Television is one of many reminders that humanity is constantly changing. Adapting in form over the years, from cable to streaming, few things stay constant. But for the past 25 years, Survivor has been gracing American television, recently concluding its 47th season. Many television ongoing television shows have ended for one reason or another, so how does Survivor stay on the air for long?
Survivor overview
Survivor is a reality competition show, in which contestants must survive on an uninhabited island while competing in challenges to avoid tribal council, where contestants get voted off. The goal is to be the last man standing or “sole survivor” winning one million dollars.
At the end of the game, when there are only three people left, the remaining contestants will explain how they played their game to the jury. The jury consists of all the previously eliminated players, and those players will decide who played the best game.
This is what makes the game so interesting to watch, as players need to be able to create bonds that are strong enough to Survivor betrayal, and still expect their vote for one million dollars in the end.
At its core, the show is meant to be an analysis of human behavior, asking its viewers the question, “How do humans behave when stripped of all necessities, forced to rely on each other, but also vote each other off?”
Evolution
Ever since the show’s debut, it has been popular in America. Even those who have never watched a single episode are familiar with the concept and show. When asked about “Survivor,” CSHS English teacher Caitlyn Tate had this to say. “Isn’t that the show where people survive in the jungle?”
Throughout the years, the game has gone through changes in an effort to stay relevant and keep viewers watching. This has taken shape in many ways, such as switching the format of the game, adding advantages, making twists, changing casting, and more.
When the show first began, it simply documented how these players navigated the game. However, when the show’s first winner, Richard Hatch, brought 4 players together, the game completely changed.
The strategy of the game went from working together to survive to working together to vote out your enemies and vote out those who you thought could beat you in the end. Especially focusing on the second point, the strategy of the game has shifted to voting out the “big threats,” so that you have a better chance at winning.
Another thing that has changed within the game is the idea of “big moves.” Originally, making connections and making it to the end of the game was typically what gave someone the win. However, in recent seasons, where the cast is full of superfans, they want a big flashy winner. For example, someone who pulled of a really risky “blindside,” (when someone doesn’t know they are getting voted out.)
Other shifts include the introduction of advantages. When the game began, it was very straightforward; everybody got one vote, and whoever had the most votes went home. This changed in season 11, Guatemala when a hidden immunity idol was introduced. If found by a player, it could be played to nullify any votes cast against them. This then meant that whoever had the next highest number of votes went home. Other advantages were then introduced, such as an extra vote, a block a vote, a steal a vote, etc.
Extended Television Run
The question still remains, how was the show able to stay on air for so long? That question can be answered simply; the show’s ability to adapt.
The reason that the show has been producing new seasons for so long and is still making new ones, is because the show is never afraid to try something new or change up the formula. Sometimes these changes are not well received, but other times they will stick and become integral aspects of the show.
The show has definitely had its low points, typically when coming off major high points in the show’s run. The best seasons are typically regarded as those featuring returning players, such as season 20 “Heroes vs. Villains,” or season 40 “Winners at War.” The seasons immediately following are not highly regarded by most Survivor fans.
CSHS senior Reyna Brice put it best. “I like Survivor because it is a new adventure every season, no two viewing experiences are the same.”
