Survivor is one of the most successful reality television franchises of all time. It has already produced 48 seasons, over the last 25 years, with no end in sight and a popularity that remains strong in a slowing broadcast television climate. Over the years, what has made the series so successful is the fact that, despite the same basic premise, every season is completely different.
While the main reason for this is the cast, as the players drive the social interactions, strategies, exciting moves, etc., it is not the only reason. Older seasons had themes, whether location-based or twist-based or both. The producers have thrown different formats, twists, and advantages at the players. All of these elements add up to wildly different experiences for players and viewers from season to season.
As such, it stands to reason that some seasons would be more popular than others. Some are nearly universally accredited, such as Micronesia, Heroes vs. Villains, China, David vs. Goliath, and Cagayan. Others are nearly universally disliked, such as Thailand, Redemption Island, Ghost Island, Island of the Idols, and One World.
The rest that don't fit either category land somewhere in the middle, and have their fair share of proponents and detractors. Some have more supporters than others, of course, and typically rank highly on Survivor season rankings lists. But which seasons are underrated? Which gets overlooked when discussing some of the better seasons, when in reality, they should be in the conversation?
1. Survivor: Vanuatu
Survivor: Vanuatu gets overlooked for a variety of different reasons. As an old school season, there is far less in the way of production value, advantages, and shocking twists than fans have grown used to. It also recycled a format twist that had been used only a few seasons prior, splitting tribes into men versus women.
That said, the gameplay and drama for the season ended up absolutely brilliant. The women absolutely dominated the men in challenges the entire season. By the Final Eight, the brutal bloodbath had left only one man, Chris Daugherty, left. Yet somehow, he manipulated, controlled, and lied his way past all seven opposing women to ultimately win the entire game. It was exciting and incredibly engaging television, even to this day.
2. Survivor: Guatemala
Survivor: Guatemala came a couple of seasons after Vanuatu, and is often lost in the sea of other seasons. This is mainly because eventual winner Danni Boatwright learned how to manipulate confessionals, and it led to her being woefully underedited compared to other winners. Two players from previous seasons returned, but they blended well into the overall cast.
In fact, the cast is the reason this season, in my estimation, is wrongfully underappreciated. The location was cool, but there were very few in the way of twists, putting the onus on the players to carry. And carry they did. Great personalities, strong gameplay and strategy, and endearing love for the game, shown through and deserve far more recognition than they receive.
As an aside, I would actually argue that the whole stretch following All-Stars (Season 8) and before China (Season 15) is undervalued to what they should be credited for. Palau and Cook Islands get pointed to a fair amount, but Fiji and Panama were strong entries as well, despite all four of the above-named seasons having flaws to be pointed out as well.
3. Survivor: San Juan Del Sur
At the time of its airing, San Juan Del Sur received a great deal of negative reaction and responses. This season took the idea of Blood vs. Water from a few seasons prior, but introduced it as an entirely new cast instead of former players with their loved ones. There was some questionable gameplay by some players, and some players that fans found hard to root for.
That said, as we look back in history, I would argue the season is criminally underrated. It features one of the best winner arcs in the show's history, as we watch Natalie Anderson go from shocked and blindsided at the start to ruthless, vengeful, and bloodthirsty with a determination that is a sight to behold. She ultimately becomes one of the best winners in history by the end of the season, and adds in other fan favorites to the show that year, and it deserves far more respect.
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