Do you like reality TV, drama, and watching difficult challenges? Then the long-running show Survivor may be for you. With 44 seasons available to stream for free on the CBS App, you will never run out of episodes to watch.
Each season, 30 people are chosen as “castaways” to be left on a deserted island with no food or shelter. They scavenge for their meals and build shelter. Not only do they have to simply survive, but also participate in taxing physical challenges. The 30 castaways are divided into 3 teams of 10. Every day, there is either a “reward” or “immunity” challenge. If teams win the reward challenge, they get either food or survival kits, such as fishing equipment or flint to make a fire. If teams win the immunity challenge, then they don’t have to vote someone on their team out. The team that loses the immunity challenge has to go to “tribal council.”
Tribal council is easily the most iconic part of Survivor. Host Jeff Probst has been hosting for 23 years, and he leads a discussion amongst the team about the social dynamics. The team has to decide who to vote out, leading to smaller groups forming within the team that vote together. Each member has to grab a fire stick. As Probst says in every tribal council, “In this game, fire is your life. When your fire is gone, so are you.” The tribal councils are always dramatic and interesting, however it gets even more interesting when players play an “immunity idol.”
An immunity idol is a small medallion found by one player somewhere on the island. Oftentimes, they have to find a clue first, then find the idol. If they play an idol before the votes are read at tribal council, then any votes cast against that player do not count, and they get to live another day in the game.
When I’m not at swim practice, school board meetings, or doing homework, I’m watching Survivor. It airs every Wednesday at 8pm, and I watch, glued to the TV. If you have also been keeping up, here are my top 3 predictions:
- Yam Yam
- Carson
- Carolyn
Overall, Survivor is an extremely fun show to watch, and I highly recommend it if you need something entertaining for a long car ride!