If you were a TV critic from 1956 to 1976, you would have witnessed some big changes in the business: the rise and fall of the Western as the dominant primetime genre, or the color TV boom, or CBS' shift from silly rural comedies to socially conscious ones like All in the Family and M*A*S*H. If you covered the beat from 1976 to 1996, you would have written about Hill Street Blues and its many imitators, the classic years of SNL, and the early days of original cable programming. Almost any 20-year span would give you a front row seat to enormous artistic and technological change. As of this week, I've been professionally writing about television for exactly 20 years(*), and it's safe to say that the only two-decade period that featured a more radical transformation in how television was made and consumed would be back when the medium was first introduced into America's living rooms.
- 6/2/2016
- by Alan Sepinwall
- Hitfix
All week long, Vulture explores what happens to reality-tv contestants after the show ends — and the future of the genre itself. Before he became the fifth person voted off of Survivor: Worlds Apart last spring, Max Dawson was best known as the professor at Northwestern University who taught a class on reality TV structured like an episode of Survivor, with challenges and midterm-exam immunity. Dawson may be off the island, but he hasn’t left Survivor behind — he now works as a reality-tv consultant in Los Angeles, and will soon host a new podcast about the show. The transition from teacher/scholar to television character, however, was not easy, as he watched his friends turn into some of his harshest critics. But as Dawson explains in the following as-told-to, life after reality TV is just an extension of life before it.I created the Survivor class in 2011, at a time...
- 9/25/2015
- by Max Dawson as told to Andy Dehnart
- Vulture
You've got to hand it to the producers of Survivor. They sure know how to keep a franchise going.
Two weeks ago, the long-running show announced a voting process where America would get to choose contestants for next season.
Through Wednesday night's finale, voters can visit Survivor's website to choose the 10 men and 10 women who they want to see compete next season.
Last week, People profiled 10 women who are in the running to compete.
Now it's time to hear from the men.
People spoke with 9 of the potential male contestants. (Mike Holloway is still an active contestant on the current season.
Two weeks ago, the long-running show announced a voting process where America would get to choose contestants for next season.
Through Wednesday night's finale, voters can visit Survivor's website to choose the 10 men and 10 women who they want to see compete next season.
Last week, People profiled 10 women who are in the running to compete.
Now it's time to hear from the men.
People spoke with 9 of the potential male contestants. (Mike Holloway is still an active contestant on the current season.
- 5/18/2015
- by Steve Helling, @stevehelling
- People.com - TV Watch
On last week's "Survivor: Worlds Apart," several castaways talked about talking much-maligned underdog Shirin Oskooi to the end because of the assumption that nobody would vote for her. This was crazy-talk and I figured Shirin would have been a lock for at least four votes. "Five, bro! I had five Jury votes bro, five," Shirin was quick to tell me when we spoke after Wednesday's "Survivor." Of course, the fact that we were speaking on Thursday meant that Shirin would actually be receiving zero Jury votes, because she was sent to join the Jury herself in a vote that at least had drama thanks to an Idol bluff from Mike. Sensing an inevitable vote against Shirin, Mike feigned like he was going to give the former White Collar member his Hidden Immunity Idol and suggested the ruling alliance would be wise to cannibalize itself. Mike's move caused a couple surprise votes to go against Dan,...
- 5/3/2015
- by Daniel Fienberg
- Hitfix
Some people know a lot about Survivor. They can spout off statistics and strategy, and they remember even the most obscure contestants from previous seasons.
Max Dawson is one of those superfans. He peppers his conversation with random factoids from the show's 30-season run, and even taught a college-level class at Northwestern about Survivor. He's very active in the Survivor fan community, to the point where many superfans knew who he was long before he set foot on the island. If anyone knows the ins and the outs of the game, it should be Max Dawson.
Yet competing on Survivor: Worlds Apart...
Max Dawson is one of those superfans. He peppers his conversation with random factoids from the show's 30-season run, and even taught a college-level class at Northwestern about Survivor. He's very active in the Survivor fan community, to the point where many superfans knew who he was long before he set foot on the island. If anyone knows the ins and the outs of the game, it should be Max Dawson.
Yet competing on Survivor: Worlds Apart...
- 3/21/2015
- by Steve Helling, @stevehelling
- People.com - TV Watch
Survivor is one of those shows that rises and falls on its casting. When the contestants are interesting, we get a stellar season like last spring's Survivor: Cagayan. If the cast is bland, we get a mediocre season like last fall's Survivor: San Juan Del Sur. (Don't take our word for it; even host Jeff Probst called it a "frustrating" season.) But Survivor is shockingly resilient. Now entering its 30th season, it has been around so long that this season's youngest contestant was in the first grade when the show premiered. She's now 22. This season, producers have divided...
- 1/21/2015
- by Steve Helling, @stevehelling
- PEOPLE.com
Survivor is one of those shows that rises and falls on its casting. When the contestants are interesting, we get a stellar season like last spring's Survivor: Cagayan. If the cast is bland, we get a mediocre season like last fall's Survivor: San Juan Del Sur. (Don't take our word for it; even host Jeff Probst called it a "frustrating" season.) But Survivor is shockingly resilient. Now entering its 30th season, it has been around so long that this season's youngest contestant was in the first grade when the show premiered. She's now 22. This season, producers have divided...
- 1/21/2015
- by Steve Helling, @stevehelling
- PEOPLE.com
Malcolm Freberg got a taste of adventure when he appeared on Survivor not once, but twice. And he liked it. So he’s off again — but this time as a host, not a contestant. Malcolm will host a new online docuseries titled Wayfaring that will see him and a film crew depart on July 1 for a 20 day, 20 episode road trip around the United States. But where exactly Malcolm goes and what he does will be determined by viewers, who will vote on social media and control all of his life choices (kind of like the way he controlled Phillip’s...
- 6/11/2014
- by Dalton Ross
- EW - Inside TV
Things got personal last night on Survivor: Cagayan between Sarah and Kass. The alliance-mates could not agree on whom to target on the other tribe, so Kass decided to target someone else — Sarah! The move killed not only Sarah’s chances in the game (as she was eliminated), but also effectively ended Kass’ chances as well seeing as how her former tribemates that she turned on will likely never vote for her to win the million dollars now. So what was the strategic reason for the flipping? Or did Kass — who at one point told us “I can’t even look at her.
- 4/3/2014
- by Dalton Ross
- EW - Inside TV
Phoenix -- Arizona restaurateur Amy Bouzaglo became an instant Internet celebrity last month after demonstrating an impressively short temper on a reality TV show that helps reform struggling businesses.
The episode of "Kitchen Nightmares" drew more than a million viewers on YouTube, and Bouzaglo's vitriolic rants became popular fodder on Twitter and Facebook.
So it should surprise no one that her next step was to announce she was shopping around her own reality TV show.
These days, head butting, table flipping, belly slapping, hair pulling, smack talking and other behavior generally considered impolite have become a tested strategy for reality TV fame, as seen in the proliferation of such shows as "Here Comes Honey Boo Boo," `'Basketball Wives" and the "Real Housewives" franchise.
Some reality "stars" have become brands of their own after churning out self-help books, hair products, cocktail lines and flavored water. And the next generation of more shocking,...
The episode of "Kitchen Nightmares" drew more than a million viewers on YouTube, and Bouzaglo's vitriolic rants became popular fodder on Twitter and Facebook.
So it should surprise no one that her next step was to announce she was shopping around her own reality TV show.
These days, head butting, table flipping, belly slapping, hair pulling, smack talking and other behavior generally considered impolite have become a tested strategy for reality TV fame, as seen in the proliferation of such shows as "Here Comes Honey Boo Boo," `'Basketball Wives" and the "Real Housewives" franchise.
Some reality "stars" have become brands of their own after churning out self-help books, hair products, cocktail lines and flavored water. And the next generation of more shocking,...
- 6/4/2013
- by AP
- Huffington Post
On TV this weekend: Kristen Wiig comes home to Saturday Night Live, a former cylon develops Dangerous Intuition and HBO starts to grow its Family Tree. Meanwhile, Once Upon a Time, Revenge, Survivor, Bob’s Burgers and American Dad! finish their seasons. Here are 15 programs to keep on your radar.
Saturday, May 11
8 pm Dangerous Intuition (Lifetime) | Battlestar Galactica hottie Tricia Helfer stars in this made-for-tv psychological thriller about a career woman who has premonitions that her husband’s new squeeze is out to hurt their daughter. David Cubitt (Medium) and Dylan Neal (Dawson’s Creek) also star.
8 pm Smash (NBC...
Saturday, May 11
8 pm Dangerous Intuition (Lifetime) | Battlestar Galactica hottie Tricia Helfer stars in this made-for-tv psychological thriller about a career woman who has premonitions that her husband’s new squeeze is out to hurt their daughter. David Cubitt (Medium) and Dylan Neal (Dawson’s Creek) also star.
8 pm Smash (NBC...
- 5/11/2013
- by Kimberly Roots
- TVLine.com
Will Neil Patrick Harris soon be scheming his way to a Survivor victory?
It could happen. Host Jeff Probst has spoken to the How I Met Your Mother star about playing the game – and is currently looking for other celebrities who want to outwit, outplay and outlast the competition in hopes of being Sole Survivor on the long-running CBS reality show.
A celebrity season actually isn't that far fetched. Last season, The Facts of Life star Lisa Whelchel made the final three. And, in 2001, Kate Hudson and then–husband Chris Robinson showed up for an open audition for Survivor: Australia,...
It could happen. Host Jeff Probst has spoken to the How I Met Your Mother star about playing the game – and is currently looking for other celebrities who want to outwit, outplay and outlast the competition in hopes of being Sole Survivor on the long-running CBS reality show.
A celebrity season actually isn't that far fetched. Last season, The Facts of Life star Lisa Whelchel made the final three. And, in 2001, Kate Hudson and then–husband Chris Robinson showed up for an open audition for Survivor: Australia,...
- 2/13/2013
- by Steve Helling
- People.com - TV Watch
On TV this Wednesday: Southland‘s finest are back on patrol, Survivor: Caramoan pits fans against favorites, The Neighbors have a transformative experience and Necessary Roughness tackles a hot-button topic. As a supplement to TVLine’s original features (linked within), here are 10 programs to keep on your radar.
Related | The CW Orders Early Renewals for Arrow, Supernatural and The Vampire Diaries
8 pm Survivor: Caramoan – Fans Vs. Favorites (CBS) | Two-hour season premiere: 10 superfans, 10 past players, one million-dollar prize. Go! (Take a look at the full lineup.)
8 pm Arrow (The CW) | Felicity and Diggle team up to save Oliver, who...
Related | The CW Orders Early Renewals for Arrow, Supernatural and The Vampire Diaries
8 pm Survivor: Caramoan – Fans Vs. Favorites (CBS) | Two-hour season premiere: 10 superfans, 10 past players, one million-dollar prize. Go! (Take a look at the full lineup.)
8 pm Arrow (The CW) | Felicity and Diggle team up to save Oliver, who...
- 2/13/2013
- by Kimberly Roots
- TVLine.com
After eight years apart, the chart-topping trio is back! Could they be planning a Super Bowl performance, too?
Destiny is being fulfilled… again! Beyoncé took to her official website Jan. 10 to announce that Destiny’s Child — the legendary R&B trio made up of Beyoncé, Kelly Rowland and non-Dawson’s Creek Michelle Williams — is getting back together for another round. ”I am so proud to announced the first original Destiny’s Child music in eight years,” Beyoncé wrote, along with a Huge picture of the art for the group’s upcoming album Love Songs.
Before you get too excited, you should know that Love Songs only actually contains one new song, titled “Nuclear.” Aside from that, the album consists of their greatest hits.
Full Track List For ‘Love Songs’:
“Cater 2 U” (2004 - Destiny Fulfilled)
“Killing Time” (1998 - Destiny’s Child)
“Second Nature” (1998 - Destiny’s Child)
“Heaven” (2002 -...
Destiny is being fulfilled… again! Beyoncé took to her official website Jan. 10 to announce that Destiny’s Child — the legendary R&B trio made up of Beyoncé, Kelly Rowland and non-Dawson’s Creek Michelle Williams — is getting back together for another round. ”I am so proud to announced the first original Destiny’s Child music in eight years,” Beyoncé wrote, along with a Huge picture of the art for the group’s upcoming album Love Songs.
Before you get too excited, you should know that Love Songs only actually contains one new song, titled “Nuclear.” Aside from that, the album consists of their greatest hits.
Full Track List For ‘Love Songs’:
“Cater 2 U” (2004 - Destiny Fulfilled)
“Killing Time” (1998 - Destiny’s Child)
“Second Nature” (1998 - Destiny’s Child)
“Heaven” (2002 -...
- 1/10/2013
- by Andy Swift
- HollywoodLife
Survivor: Philippines Review, Season 25, Episode 14
“Million Dollar Question”
Airs Wednesdays at 8pm (Et) on CBS
Approaching Survivor’s 25th season finale, evidence pointed to a final two that might benefit Lisa and Skupin if the chips fell correctly. The problem was that they were planning for a final three and setting themselves up to lose. Malcolm and Denise are the clear favorites at the start of this episode, and the last hurdle is making the Final Tribal Council. Once Jeff Probst clarifies that it is a final three, the “million dollar question” is who gets the chance to thump Lisa and Skupin. Both could make a convincing argument, but grabbing enough votes from a bitter jury is another matter. Malcolm is set up by the editing as the favorite, which makes his ultimate demise more predictable. The opening reward challenge offers a big advantage to the winner in the final battle.
“Million Dollar Question”
Airs Wednesdays at 8pm (Et) on CBS
Approaching Survivor’s 25th season finale, evidence pointed to a final two that might benefit Lisa and Skupin if the chips fell correctly. The problem was that they were planning for a final three and setting themselves up to lose. Malcolm and Denise are the clear favorites at the start of this episode, and the last hurdle is making the Final Tribal Council. Once Jeff Probst clarifies that it is a final three, the “million dollar question” is who gets the chance to thump Lisa and Skupin. Both could make a convincing argument, but grabbing enough votes from a bitter jury is another matter. Malcolm is set up by the editing as the favorite, which makes his ultimate demise more predictable. The opening reward challenge offers a big advantage to the winner in the final battle.
- 12/18/2012
- by Dan Heaton
- SoundOnSight
Denise Stapley became the 25th person to win Survivor on Sunday night, taking home the million dollar prize after miraculously surviving every single Tribal Council in the Philippines outing of the CBS hit reality show.
Denise started the game on the doomed Matsing tribe, sticking out as her tribemates went home one by one, finally leaving only her and her alliance-mate Malcolm. She later joined the Tandang tribe, and managed, somewhat miraculously to hang on until the merge, when she was reunited with Malcolm and seemed to have a renewed shot in the game.
Denise, a sex therapist from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, says of her strategy coming into the game, "I remember laughing -- I wrote out a two page strategy. It looked a lot like I live my life outside the game. Build relationships, and keep building them. It's part of who I am. That was vital because of having to be the bottom feeder."
[link...
Denise started the game on the doomed Matsing tribe, sticking out as her tribemates went home one by one, finally leaving only her and her alliance-mate Malcolm. She later joined the Tandang tribe, and managed, somewhat miraculously to hang on until the merge, when she was reunited with Malcolm and seemed to have a renewed shot in the game.
Denise, a sex therapist from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, says of her strategy coming into the game, "I remember laughing -- I wrote out a two page strategy. It looked a lot like I live my life outside the game. Build relationships, and keep building them. It's part of who I am. That was vital because of having to be the bottom feeder."
[link...
- 12/17/2012
- Entertainment Tonight
Each week, host Jeff Probst answers a few questions about the most recent episode of Survivor: Philippines. And click here for exclusive intel from the host on next season.
Entertainment Weekly: I put down Survivor: Philippines down as the seventh best Survivor season ever, right below Palau and ahead of Samoa. Now that it’s all done, where does it rank for you?
Jeff Probst: Ah man you’re way ahead of me, I just got home from the live show and post show margarita’s at El Coyote. But I can say that I’m with you in...
Entertainment Weekly: I put down Survivor: Philippines down as the seventh best Survivor season ever, right below Palau and ahead of Samoa. Now that it’s all done, where does it rank for you?
Jeff Probst: Ah man you’re way ahead of me, I just got home from the live show and post show margarita’s at El Coyote. But I can say that I’m with you in...
- 12/17/2012
- by Dalton Ross
- EW - Inside TV
Artis Silvester, the 10th person voted out of "Survivor: Philippines," is not a fan of Michael Skupin.
"Mike was just a waste of time," he told Zap2it today (Nov. 15) about the returning player, who was medically evacuated in Season 2 after faceplanting in a fire.
"The one thing he has going for him is everybody seems to love him," Artis offers. "Why, I have no idea. Let's just say from a personal standpoint he and I will never see eye to eye."
His Tandang tribemate didn't contribute much at camp, either, says Artis. "I don't know what world he came from where he said he was this athlete. As a returning player he was horrible. I would've switched him for anybody else in a heartbeat."
As for his other tribemates, Artis says Pete is "just a frat boy doing frat boy stuff."
"Abi, on the other hand ... Man. I sure...
"Mike was just a waste of time," he told Zap2it today (Nov. 15) about the returning player, who was medically evacuated in Season 2 after faceplanting in a fire.
"The one thing he has going for him is everybody seems to love him," Artis offers. "Why, I have no idea. Let's just say from a personal standpoint he and I will never see eye to eye."
His Tandang tribemate didn't contribute much at camp, either, says Artis. "I don't know what world he came from where he said he was this athlete. As a returning player he was horrible. I would've switched him for anybody else in a heartbeat."
As for his other tribemates, Artis says Pete is "just a frat boy doing frat boy stuff."
"Abi, on the other hand ... Man. I sure...
- 11/15/2012
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
Secret baseball millionaire Jeff Kent got voted off Survivor: Philippines Wednesday night in one of the most last-minute, strategically all-over-the-map episodes in Survivor history. Et catches up with the baseball star, who managed to keep his professional sports identity a secret in the game, to get his take on his chaotic ouster. He also comments on Penner's random vote, Lisa's big move and Abi's confession.
ETonline: So that was one of the craziest episodes ever in the history of Survivor. I wanted to ask you about all the scrambling before tribal council. Skupin, Malcolm, Carter and Pete's names were all discussed. But why do you think it ended up being you?
Jeff: I still don't know why it was me. The only thing I can think of is I was just a casualty that nobody was thinking about, nobody had ever talked about. Maybe Pete though that he could manipulate Carter, because [link=nm...
ETonline: So that was one of the craziest episodes ever in the history of Survivor. I wanted to ask you about all the scrambling before tribal council. Skupin, Malcolm, Carter and Pete's names were all discussed. But why do you think it ended up being you?
Jeff: I still don't know why it was me. The only thing I can think of is I was just a casualty that nobody was thinking about, nobody had ever talked about. Maybe Pete though that he could manipulate Carter, because [link=nm...
- 11/8/2012
- Entertainment Tonight
Apologies for the slow posting of this week's "Survivor: Philippines" exit interview with Roberta Saint-Amour. She's New York-based and as of Monday morning, she still didn't have power after Hurricane Sandy, so I'm grateful she was able to make the time. And you can be forgiven if you don't have a clue who "Roberta Saint-Amour" is. Just as Dawson turned out to be "Sarah Dawson," Roberta Saint-Amour is the not-so-secret identity for the "Survivor" contestant we've come to know as Rc in recent weeks. Rc became the first member of the undefeated Tandang tribe to be sent home when,...
- 11/6/2012
- by Daniel Fienberg
- Hitfix
Stephen Fishbach was the runner-up onSurvivor: Tocantins and has been blogging about Survivor strategy for People.com since 2009. Follow him on Twitter @stephenfishbach
"This is a business trip, strictly. My attire is just beard and bathing suits out here. But I'm still in business mode."
– Brian Heidik, Winner, Survivor: Thailand
Is Denise a cooler?
I'm sure you all remember The Cooler – that classic 2003 drama. William H. Macy plays a guy whose luck is so bad that evil casino owner Alec Baldwin pays him to bring down other gamblers.
Six episodes in, and Denise has been to every single tribal council.
"This is a business trip, strictly. My attire is just beard and bathing suits out here. But I'm still in business mode."
– Brian Heidik, Winner, Survivor: Thailand
Is Denise a cooler?
I'm sure you all remember The Cooler – that classic 2003 drama. William H. Macy plays a guy whose luck is so bad that evil casino owner Alec Baldwin pays him to bring down other gamblers.
Six episodes in, and Denise has been to every single tribal council.
- 10/25/2012
- by Stephen Fishbach
- People.com - TV Watch
When we last left "Survivor: Philippines," Dawson was sent packing and it was surprisingly not for being a Jeff Probst stalker. Let's see who goes home .... Tonight.
Kalabaw
Katie and Denise are sure Penner's got the Hidden Idol and they're a little nervous because their all-girl alliance is done. They think they've gotta make a play to blindside Jonathan. That would be pretty amazing, honestly. Penner is one of the most astute "Survivor" players, you have to get up pretty earlier to pull one over on him.
Tandang
Apparently Mike has been snacking on the dry rice and the tribe's supply is pretty depleted. Uh, dude -- what is wrong with you? I'm with his tribemates, he's being really irresponsible with the food. Also, have they not won any food when they've been winning challenges? Hmm. And is there nothing else to eat out there?
Reward Challenge
It's a grappling...
Kalabaw
Katie and Denise are sure Penner's got the Hidden Idol and they're a little nervous because their all-girl alliance is done. They think they've gotta make a play to blindside Jonathan. That would be pretty amazing, honestly. Penner is one of the most astute "Survivor" players, you have to get up pretty earlier to pull one over on him.
Tandang
Apparently Mike has been snacking on the dry rice and the tribe's supply is pretty depleted. Uh, dude -- what is wrong with you? I'm with his tribemates, he's being really irresponsible with the food. Also, have they not won any food when they've been winning challenges? Hmm. And is there nothing else to eat out there?
Reward Challenge
It's a grappling...
- 10/25/2012
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
As a contestant on Survivor: Philippines, Sarah Dawson knew that one of her fellow competitors was a rich baseball player - but she kept her mouth shut. It may have cost her the game, but she got a consolation prize: she's the first contestant in 25 seasons to host kiss Jeff Probst at Tribal Council. The insurance sales rep, 28, spoke with People about her game - and that kiss. You dreamed of getting on Survivor for years. What was it like when you got to the Philippines? I don't do drugs, but I got out there and I was naturally high.
- 10/22/2012
- by Steve Helling
- PEOPLE.com
As a contestant on Survivor: Philippines, Sarah Dawson knew that one of her fellow competitors was a rich baseball player – but she kept her mouth shut. It may have cost her the game, but she got a consolation prize: she's the first contestant in 25 seasons to host kiss Jeff Probst at Tribal Council.
The insurance sales rep, 28, spoke with People about her game – and that kiss.
You dreamed of getting on Survivor for years. What was it like when you got to the Philippines?
I don't do drugs, but I got out there and I was naturally high. Seeing the challenges,...
The insurance sales rep, 28, spoke with People about her game – and that kiss.
You dreamed of getting on Survivor for years. What was it like when you got to the Philippines?
I don't do drugs, but I got out there and I was naturally high. Seeing the challenges,...
- 10/22/2012
- by Steve Helling
- People.com - TV Watch
Merle Dixon. He’s the character Walking Dead fans love to hate, but the man who plays him, Michael Rooker, insists that Merle is simply misunderstood. According to Rooker, Merle is a positively delightful individual who did nothing wrong on that roof before he was handcuffed and left to die back in season 1. Who knows? Maybe he’s right, because when I went on set for an upcoming season 3 scene, the residents of Woodbury could not stop chanting his name — “Merley! Merely! Merely!” — over and over.
On this week’s InsideTV Podcast, Rooker explains what makes Merle so gosh darn swell.
On this week’s InsideTV Podcast, Rooker explains what makes Merle so gosh darn swell.
- 10/21/2012
- by Dalton Ross
- EW - Inside TV
I'm not sure I realized until seconds before it was time for her exit interview that "Dawson" was actually "Survivor: Philippines" contestant Sarah Dawson's last name. I did, however, know two things for sure about Dawson: 1) She was the only player so far this season able to identify future baseball Hall of Famer Jeff Kent in the wilderness, but she was voted off on Wednesday's (October 17) episode without ever revealing that information. 2) She had a bit of a crush on "Survivor" host Jeff Probst and when she was voted out, rather than using that last...
- 10/21/2012
- by Daniel Fienberg
- Hitfix
Survivor: Philippines Review, Season 25, Episode 5
“Got My Swag Back”
Airs Wednesdays at 8pm (Et) on CBS
The opening four episodes of this Survivor season have spent a majority of time with the Matsing tribe, who lost every challenge. The battle lines have been drawn for the Tandang and Kalabaw tribes, but the conflicts haven’t played out at Tribal Council. This pivotal episode finally changes that trend and dramatically alters each tribe’s place in the game. Kalabaw dominated most of the early challenges, but bad luck and a challenge loss knocks out two members this time. While neither was a major player on the show so far, it’s still quite a change. They’ll start next week in a tough position where they really need to turn it around. This quick shift into difficult circumstances is a new place for a group that has rolled through the competition so far.
“Got My Swag Back”
Airs Wednesdays at 8pm (Et) on CBS
The opening four episodes of this Survivor season have spent a majority of time with the Matsing tribe, who lost every challenge. The battle lines have been drawn for the Tandang and Kalabaw tribes, but the conflicts haven’t played out at Tribal Council. This pivotal episode finally changes that trend and dramatically alters each tribe’s place in the game. Kalabaw dominated most of the early challenges, but bad luck and a challenge loss knocks out two members this time. While neither was a major player on the show so far, it’s still quite a change. They’ll start next week in a tough position where they really need to turn it around. This quick shift into difficult circumstances is a new place for a group that has rolled through the competition so far.
- 10/20/2012
- by Dan Heaton
- SoundOnSight
Wednesday night's Survivor: Philippines saw not one, but two players leave the game. ETonline catches up with Dana and Dawson to get their take on their exits.
First up, plucky cosmetologist Dana Lambert, who proved herself to be a force to be reckoned with despite her small frame. In a dramatic and unexpected moment, the 32-year-old left the game following days of illness, not even having made it to a single Tribal Council.
ETOnline: How hard was it for you to have to leave under those circumstances?
Dana: I'm still dealing with a little bit. It was completely devastating, honestly. It took me awhile to just accept the fact of what it was, and that I would probably make the same decision again. I kinda stand by that decision. What people [saw that] day [was] me being sick, but what people don't know is that it wasn't just that day. It was twelve days, the whole time...
First up, plucky cosmetologist Dana Lambert, who proved herself to be a force to be reckoned with despite her small frame. In a dramatic and unexpected moment, the 32-year-old left the game following days of illness, not even having made it to a single Tribal Council.
ETOnline: How hard was it for you to have to leave under those circumstances?
Dana: I'm still dealing with a little bit. It was completely devastating, honestly. It took me awhile to just accept the fact of what it was, and that I would probably make the same decision again. I kinda stand by that decision. What people [saw that] day [was] me being sick, but what people don't know is that it wasn't just that day. It was twelve days, the whole time...
- 10/18/2012
- Entertainment Tonight
"Survivor's" Sarah Dawson was the first voted-off castaway once the show merged the Matsing members into Kalabaw and Tandang. She talks to Zap2it about how strong a competitor Denise is -- and that smooch she planted on Jeff Probst.
Are you glad you did "Survivor"? Was it everything you hoped it would be?
"Oh my gosh, I'm so glad I did 'Survivor.' My new ringtone is the 'Survivor' intro and I'm trying to make my alarm clock do it also. I love this show. I'm so glad I was able to participate. It's just really changed me."
Were you surprised the tribe kept Katie over you?
"Actually, no. If I were my tribemates I would've done exactly the same thing. I was actually trying to make a lot of moves once Dana left the game. I was trying to get our footing back for Katie and I...
Are you glad you did "Survivor"? Was it everything you hoped it would be?
"Oh my gosh, I'm so glad I did 'Survivor.' My new ringtone is the 'Survivor' intro and I'm trying to make my alarm clock do it also. I love this show. I'm so glad I was able to participate. It's just really changed me."
Were you surprised the tribe kept Katie over you?
"Actually, no. If I were my tribemates I would've done exactly the same thing. I was actually trying to make a lot of moves once Dana left the game. I was trying to get our footing back for Katie and I...
- 10/18/2012
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
She came. She saw. She smooched Jeff Probst. If we didn’t know better, we would say that was the main reason Sarah Dawson went on Survivor: Philippines — to plant a big fat wet one on the host. It was certainly a Survivor first and Probst looked both taken aback and amused by the aggressive move. We already got Jeff’s take on the situation, so now it is time to check in the with the kisser as opposed to the kissee. Dawson joined us on this week’s edition of the InsideTV Podcast to discuss what we didn’t see during the big smooch,...
- 10/18/2012
- by Dalton Ross
- EW - Inside TV
Stephen Fishbach was the runner-up on Survivor: Tocantins and has been blogging about Survivor strategy for People.com since 2009. Follow him on Twitter @stephenfishbach"They're so busy trying to get their own tribe members out right now. We're like, 'Okay, do what you gotta do, and we'll come in later.' " - Taj George, Survivor: TocantinsSurvivor wears you down. It's day 11, and the contestants are totally spent. Their fat reserves are gone; they're listless and starving; they're beset by horrifying flies from beyond the gates of Hell. And the worst part is, the game's not even one third over.
- 10/18/2012
- by Stephen Fishbach
- PEOPLE.com
Stephen Fishbach was the runner-up onSurvivor: Tocantins and has been blogging about Survivor strategy for People.com since 2009. Follow him on Twitter @stephenfishbach
"They're so busy trying to get their own tribe members out right now. We're like, 'Okay, do what you gotta do, and we'll come in later.' "
– Taj George, Survivor: Tocantins
Survivor wears you down. It's day 11, and the contestants are totally spent. Their fat reserves are gone; they're listless and starving; they're beset by horrifying flies from beyond the gates of Hell. And the worst part is, the game's not even one third over.
"They're so busy trying to get their own tribe members out right now. We're like, 'Okay, do what you gotta do, and we'll come in later.' "
– Taj George, Survivor: Tocantins
Survivor wears you down. It's day 11, and the contestants are totally spent. Their fat reserves are gone; they're listless and starving; they're beset by horrifying flies from beyond the gates of Hell. And the worst part is, the game's not even one third over.
- 10/18/2012
- by Stephen Fishbach
- People.com - TV Watch
Dear CBS and Cackling CBS Czar Les Moonves: Can we please fast-track a Survivor spinoff starring Malcolm and Denise of the dilapidated Matsing tribe? I think it could benefit society, which is more than I can say for anything Abi-Maria will achieve in her lifetime. I've already picked out some titles: Russell's Refugees; Post-Probst; Anything But Roxy; Awake and Matsing! (Clifford Odets fans in the house? Anyone?)
Thing is, we need that spinoff because Jeff Probst forced Malcolm and Denise to split up and join the two thriving tribes. Now that Malcolm's on Tandang and Denise is on Kalabaw, we may never see them team up in quite the same way again, though they're sharing an immunity idol at the moment. And just as I feared most, we got plenty more acquainted with the heretofore unseen Tandang and Kalabaw players this week, and they are... un-thrilling humanoid specimens.
Thing is, we need that spinoff because Jeff Probst forced Malcolm and Denise to split up and join the two thriving tribes. Now that Malcolm's on Tandang and Denise is on Kalabaw, we may never see them team up in quite the same way again, though they're sharing an immunity idol at the moment. And just as I feared most, we got plenty more acquainted with the heretofore unseen Tandang and Kalabaw players this week, and they are... un-thrilling humanoid specimens.
- 10/18/2012
- by virtel
- The Backlot
There's an irony to someone getting removed by medical from "Survivor: Philippines." After all, the twist of this season was that three former contestants who'd been medically evacuated on their seasons were given a second chance, and now the show has claimed another victim. In this case, though, it was the contestant's call as medical didn't see a life-threatening need to remove her.
It all went down shortly after the first reward challenge of the season. With Matsing decimated, the tribe was dismantled completely at this challenge. Malcolm -- who'd found the immunity idol, with Denise's help -- found himself the newest member of Tandang, while Denise joined Kalabaw.
Finding that immunity idol must have given Malcolm some fortune that traveled with him. His tribe won both challenges this week. That means that Tandang has still never lost, while poor Denise has still never felt the feeling of victory.
It all went down shortly after the first reward challenge of the season. With Matsing decimated, the tribe was dismantled completely at this challenge. Malcolm -- who'd found the immunity idol, with Denise's help -- found himself the newest member of Tandang, while Denise joined Kalabaw.
Finding that immunity idol must have given Malcolm some fortune that traveled with him. His tribe won both challenges this week. That means that Tandang has still never lost, while poor Denise has still never felt the feeling of victory.
- 10/18/2012
- by The Huffington Post
- Huffington Post
Each week, host Jeff Probst answers a few questions about the most recent episode of Survivor: Philippines.
Entertainment Weekly: You know we’re about to talk all about that big smooch from Dawson, right? What were you thinking as she leaned in for the kiss, and what was your reaction after? Is your wife Lisa on your case about it?
Jeff Probst: Honestly, it did take me by surprise. Nothing like that has ever happened. As I snuffed her torch I felt her really staring and connecting with me. It was as if she had already accepted her fate...
Entertainment Weekly: You know we’re about to talk all about that big smooch from Dawson, right? What were you thinking as she leaned in for the kiss, and what was your reaction after? Is your wife Lisa on your case about it?
Jeff Probst: Honestly, it did take me by surprise. Nothing like that has ever happened. As I snuffed her torch I felt her really staring and connecting with me. It was as if she had already accepted her fate...
- 10/18/2012
- by Dalton Ross
- EW - Inside TV
There's an irony to someone getting removed by medical from "Survivor: Philippines." After all, the twist of this season was that three former contestants who'd been medically evacuated on their seasons were given a second chance, and now the show has claimed another victim. In this case, though, it was the contestant's call as medical didn't see a life-threatening need to remove her.
It all went down shortly after the first reward challenge of the season. With Matsing decimated, the tribe was dismantled completely at this challenge. Malcolm -- who'd found the immunity idol, with Denise's help -- found himself the newest member of Tandang, while Denise joined Kalabaw.
Finding that immunity idol must have given Malcolm some fortune that traveled with him. His tribe won both challenges this week. That means that Tandang has still never lost, while poor Denise has still never felt the feeling of victory.
It all went down shortly after the first reward challenge of the season. With Matsing decimated, the tribe was dismantled completely at this challenge. Malcolm -- who'd found the immunity idol, with Denise's help -- found himself the newest member of Tandang, while Denise joined Kalabaw.
Finding that immunity idol must have given Malcolm some fortune that traveled with him. His tribe won both challenges this week. That means that Tandang has still never lost, while poor Denise has still never felt the feeling of victory.
- 10/18/2012
- by The Huffington Post
- Aol TV.
Survivor 25,Philippines eliminated Sarah Dawson and Dana Lambert quit in episode 5 tonight. Tonight's show kicked off with more commentary footage. Matsing's Denise and Malcolm immediately went searching for the immunity idol,since they were down to only two people. Malcolm eventually found the idol. Then everyone headed to the "Rewards" challenge. Host Jeff Probst told Malcom and Denise that their tribe had been decimated,and they would have to draw to see who would join one which other tribes. Malcolm ended up joining the Tandang tribe,and Denise joined the Kalabaw tribe. Next, they competed for rewards,and Malcom and the Tandang tribe pulled out the win. Needless to say,both Denise and Malcolm were very happy to be on another tribe. The Tandang tribe really accepted Malcolm right away. Meanwhile, the girls on the Kalabaw tribe, were plotting to get Denise on their side,to go against the guys.
- 10/18/2012
- by Andre
- OnTheFlix
Can Malcolm and Denise rally and go all butt-kickers on the other two "Survivor: Philippines" tribes? Let's find out.
Matsing
Denise is convinced they're going to be split up and one sent to each of the remaining tribes. So they decide they've gotta make one last effort to find the Hidden Idol, in case they don't come back to their beach. They finally manage to find the Idol on the rice basket. So, who takes it if they send you to two different tribes? Turns out Malcolm does, by virtue of the fact that he snatched it up first. Hmm.
Reward Challenge
Jeff tells Malcolm and Denise to drop their buffs and they draw for which tribe they'll join -- Malcolm goes to Tandang and Denise goes to Kalabaw. Bummer. I wanted to root for Malcolm and Denise on their own.
The challenge is one-on-one where you just try to...
Matsing
Denise is convinced they're going to be split up and one sent to each of the remaining tribes. So they decide they've gotta make one last effort to find the Hidden Idol, in case they don't come back to their beach. They finally manage to find the Idol on the rice basket. So, who takes it if they send you to two different tribes? Turns out Malcolm does, by virtue of the fact that he snatched it up first. Hmm.
Reward Challenge
Jeff tells Malcolm and Denise to drop their buffs and they draw for which tribe they'll join -- Malcolm goes to Tandang and Denise goes to Kalabaw. Bummer. I wanted to root for Malcolm and Denise on their own.
The challenge is one-on-one where you just try to...
- 10/18/2012
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
Survivor 25,Philippines eliminated Sarah Dawson and Dana Lambert quit in episode 5 tonight. Tonight's show kicked off with more commentary footage. Matsing's Denise and Malcolm immediately went searching for the immunity idol,since they were down to only two people. Malcolm eventually found the idol. Then everyone headed to the "Rewards" challenge. Host Jeff Probst told Malcom and Denise that their tribe had been decimated,and they would have to draw to see who would join one which other tribes. Malcolm ended up joining the Tandang tribe,and Denise joined the Kalabaw tribe. Next, they competed for rewards,and Malcom and the Tandang tribe pulled out the win. Needless to say,both Denise and Malcolm were very happy to be on another tribe. The Kalabaw tribe really accepted Malcolm right away. Meanwhile, the girls on the Kalabaw tribe, were plotting to get Denise on their side,to go against the guys.
- 10/18/2012
- by Andre
- OnTheFlix
Survivor: Philippines Review, Season 25, Episode 4
“Create a Little Chaos”
Airs Wednesdays at 8pm (Et) on CBS
Russell Swan is a very competitive guy. He claims to strive for excellence in everything that he does. When he loses a challenge, it must be part of God’s plan, not because of the superior performance of his opponents. This approach makes sense for a 13-year-old, but it seems pretty silly for a guy who’s been on this Earth for 45 years. After this week’s immunity challenge, he smashes a bottle of rice and can’t understand why he’s being put through so much turmoil. After mistakenly calling Jeff Probst “Lord”, Russell calms down but doesn’t step away from his simplistic view on athletic competitions. It’s an uncomfortable moment for everyone involved, but it also provides fascinating insights about his approach. Even with the drama, it’s more interesting...
“Create a Little Chaos”
Airs Wednesdays at 8pm (Et) on CBS
Russell Swan is a very competitive guy. He claims to strive for excellence in everything that he does. When he loses a challenge, it must be part of God’s plan, not because of the superior performance of his opponents. This approach makes sense for a 13-year-old, but it seems pretty silly for a guy who’s been on this Earth for 45 years. After this week’s immunity challenge, he smashes a bottle of rice and can’t understand why he’s being put through so much turmoil. After mistakenly calling Jeff Probst “Lord”, Russell calms down but doesn’t step away from his simplistic view on athletic competitions. It’s an uncomfortable moment for everyone involved, but it also provides fascinating insights about his approach. Even with the drama, it’s more interesting...
- 10/12/2012
- by Dan Heaton
- SoundOnSight
Can Matsing pull it together on "Survivor: Philippines"? After she was kicked off, Roxy wasn't sure they could do it.
Tandang
Abi doesn't really trust Rc so much anymore, plus she's whining about her bum knee, so she wants to just lie around on the beach all day. Plus, she's snapping at Rc like a total lunatic and then goes to Peter and tells him about the Hidden Idol clue without asking Rc first. She wants them to look for it without Rc. Wow, way to just completely throw away your alliance.
And Peter decides he needs to take charge and approaches Lisa about blindsiding Mike if need be, who just goes along with it. Hmm. She does know she could get Mike and Artis her own alliance and go against Peter, Rc and Abi, right?
Kalabaw
Dana and Jeff realize the raised emblem on the top of the rice...
Tandang
Abi doesn't really trust Rc so much anymore, plus she's whining about her bum knee, so she wants to just lie around on the beach all day. Plus, she's snapping at Rc like a total lunatic and then goes to Peter and tells him about the Hidden Idol clue without asking Rc first. She wants them to look for it without Rc. Wow, way to just completely throw away your alliance.
And Peter decides he needs to take charge and approaches Lisa about blindsiding Mike if need be, who just goes along with it. Hmm. She does know she could get Mike and Artis her own alliance and go against Peter, Rc and Abi, right?
Kalabaw
Dana and Jeff realize the raised emblem on the top of the rice...
- 10/4/2012
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
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