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Jeff Varner

News

Jeff Varner

Jeff Probst Lost All Respect for the Most Hated Player in Survivor After He Exposed Tribemate’s Deepest Secret for Selfish Reason
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Survivor may look like just a game, but it’s a high-stakes mental and emotional battlefield. Even before contestants hit the beach, the pressure starts reshaping how they think and trust. Once the game begins, alliances crumble fast, and the line between strategy and morality gets blurry.

A prime example came in Survivor: Game Changers, when Jeff Varner outed Zeke Smith as transgender during tribal council, trying to gain an advantage. The move was instantly condemned by host Jeff Probst as well as the viewers, marking one of the show’s most controversial moments. Here is what happened!

Why Jeff Varner’s Survivor move will always be remembered as the worst!

Jeff Varner first popped up in 2001’s Survivor: The Australian Outback. Viewers loved him so much that years later, he got another shot in Survivor: Second Chance. Now, although he didn’t last long, his popularity rose. That...
See full article at FandomWire
  • 5/1/2025
  • by Sampurna Banerjee
  • FandomWire
“The entire culture is in a beautiful upheaval”: When The Dei Wave Hit Survivor, Jeff Probst Took It In Stride Instead of B**ching About It
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Jeff Probst has been the host of Survivor for a long time, and over the years, he has helped guide the show through many changes. This has allowed the show to stay popular and continue attracting viewers.

As the world changed, Survivor has had to change as well to keep up with new ideas and values. One of the most important changes has been the focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Jeff Probst in a still from Survivor | Credits: CBS

So, instead of pushing back against this change, Jeff Probst has embraced it. He understands that for Survivor to stay relevant and keep engaging its audience, it must adapt to the changing times.

How has Jeff Probst embraced Survivor’s push for diversity?

Jeff Probst has been the host of Survivor for more than 20 years, but his role goes beyond just leading the show. He’s also had to navigate big changes in the world,...
See full article at FandomWire
  • 2/10/2025
  • by Sakshi Singh
  • FandomWire
This 'Survivor: Game Changers' Moment Is the Darkest in the Show's History
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Throughout the last 25 years, Survivorhas been able to produce millionaires, celebrities, and fan favorites, but the Emmy award-winning program has also had some unsettling moments that they would like to forget. There have been incidents such as Dan Spilo inappropriately touching others on Survivor: Island of the Idols and Colton Cumbie's bigoted comments from his time on the show. However, nothing will compare to Jeff Varner publicly outing Zeke Smith as transgender at Tribal Councilduring Survivor: Game Changers in 2017. The emotional episode has remained one of the most controversial moments in the history of Survivor and presented a real-life issue that has now been used to educate fans of the show. Varner's actions were shameful, but Smith's reaction, Varner's response to his mistake, and Survivor'shandling of the situation made a lasting impact on the series.
See full article at Collider.com
  • 2/5/2025
  • by Julien D'Alessandro
  • Collider.com
“Why play for the jury? Why pretend?”: Jeff Probst Can Never Escape the Scandal of Comparing Donald Trump to Survivor’s Most Hated Contestant
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Jeff Probst has been the face of Survivor for over two decades, guiding players through alliances, betrayals, and dramatic tribal councils. But one comment he made years ago about Donald Trump has found its way back into the spotlight – and not for the reasons you might expect.

With Trump recently inaugurated as the 47th President of USA, fans are revisiting an old interview where Probst compared the former reality TV star to one of Survivor’s most controversial contestants.

Jeff Probst in a still from Survivor | Credits: CBS Broadcasting

The resurfaced remarks are sparking fresh conversations, raising eyebrows, and leaving fans wondering about what exactly Probst meant, back then.

What does Jeff Probst’s Trump-Varner comparison mean now? Donald Trump | Credits: Gage Skidmore | Cca 3.0/Wikimedia Commons

Jeff Probst’s 2015 interview via Entertainment Weekly has resurfaced in the wake of Donald Trump’s recent inauguration as the 47th President of the United States.
See full article at FandomWire
  • 1/24/2025
  • by Sakshi Singh
  • FandomWire
Craziest Moment in ‘Survivor’ History When Outing Fellow Cast Member as Transgender Got a Contestant Brutally Eliminated
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Survivor expects the contestants to constantly put their strongest foot forward and sometimes, things get a little out of hand. From backstabbing alliance to tearful goodbyes, it’s all a part of the show. However, there was one time when a contestant crossed the line on the survival show and ended up outing a fellow castaway as transgender. Needless to say, the rest of the cast members voted the tattletale out. Clearly, his move did not work out in his favor.

Survivor: Game Changers (2017) | Credits: CBS

This happened on Survivor: Game Changers, the 34th season of the competitive reality show. Contestant Jeff Varner took it upon himself to reveal to the world that Zeke Smith was in fact a transgender man and called him out for his ability to deceive others. Of course, this did not sit right with the other castaways who all voted Jeff Varner out for his immoral actions.
See full article at FandomWire
  • 12/19/2024
  • by Mishkaat Khan
  • FandomWire
Survivor Was Officially Investigated For Cruelty
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With Survivor soon to celebrate the 25th anniversary of its premiere, TV bosses should examine how Jeff Probst's popular reality show is still airing. Throughout Survivor's history, the show has given fans many things to celebrate, including its best seasons, the truly great players, and the most deserving winners. The fact that Survivor still has events like medical evacuations makes the show so captivating that it continues to attract new fans who are figuring out which seasons to watch first.

Survivor has also had some horrible controversies, including Dan Spilo's conduct, which was so bad that it may have ended a past winner's chance at returning. Another shocking scandal from Survivor's history even resulted in the show being investigated for cruelty.

Survivor Was Investigated For Animal Cruelty After A Bloody Scene

Since Survivor began airing, many casual fans haven't realized how deeply the show can affect...
See full article at The Things
  • 12/18/2024
  • by Matthew Thomas
  • The Things
Survivors Notorious Villain Randy Bailey Was Cruelly Mocked To His Face By His Tribemates
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When Survivor fans talk about how to rank each season, most name Heroes vs. Villains as the best season. That makes sense since that season of Jeff Probst's beloved reality show featured many of the most memorable players, even though the show's first villain was excluded. The notorious villain Randy Bailey was included during Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains even though he isn't one of the show's winners, and he isn't one of the best players ever.

While Randy wasn't medically evacuated, even fans who are figuring out which seasons to watch first will know Survivor players can be hurt in other ways. A perfect example of that is the fact that Randy once described the cruel scene that played out when he played a fake immunity idol.

Randy Bailey Described How Horribly He Was Treated While Playing A Fake Idol

Throughout Survivor's history, there have been a long...
See full article at The Things
  • 11/24/2024
  • by Matthew Thomas
  • The Things
“There’s no question who’s going home tonight”: Jeff Probst Was Ultra-Furious When a Survivor Contestant Outed Another as Transgender in the Middle of the Show
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Survivor is known for its thrilling puzzles and gruesome living conditions and has managed to maintain the same level of quality since the last two decades. In this some players have gone down in history for playing the game to the best of their abilities. Others have stirred nothing but controversy with their participation in the competitive reality show.

Jeff Probst in Survivor | Credits: Hulu

And in this Jeff Varner can definitely give Richard Hatch a run for his money. In order to save himself from elimination Varner pulled a major stunt on the show, that left host Jeff Probst absolutely enraged.

Jeff Probst Left Furious When Jeff Varner Ousted Another Player for His Personal Gain

Everybody wants to create history on Survivor, but some take this to a whole new level that too in a very negative light. While the doings of Richard Hatch and Dan Spilo is known to many,...
See full article at FandomWire
  • 11/8/2024
  • by Sakshi Singh
  • FandomWire
Survivor Villain Jonny Fairplay Was Briefly Banned From Survivor After Angering Jeff Probst
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After originally joining Survivor as only the reality show's host, Jeff Probst has gone on to take a lot of control over it. As a result, Jeff has played a role in every Survivor season of varying quality, and he has built relationships with the best players and everyone who has been medically evacuated. One thing that fans who are figuring out which seasons to watch first may not realize is there are some Survivor players who Jeff didn't get along with.

Even though Jeff Probst once called Jonny Fairplay "a producer's dream," he was one of the players that Jeff seemed to hate at one point. In fact, before they later made peace, Jeff once was so angry at Jonny that he briefly banned him from Survivor.

Jeff Probst Once Banned Jonny Fairplay From Survivor

After Survivor: Pearl Island aired, three players from the season became so legendary that...
See full article at The Things
  • 11/3/2024
  • by Matthew Thomas
  • The Things
Exclusive: Richard Hatch Didn't Expect To Be Hated
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Before Survivor had been around long enough that there were so many seasons to rank that new fans had to figure out which seasons to watch first, Survivor: Borneo aired. That season aired before the best players ever played and before anyone was medically evacuated from the game. Since it aired before any of those things, the people who took part in Survivor's first season clearly saw the game differently, including Jeff Probst.

As it turns out, Survivor's first winner, Richard Hatch, also wasn't able to anticipate what would happen when the first season of the reality show aired. While talking to TheThings, Richard revealed that he had no idea that he would be considered a villain when Survivor: Borneo aired.

Survivor's Richard Hatch Didn't Expect To Be Hated

In October 2024, TheThings journalist Matthew Thomas interviewed Richard Hatch about his Survivor legacy. That fascinating conversation can be seen...
See full article at The Things
  • 11/2/2024
  • by Matthew Thomas
  • The Things
Russell Hantz Was Accused Of Spoiling Two Seasons Of Survivor
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Whenever new episodes of Survivor air, there are millions of people who tune in to find out what will happen next in their favorite reality show. Part of the reason why Jeff Probst's show has so many fans who aren't worried about which seasons to watch first is that there are so many great players. The kind of fans who know which player was the first to be medically evacuated will also know that Survivor has had some infamous players too.

Arguably, the most infamous Survivor player is Russell Hantz, partially because he was villainous in arguably the best season ever. Russell is also infamous since he has been accused of spoiling two seasons of Survivor.

Why Fans Think Russell Hantz May Have Spoiled Two Survivor Seasons

Throughout the history of Survivor, the show has featured a slew of villains. After all, people like Richard Hatch, Jerri Manthey, Jonny Fairplay,...
See full article at The Things
  • 10/26/2024
  • by Matthew Thomas
  • The Things
Survivor Fans Say These Players Ruined Their Reputations
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When most reality TV fans imagine what it would be like to play Survivor, there are certain things they envision. For example, most fans hope that they will be in one of the show's best seasons, that they'll become one of the best players, and that Jeff Probst will love them.

However, something that new fans who are still figuring out which seasons to watch first may not realize is there is a dark side to playing Survivor. Putting aside the fact that some players get medically evacuated, some Survivor players suffer the fate of being hated by the fans. The only thing that is worse than that is when a player is beloved and then does something to make the fans turn on them.

Why Survivor Fans Think Jeff Varner Ruined His Legacy

During Survivor: The Australian Outback, the show introduced several people who were so memorable that they played the game again.
See full article at The Things
  • 10/5/2024
  • by Matthew Thomas
  • The Things
A Survivor Superfan Names The Most Hated Players Ever
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Now that Jeff Probst has been hosting Survivor for decades, the reality TV show has many fans. While some of those fans are still figuring out which seasons to watch first, many Survivor fans have watched long enough to see the first medically evacuated player leave the game. I am one of those fans who has watched every Survivor episode ever.

Many of those passionate fans love to debate everything they can about Survivor. Some notable examples of that are the fact that fans love to debate how to rank every Survivor season and who the best players ever are. Unfortunately for the players who will be mentioned in this article, this superfan is also interested in the most hated Survivor players of all time.

What Makes Dan Spilo One Of The Most Hated Survivor Players?

Throughout Survivor's history, there have been some players who were considered villains since...
See full article at The Things
  • 10/2/2024
  • by Matthew Thomas
  • The Things
Survivor's Nick Brown Is Now Running For A Major Political Office
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Before new Survivor fans had to figure out which seasons to watch first, Nick Brown played the game during the show's 2nd season. Now that there are so many seasons for fans to rank and many players who are considered the best, some fans have forgotten about Nick. However, Nick was there when the first player was medically evacuated, and he was liked at the time.

Considering that Nick was likable during Survivor: The Australian Outback, it is a shame that many fans have lost track of him. On top of that, those fans will likely be shocked to learn that since he played Jeff Probst's show, Nick has since gone on to run for a major office in the political world.

Survivor's Nick Brown Is Running For Attorney General

After the mammoth success of Survivor's first season, CBS hoped to strike gold a second time. Against all the odds,...
See full article at The Things
  • 8/31/2024
  • by Matthew Thomas
  • The Things
Who Is The Most Hated Survivor Contestant Of All Time?
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Your browser does not support the video tag. Survivor has produced beloved winners and disliked losers, like Dan Spilo, whose inappropriate behavior led to his removal. Contestants like Jeff Varner make the list of the most hated, with actions that turned fans against them on the show. Some, like Mike Skupin, faced legal troubles after the show, contributing to their reputation as truly terrible individuals.

Survivor, undoubtedly one of the greatest and most influential shows of all time, has given way to a number of notable figures during its legendary run on TV. From its iconic host, Jeff Probst, to lovable winners and despicable losers, Survivor has been home to characters we can't stop talking about.

We can talk all the livelong day about the best of the bunch, but the most hated contestants also get the people talking. These hated contestants, however, are not the villains we love to hate.
See full article at The Things
  • 8/25/2024
  • by Anthony Spencer
  • The Things
Survivor Fans And Alumni Are Banding Together Against The Worst Villain The Show Has Ever Seen
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Survivor fans unite with past players to condemn Jeff Varner's controversial posts targeting minority groups and political figures. Former Survivor villain Varner faced backlash for outing contestant Zeke Smith as transgender, leading to widespread shock and condemnation. Jeff Probst felt stunned and hoped for Varner's redemption after the Tribal incident, but fan and alum backlash has been overwhelming.

Fans of Survivor have been joining hands with alumni from the show to condemn the man who is deemed by many to be the most villainous player in the history of the game. The CBS reality competition series has not been short of villains in the course of its four-odd decades on screen.

Among those who could lay claim to the title of being the worst Survivor antihero ever is Richard Hatch, who in fact also won the very first season back in April 2000. He had had hopes of one day returning to the show,...
See full article at The Things
  • 8/10/2024
  • by Daniel Rugunya
  • The Things
Survivor's Zeke Smith Accidentally Tricked A Beloved Player From A Completely Different Season With A Fake Idol
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Zeke Smith tricked Ozzy Lusth with a fake idol he hid during a previous season. Smith's fake idol affected a later season, revealing the connection between seasons. Zeke Smith expressed disappointment in some Survivor players but praised Ozzy Lusth.

After Survivor fans figure out which seasons to watch first, they will inevitably start to understand what it takes to win the game. After all, even the worst Survivor winners have to overcome a lot, including the show's producers, who arguably affect the game.

Unfortunately for Survivor players, however, there are some things they would never imagine could affect their game and experience. For example, it turns out that a beloved player was tricked by a fake idol that Zeke Smith hid during an earlier season.

This article will reveal how a fake idol that Zeke Smith hid affected a later season. Then, the article will look at how Smith feels...
See full article at The Things
  • 7/6/2024
  • by Matthew Thomas
  • The Things
Survivor's Shark Attack Sparked Questions About The Contestants' Safety
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Survivor players face unexpected dangers like shark attacks, revealing the show's real risks beyond competition. Richard Hatch's shark encounter highlights the perilous nature of Survivor. From shark attacks to medical evacuations, Survivor players endure nature's dangers.

When new Survivor fans are still figuring out which seasons to watch first, they don't know how dangerous competing on the show can be. After all, Survivor players could become a villain, made to look like they are insane, or have to be medically evacuated after suffering a serious injury.

On top of all that, there is another danger of being a Survivor player that fans don't think about too much. During the eighth season of Survivor, a player was infamously attacked by a shark, which reveals that players are in more peril than fans realize.

This article will look at the time that a Survivor legend was attacked by a shark and...
See full article at The Things
  • 6/28/2024
  • by Matthew Thomas
  • The Things
Survivor's Most Bizarre Criminal Charges Changed The Life Of Contestant Jonny Fairplay Forever
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Survivor has showcased both inspiring and shocking contestants over the years. Jonny Fairplay made history with a deceptive move on the show, but later faced criminal charges. Fairplay and his mother were accused of stealing from his grandmother, but charges were later dropped.

One of the keys to Survivor's longstanding success is that the show has featured so many fascinating cast members. While that may not be clear to new fans who are figuring out which seasons to watch first, Survivor has starred some awesome and inspiring people.

On the other hand, Survivor has also starred some people who've done shocking things. For example, Jeff Varner is considered one of Survivor's biggest villains and the first player to be medically evacuated was convicted of shocking crimes. At one point, it seemed like Jonny Fairplay was in a similar boat as he faced truly shocking criminal charges.

This article...
See full article at The Things
  • 6/27/2024
  • by Matthew Thomas
  • The Things
Survivor's Sunday Burquest Suffered A Debilitating Health Issue On The Show Before She Died Tragically
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Survivor fans often wonder what happens to contestants after the show, such as Sunday Burquest's medical emergency and tragic passing. Burquest dealt with a scary bug bite infection post-Survivor, leading to surgeries and complications that affected her health. Despite her struggles, Burquest never regretted her Survivor experience and lived a full life, inspiring tribemates and fans alike.

After new Survivor fans figure out which seasons to watch first, they tend to look into what happens to the show's cast after their seasons. In some cases, Survivor's have later had dark chapters in their lives, including the first player to be medically evacuated and the show's villain, Jeff Varner.

From all accounts, Sunday Burquest was a lovely human being. Unfortunately for her and everyone who loved her, Burquest went through some tough times after Survivor because of the debilitating health issues she suffered.

This article will look at the terrifying-sounding...
See full article at The Things
  • 6/23/2024
  • by Matthew Thomas
  • The Things
These Defining Moments in Survivor History Set a Standard for Reality TV
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Richard Hatch wins Survivor: Borneo as an out gay man forming an alliance with a conservative Navy Seal. Zeke Smith is falsely outed as a liar by Jeff Varner for not saying he was transgender. Cross-tribe rivals have heart-to-hearts about being gay and coming out. Survivor has been at the forefront of bringing LGBTQ+ characters and stories to light. With 46 seasons to date, Survivor has been one of the most visible shows for the queer community.
See full article at Collider.com
  • 6/21/2024
  • by Michael Block
  • Collider.com
Phillip Sheppard Suffered Immeasurable Trauma After Staring On Survivor
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Phillip Sheppard's Survivor experience left lasting trauma, negatively impacting his mental health and personal life. Survivor portrayal caused Sheppard to lose his job and face public humiliation, affecting his family and son. Sheppard used his pain to help create the Black Survivor Alliance, leading to more diverse casting on the show.

Even though Survivor constantly gains new fans who need to know which seasons to watch first, the show has many extremely devoted fans. As those loyal fans will know, Survivor has starred some fascinating personalities, like the controversial winner Brian Heidik and the villainous Jeff Varner.

What some of those loyal fans don't realize, however, is how damaging the show can be for castmates and that doesn't include the show's stars who've been injured. Unfortunately for Phillip Sheppard, he is an example of a Survivor player whose life suffered after leaving the game.

This article will reveal what...
See full article at The Things
  • 6/18/2024
  • by Matthew Thomas
  • The Things
Casting 'Survivor' Contestants: Are The New Castaways 'Too Cocky'?
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Survivor casting changes in new era create 'too cocky' claims by fans, impacting show dynamics. Survivor 46 brings united fanbase following previous season critiques, sparking interest and feuds. Jeff Probst confirms Survivor 47 cast includes confident new players, hinting at more drama ahead.

The new era of Survivor has been much spoken about, with many differing opinions about it. Among these is the assertion that the modern players being recruited for the hit CBS series are 'too cocky.

It is a significant statement to make, considering the game has seen some major villains over the years. Three-time contestant Jeff Varner is one of those, as is the now scarcely-seen inaugural winner of the show, Richard Hatch.

Related What Are Survivor Producers Looking For In Audition Tapes? Survivor host and executive producer Jeff Probst shares secrets to making killer audition tapes, and they include illuminating your dark side.

Arguments have been made that...
See full article at The Things
  • 6/13/2024
  • by Daniel Rugunya
  • The Things
Inside Controversial Survivor Winner Brian Heidik's Life After He Was Seemingly Banned
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Survivor fans remember Brian Heidik as a dominant villain, but he has transformed into a charitable family man post-show. Heidik auctions off phone calls for charity and prioritizes spending time with his four children, showcasing a softer side. Controversy surrounds Heidik, with rumors of him being banned from Survivor and a past scandal involving animal cruelty charges.

Since Survivor began, many of the show's villains have been the most memorable. For example, avid Survivor fans remember what Jeff Varner did to become a villain and what the first player to be seriously injured later did to go to jail. In fact, even Survivor's host Jeff Probst has suggested he would be villainous.

Throughout Survivor history, there have been some things the show has mostly kept secret including the fact that they use body doubles. Another fact that most Survivor fans don't know is what happened to one of Survivor...
See full article at The Things
  • 6/9/2024
  • by Matthew Thomas
  • The Things
Survivor: Thailand Competitor Ghandia Johnson Looked Back On Arguably The Show's Darkest Chapter Roughly Two Decades Later
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Survivor has faced controversies, like when Ghandia Johnson accused a tribemate of inappropriate behavior in Survivor: Thailand. While Jeff Probst cares for the cast, the handling of Johnson's situation was seen as minimizing her experience. Ghandia Johnson is glad Survivor took action in cases of inappropriate conduct, leading to important rule changes for player safety.

Since Survivor has been wildly successful, the show's producers have been able to force competitors to follow strict rules to play. Despite that, Survivor has a surprisingly long history of controversies. For example, Jeff Varner outed his tribemate and the first player to be seriously injured later was arrested in connection to horrible crimes.

Even though Jeff Probst has admitted he would be villainous if he was on the show, he seems to really care about the cast. With that in mind, it is shocking to look back at one of the show's darkest...
See full article at The Things
  • 6/8/2024
  • by Matthew Thomas
  • The Things
CBS Hasn't Told Fans That Survivor Has Been Using Body Doubles For Years To Replace Their Actual Contestants
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Survivor uses body doubles for aerial shots during challenges, not to alter gameplay. Contestants must attend Survivor school to learn basic survival skills before filming. Players can't wear the same color shirt on Survivor for production clarity.

All these years later, fans are still finding out new information about their favorite CBS reality shows, like Survivor and Big Brother. Survivor in particular is loaded with behind the scenes secrets. That includes strict wardrobe policies. Clothing is one of the many rules Survivor has a firm stance on.

There's a lot more that takes place behind the scenes. Among them, is the use of body doubles. It is said that each contestant has one. We'll reveal why that is the case, and what fans on Reddit had to say about their use. In addition, we're going to reveal other interesting details from behind the scenes, which includes Survivor school and so much more.
See full article at The Things
  • 6/3/2024
  • by Alex Passa
  • The Things
Top Chef Head Judge Tom Colicchio's Feud With A Former Competitor Got Shockingly Personal As They Insulted His Food
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Reality TV stars like Elia Aboumrad must face backlash for calling out judges like Tom Colicchio on national platforms. Aboumrad's disappointment with Colicchio's shift in priorities led to a heated confrontation during Top Chef's All-Stars reunion. Colicchio defended his culinary choices and industry leadership, urging young chefs to be wary of public criticism.

When people sign up to star in a reality TV show, they rarely envision that they are going to become the next major villain. Still, some people are destined to become reality TV villains, like Jeff Varner from Survivor.

On top of that, reality TV show competitors have to accept that they may get called out. After all, Survivor's Quintavius 'Q' Burdette called out his castmates and Top Chef's Gail Simmons called out her show for how it has affected culture. With that in mind, Top Chef's Tom Colicchio likely was prepared to be called out,...
See full article at The Things
  • 5/31/2024
  • by Matthew Thomas
  • The Things
Survivor Star Jaime Huffman's Romance With Husband Erik Huffman Comes To A Crashing End With Her Damning Allegations
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Jaime Huffman accused Erik Huffman of abusive behavior in a disturbing legal filing. Allegations include attempted sexual assault, uncontrollable rage, and infidelity. Erik Huffman was arrested for domestic violence after a physical altercation with Jaime Huffman.

Since Survivor premiered, it has become one of the best reality shows for family viewing. As a result, Survivor has many fans who care enough to wonder about the clothes competitors wear, how much the show makes, and how Jeff Probst would play.

However, the truth is that Survivor has unfortunately had its fair share of controversies. For example, the first Survivor player to be injured so badly they had to be evacuated was later sentenced to prison. In May 2024, another controversy reared its ugly head as a former Survivor couple separated amid disturbing allegations.

This article will reveal the disturbing behavior that allegedly led to Survivor's Jaime and Erik Huffman splitting up. Then,...
See full article at The Things
  • 5/30/2024
  • by Matthew Thomas
  • The Things
Jeff Varner's Life Took Some Shocking Turns After He Became Survivor's Biggest Villain
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Jeff Varner's life has taken surprising turns since becoming a Survivor villain, including judging a beauty pageant in 2023. Varner claimed Survivor misled viewers about his villainous actions towards Zeke Smith, raising questions about the editing process. Zeke Smith, who handled being outed with grace, found love and married actor Nico Santos, showing happiness after Survivor.

When many people think about Survivor, the show's host, Jeff Probst, comes to mind. As a result of his reality show fame, Survivor fans know what Probst thought of his Two and Half Men cameo and about his terrifying health scare. Some fans even know that Probst said he would betray his wife if they competed on Survivor together, which would make him a villain.

Of course, Probst still wouldn't be as big of a villain as some other Survivor players, including the first contestant to get evacuated, Michael Skupin. Many Survivor fans also...
See full article at The Things
  • 5/22/2024
  • by Matthew Thomas
  • The Things
Survivor Season 2: The Australian Outback — Where Are They Now?
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Survivor has recently premiered its 43rd season of the show. It is hard to believe that the series has been on the air for over 20 years after first making a splash all the way back in the summer of 2000, when Survivor: Borneo captivated audiences.

After the success of its first season, Survivor was under immense pressure to return with a great second season, which it did when Survivor: The Australian Outback was another huge success, still standing as the series' most-watched season of all time. This cast featured a lot of players who would later return to the game in future seasons, but some haven't been seen since. What have they been up to since competing in the Land Down Under?

Jeff Varner

Jeff Varner came in 10th place this season as he was the sixth person voted out. He just missed being on the jury.

Related: Where Is The Cast Of Survivor: Borneo Now?...
See full article at ScreenRant
  • 11/14/2022
  • by John Sapienza
  • ScreenRant
Amanda Kimmel in Survivor (2000)
‘Survivor’ flameouts: 10 most embarrassing, cringe-worthy of all time include Russell Hantz, Amanda Kimmel …
Amanda Kimmel in Survivor (2000)
Oh, we had such hopes. Only one person can win “Survivor,” so 95% has to lose, but some lose harder than others. Some players look great on paper but utterly flame out once they start actually playing the game. Others do well for the majority of the season but end up choking in the end. Then there are those who play fantastic games on their first seasons but are not able to replicate that success on future iterations. Above, tour our guide of the most spectacular flameouts in “Survivor” history.

People like Amanda Kimmel and Russell Hantz have done well in multiple seasons, getting to Final Tribal Council not once but twice. But neither was able to convince the jury to vote for them to win in the end, with Amanda in particular seeming like a frontrunner to win only to flounder like a fish out of water in front of the jury.
See full article at Gold Derby
  • 3/25/2020
  • by Kevin Jacobsen
  • Gold Derby
Survivor (2000)
‘Survivor’: 12 most disturbing moments ranked from uncomfortable to ugly
Survivor (2000)
“Survivor” can be one of the most entertaining shows on television, an adventure on a deserted island where strangers out-maneuver each other and compete in fun challenges. It can also be immensely uncomfortable when the illusion of the game fades away and real-life implications come into play. Above you can scroll through our photos of the 12 most disturbing moments in “Survivor” history, ranked from uncomfortable to ugly.

The safety of the “Survivor” castaways is always of grave importance, which is what makes the show’s medical evacuations so unfortunate to watch. Some, like Michael Skupin in “The Australian Outback,” have an accident, falling in the fire and requiring medical attention. Others push themselves to the brink, like Russell Swan in “Samoa” and Caleb Reynolds in “Kaoh Rong.” These are the worst kinds of “Survivor” exits, and while there can be compelling drama in seeing a castaway push themselves, it’s...
See full article at Gold Derby
  • 3/14/2020
  • by Kevin Jacobsen
  • Gold Derby
Survivor (2000)
Survivor's Most Talked About Moments Ever
Survivor (2000)
In 39 seasons, Survivor has had its fair share of drama in the name of the game.  Some of it has been simply some wild gameplay, like creating a fake idol, or claiming your very much alive grandmother is dead in order to win some sympathy points, and some of it has been deeply troubling, like when Jeff Varner outed Zeke Smith as being transgender as a last ditch effort to stay.  This week, as the tribes merged, things took a turn they've never quite taken before.  At the beginning of this season, Kellee Kim had complaints over the way Dan Spilo couldn't stay out of her personal space. She talked to him about it, but those interactions continued until they ended up on different tribes in...
See full article at E! Online
  • 11/14/2019
  • E! Online
Elizabeth Olson in Survivor (2000)
‘Survivor’ history: Who’s the biggest threat eliminated at merge in show’s 37 seasons? [Poll]
Elizabeth Olson in Survivor (2000)
This week Elizabeth Olson became the latest castaway in “Survivor” history to go down as the “merge boot.” Typically at merge the player seen as one of the biggest threats in the game is eliminated first–exactly what kind of threat that player is varies greatly depending on the cast and the alliances of their season. In Elizabeth’s case she was voted out unanimously, on one hand a volatile personality that was targeting strong Goliath members and on the other a viable sacrifice her fellow Davids were willing to make.

So how does Elizabeth stack up when compared to merge boots of the past? Below take our poll to decide who was the biggest merge threat in “Survivor” history. To help you decide we’ve narrowed the field down to our Top 12 and most iconic contenders for the title and offer a brief analysis of why they were threatening below.
See full article at Gold Derby
  • 11/11/2018
  • by John Benutty
  • Gold Derby
Star Sightings: Stephen Colbert Talks Louis C.K. With Samantha Bee, Gwen Stefani Performs in Dubai & More!
Though Louis C.K.'s transgressions were widely considered the worst kept secret in the comedy world, to some, it really was a secret.

Stephen Colbert welcomed Samantha Bee to the stage at Njpac in Newark, New Jersey, on Dec. 6, where she was the special guest on Sad! A Happy Evening with Stephen Colbert & Samantha Bee, a fundraiser for the Montclair Film Festival.

During their hour-and-a-half-long chat, the longtime friends talked everything from dealing with politics (specifically President Donald Trump's tumultuous first-year in office) during their late night monologues -- Colbert hosts The Late Show on CBS while Bee is the face of Full Frontal on TBS -- as well as the seismic shift in culture surrounding sexual harassment since the Harvey Weinstein allegations came to light.

Colbert was supposed to have C.K. on his show the week the New York Times published its report on his sexual misconduct, and the 53-year-old comedian was planning on using an...
See full article at Entertainment Tonight
  • 12/7/2017
  • Entertainment Tonight
Lauren Rimmer in Survivor (2000)
'Survivor' Castaway Lauren Rimmer Says Sister Has Already Cussed Her Out for Her Elimination (Exclusive)
Lauren Rimmer in Survivor (2000)
Fans weren't the only ones shaking their heads at Lauren Rimmer for being eliminated on Wednesday's episode of Survivor with (half) an idol and an advantage in her pocket. 

"[My sister has] cussed me out two or three times," Lauren told Et over the phone on Thursday. "She's called me a dummy and a few other things." 

The North Carolina native's sister, Sunny, had been her No. 1 supporter throughout the game, and even dragged her to the open casting call that led to her joining the game. While Sunny didn't make the cut, Lauren promised that she would "share every minute that I could with her, and that I would do my best to get her to the family visit." Lauren made good on that promise, and Sunny was flown out to Fiji to reunite with her sister just in time for her torch to be snuffed. 

In a chaotic tribal council, Mike threw half of the idol that [link=nm...
See full article at Entertainment Tonight
  • 12/7/2017
  • Entertainment Tonight
Ben Driebergen in Survivor (2000)
Secrets, Betrayals & Confusion: Why 'Trust Is a Fragile Thing on Survivor'
Ben Driebergen in Survivor (2000)
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.

“I think you underestimate how paranoid people start to get, and then they run around, and then other people get paranoid.” — Kim Spradlin, winner, Survivor: One World

This episode, Survivor hit a season high as all seven remaining players scrambled to betray each other. Secrets were revealed,...
See full article at PEOPLE.com
  • 12/7/2017
  • by Stephen Fishbach
  • PEOPLE.com
Survivor (2000)
Survivor: Why 'Everything That's Not Expressly Against the Rules Is Within the Rules'
Survivor (2000)
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.

“Everyone has a plan, and everyone’s trying to win a million dollars. So there’s no rules.” -Taj George, Survivor: Tocantins

There comes a point in every season of Survivor when even great players start making careless mistakes. After three weeks in the game,...
See full article at PEOPLE.com
  • 11/16/2017
  • by Stephen Fishbach
  • PEOPLE.com
Devon Pinto in Survivor (2000)
Stephen Fishbach's Survivor Blog: Why Survivor Is a 'Game of Emotions' More Than 'a Game of Strategy'
Devon Pinto in Survivor (2000)
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.

“People do not forget how you make them feel.” – Sabrina Thompson, Survivor: One World

At last, this season is starting to heat up. This episode, the Survivor swap forces players to scramble for safety, and the show’s new single-serving advantages start to pay strategic dividends.
See full article at PEOPLE.com
  • 10/19/2017
  • by Stephen Fishbach
  • PEOPLE.com
Two Big Brother 19 Houseguests Selected To Compete On CBS’ ‘Amazing Race’ Reality Show
According to a recent article from the folks over at the The Hollywood Reporter, CBS has revealed at least two of the new castmembers they want to compete in their upcoming "The Amazing Race" season 30. They decided to dip into none other than their Big Brother season 19 cast pool to get them! And well, it looks like they just can't get enough of the controversial Big Brother season 19 couple Jessica Graf and Cody Nickson. They have indeed been selected to participate in the 30th season of the show!" This latest casting comes off the heels of Jessica being selected to appear in a few episodes of CBS' hit soap opera show "The Bold And The Beautiful." Jessica recently revealed after the Big Brother finale show that she's currently scheduled to appear in two of "The Bold And The Beautiful" episodes, and is scheduled to possibly come back! So, that's pretty wild.
See full article at OnTheFlix
  • 9/27/2017
  • by Andre Braddox
  • OnTheFlix
Jake Gyllenhaal in Stronger (2017)
Exclusive: Jake Gyllenhaal Reveals the Hardest Part of Playing Boston Marathon Bombing Survivor in 'Stronger'
Jake Gyllenhaal in Stronger (2017)
Jake Gyllenhaal took his latest role very seriously -- maybe even too seriously. 

The 36-year-old actor stars as Jeff Bauman, a Boston Marathon bombing survivor who lost both his legs, in Stronger, but told Et that the hardest part about playing Bauman was finding his "humor."

"I think just sometimes understanding his sense of humor in the midst of, like, pretty dark things, that was hard for me," Gyllenhaal revealed to Et's Cameron Mathison at the Toronto Film Festival last week. "Because I think I I sometimes take situations too seriously and I think his sense of humor, how crude it is in the face of situations where you never expect it." 

Stronger, based off of Bauman's memoir of the same name, forced Gyllenhaal to learn to understand Bauman's pain as he adjusted to his new life after the bombing, and the actor says channeling Bauman's struggles helped him learn about himself.

Related: [link=nm...
See full article at Entertainment Tonight
  • 9/21/2017
  • Entertainment Tonight
Survivor: Is the CBS TV Show Cancelled or Renewed for Season 35?
Vulture WatchHow long will castaways continue to outwit, outplay, and outlast me? Has the Survivor TV show been cancelled or renewed for a 35th season on CBS? The television vulture is watching all the latest TV cancellation and renewal news, so this page is the place to track the status of Survivor season 35. Bookmark it, or subscribe for the latest updates. Remember, the television vulture is watching your shows. Are you?   What's This TV Show About?A competitive reality show airing on the CBS television network, Survivor is hosted by Jeff Probst. Season 34, Survivor: Game Changers, pits two tribes of 10 past contestants each, against one another. In their own ways, these returning castaways took Survivor gamesmanship to new levels. Playing for the Mana Tribe are: Michaela Bradshaw, Aubry Bracco, Sandra Diaz-Twine, Ciera Eastin, Malcolm Freberg, Hali Ford, Caleb Reynolds, Troyzan Robertson, Jeff...
See full article at TVSeriesFinale.com
  • 9/1/2017
  • by TVSeriesFinale.com
  • TVSeriesFinale.com
Carpool Karaoke (2017)
'Carpool Karaoke': Go On the Road Again in Star-Studded New Trailer
Carpool Karaoke (2017)
Update: Apple Music has shared another Carpool Karaoke teaser ahead of the show's August 8th premiere. The new clip features James Corden and a slew of celebrities dancing to James Brown's "Get Up Offa That Thing." The trailer is available to watch below.

With Apple Music's Carpool Karaoke finally set to premiere August 8th, the streaming service offered up one last preview for the standalone series based on James Corden's popular Late Late Show bit.

Set to the tune of Willie Nelson's "On the Road Again," the latest...
See full article at Rollingstone.com
  • 8/1/2017
  • Rollingstone.com
Survivor: Is the CBS TV Show Cancelled or Renewed for Season 35?
Vulture WatchHow long will castaways continue to outwit, outplay, and outlast me? Has the Survivor TV show been cancelled or renewed for a 35th season on CBS? The television vulture is watching all the latest TV cancellation and renewal news, so this page is the place to track the status of Survivor season 35. Bookmark it, or subscribe for the latest updates. Remember, the television vulture is watching your shows. Are you?   What's This TV Show About?A competitive reality show airing on the CBS television network, Survivor is hosted by Jeff Probst. Season 34, Survivor: Game Changers, pits two tribes of 10 past contestants each, against one another. In their own ways, these returning castaways took Survivor gamesmanship to new levels. Playing for the Mana Tribe are: Michaela Bradshaw, Aubry Bracco, Sandra Diaz-Twine, Ciera Eastin, Malcolm Freberg, Hali Ford, Caleb Reynolds, Troyzan Robertson, Jeff...
See full article at TVSeriesFinale.com
  • 7/28/2017
  • by TVSeriesFinale.com
  • TVSeriesFinale.com
Julie Chen Moonves in Big Brother (2000)
‘Big Brother’ showmances: Jessica Graf and Cody Nickson are among Top 10 couples of all time
Julie Chen Moonves in Big Brother (2000)
What happens when you lock a group of people in a house for weeks at time with no TV or internet? They lust, they love, and in a couple of cases, they marry. Where are they now? Click through our photo gallery above that highlights the Top 10 “Big Brother” showmances of all time, including Jeff […]...
See full article at Gold Derby
  • 7/14/2017
  • by Marcus James Dixon
  • Gold Derby
Zeke Smith And ‘Survivor’ Winner Sarah Lacina On Their Game-Changing Season
On Wednesday night, Sarah Lacina was crowned the winner of season 34 of “Survivor”. In a season full of surprises, the appropriately-named “Survivor: Game Changers” aired one of TV’s most talked-about moments when Jeff Varner outed fellow contestant Zeke Smith as transgender, changing both the game and their lives forever. Et Canada’s Erin Cebula was […]...
See full article at ET Canada
  • 5/25/2017
  • by Rachel West
  • ET Canada
Survivor (2000)
'Survivor' Contestant Jonny Fairplay Welcomes Baby Girl - Find Out Her Name!
Survivor (2000)
Survivor contestant Jonny Fairplay and his longtime girlfriend, Caryn Finkbeiner, have welcomed a baby girl, Madilyn Jane, to their family, Et has learned.

The newest addition to the Fairplay family was born on May 20, weighing in at 7lbs, 10 oz. Fairplay, who is also father to 9-year-old daughter, Piper, whom he had from a previous marriage, couldn't help but gush about how excited he was about his new daughter.

Related: Exclusive: 'Survivor' Contestant Jeff Varner In His Own Words: Outing Zeke Smith and the Shame That Followed

"I thought playing Survivor twice was tough, try raising two daughters," Fairplay told Et.

"I'm sending out an S.O.S. to Jeff Probst, send me back to the island!” he joked. "It's almost an immunity challenge to see who can hold Madilyn more between me, Caryn and Piper. She's healthy and beautiful and that's all we can ask for!"

Related: Exclusive 'Survivor' Finale Sneak Peek: Brad Culpepper Looks for...
See full article at Entertainment Tonight
  • 5/25/2017
  • Entertainment Tonight
Sarah Lacina in Survivor (2000)
Exclusive: 'Survivor' Winner Sarah Lacina on How She'll Spend Her $1 Million: 'I Want to Be Smart With It'
Sarah Lacina in Survivor (2000)
Sarah Lacina's meticulous game won her the million dollar prize on Wednesday's season finale of Survivor: Game Changers -- and she plans to be just as careful with her money.

"I've had nine months to think about it!" she told Et on the red carpet, revealing how she'll spend her money after being announced as season 34's Sole Survivor.

Related: 'Survivor' Crowns Season 34 Winner -- Find Out Who Won the $1 Million Prize!

"I'm going to tie it to my church, obviously. Ten percent is going to church off the top, and then my husband and I just want to build a home, and set money aside for retirement," Lacina continued. "It's really boring, but that's really what's going to happen."

Lacina's plan is airtight -- with no room for impulse purchases.

"I want to be smart with it because a million dollars can go quickly," she shared. "I'm just, I'm...
See full article at Entertainment Tonight
  • 5/25/2017
  • Entertainment Tonight
Survivor (2000)
Exclusive: Zeke Smith Reflects on Reunion With Jeff Varner, Reveals What's Next After 'Survivor'
Survivor (2000)
Survivor: Game Changers may have come to a close on Wednesday, but Zeke Smith's plans have just started.

Et caught up with the two-time player on the red carpet at the Survivor season finale, where he opened up about sharing the stage with Jeff Varner for the first time since the world saw Varner out him as transgender during tribal council.

Watch: Zeke Smith and Jeff Varner Reunite at 'Survivor' Reunion Show -- See What They Said!

"I think it's been like a challenging 10 months for the both of us, and it was great to see him sort of at the end of the journey, that he has plans for the future, [and] how he has plans how he intends to use this experience to help others," Smith told Et. "I'm really proud that both of us have been able to find positive messages out of kind of a dark situation."

Since the controversial...
See full article at Entertainment Tonight
  • 5/25/2017
  • Entertainment Tonight
Zeke Smith and Jeff Varner Reunite at ‘Survivor’ Reunion Show — See What They Said!
It was the “Survivor” moment fans will never forget — and one that Zeke Smith and Jeff Varner rehashed on Wednesday’s three-hour finale. Smith and Varner shared the same stage for the “Survivor: Game Changers” live reunion show, where they opened up about the controversial moment in which Varner outed Smith as transgender during tribal council, and […]...
See full article at ET Canada
  • 5/25/2017
  • by Brent Furdyk
  • ET Canada
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