poll Results]
While each era of “Survivor” is represented in the “Winners at War” cast, it is...
- 1/15/2020
- by Kevin Jacobsen and Marcus James Dixon
- Gold Derby
With “Survivor: Island of the Idols” being such a tumultuous season, many fans are buzzing with excitement to move forward into the show’s landmark 40th season: “Survivor: Winners at War” (watch the trailer). For years and years, longtime superfans have been clamoring for a season with all winners competing against each other to determine the ultimate champion. Season 40 will see the return of old school favorites like Ethan Zohn and Amber Brkich, newer champs like Wendell Holland and Sarah Lacina and enduring icons like Rob Mariano, Sandra Diaz-Twine and Parvati Shallow. But with 39 seasons of winners and only 20 slots to fill, there are some glaring omissions we won’t see on the island this spring.
See‘Survivor’ 39: Was it the worst season ever? Let us count the ways [Poll]
While each era of “Survivor” is represented in the “Winners at War” cast, it is undeniably lopsided in favor of newer winners.
See‘Survivor’ 39: Was it the worst season ever? Let us count the ways [Poll]
While each era of “Survivor” is represented in the “Winners at War” cast, it is undeniably lopsided in favor of newer winners.
- 12/20/2019
- by Kevin Jacobsen
- Gold Derby
If “Survivor” fans finally get their wish of a long-rumored all-winners edition for Season 40 (due out in 2020), then the following five Male champs must be a part of the action, say our readers who voted in our recent poll. “Boston” Rob Mariano (Season 22) earned 15% of the vote, Yul Kwon (Season 13) also received 15%, Richard Hatch (Season 1) nabbed 12%, John Cochran (Season 26) scored 11% and Tony Vlachos (Season 28) netted 7%. Do you agree or disagree with your fellow “Survivor” fans? Be sure to sound off down in the comments section.
Rob has competed in no less than four seasons — “Marquesas,” “All Stars,” “Heroes vs. Villains” and “Redemption Island” — and will also be a part of the upcoming “Island of the Idols” as a mentor along with Sandra Diaz-Twine, who is one of the five Female winners who fans want to return. After years of coming up empty-handed, Rob finally took home the $1 million check on...
Rob has competed in no less than four seasons — “Marquesas,” “All Stars,” “Heroes vs. Villains” and “Redemption Island” — and will also be a part of the upcoming “Island of the Idols” as a mentor along with Sandra Diaz-Twine, who is one of the five Female winners who fans want to return. After years of coming up empty-handed, Rob finally took home the $1 million check on...
- 6/3/2019
- by Marcus James Dixon
- Gold Derby
It’s official: 65% of “Survivor” fans have voted that they want to see an all-winners edition for the reality TV show’s 40th season (scheduled for early 2020). If the stars align, which castaways do you hope return for this long-awaited battle of the champions? As a refresher, over the past 38 seasons men accounted for 23 victories while 15 seasons were won by women (see all winners in our photo gallery above). Vote in our poll below to tell us which Male Sole “Survivors” must be a part of this potential all-winners season.
SEEWhich Female ‘Survivor’ champ do you hope returns for an all-winners season: Sandra, Tina, Parvati … ? [Poll]
Many consider Richard Hatch, the show’s first-ever winner, to be the best of the best even 19 years later. Richard’s way of playing the game in “Borneo” — from creating alliances to being boastful about eliminating people — helped shape the reality TV villain of today.
SEEWhich Female ‘Survivor’ champ do you hope returns for an all-winners season: Sandra, Tina, Parvati … ? [Poll]
Many consider Richard Hatch, the show’s first-ever winner, to be the best of the best even 19 years later. Richard’s way of playing the game in “Borneo” — from creating alliances to being boastful about eliminating people — helped shape the reality TV villain of today.
- 5/28/2019
- by Marcus James Dixon
- Gold Derby
For more than a decade, Dr. Phil McGraw has captivated audiences by bringing troubled guests on his eponymous TV show and trying to help them make a change for the better. But the star may not actually be as compassionate as he seems on-screen. Since the start of the Dr. Phil show in 2002, episodes have only become crazier, and though it makes for good television, some think Dr. Phil is only doing more harm than good by exposing people in their most vulnerable state. So, what really goes on behind the scenes at Dr. Phil? Here's everything we know about the popular TV show. Is Dr. Phil a real doctor? Although Dr. Phil has obtained his Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the Universy of North Texas, he is not a licensed therapist, according to The New York Times. As most doctors will keep the names and information about their patients confidential,...
- 4/30/2018
- by Stephanie Kaplan
- Closer Weekly
Representatives for The Dr. Phil Show are balking at allegations that the daytime talk show’s psychiatrist’s staff enabled guests with substance addictions to boost ratings.
The long-running television program, which is lead by Phil McGraw, came under fired Thursday when Stat and The Boston Globe published an exposé featuring claims from multiple guests — including former Survivor: China winner Todd Herzog, who struggled with alcohol abuse in the years after winning the show.
Among Herzog’s claims included what he said was the real story behind his headline-making appearance on the program in 2013, in which McGraw said, “I’ve...
The long-running television program, which is lead by Phil McGraw, came under fired Thursday when Stat and The Boston Globe published an exposé featuring claims from multiple guests — including former Survivor: China winner Todd Herzog, who struggled with alcohol abuse in the years after winning the show.
Among Herzog’s claims included what he said was the real story behind his headline-making appearance on the program in 2013, in which McGraw said, “I’ve...
- 12/29/2017
- by Dave Quinn
- PEOPLE.com
Best known for winning “Survivor: China” back in 2007, Todd Herzog has faced some difficult times in the years since due to his battle with alcohol abuse, as TV viewers witnessed in a horrific 2013 appearance on “Dr. Phil” in which Herzog was so drunk he had to be carried onto the set. However, Herzog […]...
- 12/28/2017
- by Brent Furdyk
- ET Canada
‘Dr. Phil’ Guests Say Show Enabled Use Of Drugs & Alcohol While They Were Seeking Treatment – Report
Updated with response from Dr. Phil spokesperson: Three separate guests of the syndicated Dr. Phil talk show say the show enabled their use of drugs and alcohol before and during taping of segments about their addictions. The guests and their families went on the record in a report published jointly today by the online news site Stat and the Boston Globe. The guests quoted in the piece include former Survivor winner Todd Herzog, who appeared on the show in 2013 as one of D…...
- 12/28/2017
- Deadline TV
Todd Herzog -- the winner of "Survivor: China" in 2007 who has since battled alcoholism -- claims he was supplied with booze and drugs to get him loaded before he appeared on Dr. Phil's show. In a shocking interview with Stat, Herzog says he was completely sober when he arrived to the TV studio in L.A. in 2013 to do "Dr. Phil" ... which was supposed to be about how his addiction was affecting his family. Herzog...
- 12/28/2017
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
Former “Dr. Phil” guests say they were given drugs and alcohol by show producers and provided with little medical oversight while appearing on the talk show, according to a new report. Todd Herzog, a former “Survivor” contestant who appeared visibly drunk on a 2013 episode of “Dr. Phil” while there to discuss his alcohol addiction, said he showed up to the set that day completely sober. But a bottle of vodka appeared in his dressing room and a show staffer gave him Xanax before the taping began, Herzog said in a joint investigative piece by Stat and the Boston Globe. “You know,...
- 12/28/2017
- by Reid Nakamura
- The Wrap
Dr. Phil McGraw is known for staging hard-to-watch interventions with famous addicts live on his daytime TV show. But now, several guests -- including Survivor winner Todd Herzog -- have come forward to accuse the host of setting them up for those spectacular falls.
Herzog, the Sole Survivor from
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Herzog, the Sole Survivor from
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- 12/28/2017
- by Kat Rosenfield
- TVGuide - Breaking News
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
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.
"This game is fun, and I like keeping it fun." – Todd Herzog, Winner, Survivor: China
Has anybody ever had more fun playing Survivor than Tony?
His big strategic moves may be harebrained. To prove his honesty, he confesses how much he lies. His tattoo makes him...
"This game is fun, and I like keeping it fun." – Todd Herzog, Winner, Survivor: China
Has anybody ever had more fun playing Survivor than Tony?
His big strategic moves may be harebrained. To prove his honesty, he confesses how much he lies. His tattoo makes him...
- 3/27/2014
- by Stephen Fishbach
- People.com - TV Watch
Best Return: The second Revenge’s Lydia emerged from the shadows, things in the Hamptons got a whole lot more interesting!
Grossest Exploitation: Of all the people whose lives are threatened by extreme alcoholism, Dr. Phil trotted out Survivor winner Todd Herzog… and made sure to include not only another Survivor alum but one of the folks from The Doctors.
Biggest Binge: Japanese TV will air 234 NCIS episodes in a 10-day marathon designed to promote Season 11 and, as an aside, earn a Guiness World Record.
Most Entertaining Dinner: The Young & The Restless’ Nikki gathered her family together for a meal which included flaring tempers, flying fists and the revelation of her secret son! Something tells us they won’t be gathering for a Thanksgiving feast!
Best Nickname: The Vampire Diaries’ Damon took to calling Elena}s latest doppelganger “Crazy Pants.”
Most Pointless Shock: Seeing Mama Pope open a vein with her teeth was shocking,...
Grossest Exploitation: Of all the people whose lives are threatened by extreme alcoholism, Dr. Phil trotted out Survivor winner Todd Herzog… and made sure to include not only another Survivor alum but one of the folks from The Doctors.
Biggest Binge: Japanese TV will air 234 NCIS episodes in a 10-day marathon designed to promote Season 11 and, as an aside, earn a Guiness World Record.
Most Entertaining Dinner: The Young & The Restless’ Nikki gathered her family together for a meal which included flaring tempers, flying fists and the revelation of her secret son! Something tells us they won’t be gathering for a Thanksgiving feast!
Best Nickname: The Vampire Diaries’ Damon took to calling Elena}s latest doppelganger “Crazy Pants.”
Most Pointless Shock: Seeing Mama Pope open a vein with her teeth was shocking,...
- 11/22/2013
- by theTVaddict
- The TV Addict
The video is horrifying: Survivor: China winner Todd Herzog, unable to walk, slurs his words as he admits to drinking an entire bottle of vodka. The footage, which will air on Dr. Phil next week in a show about Herzog's difficult battle with alcoholism, shocked Survivor fans across the web. Several of Herzog's closest friends and relatives talked to People about his struggle - not for publicity, they say, but to raise awareness of the complicated issue of alcoholism. "We have received so many messages from people who are battling the same issues as he is," says his mother, Shirley Herzog Keeler.
- 11/15/2013
- by Steve Helling
- PEOPLE.com
News
Now, that’s how you want to celebrate an iconic show’s 50th anniversary. The son of Anthony Coburn, who wrote the very first episode of Doctor Who, claims he owns the rights to the Tardis, the iconic police call box used to travel through space and time. He claims his dad gave the BBC informal permission to use the idea but that ended with his father’s death in 1977.
The CW has ordered a full season of its new dramas — The Originals, , The Tomorrow People and Reign. That last one is a bit of a surprise, since Reign has lost a lot of The Vampire Diaries‘ viewers (apparently, its ratings are consistent with or without the Tvd lead-in and there are a lot of online viewers only The CW can measure).
Sure, the writing on The Tomorrow People has me rolling my eyes, but it also has a...
Now, that’s how you want to celebrate an iconic show’s 50th anniversary. The son of Anthony Coburn, who wrote the very first episode of Doctor Who, claims he owns the rights to the Tardis, the iconic police call box used to travel through space and time. He claims his dad gave the BBC informal permission to use the idea but that ended with his father’s death in 1977.
The CW has ordered a full season of its new dramas — The Originals, , The Tomorrow People and Reign. That last one is a bit of a surprise, since Reign has lost a lot of The Vampire Diaries‘ viewers (apparently, its ratings are consistent with or without the Tvd lead-in and there are a lot of online viewers only The CW can measure).
Sure, the writing on The Tomorrow People has me rolling my eyes, but it also has a...
- 11/12/2013
- by Lyle Masaki
- The Backlot
Survivor Review, Season 26, Episode 14
“Last Push”
Airs Wednesdays at 8pm (Et) on CBS
Despite the unpredictable second half of Survivor: Caramoan, a sense of inevitability dominates the finale. Cochran has avoided the vote throughout the game, and his victory feels secure after he wins the final immunity challenge. The only question is whether Dawn or Sherri will receive any votes, and the bitter jury makes it clear neither has much chance to crack the scoreboard. While Jeff Probst makes a huge deal about Cochran being unconventional, it’s not a surprise to see him win the million. Along with playing a strategic game, he has the likability factor that’s eluded powerful contestants like Russell Hantz at their Final Tribal Council. The jury needs to feel good about giving the million dollars to the winner, and only one possibility fits that requirement. Dawn received unfair nastiness from fans after Brenda’s exit,...
“Last Push”
Airs Wednesdays at 8pm (Et) on CBS
Despite the unpredictable second half of Survivor: Caramoan, a sense of inevitability dominates the finale. Cochran has avoided the vote throughout the game, and his victory feels secure after he wins the final immunity challenge. The only question is whether Dawn or Sherri will receive any votes, and the bitter jury makes it clear neither has much chance to crack the scoreboard. While Jeff Probst makes a huge deal about Cochran being unconventional, it’s not a surprise to see him win the million. Along with playing a strategic game, he has the likability factor that’s eluded powerful contestants like Russell Hantz at their Final Tribal Council. The jury needs to feel good about giving the million dollars to the winner, and only one possibility fits that requirement. Dawn received unfair nastiness from fans after Brenda’s exit,...
- 5/14/2013
- by Dan Heaton
- SoundOnSight
The ice-cold way that Sash, Holly and Chase cut Jane's throat on Wednesday's episode of Survivor was the perfect example of how loyalty and friendship get tossed in favor of risk assessment when it comes to the endgame. I know from experience that having to turn on your alliance can be heartbreaking. All those things you dreamed about together from day 2 are coming true - but only for one person. Rather than award a Fishy, I thought I would ask a few of Survivor's best strategists - Jt Thomas, Russell Hantz, Todd Herzog and more - what their endgame experiences were like.
- 12/17/2010
- by Stephen Fishbach
- PEOPLE.com
The Danielle-Parvati-Russell alliance voted Courtney Yates out of "Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains." Courtney tells Zap2it that she was playing for Todd Herzog, that she didn't fall for Russell's schtick and that she and Coach have a spin-off show back at the Ponderosa.
Why did you decide to do "Survivor" again?
Courtney: I got love for everyone at "Survivor," it was an honor to be asked. I thought about it very carefully and I finally though, "I can do this!" I was playing for two people, myself and for Todd from "Survivor:China." He's my bestie, we've been friends ever since we went on the show. He loves "Survivor" more than anything, so it was a tribute to him.
On being a Villain:
Courtney: I wasn't surprised to be a Villain. At first, I was didn't think I had done enough to warrant that,...
Why did you decide to do "Survivor" again?
Courtney: I got love for everyone at "Survivor," it was an honor to be asked. I thought about it very carefully and I finally though, "I can do this!" I was playing for two people, myself and for Todd from "Survivor:China." He's my bestie, we've been friends ever since we went on the show. He loves "Survivor" more than anything, so it was a tribute to him.
On being a Villain:
Courtney: I wasn't surprised to be a Villain. At first, I was didn't think I had done enough to warrant that,...
- 4/16/2010
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
Last Saturday night, CBS threw a party celebrating the 10th Anniversary and 20th Edition of Survivor. This wasn't just any party either as every Survivor contestant — even those lamely who got knocked out in the first episode — were invited, and more than 200 of them attended.
Survivor has featured quite a few gay contestants over the years including Season One winner Richard Hatch who made a big impression on the show and at the party (where he kept his clothes on). Also attending was Survivor : China winner Todd Herzog along with Charlie Herschel (Survivor : Gabon), Spencer Duhm (Survivor: Toncatins), Brad Virata (Survivor: Cook Islands), Rafe Judkins (Survivor: Guatemala), and Coby Archa (Survivor: Palau).
I got a chance to chat with Hatch who looked remarkably fit after his stint in prison. He was also very outspoken, and watching him do other interviews, I get the impression he doesn't suffer fools gladly.
Survivor has featured quite a few gay contestants over the years including Season One winner Richard Hatch who made a big impression on the show and at the party (where he kept his clothes on). Also attending was Survivor : China winner Todd Herzog along with Charlie Herschel (Survivor : Gabon), Spencer Duhm (Survivor: Toncatins), Brad Virata (Survivor: Cook Islands), Rafe Judkins (Survivor: Guatemala), and Coby Archa (Survivor: Palau).
I got a chance to chat with Hatch who looked remarkably fit after his stint in prison. He was also very outspoken, and watching him do other interviews, I get the impression he doesn't suffer fools gladly.
- 1/11/2010
- by michael
- The Backlot
Q: Do you know if any of the contestants on Survivor: Samoa are going to be Glbt? I just checked out their profiles and at least three of the guys list things like "womanizer", "never been rejected", and "a woman's dream." Is CBS trying to overly heteroize the show that has been strategically won by at least two openly gay men (Todd and Hatch)? – Topher, Toronto, Canada
A: There are no gay male contestants that we know of (although it’s always possible someone hasn’t yet come out to the network).
Is CBS trying to “heteroize” the show? Although I love your coining of a new term, I’d strenuously argue that they’re not. In fact, we recently talked with Jeff Probst, and I’m convinced he doesn’t see the show in those terms at all.
“When you look at the long-term of the show, you hopefully have some diversity,...
A: There are no gay male contestants that we know of (although it’s always possible someone hasn’t yet come out to the network).
Is CBS trying to “heteroize” the show? Although I love your coining of a new term, I’d strenuously argue that they’re not. In fact, we recently talked with Jeff Probst, and I’m convinced he doesn’t see the show in those terms at all.
“When you look at the long-term of the show, you hopefully have some diversity,...
- 9/8/2009
- by Brent Hartinger
- The Backlot
While the number of gay/bisexual characters on scripted television has, at best, held steady over the past decade (and doesn’t exactly represent the diversity of gay men in the real world), it’s a different story when it comes to the depiction of gay men on reality television. Indeed, along with the explosion of reality programming has come a dramatic increase in the numbers and types of gay and bisexual men appearing on our television screens.
From the groundbreaking appearance of Pedro Zamora on The Real World: San Francisco to the current seasons of The Amazing Race, Survivor: Tocantins, and Make Me a Supermodel, there is a breadth of gay men that is quite frankly astounding.
In fact, there have now been so many gay and bisexual men on reality television that we decided to let AfterElton.com readers choose their favorites of all time. Here...
From the groundbreaking appearance of Pedro Zamora on The Real World: San Francisco to the current seasons of The Amazing Race, Survivor: Tocantins, and Make Me a Supermodel, there is a breadth of gay men that is quite frankly astounding.
In fact, there have now been so many gay and bisexual men on reality television that we decided to let AfterElton.com readers choose their favorites of all time. Here...
- 4/2/2009
- by dennis
- The Backlot
***Spoiler Warning*** This interview contains spoilers about Thursday night’s episode of Survivor: Tocantins.
For the first four episodes of Survivor: Tocantins, Spencer Duhm, at nineteen-years-old the youngest Survivor competitor ever, mostly flew under the radar as his team did fairly well in the challenges. Spencer worked hard, didn’t make any enemies, and also kept the fact he was a gay man from his teammates. Therefore it was rather surprising when he was voted off his tribe on Thursday’s episode. Indeed, given his age, fitness, and devotion to the game, many had pegged him to go much further.
AfterElton.com caught up with him the day after his elimination to discuss his strategy, his relationship with previous Survivor winner Todd Herzog, as well as his controversial statements about what kind of gay guy he considers himself.
AfterElton.com: Hi Spencer, thanks so much for talking to us.
For the first four episodes of Survivor: Tocantins, Spencer Duhm, at nineteen-years-old the youngest Survivor competitor ever, mostly flew under the radar as his team did fairly well in the challenges. Spencer worked hard, didn’t make any enemies, and also kept the fact he was a gay man from his teammates. Therefore it was rather surprising when he was voted off his tribe on Thursday’s episode. Indeed, given his age, fitness, and devotion to the game, many had pegged him to go much further.
AfterElton.com caught up with him the day after his elimination to discuss his strategy, his relationship with previous Survivor winner Todd Herzog, as well as his controversial statements about what kind of gay guy he considers himself.
AfterElton.com: Hi Spencer, thanks so much for talking to us.
- 3/13/2009
- by dennis
- The Backlot
Todd Herzog, Spencer Duhm
We're not ever likely to see a gay showmance on Survivor since there are almost never two gay Survivors on the same season (Brad Virata and J.P. Calderon were on together, but J.P. wasn't out).
But I just got word from Todd Herzog, the winner of Survivor: China, that we've got the next best thing because he's now dating Spencer Duhm from Survivor: Tocantins, which is currently airing.
Says Todd via email:
I can't say much because he's still on the show, but we met about a month before his season began. We're doing the 'take it slow' thing which I find to be really nice. Usually guys are in search for one thing, but its refreshing to see that Spencer is different. We have such extreme opposite tastes but so much in common. He Loves sports and I prefer the solo outdoors stuff, I...
We're not ever likely to see a gay showmance on Survivor since there are almost never two gay Survivors on the same season (Brad Virata and J.P. Calderon were on together, but J.P. wasn't out).
But I just got word from Todd Herzog, the winner of Survivor: China, that we've got the next best thing because he's now dating Spencer Duhm from Survivor: Tocantins, which is currently airing.
Says Todd via email:
I can't say much because he's still on the show, but we met about a month before his season began. We're doing the 'take it slow' thing which I find to be really nice. Usually guys are in search for one thing, but its refreshing to see that Spencer is different. We have such extreme opposite tastes but so much in common. He Loves sports and I prefer the solo outdoors stuff, I...
- 3/9/2009
- by michael
- The Backlot
Last night CBS launched their latest round of Survivor which from here on out I'll refer to as Survivor: Tonkatoys as I refuse to try to remember how to spell the name of whatever hellish place in Brazil the show is set. Ditto for the team names which I hereby dub team Jalapeno (christened thus thanks to Crazy Lady Sandy) and team Timon, named after the Disney character.
The big question in this episode was just how butch would Team Gay member Spencer (now known as Butch Twinkie) turn out to be? After all, he made some pretty huge promises as to how he wouldn't be like none of those nelly queens such as Todd Herzog and Charlie Herschel who according to BT apparently pranced and lisped their way through previous Survivors.
In fact, on last night's episode Butch Twinkie turned out to be so butch that I'm almost...
The big question in this episode was just how butch would Team Gay member Spencer (now known as Butch Twinkie) turn out to be? After all, he made some pretty huge promises as to how he wouldn't be like none of those nelly queens such as Todd Herzog and Charlie Herschel who according to BT apparently pranced and lisped their way through previous Survivors.
In fact, on last night's episode Butch Twinkie turned out to be so butch that I'm almost...
- 2/13/2009
- by michael
- The Backlot
Marcus Lehman (All photos courtesy of CBS)
Survivor is no stranger to the gays. The mother of all reality competition shows has even had two openly gay million-dollar winners: Richard Hatch in Season One and Todd Herzog in China. Just when we thought we'd seen it all, however, Survivor surprised us with a sweet hobromance -- a word we coined here at AfterElton.com to describe a close non-sexual friendship between a gay man and a straight man. Think Bronnie from Make Me A Supermodel.
Straight doctor Marcus Lehman and gay lawyer Charlie Herschel had an alliance from day one, but that wasn't all Charlie had. He also had a huge, obvious crush on his straight pal. The kicker was that Marcus was so completely comfortable with Charlie's affections.
Now, we don't want to fawn over the straight boy for being nice to the gay boy, but let's face...
Survivor is no stranger to the gays. The mother of all reality competition shows has even had two openly gay million-dollar winners: Richard Hatch in Season One and Todd Herzog in China. Just when we thought we'd seen it all, however, Survivor surprised us with a sweet hobromance -- a word we coined here at AfterElton.com to describe a close non-sexual friendship between a gay man and a straight man. Think Bronnie from Make Me A Supermodel.
Straight doctor Marcus Lehman and gay lawyer Charlie Herschel had an alliance from day one, but that wasn't all Charlie had. He also had a huge, obvious crush on his straight pal. The kicker was that Marcus was so completely comfortable with Charlie's affections.
Now, we don't want to fawn over the straight boy for being nice to the gay boy, but let's face...
- 11/7/2008
- by michael
- The Backlot
Jaime Dugan and fiancé Erik Huffman may have lost out as competitors on Survivor: China but the newly-engaged couple just won an opportunity of a lifetime: a dream wedding. The pair, who grew up just 25 miles apart, won an $80,000 wedding courtesy of the Charleston Area Convention and Visitors Bureau in Charleston, S.C., not far from their hometowns in upstate South Carolina. "The cast is on the guest list because they were there every step of the way," Dugan tells People. "[Winner] Todd Herzog has already called us. He's stoked and he's coming. Peih-Gee [Law], Sherea [Lloyd] and Frosti [Zernow], they've already booked flights.
- 10/30/2008
- by Elaine Aradillas
- PEOPLE.com
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