I’m A Hardcore Survivor Fan, But The New Era Has A Villain Problem

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Many consider Survivor to be one of the greatest reality TV shows ever made, and it remains incredibly popular. The show, currently streaming on Paramount+, is already planning its 50th season with returning contestants. However, as the 49th season airs, it’s becoming apparent that the show is struggling with overly antagonistic players.

Everyone’s always asking about how much money Survivor players earn, but I’ve been thinking about the casting choices lately. Recent seasons seem a little less cutthroat than the really memorable ones, probably because they’re shorter and focus more on emotional connections. I believe the show suffers without strong, strategic villains – they’re the ones who create the most iconic and unforgettable moments.

Survivor Doesn’t Have Villains Anymore, And The Seasons Are Suffering

In 2024, Survivor host and showrunner Jeff Probst stated he didn’t want to cast “villains” anymore. This caused a lot of criticism, considering many of the show’s most memorable players are known for playing that role. After all, Survivor is a game built on strategy, deception, and surprising others. I believe excluding these competitive, sometimes antagonistic players is making the show less interesting and the gameplay less intense. Villains consistently deliver the most compelling confessionals and are often the most entertaining to watch.

I’m a big fan of Survivor and consider Season 20, Heroes vs. Villains, to be the best. What made it so good was the dynamic between the two tribes – one filled with notorious villains and the other with players known for their honorable behavior. The gameplay was fantastic, and in the end, the villains dominated. That’s why it’s so surprising to me that the show is now seemingly trying to avoid casting players who fit those villainous roles.

You can watch Survivor on Paramount+, which costs as little as $7.99 per month or $59.99 per year. They offer two plans: an Essential plan for $7.99 a month and a Premium, ad-free plan for $12.99 a month. Check out the deals available!

Some of the most skilled players in Survivor history have been those willing to play as villains. Think of winners like Parvati Shallow, Sandra Diaz-Twine, and Tony Vlachos. Boston Rob is another famous example – a well-known villain and a fan favorite. Villains are essential to what makes Survivor so compelling, so it’s surprising that the show seems to be moving away from them now.

I believe this is a key reason why recent seasons of Survivor haven’t been as popular. With episodes now 90 minutes long, they need enough compelling content to justify the extra time. While this works well for seasons with lots of drama, it can make less eventful seasons – those without strong villains, for example – feel slow and drawn out.

Season 50 will bring back familiar faces, and hopefully, a renewed focus on villainous characters. This could be a great way to excite existing fans and attract new viewers.

New episodes of Survivor will be broadcast on Wednesdays as part of the 2025 television lineup. It remains to be seen where Season 49 will take us, and whether any of the contestants will emerge as memorable villains.

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2025-11-23 19:08