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,...
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,...
- 12/7/2017
- 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.
“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,...
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,...
- 11/16/2017
- by Stephen Fishbach
- PEOPLE.com
Zeke Smith is trying to make the best of the situation.
The two-time Survivor player was outed as transgender by fellow tribe member Jeff Varner during tribal council on Wednesday's episode of Game Changers.
Exclusive: 'Survivor: Game Changers' Castaway Brad Culpepper Breaks Down Over the Stress of the Competition
Varner, who told host Jeff Probst that he felt he was going home earlier in the tribal council, decided to reveal one last piece of information in the hopes of saving himself.
"There is deception here. Deceptions on levels, Jeff, that these guys don't even understand," Varner said, looking at Smith. "Why haven't you told anyone that you're transgender?"
While Smith was open about his sexuality during his last appearance on the show, Survivor: Millenials vs. Gen X, and even inspired another contestant, Bret, to come out to him on the show, the transgender reveal was a shock to his tribe -- and something Smith hoped wouldn't...
The two-time Survivor player was outed as transgender by fellow tribe member Jeff Varner during tribal council on Wednesday's episode of Game Changers.
Exclusive: 'Survivor: Game Changers' Castaway Brad Culpepper Breaks Down Over the Stress of the Competition
Varner, who told host Jeff Probst that he felt he was going home earlier in the tribal council, decided to reveal one last piece of information in the hopes of saving himself.
"There is deception here. Deceptions on levels, Jeff, that these guys don't even understand," Varner said, looking at Smith. "Why haven't you told anyone that you're transgender?"
While Smith was open about his sexuality during his last appearance on the show, Survivor: Millenials vs. Gen X, and even inspired another contestant, Bret, to come out to him on the show, the transgender reveal was a shock to his tribe -- and something Smith hoped wouldn't...
- 4/13/2017
- Entertainment Tonight
The Queen was finally dethroned on Wednesday night's episode of Survivor: Game Changers!
After yet another tribe swap, the only two-time winner of the game found herself at the bottom of Nuku, and was eliminated sixth, leaving by a 5-2 vote after just 16 days.
Exclusive: 'Survivor's Jt Thomas on Leaving His Idol at Camp and Why Michaela's Not a 'Game Changer'
Et hopped on the phone with Sandra the morning after the moment she said would never happen, where she opened up about the fateful moment host Jeff Probst finally snuffed her torch -- and answered all our burning questions about her hilarious stunts this season.
Et: Jeff Probst said multiple times that you were so eager to jump back into Survivor that you even blindly said yes to joining this season without knowing what they were asking you. When you heard the title of the season was Game Changers, did that...
After yet another tribe swap, the only two-time winner of the game found herself at the bottom of Nuku, and was eliminated sixth, leaving by a 5-2 vote after just 16 days.
Exclusive: 'Survivor's Jt Thomas on Leaving His Idol at Camp and Why Michaela's Not a 'Game Changer'
Et hopped on the phone with Sandra the morning after the moment she said would never happen, where she opened up about the fateful moment host Jeff Probst finally snuffed her torch -- and answered all our burning questions about her hilarious stunts this season.
Et: Jeff Probst said multiple times that you were so eager to jump back into Survivor that you even blindly said yes to joining this season without knowing what they were asking you. When you heard the title of the season was Game Changers, did that...
- 4/6/2017
- Entertainment Tonight
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.
“One whole day is enough time to turn anybody’s head around.” — Sandra Diaz-Twine, Winner, Pearl Islands and Heroes vs. Villains
Survivor, with a special guest star? Wait a minute, are they stranded on Gilligan’s Island?
When John Cochran stepped onto Debbie’s boat asking, “Hope it’s okay if I join ya!” it marked a major evolution in the history of the show:...
“One whole day is enough time to turn anybody’s head around.” — Sandra Diaz-Twine, Winner, Pearl Islands and Heroes vs. Villains
Survivor, with a special guest star? Wait a minute, are they stranded on Gilligan’s Island?
When John Cochran stepped onto Debbie’s boat asking, “Hope it’s okay if I join ya!” it marked a major evolution in the history of the show:...
- 4/6/2017
- by Stephen Fishbach
- PEOPLE.com
Bow down to the “Queen.”
Aubry Bracco has finally accepted that Sandra Diaz-Twine is a force to be reckoned with after J. T. Thomas’ surprise elimination in last week’s Survivor: Game Changers episode.
In a People Now exclusive sneak peek at Wednesday’s episode, Aubry returns to camp totally shocked that Sandra turned the tables, securing Jeff Varner’s vote against J.T. rather than Michaela Bradshaw.
“You guys came to play. I’m impressed,” she remarks. “I really am.”
Aubry admits that she feels like she can’t form an alliance with the power players in her tribe,...
Aubry Bracco has finally accepted that Sandra Diaz-Twine is a force to be reckoned with after J. T. Thomas’ surprise elimination in last week’s Survivor: Game Changers episode.
In a People Now exclusive sneak peek at Wednesday’s episode, Aubry returns to camp totally shocked that Sandra turned the tables, securing Jeff Varner’s vote against J.T. rather than Michaela Bradshaw.
“You guys came to play. I’m impressed,” she remarks. “I really am.”
Aubry admits that she feels like she can’t form an alliance with the power players in her tribe,...
- 4/5/2017
- by Lindsay Kimble
- PEOPLE.com
“I obviously regret that, but I really felt we were solid,” says “Survivor: Game Changers” castoff J.T. Thomas after he chose not to bring his hidden immunity idol to tribal council in this week’s episode. This was J.T.’s third time playing the game after winning “Survivor: Tocantins” and finishing 10th in “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains.” He […]...
- 3/30/2017
- by Marcus James Dixon
- Gold Derby
Exclusive: 'Survivor's Jt Thomas on Leaving His Idol at Camp and Why Michaela's Not a 'Game Changer'
It's the ultimate Survivor faux pas -- and one that three-time player J.T. Thomas made on Wednesday night's episode -- being voted out with an Immunity Idol in your pocket.
Well, in J.T.'s case, he didn't even bring his idol to tribal council, convinced that his tribe, Nuku, had it out for Michaela.
Exclusive: 'Survivor' Castaway Malcolm Freberg on That Crazy Tribal Council: J.T.'s 'on The Naughty List'
On Thursday, Et hopped on the phone with J.T., who went over some of his best lines from the episode -- telling host Jeff Probst things like "I've never been so excited" and "Some of us aren't quite game changers" just moments before his torch was snuffed -- and revealed why exactly he thought it was a good idea to head into tribal without his idol.
Et: You didn't even bring your idol with you to tribal council! Walk us through...
Well, in J.T.'s case, he didn't even bring his idol to tribal council, convinced that his tribe, Nuku, had it out for Michaela.
Exclusive: 'Survivor' Castaway Malcolm Freberg on That Crazy Tribal Council: J.T.'s 'on The Naughty List'
On Thursday, Et hopped on the phone with J.T., who went over some of his best lines from the episode -- telling host Jeff Probst things like "I've never been so excited" and "Some of us aren't quite game changers" just moments before his torch was snuffed -- and revealed why exactly he thought it was a good idea to head into tribal without his idol.
Et: You didn't even bring your idol with you to tribal council! Walk us through...
- 3/30/2017
- Entertainment Tonight
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.
“It’s hard to keep six people from different walks of life to stick together when they hate each other. So I’m just here to make sure everybody hates each other.” — J.T. Thomas, winner, Survivor: Tocantins
This episode of Survivor taught us all a valuable lesson, for the third time.
Never, ever, ever leave your stuff around Sandra.
Whether she’s dumping...
“It’s hard to keep six people from different walks of life to stick together when they hate each other. So I’m just here to make sure everybody hates each other.” — J.T. Thomas, winner, Survivor: Tocantins
This episode of Survivor taught us all a valuable lesson, for the third time.
Never, ever, ever leave your stuff around Sandra.
Whether she’s dumping...
- 3/30/2017
- by Stephen Fishbach
- PEOPLE.com
Sandra is stirring the pot!
In a People Now exclusive sneak peek at Wednesday night’s episode of Survivor: Game Changers, Sandra Diaz-Twine knows how to shift the blame onto fellow contestant Michaela Bradshaw — and she does.
“She wants seven drips of coffee and a spoonful of sugar,” J.T. annoyingly says about Michaela eating away at the sugar supply. “That blows my mind.”
When self-professed Survivor “queen” Sandra witnesses his annoyance, she takes it one step further.
Her sneaky idea? “So I had a sweet idea and I said, ‘I’m just going to go ahead and eat the rest of the sugar,...
In a People Now exclusive sneak peek at Wednesday night’s episode of Survivor: Game Changers, Sandra Diaz-Twine knows how to shift the blame onto fellow contestant Michaela Bradshaw — and she does.
“She wants seven drips of coffee and a spoonful of sugar,” J.T. annoyingly says about Michaela eating away at the sugar supply. “That blows my mind.”
When self-professed Survivor “queen” Sandra witnesses his annoyance, she takes it one step further.
Her sneaky idea? “So I had a sweet idea and I said, ‘I’m just going to go ahead and eat the rest of the sugar,...
- 3/29/2017
- by Natalie Stone
- PEOPLE.com
Last week’s shocking tribal council on “Survivor: Game Changers” ended with Malcolm Freberg‘s elimination, unintentionally caused by a power play from one of his closest allies, J.T. Thomas. On this week’s episode, titled “Dirty Deed,” J.T. will have to explain his actions to his tribe mates, but his chances of remaining in their good graces are slim. […]...
- 3/29/2017
- by benutty
- Gold Derby
“He crossed me. It’s payback time,” says Sandra Diaz-Twine about J.T. Thomas in the preview trailer for Wednesday’s “Survivor: Game Changers” episode, titled “Dirty Deed.” Apparently J.T.’s decision last week to tell the opposing tribe to cast their votes for Sandra may come back to haunt him. Watch CBS’s promo above for Episode 5 and then […]...
- 3/28/2017
- by Marcus James Dixon
- Gold Derby
Survivor took its fourth victim on Wednesday night's episode, as fan favorite Malcolm Freberg was sent home.
In another Game Changers twist, Nuku and Mana were sent to tribal council after Tavua won the immunity challenge -- but only one castaway would be sent home.
Exclusive: 'Survivor' Castaway Caleb Reynolds on Bromance With Tai After 'Game Changers' Betrayal: 'He Had To'
With the numbers in favor of keeping all members of Nuku, the tribe just had to stick together and hope Mana didn't have a Hidden Immunity Idol... but that proved just a little too difficult. After whispering strategy through a discussion with Jeff Probst, both tribes ended up standing in huddles as they made their decisions on who to vote for.
Nuku settled on Sierra, while Mana decided on our favorite modern-day Fabio, whose fate was sealed after Tai guessed right, playing his idol for Sierra.
It was one of the craziest moments in Survivor history...
In another Game Changers twist, Nuku and Mana were sent to tribal council after Tavua won the immunity challenge -- but only one castaway would be sent home.
Exclusive: 'Survivor' Castaway Caleb Reynolds on Bromance With Tai After 'Game Changers' Betrayal: 'He Had To'
With the numbers in favor of keeping all members of Nuku, the tribe just had to stick together and hope Mana didn't have a Hidden Immunity Idol... but that proved just a little too difficult. After whispering strategy through a discussion with Jeff Probst, both tribes ended up standing in huddles as they made their decisions on who to vote for.
Nuku settled on Sierra, while Mana decided on our favorite modern-day Fabio, whose fate was sealed after Tai guessed right, playing his idol for Sierra.
It was one of the craziest moments in Survivor history...
- 3/23/2017
- Entertainment Tonight
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.
“I want as many variables in my control as possible.” —Malcolm Freberg, Survivor: Philippines and Survivor: Caramoan
Is your head spinning too?
Talk about game changing. A huge twist led to one of the wildest tribal councils in Survivor history.
For the first time ever, two tribes went to the same tribal. The six strong Nuku outnumbered the five on Mana. But the big...
“I want as many variables in my control as possible.” —Malcolm Freberg, Survivor: Philippines and Survivor: Caramoan
Is your head spinning too?
Talk about game changing. A huge twist led to one of the wildest tribal councils in Survivor history.
For the first time ever, two tribes went to the same tribal. The six strong Nuku outnumbered the five on Mana. But the big...
- 3/23/2017
- by Stephen Fishbach
- PEOPLE.com
It was a bromance for the ages -- Caleb Reynolds and Tai Trang found themselves back on the same tribe on Wednesday night's Survivor: Game Changers following the pair's dramatic separation after Reynolds' near-death heat stroke two seasons earlier on Koah Rong.
The pair's passionate reunion (symbolized by a sweet kiss on the cheek) on the new Mana tribe after an unexpected tribe swap, however, didn't last long, as Reynolds got the boot this week... after Tai voted him out.
Exclusive: 'Survivor' Castaways Tony Vlachos and Ciera Eastin Talk Early 'Game Changers' Exit, Season Regrets
Et hopped on the phone with Reynolds on Thursday, where he opened up about the shocking betrayal, his early exit, and who he hopes to see make it to the end.
"There wasn't any hesitation at all. I was excited to get the opportunity to get to play again," the two-time Survivor castaway (and one-time Big Brother player) said of his...
The pair's passionate reunion (symbolized by a sweet kiss on the cheek) on the new Mana tribe after an unexpected tribe swap, however, didn't last long, as Reynolds got the boot this week... after Tai voted him out.
Exclusive: 'Survivor' Castaways Tony Vlachos and Ciera Eastin Talk Early 'Game Changers' Exit, Season Regrets
Et hopped on the phone with Reynolds on Thursday, where he opened up about the shocking betrayal, his early exit, and who he hopes to see make it to the end.
"There wasn't any hesitation at all. I was excited to get the opportunity to get to play again," the two-time Survivor castaway (and one-time Big Brother player) said of his...
- 3/16/2017
- Entertainment Tonight
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!
“I’ll do whatever I have to do to get what I want.” —Caleb Reynolds, Survivor: Kaoh Rong
Fish you, Brad Culpepper!
A Fishy for Culpepper? Who would have imagined it? This chilled-out, strategic guy – who loves antiquing!
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!
“I’ll do whatever I have to do to get what I want.” —Caleb Reynolds, Survivor: Kaoh Rong
Fish you, Brad Culpepper!
A Fishy for Culpepper? Who would have imagined it? This chilled-out, strategic guy – who loves antiquing!
- 3/16/2017
- by Stephen Fishbach
- PEOPLE.com
It's the 500th episode of Survivor on CBS, and to celebrate the occasion, there's a batch of 20 "All Stars" (whether they're actually considered "game changers" is up for debate) headed back to Fiji for another go. There are some winners, like Tony, Jt and Sandra. Some runners-up, like Aubry and Ozzie. And then there are those who still have a lot to prove. Let's see who gets to re-write their story and their Survivor legacy on Season 34 Survivor: Game Changers.
- 3/8/2017
- by editor@buddytv.com
- buddytv.com
Twenty of Survivor‘s fiercest former castaways — those who, according to CBS, “helped evolve the game even further by launching an accelerated level of competition” — are returning to… accelerate things even further, I assume.
RelatedThe TV Dictionary: 41 Terms We Learned in 2016 From Game of Thrones, Grey’s, The Walking Dead, Survivor and More
CBS on Wednesday released the full list of returning favorites, which includes two-time winner Sandra Diaz-Twine (Seasons 7 and 20), as well as a few one-time winners, Tony Vlachos (Season 28) and James “J.T.” Thomas (Season 18). Filmed in Fiji’s Mamanuca Islands, the 34th season — titled Game Changers — will divide the 20 castaways into two tribes,...
RelatedThe TV Dictionary: 41 Terms We Learned in 2016 From Game of Thrones, Grey’s, The Walking Dead, Survivor and More
CBS on Wednesday released the full list of returning favorites, which includes two-time winner Sandra Diaz-Twine (Seasons 7 and 20), as well as a few one-time winners, Tony Vlachos (Season 28) and James “J.T.” Thomas (Season 18). Filmed in Fiji’s Mamanuca Islands, the 34th season — titled Game Changers — will divide the 20 castaways into two tribes,...
- 2/8/2017
- TVLine.com
Stephen Fishbach was the runner-up on Survivor: Tocantins and has been blogging about Survivor strategy for People since 2009. This season, he will blog about his experiences in Cambodia as a competitor on Survivor: Second Chance. Follow Stephen on Twitter @stephenfishbach.
"It gets mentally overwhelming and draining to think about all the things we need to do just to survive out here, and it's exhausting." –Andrew Savage, Survivor: Pearl Islands
Sometimes the best part of being on Survivor is getting to watch Survivor from five feet away.
At our season's eighth tribal council, when Kelley Wentworth whipped out her...
"It gets mentally overwhelming and draining to think about all the things we need to do just to survive out here, and it's exhausting." –Andrew Savage, Survivor: Pearl Islands
Sometimes the best part of being on Survivor is getting to watch Survivor from five feet away.
At our season's eighth tribal council, when Kelley Wentworth whipped out her...
- 11/12/2015
- by Stephen Fishbach, @stephenfishbach
- People.com - TV Watch
For a show in its 31st season, Survivor has managed to keep things remarkably fresh and new.
A lot of the credit goes to host Jeff Probst and the producers, who throw in a liberal amount of twists and turns so that contestants never truly know what's coming. Over the years, we've seen tribal swaps, fake merges, hidden immunity idols and double eliminations. (We're going to pretend that Redemption Island and the outcast twist never happened.)
But sometimes, the twists are not masterminded by the producers. Contestants have come up with ingenious strategies to change the game.
Probst tells People...
A lot of the credit goes to host Jeff Probst and the producers, who throw in a liberal amount of twists and turns so that contestants never truly know what's coming. Over the years, we've seen tribal swaps, fake merges, hidden immunity idols and double eliminations. (We're going to pretend that Redemption Island and the outcast twist never happened.)
But sometimes, the twists are not masterminded by the producers. Contestants have come up with ingenious strategies to change the game.
Probst tells People...
- 11/11/2015
- by Steve Helling, @stevehelling
- People.com - TV Watch
Fox’s Empire this Wednesday drew 11.6 million total viewers and a 4.6 rating opposite ABC’s strong Cma Awards telecast, dipping 6 percent and two tenths to hit and tie season lows.Empire in fact drew its smallest audience since Episode 5 of its freshman run.
RelatedEmpire Recap: Boom, Boom, Boom… Don’t Go Back to His Room
Opening Fox’s night, Rosewood (5.1 mil/1.5) dropped a few eyeballs and one tenth in the demo.
ABC’s aforementioned Cma Awards presentation did 13.6 mil and a 3.8, slipping 17 and 16 percent from last year.
RelatedCma Awards 2015: The Best (Jt!) and Worst (Shatner!) Moments
Elsewhere in the ratings…...
RelatedEmpire Recap: Boom, Boom, Boom… Don’t Go Back to His Room
Opening Fox’s night, Rosewood (5.1 mil/1.5) dropped a few eyeballs and one tenth in the demo.
ABC’s aforementioned Cma Awards presentation did 13.6 mil and a 3.8, slipping 17 and 16 percent from last year.
RelatedCma Awards 2015: The Best (Jt!) and Worst (Shatner!) Moments
Elsewhere in the ratings…...
- 11/5/2015
- TVLine.com
Rather than selecting returning players unilaterally and listening to fans complain about the latest return for Rupert or a confusing return for a castaway even superfans don't remember, "Survivor" has left the decision somewhat up to America to determine the 20 castaways for Season 31. On Wednesday (May 6) at the end of the latest episode of the less-than-lackluster "Survivor: Worlds Apart," CBS formally announced what had long been rumored across the Interwebs. There are 32 candidates up for the "Second Chance" season. As the word "second" implies, this season will only be open to one-time former players who didn't win, so all of your Hantzes and Ruperts are out. Thank God. Instead, this group of 32 includes contestants going back to original "Survivor: Borneo" runner-up Kelly Wigglesworth. And then there are five candidates from the current season, including two who haven't been eliminated yet, which is either an annoying spoiler or not, but I'm...
- 5/7/2015
- by Daniel Fienberg
- Hitfix
If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, then each of the Final 7 "Survivor: Worlds Apart" castaways can win Season 30 because they're all essentially copying the strategies of former champions. Scroll down to see my side-by-side comparisons. 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 Each castaway thinks they have the right strategy to get them to the final Tribal Council. Whether they can win is another story, but there's precedent for each of their strategies yielding the title of Sole Survivor. Mike Holloway & J.T. Thomas (Tocantins) Just like J.T., most viewers have had Mike pegged as the eventual winner since before the season began. Though the road currently looks tough,...
- 5/2/2015
- Gold Derby
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. Erik Reichenbach is a Survivor fan-turned-favorite, a comic book author and artist. He placed fifth on both Survivor: Micronesia and Survivor: Caramoan. Follow him on Twitter @BloodyAmer1can.
"Your ability to connect with idiots who can't process things properly is a large part of what this comes down to."
– John Fincher, Survivor: Samoa
On Wednesday's season premiere of Survivor: San Juan Del Sur, a long-standing debate was settled once and for all. Which reality show is harder,...
"Your ability to connect with idiots who can't process things properly is a large part of what this comes down to."
– John Fincher, Survivor: Samoa
On Wednesday's season premiere of Survivor: San Juan Del Sur, a long-standing debate was settled once and for all. Which reality show is harder,...
- 9/25/2014
- by Stephen Fishbach, @stephenfishbach
- People.com - TV Watch
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. Erik Reichenbach is a Survivor fan-turned-favorite, a comic book author and artist. He placed fifth on both Survivor: Micronesia and Survivor: Caramoan. Follow him on Twitter @BloodyAmer1can. "Your ability to connect with idiots who can't process things properly is a large part of what this comes down to." - John Fincher, Survivor: Samoa On Wednesday's season premiere of Survivor: San Juan Del Sur, a long-standing debate was settled once and for all.
- 9/25/2014
- by Stephen Fishbach, @stephenfishbach
- PEOPLE.com
It's hard out there for a "Survivor: Cagayan" Beauty. For the third straight week, my "Survivor" exit interview is with a castaway who began the season as part of the Beauty tribe. Following in the footsteps of Morgan and Lj is Jeremiah Wood, who only revealed to his core alliance in this week's episode that he makes his living as a model. It wasn't like there was a Beauty alliance that is being picked off. Jeremiah wasn't especially close with either Lj or Morgan. Instead, he grew tight with former Brain Spencer and if you saw the combination of down-home Southern charmer and sometimes awkward mastermind and remembered the partnership with J.T. and Stephen? You're not the only one. Of course, this budding dynamic duo was thwarted after Kass flipped and then when Tony began his reign of terror, though they had brief hope this week when Jefra, the lone remaining Beauty,...
- 4/26/2014
- by Daniel Fienberg
- Hitfix
Survivor has had some great seasons and some not so great seasons. Sometimes the casting and creative decisions all work, and sometimes you get Survivor: Fiji. But the show has been on a recent hot streak. I have the past three editions all ranked in my top 10 seasons ever, and after 27 installments, that is not too shabby. So what gives? Why the sudden — and consistent — resurgence? Host Jeff Probst thinks he has the answer. Probst says that big players are making big moves, and it’s paying off for them in the end. And when deserving players win, viewers win as well.
- 2/20/2014
- by Dalton Ross
- EW - Inside TV
There is something eternally entertaining about watching the decision-making processes of human beings. That’s why 27 seasons on, years and years after the shiny new glow of the reality concept has worn off, Survivor still exists. The simple format of systematically eliminating members of a group can play out in an infinite number of ways, all dependent on how people view themselves, view others in the group, and evaluate their own best interests. It’s a fascinating game, not complicated (be in the majority, stay there) but more complex than anyone could have envisioned it becoming.
I have not managed to watch every season, but each time I think I might finally give it up, I’m immediately re-engaged by the strategy as the contestants deftly and not-so-deftly maneuver around a gaggle of competing agendas and try to trick other people into letting them win. It’s the art of dirty,...
I have not managed to watch every season, but each time I think I might finally give it up, I’m immediately re-engaged by the strategy as the contestants deftly and not-so-deftly maneuver around a gaggle of competing agendas and try to trick other people into letting them win. It’s the art of dirty,...
- 1/15/2014
- by Spencer Barnes
- The Backlot
John Cochran, the nerdy underdog the first time around on "Survivor," played a masterful game when he returned to the show in Caramoan and won the coveted title of Sole Survivor by a unanimous jury vote. He tells Zap2it that it's awesome to win -- and we won't see him back on the show.
So, you're the Sole Survivor -- how does it feel?
"I mean, it feels so great because I'm a ridiculously huge fan of the show. It's 13 years of history building up to this .... the lineage of the show, with Richard Hatch and Parvati and Todd and Boston Rob. It's humbling."
Did you have any idea at the start of this "Survivor" season that you could make it all the way to the end, let alone win?
"I came back this season intending to go to the end. I didn't want to play again just to be on TV again.
So, you're the Sole Survivor -- how does it feel?
"I mean, it feels so great because I'm a ridiculously huge fan of the show. It's 13 years of history building up to this .... the lineage of the show, with Richard Hatch and Parvati and Todd and Boston Rob. It's humbling."
Did you have any idea at the start of this "Survivor" season that you could make it all the way to the end, let alone win?
"I came back this season intending to go to the end. I didn't want to play again just to be on TV again.
- 5/13/2013
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
"What I have to do is focus on the positive, visualize success, and just get these negative thoughts out of my head."
– John Cochran, Survivor: South Pacific
Cochrowned! On Sunday, Survivor super fan John Cochran swept the challenges and swept our hearts. More importantly, he swept the jury votes, becoming the third winner in Survivor history – after Jt and Earl – to shut out his opposition. Congratulations, Cochran! You win a million bucks and the final Fishy!
When the season started, I thought Cochran was Doa. He was physically maladroit, he was a known backstabber and his skin blistered on exposure to sunlight.
– John Cochran, Survivor: South Pacific
Cochrowned! On Sunday, Survivor super fan John Cochran swept the challenges and swept our hearts. More importantly, he swept the jury votes, becoming the third winner in Survivor history – after Jt and Earl – to shut out his opposition. Congratulations, Cochran! You win a million bucks and the final Fishy!
When the season started, I thought Cochran was Doa. He was physically maladroit, he was a known backstabber and his skin blistered on exposure to sunlight.
- 5/13/2013
- by Stephen Fishbach
- People.com - TV Watch
"What I have to do is focus on the positive, visualize success, and just get these negative thoughts out of my head." - John Cochran, Survivor: South PacificCochrowned! On Sunday, Survivor super fan John Cochran swept the challenges and swept our hearts. More importantly, he swept the jury votes, becoming the third winner in Survivor history - after Jt and Earl - to shut out his opposition. Congratulations, Cochran! You win a million bucks and the final Fishy! When the season started, I thought Cochran was Doa. He was physically maladroit, he was a known backstabber and his skin blistered on exposure to sunlight.
- 5/13/2013
- by Stephen Fishbach
- PEOPLE.com
The kid who used to wear buffs to school and write papers about his favorite reality show is a kid no longer. John Cochran went from almost being voted out in his very first Tribal Council in Survivor: South Pacific to being named champion of Survivor: Caramoan — Fans vs. Favorites. And he didn’t just win — he dominated, never having a single vote cast against him and then receiving every single vote from the jury to take home the million dollars. We caught up with the man with the most famous last name in reality television, and he talked...
- 5/13/2013
- by Dalton Ross
- EW - Inside TV
Here we are, gang. The finale of "Survivor: Caramoan" -- who do you think will win it all? We'll say right now that if Cochran makes the Final 3, we think he's got it in the bag.
Madeline
After the last Tribal, Erik starts not feeling well. He says his head is killing him and everything's spinning -- do you suppose it's lack of food? Probably shouldn't have gone climbing that coconut tree yesterday.
The EMTs take his blood pressure and it's low (though not super low), but the doctors tell him he's not going back to camp. That's a bummer.
Everybody gives Erik platitudes and praise like he's dying of an Immunity Challenge-sustained injury or something. Not that we aren't sympathetic to how hard "Survivor" is -- but this is like the lamest medical evac ever.
After Erik leaves, Cochran and Eddie dish about who should be in the Final...
Madeline
After the last Tribal, Erik starts not feeling well. He says his head is killing him and everything's spinning -- do you suppose it's lack of food? Probably shouldn't have gone climbing that coconut tree yesterday.
The EMTs take his blood pressure and it's low (though not super low), but the doctors tell him he's not going back to camp. That's a bummer.
Everybody gives Erik platitudes and praise like he's dying of an Immunity Challenge-sustained injury or something. Not that we aren't sympathetic to how hard "Survivor" is -- but this is like the lamest medical evac ever.
After Erik leaves, Cochran and Eddie dish about who should be in the Final...
- 5/13/2013
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
'Survivor: Caramoan': Returning Favorite Erik on why this season is 'like the Island of Misfit Toys'
For years, the undisputed titleholder when it came to Dumbest Survivor Move Ever was none other than Erik Reichenbach. It was a well-earned (dis)honor bestowed upon the ice cream scooper from Hell (Michigan) after he gave away his immunity necklace on Survivor: Micronesia…only to be voted out moments later. But Erik was a trendsetter as well! Since then, Jt gave his hidden immunity idol to Russell in Heroes vs. Villains, and Brandon Hantz handed his immunity over to Albert in Survivor: South Pacific. In both instances it was not better to give than to receive, as those...
- 2/12/2013
- by Dalton Ross
- EW - Inside TV
Survivor: Philippines Review, Season 25, Episode 7
“I’m Not the Only Actor on This Island”
Airs Wednesdays at 8pm (Et) on CBS
Now that’s more like it! The three-tribe structure was put in place this season to avoid the predictable exits of Survivor’s recent installments. By splitting the players into smaller groups, the producers hoped to stop the trend of early five-person alliances dominating the game. The success of their plan wouldn’t be clear until the merge, which happens this week. Boats arrive at each island and give the tribes 10 minutes to grab their things before they head to a new beach. It’s clear there are intriguing possibilities for where the game will go. Will Rc and Skupin flip to Kalabaw and change the game? Is Jeff Kent finally ready to turn on Penner? Could the immunity idol come into play? All of these questions are answered...
“I’m Not the Only Actor on This Island”
Airs Wednesdays at 8pm (Et) on CBS
Now that’s more like it! The three-tribe structure was put in place this season to avoid the predictable exits of Survivor’s recent installments. By splitting the players into smaller groups, the producers hoped to stop the trend of early five-person alliances dominating the game. The success of their plan wouldn’t be clear until the merge, which happens this week. Boats arrive at each island and give the tribes 10 minutes to grab their things before they head to a new beach. It’s clear there are intriguing possibilities for where the game will go. Will Rc and Skupin flip to Kalabaw and change the game? Is Jeff Kent finally ready to turn on Penner? Could the immunity idol come into play? All of these questions are answered...
- 11/2/2012
- by Dan Heaton
- SoundOnSight
Stephen Fishbach was the runner-up on Survivor: Tocantins and has been blogging about Survivor strategy for People.com since 2009. Follow him on Twitter @stephenfishbach"The Hero tribe had plans to look for the hidden immunity idol as a group. But the best thing for me is to make sure I know where it's at. This is Survivor, and you don't know what these other people are thinking around here." - Jt Thomas, Heroes vs. VillainsIt's always fun to watch a tribe self-destruct. This week, Russell Swan and his team of misfits continued their free fall into Survivor ignominy. But whenever a tribe falls apart,...
- 9/27/2012
- by Stephen Fishbach
- PEOPLE.com
Stephen Fishbach was the runner-up on Survivor: Tocantins and has been blogging about Survivor strategy for People.com since 2009."I played every minute to win this game, and to have my body fail me is utterly demoralizing." - Russell Swan, Survivor: SamoaSurvivor's back, and the big news this season is that three previously medevacced contestants are returning to the game for another shot at the million bucks. Mike Skupin from Australia, Russell Swan from Samoa, and Jonathan Penner from Cook Islands and Micronesia are back as team captains for three separate tribes. These guys couldn't even take care...
- 9/19/2012
- by Stephen Fishbach
- PEOPLE.com
He may be charming in The Artist, but the Oscar hopeful is loved in France for his scathing sendups – and his brilliance at moving between the deadpan and madcap
Don't be fooled by Jean Dujardin's smooth, possibly Oscar-winning, charm in The Artist. True, France is more than ever in love with Dujardin: French Spitting Image has rushed out a new puppet of him, he was among French GQ's men of the year, and is permanently on the front pages. But if France adores and idolises him (he has long been Paris's most bankable actor) it's not for his sauveness but because he is the undisputed master of French naff.
An unpretentious, working-class joker, who was a locksmith before launching into cabaret standup, Dujardin found fame in the late 1990s for his scathing sendups of Jean-average: bog-standard French men, with all their prejudices, foibles and bathroom-habits (pumicing their heels) or...
Don't be fooled by Jean Dujardin's smooth, possibly Oscar-winning, charm in The Artist. True, France is more than ever in love with Dujardin: French Spitting Image has rushed out a new puppet of him, he was among French GQ's men of the year, and is permanently on the front pages. But if France adores and idolises him (he has long been Paris's most bankable actor) it's not for his sauveness but because he is the undisputed master of French naff.
An unpretentious, working-class joker, who was a locksmith before launching into cabaret standup, Dujardin found fame in the late 1990s for his scathing sendups of Jean-average: bog-standard French men, with all their prejudices, foibles and bathroom-habits (pumicing their heels) or...
- 1/25/2012
- by Angelique Chrisafis
- The Guardian - Film News
On Sunday, Survivor: South Pacific comes to its conclusion. The season's been full of blindsides, big characters and some of the strangest strategic moves in recent memory (Ozzy asking to get voted out! Brandon handing over his immunity! Everything Cochran ever did!) Now there are six players left, three of whom will face the jury. The phrase "bitter jury" is redundant. All Survivor juries are bitter. They've seen their hopes for a million dollars and reality TV stardom crushed by the three people sitting before them. The question is - what are they bitter about? Juries all make their decisions on different criteria.
- 12/18/2011
- by Stephen Fishbach
- PEOPLE.com
Each week, host Jeff Probst answers a few questions about the most recent episode of Survivor: South Pacific.
Entertainment Weekly: Um…wow. I’ve always help up Erik giving up his immunity necklace in Fans vs. Favorites and then being voted out as the gold standard of dumb Survivor moves. What’s so odd about Brandon now doing the same thing is that he doesn’t seem to view it as dumb in the least. How can I call something strategically idiotic when the person doing it actively refuses to engage in anything strategic? Where does Brandon’s act...
Entertainment Weekly: Um…wow. I’ve always help up Erik giving up his immunity necklace in Fans vs. Favorites and then being voted out as the gold standard of dumb Survivor moves. What’s so odd about Brandon now doing the same thing is that he doesn’t seem to view it as dumb in the least. How can I call something strategically idiotic when the person doing it actively refuses to engage in anything strategic? Where does Brandon’s act...
- 12/15/2011
- by Dalton Ross
- EW - Inside TV
Jessica Biel and Justin Timberlake cuddled close and posed for photos with friends Elton John, David Furnish, and Neuro beverage creator Diana Jenkins at Southern Hospitality in NYC last night. Justin's on the East Coast leg of his In Time promotion tour and slipped out of the three-piece suit he wore to his The Late Show interview and stepped out in a casual look for a late-night cocktail with friends. Jessica was right by Jt's side as she was on a recent double date with Justin's parents and at the La screening of his new film. Elton's trip to the Big Apple was philanthropic in nature. Prior to meeting up with Jt and Jessica, he hosted his 10th annual gala for the Elton John AIDS Foundation, which raised more than $2 million in charitable contributions. View Slideshow ›...
- 10/27/2011
- by Katie Henry
- Popsugar.com
"Survivor: South Pacific" sees another strong woman voted out and sent to Redemption Island. What else is new?
Post-Tribal at Savaii
Ozzy and Elyse are getting cuddly, which Jim and Cochran are not excited about. Cochran doesn't really trust Jim and his suspiciously white teeth, but he's on board with working together to get Elyse out because it keeps him safe.
Upolu Tribe
Brandon apologizes to Mikayla and she accepts his apology, but she's still very wary of him - she should be. But don't point who his uncle is. That's so ridiculous. Don't buy into "Survivor's" silly schtick with that. My uncle could be a murderer - doesn't make me a murderer.
Brandon then runs to Edna, saying right out loud this is dumb game strategy, and he tells Edna that she's not part of the core five. Oh. My. God. Shut your mouth, dude! Coach is going to kill you.
Post-Tribal at Savaii
Ozzy and Elyse are getting cuddly, which Jim and Cochran are not excited about. Cochran doesn't really trust Jim and his suspiciously white teeth, but he's on board with working together to get Elyse out because it keeps him safe.
Upolu Tribe
Brandon apologizes to Mikayla and she accepts his apology, but she's still very wary of him - she should be. But don't point who his uncle is. That's so ridiculous. Don't buy into "Survivor's" silly schtick with that. My uncle could be a murderer - doesn't make me a murderer.
Brandon then runs to Edna, saying right out loud this is dumb game strategy, and he tells Edna that she's not part of the core five. Oh. My. God. Shut your mouth, dude! Coach is going to kill you.
- 10/6/2011
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
After 39 117 days, "Boston" Rob Mariano was crowned the winner of "Survivor: Redemption Island," the 22nd Season of the popular reality program. The Final 3 came down to Boston Rob, Phillip "Special Agent" Sheppard and Natalie Tenerelli and the final vote was almost unanimous for Rob to win.
Let's see how we got there. Highlights on the way to the final vote included:
There was a final four-way duel at Redemption Island. This one involved balancing a vase with your foot, teeter-totter-style. Grant was out first, followed by Matt (bummer) and Mike, so Andrea won and was allowed to reenter the game.The first Immunity Challenge is a balance beam/ordering tiles challenge. Ashley wins, much to Rob's chagrin.Rob seemed to think it was a foregone conclusion his people would vote Andrea out, but Ashley and Natalie were not wholly on board, which Phillip noticed. He took Rob off...
Let's see how we got there. Highlights on the way to the final vote included:
There was a final four-way duel at Redemption Island. This one involved balancing a vase with your foot, teeter-totter-style. Grant was out first, followed by Matt (bummer) and Mike, so Andrea won and was allowed to reenter the game.The first Immunity Challenge is a balance beam/ordering tiles challenge. Ashley wins, much to Rob's chagrin.Rob seemed to think it was a foregone conclusion his people would vote Andrea out, but Ashley and Natalie were not wholly on board, which Phillip noticed. He took Rob off...
- 5/16/2011
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
It seems as if no one has anything else to talk to poor Selena Gomez about besides her rumored boy toy, Justin Bieber. Not that we're surprised, they're only the cutest thing since the matching denim days of Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears.
Gomez stops by the "Late Show with David Letterman" on Wednesday (Mar. 16) and as usual, plays coy when asked about the Biebs.
"This is you and Justin Bieber," Letterman says while holding up a photo from the Vanity Fair Oscar party. "He was your date? You're dating -- are you dating? You're not dating?"
"It was like a little prom, night wasn't it?" Gomez responds. "Looked like it."
When pressed further she adds, "He's been in my life for so long and it's just nice to have someone that understands what you're going through."
We're not sure they can keep this whole charade up for much longer,...
Gomez stops by the "Late Show with David Letterman" on Wednesday (Mar. 16) and as usual, plays coy when asked about the Biebs.
"This is you and Justin Bieber," Letterman says while holding up a photo from the Vanity Fair Oscar party. "He was your date? You're dating -- are you dating? You're not dating?"
"It was like a little prom, night wasn't it?" Gomez responds. "Looked like it."
When pressed further she adds, "He's been in my life for so long and it's just nice to have someone that understands what you're going through."
We're not sure they can keep this whole charade up for much longer,...
- 3/16/2011
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Pop2it
The ice-cold way that Sash, Holly and Chase cut Jane's throat on Wednesday's episode of Survivor was the perfect example of how loyalty and friendship get tossed in favor of risk assessment when it comes to the endgame. I know from experience that having to turn on your alliance can be heartbreaking. All those things you dreamed about together from day 2 are coming true - but only for one person. Rather than award a Fishy, I thought I would ask a few of Survivor's best strategists - Jt Thomas, Russell Hantz, Todd Herzog and more - what their endgame experiences were like.
- 12/17/2010
- by Stephen Fishbach
- PEOPLE.com
If history has proven anything, it is that handing over immunity to the opposition is never a good idea. Erik gave his to Natalie in Micronesia, and she promptly voted him out. J.T. gave his to Russell — who was on the other tribe! — in Heroes vs Villains, and it was used later to send him home. Tonight on Survivor: Nicaragua, another person mulled over parting with their immunity. Did it lead to their untimely demise? My full recap will be up at midnight (Update: Dalton’s full Survivor recap is now live), but if you’ve already watched and can...
- 10/28/2010
- by Dalton Ross
- EW.com - PopWatch
When we first saw Shannon Elkins, the pest control co. owner from Lafayette, La, he seemed poised for Survivor greatness. He seemed to have it all: the physical strength, the vitality, the looks, (the hair), and the good ol' southern boy charm that has led other contestants, like season 18 winner J.T., to win the title of "Sole Survivor." But then Shannon opened his mouth, and we quickly learned that he will say whatever is on his mind, tribal council be damned.
Shannon went on Survivor for the experience, and to put another notch in his belt. Before his time in Nicaragua, the married father of three said he had never been much of an outdoorsman. "I've never been camping a day in my life until Survivor" Shannon said. "I'm more of a Chick-fil-a and hamburger patty kind of guy; I had never really had rice before Survivor." Even though he...
Shannon went on Survivor for the experience, and to put another notch in his belt. Before his time in Nicaragua, the married father of three said he had never been much of an outdoorsman. "I've never been camping a day in my life until Survivor" Shannon said. "I'm more of a Chick-fil-a and hamburger patty kind of guy; I had never really had rice before Survivor." Even though he...
- 9/23/2010
- by editor@buddytv.com
- buddytv.com
One week from today, on September 15 at 8:00pm Et/Pt, Survivor: Nicaragua debuts. I’ve covered the twist being employed in this 21st season, and briefly reviewed the cast and new power being introduced. Now, as was a staple of my recaps last season, I present to you my preseason Odds to Win. I went back and reviewed all of the video interviews available from CBS and Entertainment Weekly, and the other biographical information available on those sites. Below is how I see the cast shaping up. Please note, this list is not the order in which I think the players will be voted off, nor how “strong” I think any individual contestant is. Rather, this is a list of what I think the chances are that a particular contestant will win the game.
Before I start the list, I have some general thoughts on what we’ll find this season.
Before I start the list, I have some general thoughts on what we’ll find this season.
- 9/8/2010
- by Michael Salerno
- TVovermind.com
"Survivor" and CBS are launching a new Stand Up 2 Cancer fundraising initiative, with "Survivor: Africa" winner and cancer survivor Ethan Zohn as the spokesman.
Zohn was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma in 2009, but says he is now in remission. "I'm a Survivor in every sense of the word and that's why I'm so excited to be part of this movement to outwit cancer for good. In my eyes, this is my Survivor moment, my legacy... It's better than winning the million dollars," says Zohn in a statement.
Zap2it had a chance to speak with Zohn following his SU2C announcement on "The Early Show." "The money raised from this initiative specifically is going to go to cancer research. The goal of Stand Up 2 Cancer is to get the treatments out of the laboratory and to the patients as quickly as possible," Zohn tells us.
Donations to the Survivor Stands Up...
Zohn was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma in 2009, but says he is now in remission. "I'm a Survivor in every sense of the word and that's why I'm so excited to be part of this movement to outwit cancer for good. In my eyes, this is my Survivor moment, my legacy... It's better than winning the million dollars," says Zohn in a statement.
Zap2it had a chance to speak with Zohn following his SU2C announcement on "The Early Show." "The money raised from this initiative specifically is going to go to cancer research. The goal of Stand Up 2 Cancer is to get the treatments out of the laboratory and to the patients as quickly as possible," Zohn tells us.
Donations to the Survivor Stands Up...
- 8/18/2010
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
Survivor Africa winner and cancer survivor Ethan Zohn has become the spokesperson for the CBS show's new effort to raise money to fight cancer. That effort will include PSAs, such as the one below, that feature cast members besides Ethan including Rupert Boneham, Amber Brkich-Mariano, James Clement, Colby Donaldson, Cirie Fields, Russell Hantz, Jerri Manthey, Rob Mariano, Jenna Morasca, Parvati Shallow, James "Jt" Thomas, Sandra Diaz-Twine, Benjamin "Coach" Wade, and Tom Westman. The show "has...
- 8/17/2010
- by Andy Dehnart
- Reality Blurred
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