Producer Mark Burnett expected a hit when he sent 16 contestants and a then-unknown 38-year-old host named Jeff Probst to the Borneo island of Malaysia for an adaptation of the Swedish competition show Expedition Robinson. What he got instead was a cultural phenomenon. Survivor instantly became a ratings juggernaut, and viewership for the first season finale reached north of 50 million. Reality TV existed before Survivor, but the show’s low overhead and potential for mass appeal single-handedly ushered in the reality-competition boom.
In the 24 years since it hit airwaves, Survivor has morphed from a “social experiment” into television’s most complex and grueling competition, with players practically raised on the show elevating it to new heights of strategy. Its motto—“Outwit. Outplay. Outlast.”—speaks to the complex permutations of physical strength, mental acumen, and social skills that can produce winners as diverse as season 30’s Mike Holloway, who got himself to...
In the 24 years since it hit airwaves, Survivor has morphed from a “social experiment” into television’s most complex and grueling competition, with players practically raised on the show elevating it to new heights of strategy. Its motto—“Outwit. Outplay. Outlast.”—speaks to the complex permutations of physical strength, mental acumen, and social skills that can produce winners as diverse as season 30’s Mike Holloway, who got himself to...
- 5/24/2024
- by Jake Cole
- Slant Magazine
Over the course of its 44 seasons, “Survivor” has hosted hundreds of immunity challenges where individual players could win the opportunity to save themselves from elimination at tribal council. Since 2000 when the reality TV show began, 15 different contestants have won at least four immunity challenges. However, five of those castaways prevailed five times, a record that has never been broken. In our “Survivor” gallery above, we spotlight those with the most immunity wins in a single season.
Despite four others winning just as many as he did, Colby Donaldson from Season 2 has bragging rights as not only the first player to win five times, but also the only one to do so consecutively. Like Kelly Wiglesworth before him, Colby played the game at a point in time where challenge wins were not held as in high regard as they were later, leaving him in runner-up position to a more social game-focused player in the final vote.
Despite four others winning just as many as he did, Colby Donaldson from Season 2 has bragging rights as not only the first player to win five times, but also the only one to do so consecutively. Like Kelly Wiglesworth before him, Colby played the game at a point in time where challenge wins were not held as in high regard as they were later, leaving him in runner-up position to a more social game-focused player in the final vote.
- 7/19/2023
- by John Benutty
- Gold Derby
Over the course of its 44 seasons, “Survivor” has hosted hundreds of immunity challenges where individual players could win the opportunity to save themselves from elimination at tribal council. Since 2000 when the reality TV show began, 15 different contestants have won at least four immunity challenges. However, five of those castaways prevailed five times, a record that has never been broken. In our “Survivor” gallery below, we spotlight those with the most immunity wins in a single season.
Despite four others winning just as many as he did, Colby Donaldson from Season 2 has bragging rights as not only the first player to win five times, but also the only one to do so consecutively. Like Kelly Wiglesworth before him, Colby played the game at a point in time where challenge wins were not held as in high regard as they were later, leaving him in runner-up position to a more social game-focused player in the final vote.
Despite four others winning just as many as he did, Colby Donaldson from Season 2 has bragging rights as not only the first player to win five times, but also the only one to do so consecutively. Like Kelly Wiglesworth before him, Colby played the game at a point in time where challenge wins were not held as in high regard as they were later, leaving him in runner-up position to a more social game-focused player in the final vote.
- 7/19/2023
- by John Benutty, Misty Holland and Marcus James Dixon
- Gold Derby
Tori Meehan makes ‘Survivor’ history by winning first 2 individual immunity challenges of the season
Over the course of the first 21 years and 41 seasons of “Survivor,” only one woman had won the first two individual immunity challenges of her season: Laura Morett in 2009’s “Survivor: Samoa.” Now, her long-standing record has been tied by Tori Meehan, who just claimed back-to-back victories in the first two individual immunity challenges of “Survivor 42.” Talk about girl power!
One caveat in mentioning this record is that Laura’s initial immunity win was actually awarded to the best performing male (John Fincher) and female (Laura) of that specific challenge. Tori didn’t have to share either of her two immunity necklaces, which puts her truly in a league of her own when it comes to making “Survivor” history.
See ‘Survivor’ deaths: Full list of castaways we’ve lost
Sure, there have been women that have won more than two immunity challenges within a single season — for example, Kelly Wiglesworth,...
One caveat in mentioning this record is that Laura’s initial immunity win was actually awarded to the best performing male (John Fincher) and female (Laura) of that specific challenge. Tori didn’t have to share either of her two immunity necklaces, which puts her truly in a league of her own when it comes to making “Survivor” history.
See ‘Survivor’ deaths: Full list of castaways we’ve lost
Sure, there have been women that have won more than two immunity challenges within a single season — for example, Kelly Wiglesworth,...
- 4/22/2022
- by Marcus James Dixon
- Gold Derby
Beach rental business owner Jonathan Young has big dreams for his “Survivor” experience. As one of the 18 new castaways playing on “Survivor 42,” the 29-year-old Alabama resident intends to “win more immunity challenges than anyone ever has,” outdoing the likes of Colby Donaldson, Tom Westman, Terry Deitz, Ozzy Lusth, Mike Holloway and Brad Culpepper, who each won five in a single season.
It is unlikely that Jonathan will indeed amass six Immunity wins, but he is confident in his physical abilities, hoping this will make him a valued tribemate. “I’ve basically trained for this moment,” he says, noting that he spearfishes “almost daily” (watch below). As one of the most visibly buff contestants of the bunch, he knows that his tribemates may judge him in a certain light. “The first impression everybody’s getting is going, ‘Look at this big guy. I wonder what he can do,'” predicts Jonathan.
It is unlikely that Jonathan will indeed amass six Immunity wins, but he is confident in his physical abilities, hoping this will make him a valued tribemate. “I’ve basically trained for this moment,” he says, noting that he spearfishes “almost daily” (watch below). As one of the most visibly buff contestants of the bunch, he knows that his tribemates may judge him in a certain light. “The first impression everybody’s getting is going, ‘Look at this big guy. I wonder what he can do,'” predicts Jonathan.
- 2/28/2022
- by Kevin Jacobsen
- Gold Derby
Jonathan Penner‘s wife Stacy Beth Title has died of Als at age 56. The three-time “Survivor” player tweeted the sad news on Monday. Title was an Oscar-nominated director for “Down on the Waterfront” who continued to work after her diagnosis in 2017. “Survivor” fans will remember Title from her two appearances on the reality TV show. She visited her husband during the “Cook Islands” loved ones reward in 2006 (watch above), and the couple appeared virtually for a “CBS Cares” profile about Als during “Winners at War” in 2020 (watch below).
See Everything to know about ‘Survivor 41’
“When my wife Stacy was diagnosed with Als we found new meaning to the word ‘Survivor,'” Penner said last year. His wife’s story gained new traction when it was brought up on the island in “Winners at War” by Yul Kwon, Penner’s former co-star in “Cook Islands.”
Kwon told the story to Sarah Lacina...
See Everything to know about ‘Survivor 41’
“When my wife Stacy was diagnosed with Als we found new meaning to the word ‘Survivor,'” Penner said last year. His wife’s story gained new traction when it was brought up on the island in “Winners at War” by Yul Kwon, Penner’s former co-star in “Cook Islands.”
Kwon told the story to Sarah Lacina...
- 1/12/2021
- by Marcus James Dixon
- Gold Derby
Apparently it’s not just the fans who are going through “Survivor” withdrawals due to the coronavirus-induced hiatus, but also the former players. Russell Hantz, the three-time legend from “Samoa,” “Heroes vs. Villains” and “Redemption Island,” recently angry-tweeted at host Jeff Probst over the extended delay for Season 41. Russell’s argument? Since “The Bachelorette” can produce new episodes during a pandemic (with contestants even “exchanging saliva”), then “Survivor” should find a way, too. “Let’s get it figured out! Everyone else is,” he wrote.
hey @JeffProbst If they can do the bachelorette! where half the time they’re exchanging saliva! They surely can do Survivor! Let’s get it figured out! everyone else is… @survivorcbs
— Russell Hantz (@russellhantz) October 14, 2020
See Everything to know about ‘Survivor 41’
To be fair, Russsell has a point. Many other reality TV shows have proceeded with new seasons despite the various complications brought on by Covid-...
hey @JeffProbst If they can do the bachelorette! where half the time they’re exchanging saliva! They surely can do Survivor! Let’s get it figured out! everyone else is… @survivorcbs
— Russell Hantz (@russellhantz) October 14, 2020
See Everything to know about ‘Survivor 41’
To be fair, Russsell has a point. Many other reality TV shows have proceeded with new seasons despite the various complications brought on by Covid-...
- 10/16/2020
- by Marcus James Dixon
- Gold Derby
In a game of strategy and social bonds, challenge strength remains an important component in “Survivor” 20 years later. Opinion is split on how much value there is in Immunity Challenge wins, but more often than not, they have helped players beast their way to the end and even with the $1 million prize. Examples include Tom Westman (“Palau”), Rob Mariano (“Redemption Island”), Kim Spradlin (“One World”) and Mike Holloway (“Worlds Apart”).
Other challenge beasts are able to win a bunch of challenges but just come up short in the end. Colby Donaldson is one of the original cases of this, and we have seen players like Ozzy Lusth, Terry Deitz, Spencer Bledsoe and Brad Culpepper do the same, without claiming the title of Sole Survivor. Then there are players like Joe Anglim, who are just so good at challenges that they must be voted out the minute they lose an Immunity Challenge.
Other challenge beasts are able to win a bunch of challenges but just come up short in the end. Colby Donaldson is one of the original cases of this, and we have seen players like Ozzy Lusth, Terry Deitz, Spencer Bledsoe and Brad Culpepper do the same, without claiming the title of Sole Survivor. Then there are players like Joe Anglim, who are just so good at challenges that they must be voted out the minute they lose an Immunity Challenge.
- 9/28/2020
- by Kevin Jacobsen
- Gold Derby
Meg Maley made her grand entrance to the reality TV world as a cast member on season 17 of Big Brother. Meg had a good run in the house, and she left a lasting impression on many viewers. Her reality TV days may be over, but she’s not quite finished with the spotlight. Meg recently made headlines after announcing her engagement to former survivor contestant and winner, Mike Holloway. Fans were excited to see that the couple, who had been dating for a while, decided to take things to the next level. Even though Meg didn’t win her season of
10 Things You Didn’t Know about Meg Maley...
10 Things You Didn’t Know about Meg Maley...
- 7/16/2020
- by Camille Moore
- TVovermind.com
“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
“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
Will ‘Survivor’ celebrate its 40th season with an all-winners edition? And should they do it? [Poll]
Richard Hatch vs. Sandra Diaz-Twine vs. Boston Rob? Oh, my.
For now, such a showdown is just a dream. However, there are rumbles in the “Survivor” jungle about what might be store for CBS’ reality show’s landmark 40th season. And it is quite an epic mind-blower: an all-winner cast pitted against one another. Inside Survivor and Reality Blurred both suggested that it is being considered for the series’ 20th anniversary next year.
The one blip that suggests that this isn’t quite a done deal yet derives from an interview that host Jeff Probst gave “Us Weekly” last summer during filming of Season 38. “We can’t do all winners. As a producer, I would never suggest it. I would say it’s not a good idea.”
What? Why not? “We have 10 great winners that you’d want to see play again. We don’t have 20. We don’t have...
For now, such a showdown is just a dream. However, there are rumbles in the “Survivor” jungle about what might be store for CBS’ reality show’s landmark 40th season. And it is quite an epic mind-blower: an all-winner cast pitted against one another. Inside Survivor and Reality Blurred both suggested that it is being considered for the series’ 20th anniversary next year.
The one blip that suggests that this isn’t quite a done deal yet derives from an interview that host Jeff Probst gave “Us Weekly” last summer during filming of Season 38. “We can’t do all winners. As a producer, I would never suggest it. I would say it’s not a good idea.”
What? Why not? “We have 10 great winners that you’d want to see play again. We don’t have 20. We don’t have...
- 4/15/2019
- by Susan Wloszczyna
- Gold Derby
A preview of next week’s episode of “Survivor 38: Edge of Extinction” showed that a medical emergency is called when one of the players falls ill during a physical challenge. Fans of the CBS reality TV show often wonder what sorts of health issues and discomforts that the so-called castaways must endure while basically living in the great outdoors on tropical islands with few amenities and sparse rations of food.
Well, Hannah Shapiro (see above), a runner-up on “Survivor 33: Millennials vs. Gen X” that aired in 2016, has spilled the beans on what contestants often physically endure if they want to have a chance of winning the title of “Sole Survivor” and a $1 million prize.
In an article for “Men’s Health” magazine, she writes about the cyclone that destroyed her tribe’s camp and the invasive insects that would crawl into their ears. In the 39 days she played the game,...
Well, Hannah Shapiro (see above), a runner-up on “Survivor 33: Millennials vs. Gen X” that aired in 2016, has spilled the beans on what contestants often physically endure if they want to have a chance of winning the title of “Sole Survivor” and a $1 million prize.
In an article for “Men’s Health” magazine, she writes about the cyclone that destroyed her tribe’s camp and the invasive insects that would crawl into their ears. In the 39 days she played the game,...
- 3/29/2019
- by Susan Wloszczyna
- Gold Derby
Stephen Fishbach was the runner-up on Survivor: Tocantins and a member of the jury on Survivor Cambodia: Second Chance. He has been blogging about Survivor strategy for People since 2009. Follow him on Twitter @stephenfishbach.
Erik Reichenbach is a former two time Survivor Fan/Favorite and Comic Book Artist. Follow him on Twitter: @ErikReichenb4ch.
“You have to keep searching. Keep looking in every nook and cranny. The people who find idols in this game are the people who are working hardest in this game.” — Mike Holloway, winner, Survivor: Worlds Apart
It’s often impossible for players to second-guess their Survivor fates.
Erik Reichenbach is a former two time Survivor Fan/Favorite and Comic Book Artist. Follow him on Twitter: @ErikReichenb4ch.
“You have to keep searching. Keep looking in every nook and cranny. The people who find idols in this game are the people who are working hardest in this game.” — Mike Holloway, winner, Survivor: Worlds Apart
It’s often impossible for players to second-guess their Survivor fates.
- 12/14/2017
- by Stephen Fishbach
- PEOPLE.com
Stephen Fishbach was the runner-up on Survivor: Tocantins and a member of the jury on Survivor Cambodia: Second Chance. He has been blogging about Survivor strategy for People since 2009. Follow him on Twitter @stephenfishbach.
Erik Reichenbach is a former two time Survivor Fan/Favorite and Comic Book Artist. Follow him on Twitter: @ErikReichenb4ch
“All the threats that are around, I would like to keep them around, because they are shielding me.”
— Tony Vlachos, Survivor: Game Changers
Poor Simone. You knew her days were numbered when she started talking about her aquadump.
Contestants on Survivor talk a lot...
Erik Reichenbach is a former two time Survivor Fan/Favorite and Comic Book Artist. Follow him on Twitter: @ErikReichenb4ch
“All the threats that are around, I would like to keep them around, because they are shielding me.”
— Tony Vlachos, Survivor: Game Changers
Poor Simone. You knew her days were numbered when she started talking about her aquadump.
Contestants on Survivor talk a lot...
- 10/5/2017
- by Stephen Fishbach
- PEOPLE.com
Stephen Fishbach was the runner-up on Survivor: Tocantins and a member of the jury on Survivor Cambodia: Second Chance. He has been blogging about Survivor strategy for People since 2009. Follow him on Twitter @stephenfishbach.
Erik Reichenbach is a comic artist, illustrator, and former Survivor Fan Favorite. See more of his artwork and commissions on Tumblr.com and follow him on Twitter!
“Leaving an outspoken duo, a power couple in this game, doesn’t seem to make that much strategic sense.” —John Cochran, winner, Survivor: Caramoan
In the college movie version of Survivor, Adam would be the Millennial tribe’s leading man — geekily handsome,...
Erik Reichenbach is a comic artist, illustrator, and former Survivor Fan Favorite. See more of his artwork and commissions on Tumblr.com and follow him on Twitter!
“Leaving an outspoken duo, a power couple in this game, doesn’t seem to make that much strategic sense.” —John Cochran, winner, Survivor: Caramoan
In the college movie version of Survivor, Adam would be the Millennial tribe’s leading man — geekily handsome,...
- 10/27/2016
- by Lanford Beard
- PEOPLE.com
If you were anywhere near Orlando, Florida, last weekend, you may have seen some familiar faces - the stars of TV's biggest reality shows, all united for a charitable cause. Stars of Survivor, The Bachelor, Big Brother and other reality shows participated in Hearts of Reality, an annual gathering that raises money for Give Kids the World, a children's charity that grants wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses. The weekend raised more than $135,000 for the charity - and more money is still coming in. (Fundraising continues for a month.) For the uninitiated, here's how Hearts of Reality goes down: for months before the event,...
- 8/22/2016
- by Steve Helling, @stevehelling
- PEOPLE.com
If you were anywhere near Orlando, Florida, last weekend, you may have seen some familiar faces - the stars of TV's biggest reality shows, all united for a charitable cause. Stars of Survivor, The Bachelor, Big Brother and other reality shows participated in Hearts of Reality, an annual gathering that raises money for Give Kids the World, a children's charity that grants wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses. The weekend raised more than $135,000 for the charity - and more money is still coming in. (Fundraising continues for a month.) For the uninitiated, here's how Hearts of Reality goes down: for months before the event,...
- 8/22/2016
- by Steve Helling, @stevehelling
- PEOPLE.com
This concludes my coverage of "Survivor: Worlds Apart." The 30th "Survivor" installment -- "The Dirty 30" as the castaways were apparently calling it -- wrapped up last Wednesday with a decisive victory for Texas oil driller Mike Holloway, who earned six votes from the Jury, beating Will and Carolyn, who took one symbolic vote apiece. It was a hard-earned win for Mike, who started off in a position of power with a strong Blue Collar alliance only to have his former chums turn on him. Backed into a corner, Mike made a new alliance with vestiges of both White and No Collar tribes, ties that paid few dividends during the season, but formed the spine of his Jury triumph. After perceived challenge powerhouse Joe was taken out, Mike became the target every single week and nearly every single week he won Individual Immunity, tying a quartet of "Survivor" legends -- Colby,...
- 5/26/2015
- by Daniel Fienberg
- Hitfix
Carolyn Rivera had a rough "Survivor" finale night. Not only did the Florida-based corporate executive lose the "Survivor: Worlds Apart" crown to Mike Holloway, but she received fewer votes than she anticipated, in tying with Will Sims for third with one vote apiece. And then to make things worse, Carolyn's candidacy for next season's "Survivor: Second Chances" fell short. [It's no solace, probably, but Mike thinks Carolyn got hosed in the Second Chance voting process] So you'll forgive me for treating Carolyn as the season's second place finisher, at least in terms of exit interview publication. Carolyn earned it. In addition to a key Individual Immunity win, a crucial play on a hidden Idol that she found sans clue and successful maintenance of majority alliance that would have won the day were it not for Mike's Immunity hot streak, Carolyn also earned her place in the Final 3 with a thrilling, tie-breaking fire build victory over Rodney. For the last few weeks of the season I...
- 5/25/2015
- by Daniel Fienberg
- Hitfix
"Survivor: Worlds Apart" fourth and fifth place finishers Rodney Lavoie Jr. and Sierra Dawn Thomas called me as a package deal on Thursday (May 21) morning following the "Survivor" finale. The pairing probably spared Rodney lots of repetition about the various sexism and misogyny charges leveled through the season and discussed through the finale. Those issues came up in our conversation, but it wasn't the meat of the exit interview. In a season with a 6-1-1 vote, I let Sierra and Rodney defend casting their respective votes for Carolyn and Will instead of eventual winner Mike. We discussed a few strategic points in the game, we circled around the sexist comments, the edit and who apologized to whom. And we talked about Rodney's birthday and his feelings about Tom Brady's suspension in Deflategate. Which Rodney compares to excessive attention to "Survivor" sexism. Paired interviews are a good way to deflect problematic questions!
- 5/23/2015
- by Daniel Fienberg
- Hitfix
Sometimes, people play a good game of Survivor, but lose because of bad luck.
That happened in Survivor: Worlds Apart.
Carolyn "Mama C" Rivera certainly had the chops to win the show, but she ended up on a season where likable, athletic Mike Holloway went on an immunity run and was unable to be voted out.
Brash Bostonian Rodney Lavoie Jr. put together a successful alliance, but he also fell victim to Holloway's immunity run. Sierra Dawn Thomas made it to the final five without making a single enemy on the jury. And Will Sims – who looked like a clear...
That happened in Survivor: Worlds Apart.
Carolyn "Mama C" Rivera certainly had the chops to win the show, but she ended up on a season where likable, athletic Mike Holloway went on an immunity run and was unable to be voted out.
Brash Bostonian Rodney Lavoie Jr. put together a successful alliance, but he also fell victim to Holloway's immunity run. Sierra Dawn Thomas made it to the final five without making a single enemy on the jury. And Will Sims – who looked like a clear...
- 5/22/2015
- by Steve Helling, @stevehelling
- People.com - TV Watch
Nice guys don't always finish last.
That was ultimately the message of Survivor: Worlds Apart. The arguments were ugly and the characters weren't always lovable, but in the end, it was good guy Mike Holloway who walked away with $1 million.
It wasn't easy. After finding himself on the outs, Holloway only made it to the end by winning five immunity challenges and playing a hidden immunity idol.
Holloway, a 38-year-old oil driller from Texas, tells People how he won the game – and what he'll do differently if he ever plays again.
Mike! Congratulations on winning season 30!
Thank you! It still hasn't sunk in yet.
That was ultimately the message of Survivor: Worlds Apart. The arguments were ugly and the characters weren't always lovable, but in the end, it was good guy Mike Holloway who walked away with $1 million.
It wasn't easy. After finding himself on the outs, Holloway only made it to the end by winning five immunity challenges and playing a hidden immunity idol.
Holloway, a 38-year-old oil driller from Texas, tells People how he won the game – and what he'll do differently if he ever plays again.
Mike! Congratulations on winning season 30!
Thank you! It still hasn't sunk in yet.
- 5/22/2015
- by Steve Helling, @stevehelling
- People.com - TV Watch
After being declared the fourth-place finisher of "Survivor: Worlds Apart" Wednesday night, Rodney Lavoie went backstage to face the press where he did his trademark impression of eventual winner Mike Holloway. (Read our recap of the season finale by clicking here.) Watch our entire Q&A with Rodney below, including what it was like having an episode devoted entirely to his birthday, all of this season's sexist comments and getting "out-fired" by Carolyn Rivera. -Break- 'Survivor: Worlds Apart' Video: Carolyn Rivera 'devastated' to be denied second chance '...
- 5/22/2015
- Gold Derby
After being declared the runner-up of "Survivor: Worlds Apart" Wednesday night, Carolyn Rivera went backstage to face the press, where she told us she's "devastated" not to be part of the upcoming Second Chance season. (Read our recap of the season finale by clicking here.) Watch our entire Q&A with Carolyn below, including how she knew to play her hidden Immunity idol, why she flip-flopped in telling Rodney Lavoie she'd give up her reward for him and which of her many challenge wins was her favorite. -Break- 'Survivor: Worlds Apart' winner Mike Holloway does happy dance on red carpet (Video)...
- 5/22/2015
- Gold Derby
After winning "Survivor: Worlds Apart" Wednesday night, Mike Holloway went backstage to face the press and did his infamous happy dance for us on the red carpet. (Read our recap of the season finale by clicking here.) Watch our entire Q&A with Mike below, including how he's planning on spending the $1 million, what his mother's visit meant to him in the final days and what his favorite game move was in Season 30. -Break- Our 'Survivor: Worlds Apart' contest champ says CBS spoiled part of the finale...
- 5/22/2015
- Gold Derby
A new "Survivor" champ has been crowned and the winner is ... Mike Holloway! The Texas oil driller walked away with the million dollar check during the landmark 30th season of "Survivor: Worlds Apart," and after that finale, there was no doubt that the 38-year-old would take home the top prize. This season, the competitors were divided into tribes based on their social class: white collar, blue collar and no collar. Holloway was a member of the blue collar tribe, Escameca, ending up in the top three with Carolyn Rivera and Will Sims. He beat out his competition in all three challenges and got some help from an unexpected guest ... his mom! Congrats on being the Sole Survivor, Mike! Besides crowning a winner, host Jeff Probst also revealed the cast of season 31 of the hit series, which will feature fan-favorites from previous seasons of the show. Kelly Wigglesworth (Season 1)Kimmi Kappenberg...
- 5/21/2015
- by tooFab Staff
- TooFab
Mike Holloway won Survivor: Worlds Apart and was declared the Sole Survivor, and recipient of a $1 million prize, on the Season 30 finale. Mike Holloway Wins Survivor: Worlds Apart Mike faced off against fellow finalists Rodney Lavoie Jr., Sierra Dawn Thomas, Carolyn Rivera and Will Sims II in Wednesday night’s finale. Going into the […]
The post ‘Survivor’ Finale Recap: Mike Holloway Is The Sole Survivor appeared first on uInterview.
The post ‘Survivor’ Finale Recap: Mike Holloway Is The Sole Survivor appeared first on uInterview.
- 5/21/2015
- by Olivia Truffaut
- Uinterview
Mike Holloway just won $1 million on Survivor: Worlds Apart, but the 38-year-old Texas oil driller isn't planning a trip to Disney World. Instead, the Blue Collar tribe member plans to bank his winnings in his start-up T-shirt company, Sweet T's Designs. "I'm going to invest it," Holloway — who beat out Carolyn Rivera and Will Sims for the title of sole survivor — told Us Weekly after the May 20 finale. Viewers saw one of Holloway’s designs — a take on the Texas state flag — [...]...
- 5/21/2015
- Us Weekly
Did CBS accidentally spoil part of the "Survivor: Worlds Apart" season finale in a teaser trailer? Gold Derby's latest $100 contest champ, Benutty, says so, which is how he was able to claim victory in his predictions. "Two days ago, I was predicting Carolyn Rivera to be voted out at the Top 5, until CBS released a second teaser for the finale that showed Mike Holloway, Will Sims and Carolyn all competing in a challenge that wasn't one of the other two they had already shown in teasers with all five. Clearly, this was a challenge from the Final 4 and each of those three had made it there." -Break- Mike Holloway wins 'Survivor: Worlds Apart' as Carolyn and Will tie for second place Benutty wins our prize of a $100 Amazon gift certificate and eternal bragging rights for topping our Season 30 leaderboard. He actually ties with another user, Smartdude, for the...
- 5/21/2015
- Gold Derby
Mike Holloway may have been named sole survivor on the season 30 finale of Survivor: Worlds Apart, but on the May 20 reunion show, it was Holloway's Blue Collar tribe mate Dan Foley who took center stage. Taken to task by CBS host Jeff Probst for a series of off-putting comments he made during the season both to other cast members and in the media, Foley was forced to apologize to costars Shirin Oskooi (whom he begged to "slap and shut her up already") and Rodney [...]...
- 5/21/2015
- Us Weekly
It hasn't been smooth sailing for any of the final five contestants on season 30 of Survivor: Worlds Apart, but after a grueling 39 days all the hard work paid off — for one of them, that is. At the start of Wednesday's two-hour episode, five hopefuls remained: Mike Holloway, Rodney Lavoie, Carolyn Rivera, Sierra Dawn Thomas, and Will Sims. Mike took the lead early by winning a challenge that earned him time with a special guest: his mother, Debra. In addition to enjoying some bonding time [...]...
- 5/21/2015
- Us Weekly
"What?!" I screamed when Jeff Probst announced that Carolyn Rivera would Not be one of the 20 castaways to return next season on "Survivor: Second Chance." That was certainly a shocker, don't you think? Overall, Gold Derby accurately predicted 16 of the 20 returning castaways -- everyone listed above with a green check mark next to their name. So, which four second-chancers did we miss? -Break- Mike Holloway wins 'Survivor: Worlds Apart' as Carolyn and Will tie for second place We predicted eight of 10 male castaways, with the two surprises being Terry Deitz and Keith Nale. Terry (Panama) was 12th place on our chart, while Keith (San Juan del Sur) was way down in our 14th position. In their places, we thought that Brad Culpepper (Blood vs. Water) and Mike Holloway (Worlds Apart) would be given a reprieve. Technically, Mike did receive enough of America's votes to qualify, however, he was...
- 5/21/2015
- Gold Derby
"Survivor: Worlds Apart" came to a close Wednesday night with Mike Holloway earning the title of Sole Survivor. But how did the other four contestants place in the game for the landmark 30th season? And did You predict the results? -Break- See our users' exclusive predictions of the 'Survivor' finale Gold Derby accurately predicted that oil driller Mike would be this season's winner, as our savvy users gave him leading odds of 5/6, or 54% of the combined vote. We were also correct that Carolyn Rivera (13/5 odds; 28%) would come in second place. However, the jury threw us a curveball by declaring a tie between Carolyn and Will Sims (50/1 odds; 2%) for the runner-up position, as both of them wound up with a single vote to win. If you predicted either Carolyn or Will in your second or third positions, you got those questions correct. Our users correctly called Rodney Lavoie's elimination...
- 5/21/2015
- Gold Derby
Hey, "Survivor" peeps. Yes, it's definitely true guys. Your favorite reality show will definitely be back for a brand new season 31 this Fall 2015! And if that weren't enough, we already got the spoiler lowdown from TV Line. It turns out that the show is giving the viewing audience a chance to vote for past contestants to return to the game. They're titling it "Survivor 31: Second Chance." 32 former castmates will be vying for the chance to be one of the 20 competitors for season 31. The competitors that competed for the vote. I say competed, because the voting already took place, and will be revealed in tonight's finale show. The contestants are: Season 1/Borneo | Kelly Wiglesworth, Season 2/The Australian Outback | Jeff Varner, Kimmi Kappenberg, Season 3/Africa | Teresa “T-Bird” Cooper, Season 7/Pearl Islands | Andrew Savage, Season 12/Panama |, Shane Powers, Terry Deitz. Season 15/China | Peih-Gee Law, Season 18/Tocantins | Stephen Fischbach, Season 19/Samoa | Monica Padilla,...
- 5/21/2015
- by Andre Braddox
- OnTheFlix
A landmark 30th season of Survivor has come to an end, meaning another Sole Survivor has been crowned. So who walked away with the title, and were they white collar, blue collar, or no collar at all? In the end, that million dollar check was made out to...Mike Holloway! The 38 year-old Texas oil driller was a member of the blue collar tribe, Escameca, and after the game he played in that finale, it was pretty clear that he was about to win. He dominated all three challenges (one with help from his mom!) and ended up in the final three with Carolyn and Will, after Rodney and Sierra were eliminated. Jeff Probst revealed that if he hadn't won, Mike would...
- 5/21/2015
- E! Online
(Spoiler alert: Do not read on if you have not yet seen the season finale of “Survivor: Worlds Apart” on CBS.) Mike Holloway, a 38-year-old oil driller from North Richland Hills, Texas won “Survivor: Worlds Apart” during a live broadcast Wednesday night from CBS Studio Center in Studio City. Holloway took home a $1 million check and the title of “Sole Survivor.” The latest winner began the season portrayed as a bossy loudmouth who moronically ate a scorpion on Day 1. He morphed into a fan favorite mid-season emerging as a lone wolf from a stew of verbal abuse, paternalistic misogyny and.
- 5/21/2015
- by Mikey Glazer
- The Wrap
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.
"When I start working hard on something, my whole body and soul just goes into it, with every ounce of me. … And that's what winners do. Winners keep fighting. Champions keep persevering." –Bobby Jon Drinkard, Survivor: Palau
I'm filing this dispatch to People mere moments before I learn if I'm about to be cast on Survivor: Second Chances. Whether or not I end up being selected – I want to thank all of you who have...
"When I start working hard on something, my whole body and soul just goes into it, with every ounce of me. … And that's what winners do. Winners keep fighting. Champions keep persevering." –Bobby Jon Drinkard, Survivor: Palau
I'm filing this dispatch to People mere moments before I learn if I'm about to be cast on Survivor: Second Chances. Whether or not I end up being selected – I want to thank all of you who have...
- 5/21/2015
- by Stephen Fishbach, @stephenfishbach
- People.com - TV Watch
Who will be the one to outwit, outplay and outlast in the Survivor: Worlds Apart two-hour finale? The revelation of the winner is followed by the one-hour Survivor Reunion Special. Update: The winner of Worlds Apart was from the blue collar team — Mike Holloway. Survivor: Worlds Apart concludes on CBS Wednesday, May 20, beginning at 8pm Et/Pt with the two-hour season finale “It’s A Fickle, Fickle Game.” After 39 days, one castaway will be crowned sole Survivor and take home the $1 million prize. Emotions run deep when castaways receive a surprise visit from their loved ones in the season finale. … Continue reading →
The post Survivor: Worlds Apart winner and next season’s cast revealed Wednesday on CBS appeared first on Channel Guide Magazine.
The post Survivor: Worlds Apart winner and next season’s cast revealed Wednesday on CBS appeared first on Channel Guide Magazine.
- 5/20/2015
- by Ryan Berenz
- ChannelGuideMag
With only hours left before the winner of "Survivor" is crowned, the majority of Gold Derby's users are predicting a victory for blue collar oil driller Mike Holloway. Do you agree or disagree with those odds? Hurry -- make your own predictions for tonight's finale and you could win our prize of a $100 Amazon gift certificate. It's fun and easy, so start now by scrolling down and predicting who will win. -Break- Hey, 'Survivor' fans: Vote for these four longshots to get a second chance Mike has leading 4/5 odds, or 56% of our users' votes, to earn the title of Sole Survivor for Season 30. A victory for Mike would make him the 17th male winner overall. Need a refresher on all the former "Survivor" champs? Then be sure to scroll through our "Past Winners" photo gallery below. In the event Mike doesn't make it to the end, our readers...
- 5/20/2015
- Gold Derby
What collar will the Sole Survivor be wearing? The final five castaways will be battling it out on Wednesday’s finale of Survivor Season 30. Jeff Probst spoke to Us Weekly about the finale, as well as the competitive voting for Season 31, ahead of the May 20 episode (airing at 8 P.M. Et on CBS) Find out what the host thinks of Rodney, Carolyn, Will, Mike and Sierra, the five remaining competitors of the 30th season! Mike Holloway, 38, Oil Driller, Blue Collar "His story seems clear at [...]...
- 5/20/2015
- Us Weekly
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
[Warning: Spoilers ahead if you haven't seen Wednesday night's season finale of Survivor.] A new Survivor winner has been crowned. This season, subtitled "Worlds Apart," found the castaways split into three tribes: white collar, blue collar and no collar. Wednesday night's finale kicked off with five castaways still in the game: Mike Holloway (blue collar), Rodney Lavoie Jr. (blue collar), Carolyn Rivera (white collar), Will Sims (no collar) and Sierra Thomas (blue collar). Read More 'Survivor' Viewers to Vote on Next Season's Cast During the episode, Thomas and Lavoie were voted out, joining the jury and leaving the
read more...
read more...
- 5/18/2015
- by Kimberly Nordyke
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
With only days left before the winner of "Survivor: Worlds Apart" is crowned, the majority of Gold Derby's users are predicting a victory for blue collar oil driller Mike Holloway. Do you agree or disagree with those odds? Hurry -- make your own predictions for Wednesday's finale and you could win our prize of a $100 Amazon gift certificate. It's fun and easy, so start now by scrolling down and predicting who will win. -Break- Who will win 'Survivor: Worlds Apart'? See exclusive predictions Mike has leading 9/10 odds, or 53% of our users' votes, to earn the title of Sole Survivor for Season 30. A victory for Mike would make him the 17th male winner overall. Need a refresher on all the former "Survivor" champs? Then be sure to scroll through our "Past Winners" photo gallery below. In the event Mike doesn't make it to the end, our readers are predicting...
- 5/17/2015
- Gold Derby
According to Gold Derby's combined predictions, either Mike Holloway, Dan Foley or Rodney Lavoie will get their torch snuffed tonight on "Survivor: Worlds Apart." Do you agree or disagree with those odds? Hurry-- make your own predictions and you could win our prize of a $100 Amazon gift certificate. It's fun and easy, so start now by scrolling down and predicting who will be eliminated next. -Break- Who will win 'Survivor: Worlds Apart'? See exclusive predictions Last week, our users missed calling the elimination of Tyler Fredrickson because they thought Dan was going home instead (though they did have Tyler as their second-place pick). Listen to our exit Q&A podcast with Tyler here, or scroll down to the bottom of this post. As for tonight's episode, titled "My Word is My Bond," our readers are setting their sights on Mike now that he's had to play his hidden Immunity idol.
- 5/13/2015
- Gold Derby
Now that he's been forced to play his hidden Immunity idol, will Mike Holloway's dream of winning "Survivor: Worlds Apart" turn into a nightmare? Hurry -- make your predictions for next week's episode and you could win our prize of a $100 Amazon gift certificate. It's fun and easy, so start now by scrolling down and predicting who will be eliminated next. -Break- Who will win 'Survivor: Worlds Apart'? See exclusive predictions According to exclusive Gold Derby predictions, Mike has leading 23/10 odds of having his torch snuffed Wednesday night, making him the final castaway to be eliminated prior to the two-hour season finale on May 20. The good news for Mike? If he doesn't win Season 30, he'll have a chance to re-enter the game next season for "Survivor: Second Chance." In the event Mike does manage to stay in the game one more week, our users think it'll be...
- 5/11/2015
- Gold Derby
If your favorite Survivor castaway never made it to the end of the season, now you’ve got the power to bring him or her back for a second chance at glory.
Fans of the long-running reality series will pick the 20 people who’ll compete in Season 31, CBS announced Wednesday.
Those who visit cbs.com/survivorsecondchance will have their pick of 32 former contestants from Seasons 1-30. None of the contenders won their respective seasons.
Related May Finales Calendar: Find Out What’s Ending When!
The voting results will be revealed during this season’s live reunion show on Wednesday, May 20 (10/9c).
The castaways competing for…...
Fans of the long-running reality series will pick the 20 people who’ll compete in Season 31, CBS announced Wednesday.
Those who visit cbs.com/survivorsecondchance will have their pick of 32 former contestants from Seasons 1-30. None of the contenders won their respective seasons.
Related May Finales Calendar: Find Out What’s Ending When!
The voting results will be revealed during this season’s live reunion show on Wednesday, May 20 (10/9c).
The castaways competing for…...
- 5/7/2015
- TVLine.com
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