CBS has announced their Fall 2018 lineup, and Survivor becomes the king of sitting … at its regular Wednesday 8 p.m. ET time slot.
As many will remember back in the day, Survivor aired its first season on May 31, effectively making it a summer holdover show during an era where broadcast television was thriving. It wasn’t expected to be a ratings darling when it was first filmed, but it certainly turned out to be, forcing CBS’ hand to place it in the prime spot of the week; on Thursday night at 8 p.m. ET.
Of course, an unknown commodity better known as The Big Bang Theory gathered a cult following, pushing Survivor to a Wednesday night slot at 8 p.m. ET ever since the Nicaragua season. Still, CBS’ lead reality has found a home for this decade in the best spot for it to thrive, as indicated by the ratings so far this season.
CBS isn’t going to talk themselves out of a good thing heading into the Fall 2018 television season, revealing today that Survivor will return to its regular Wednesday night slot at 8 p.m. ET. It leads a packed Wednesday night that follows the same as it did last year, with SEAL Team following suit at 9 p.m. ET and Criminal Minds closing things out before local news affiliates take over at 11 p.m. ET.
The past cycle of Survivor has become decidedly focused on trinkets and baubles, with a record-breaking number of idols played during Heroes vs. Healers vs. Hustlers and a likely record of items found on Ghost Island. Even though we got our first cast since Samoa to be chosen not due to any preconceived theme but as regular players, the oldest player in the game was 43 and the average age beat out the second-youngest season by three years.
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If the rumors for the Survivor season 37 cast are true, look to have even more Californians, recruits and stunt casting going forward. Although, at this point, perhaps we’re due for a returnee season after season 38.