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Most underrated Survivor seasons of all-time

By Leigh Oleszczak

Photo: Screen Grab/CBS Entertainment ©2019 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Photo: Screen Grab/CBS Entertainment ©2019 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved. /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – DECEMBER 15: Tyson Apolstol attends CBS’ “Survivor: Blood vs. Water” Season Finale at CBS Television City on December 15, 2013 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Valerie Macon/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – DECEMBER 15: Tyson Apolstol attends CBS’ “Survivor: Blood vs. Water” Season Finale at CBS Television City on December 15, 2013 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Valerie Macon/Getty Images) /

Most Underrated Seasons in Survivor History: No. 5 – Blood vs Water

Survivor‘s first “Dark Ages” ran from season 21 to season 26 (Nicaragua through Caramoan) and there was a time when Blood vs Water was included in that timeline. Fortunately, as time has gone on, the Dark Ages has transitioned to seasons 21-26 and does not include season 27, as a lot of people have grown to respect Blood vs Water since its initial airing in 2013.

For one, the concept of Blood vs Water is intriguing, as it pitted former Survivor players against their loved ones. That meant we got to see Rupert’s wife, Tina’s daughter, Colton’s fiancé, Candice’s husband, Tyson’s girlfriend, and Aras’ brother all compete on one playing field, and the end result was a fun one.

As if that concept wasn’t enough, Blood vs Water made things more interesting by splitting the loved ones up and making it the former players against their loved ones. This became quite the obstacle when it came to voting people out, as doing so would obviously upset at least one person remaining in the game.

Part of why Blood vs Water wasn’t well-perceived at the time was because it once again brought back returning players and also implemented the Redemption Island twist. I hate Redemption Island, but it did add to the entertainment value for this season, as it paved the way for all of the “F*** you Brad Culpepper” moments.

This season introduced us to stars like Brad, Ciera, Hayden, and Vytas, and provided us the moment where CIERA VOTED OUT HER MOM!!!! That’s something that Jeff Probst still talks about all the time and it happened right here in season 27.

I’m glad people have changed their tune on Blood vs Water because it’s a fun season and while the winner was predictable, getting there wasn’t the easiest for Tyson. He was forced to participate in the first rock draw in 23 seasons, which was super dramatic.

If nothing else, there are plenty of hilarious moments that take place during this season ranging from “No one wants to date someone who doesn’t make the merge!” (Kat’s the best) to the whole rustle leaves banter between Hayden and Tyson to Ciera telling Katie she can’t have the idol because she has it (even though she didn’t) to pretty much anything that came out of Tyson’s mouth. This season really deserves more love.

Oh and Ciera voted out her mom. Never forget that.

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