Survivor - Season 46

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⭐10/10

This season was the first one I've followed in literally twenty years. I liked the show enough as a kid, but even then I felt it was kinda silly, over-dramatic, and a little campy. Fast forward to now, and that's exactly what I'm looking for in a show! I have honestly not had this much fun watching something on TV that's not a basketball game. Getting together with friends every Friday to watch was the highlight of my week. 

As for this season itself, I really have no idea. I've heard it was a pretty good season, but I have nothing with which to compare. There was some insane drama, with lots of backstabbing, blindsides, and all of the people going home with an immunity in their pocket. Every episode had me on the edge of my seat. Besides the first few weeks, it seemed like there wasn't an episode that went by without shifting the entire landscape of the game. After 46 seasons, the game makers know how to manufacture conflict, and the producers know how to highlight it.

If I had a complaint, I guess I would say that this game and it's players have become too self-referential. The jury seems to choose winners based on a criteria that I feel like only Survivor fans would really consider. Then the players choose to vote out others based on this made up criteria - the social threat, the challenge threat, etc. If I had a vote, I'd vote for Ben because I liked him the most! Why's that not valid? I guess the finale just made me feel like the whole game is played for a bit of an unearned outcome.

Anyways, that's not a big deal. I don't know if every season will get a 10 for me, but this season was an absolute blast and coming back to this show made me wish I never left. It's perhaps my favorite group viewing experience outside of sports, or maybe it's better for a group than sports because it appeals to a broader spectrum. So yeah, Survivor is my favorite sport now. 

I obviously wouldn't recommend someone watch this season, but I would totally recommend people get a group of friends, make player pool, and schedule your fall around season 47! Praise Probst!


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