Being stranded on an island sounds like the best idea. But you wouldn’t always find yourself in this situation, even if you’re yearning for it. Thankfully, you got TV shows that would at least introduce you to what it feels like.
You are familiar with television shows such as “The Amazing Race,” “Alone,” “Snowflake Mountain,” “Outlast,” and “Man vs. Wild.” They’re also popular, but the reigning king over those shows is, of course, “Survivor.”
“Survivor” somehow has inspired the concepts of those shows – surviving on an island, competing against each other, voting out your competitors, and being the last man standing. In this list, we’ll look at the best seasons in the history of “Survivor.”
‘Survivor’: Since May 2000
Believe it or not, “Survivor” is older than Facebook and most Gen Zs. This reality show started in 2000 and continues to run today.
“Survivor” may be an American reality competition, but it isn’t fully original. It is based on the Swedish TV series Expedition Robinson, which started in 1997.
“Survivor” gathers together strangers in an isolated location – usually a famous exotic island in the world – where they must provide themselves food, fire, and shelter. They also compete in challenges that test their physical fitness, such as running and swimming. There are also mental challenges, such as puzzles, with prizes like immunity from elimination.
Usually, each week, contestants vote for who they think should be eliminated until only one remains, and that person becomes the “Sole Survivor” to win $1 million.
Produced by Mark Burnett, the man behind other popular shows such as “The Apprentice,” “Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader?,” “Shark Tank,” and “The Voice,” “Survivor” is now on its 46th season.
Best ‘Survivor’ Seasons Of All Time
1. The Winner: ‘Survivor: Micronesia – Fans Vs. Favorites’ (16th Season)
Not only is Micronesia quite a stunning location for this season, but “Fans Vs. Favorites,” which pitted 10 returnees against 10 new castaways, served up one jaw-dropping moment after another.
Equally as entertaining as it was strategic, this 16th season of “Survivor” deserves to be replayed repeatedly. “Micronesia” was not only unpredictable. It was unforgettable.
2. The Runner-Up: ‘Survivor: Heroes Vs. Villains’ (20th Season)
You can love it. You can hate it. But there’s a reason why some players are called back to play the “Survivor” game repeatedly. They know how to play inside and out, and they know how to make a show. So, what better way to celebrate a decade of “Survivor” than making an all-stars season, right?
The castaways in this 20th season were the perfect blend of the beloved show’s most evil villains – such as Boston Rob and Jerri – and the most admired ones, such as Tom and Colby. Every moment in this season was memorable.
3. ‘Survivor: Borneo’ (1st Season)
The “Survivor” production team has to put its best foot forward as it introduces itself to the worldwide audience. If you are wondering where the very first season of the show is ranked here, well, it’s at number three. Not bad.
This season, set in Borneo, was like dipping hands into the water for the first time. Most players had no idea how to strategize, but like other reality shows, TV fame and legends were made here. Who wouldn’t forget the media attention when the castaways ate their first rat?
Interestingly, the amount of copycat competition series that generally had the same format that aired after this first season is incalculable, placing “Survivor’s” legacy on top.
4. ‘Survivor: Cagayan – Brains Vs. Brawn Vs. Beauty’ (28th Season)
Hands down, “Survivor: Cagayan” is regarded as among the greatest all-newbie seasons of all time. Whether the production team knew it or not, the season’s personalities were so strong.
Totally unpredictable and wildly refreshing, “Cagayan” was like “Survivor” on steroids. The castaways wanted the prize so badly that they hustled hard while attempting to outwit, outplay, and outlast the rest. The drama was also amazing. It was a truly excellent season, from start to finish.
5. ‘Survivor: Cambodia – Season Chance’ (31st Season)
“Second Chance” was an experiment for the series’ production team, but it was fun. Thanks to the fan vote, the viewers got to participate in for the first time in “Survivor” history, albeit from their homes. This allowed people at home to choose which castaways should be banished from the island.
And what a roster of castaways! It was the season where viewers wanted to root for everybody!
Plus, new mechanics were introduced, such as the formation of voting blocks. These blocks were temporary alliances made out of necessity instead of loyalty, shaking up the game all season long. It did not stop there. There were also hidden idols and more temptation to snag that immunity. Do you remember Jeremy’s loved ones’ visit, during which his wife revealed she was pregnant? “Second Chance” had it all.
6. ‘Survivor: David Vs. Goliath’ (37th Season)
It took the series 36 seasons before they considered drawing inspiration from the Bible. And they made the right choice, as the show was believed to have been running low on gimmicks, so “David vs. Goliath” was born.
There were many nerve-wracking and unforgettable moments from this season, but perhaps the most fun was Angelina’s request for a warm jacket, which led to several memes online.
Some Laurels
Let’s continue this discussion by enumerating those that deserve special mention, ranked from best to not-so-good.
- “Survivor: Millennials vs. Gen X” (33rd Season)
- “Survivor: Pearl Islands” (7th Season)
- “Survivor: Winners at War” (40th Season)
- “Survivor: Philippines” (25th Season)
- “Survivor: Game Changers” (34th Season)
- “Survivor: The Amazon” (6th Season)
If you wish to watch “Survivor” in order of the most nerve-wracking and unforgettable season, you can refer to this list.
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