The longevity of the series can be credited to its innovations and how they influenced future programs.

While there are a plethora of reasons whySurvivoris the greatest social experiment, here are ten waysSurvivorchanged the game!

AsSurvivorintroduced new twists and elements, it forced castaways to explore new ways to adapt their game.

Survivor General Hed

Custom image by Zanda Rice

What happens if you find a Hidden Immunity Idol?

Do you tell anyone?

Is throwing a challenge beneficial to your tribe?

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Who do you select as your number one ally, and when is the right time to eliminate them?

The exciting thing aboutSurvivoris that there is no right strategy for everyone.

9The Usage of Tribes/Teams

Survivor, at the end of the day, is a solo venture.

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Only one person can win in the end.

But to get to that Final Tribal Council, you must endure the team portion of the game.

Depending on the season,Survivorbegins the game with castaways being divided into a certain number of tribes.

Rob Cesternino votes out Rodger on ‘Survivor: The Amazon.'

Image via CBS

In this portion of the game, you’re only as strong as your weakest link.

If not they risk the chance of being voted out.

The tribal team format has been adopted into a plethora offuture reality competition shows, includingThe ApprenticeandThe Challenge.

The Vula Tribe participates in the Reward Challenge on ‘Survivor 48.'

Image via CBS

Of course, whenSurvivormoves into the merge portion of the game, that’s when the individual battle begins.

The tribal portion will dictate how the merge plays out.

Furthermore, game elements like Redemption Island became the focal point of the season.

The contestants of Survivor: Blood vs Water pose on a beach and smile at the camera.

Image via CBS

WithSurvivor’s success at utilizing themes, other shows adopted the same strategy.

Each season ofBig Brotherwas attached to some concept to shake the game up.

Nothing can kill a show better than monotony.Survivorknew that better than anyone.

Erika and host Jeff Probst by a small fire as she talks to him about the Hourglass Advantage on Survivor 41.

Image via CBS

So, how do you shake up the game while maintaining the integrity of the show?

Think you know how to play Survivor?

Just wait untilJeff Probst tosses a twistat you!

The final five of ‘Survivor: Micronesia’ sit together and look stressed.

Image via CBS

The list goes on.

Certainly not every twist is beloved by the fans.

Not every twist will work.

Hayden Moss with a bandanna on looking up at something with a jungle behind on Survivor: Blood vs Water.

Image via CBS

Beyond that, the social interactions and personal stories have madeSurvivormust-see TV.

Especially in the New Era ofSurvivor, character arcs have had a stunning spotlight shined on them.

By focusing on the individuals beyond the game, it allows for visibility and representation to take form.

Boston Rob smiles widely with arms in the air after winning Immunity in Survivor: Redemption Island.

Image via CBS

You get the idea.

To get to the end, you must vote out your fellow castaways.

Welcome to the premiere reality television game show mechanic.

Sol Yi eliminated on Survivor 47 Episode 9 as Jeff Probst snuffs out his torch.

Image via CBS

For many, reality stars are “bigger” than Hollywood stars.

It’s the element of feeling similar, seeing themselves in that person.Survivorhas become a launchpad for reality careers.

Individualslike Cirie Fields, Parvati Shallow, andTony Vlachos have maintaineda life in the spotlight because of the show.

Richard and Rudy on the beach on ‘Survivor: Borneo.'

Image via CBS

When you think of reality stars, it all circle’s back to this show.

Especially an exit line.

It has become perhaps the most iconic exit line of all exit lines.

Jeff Probst stands next to Sue Hawk as she delivers her infamous snakes and rats speech on Survivor: Borneo.

Image via CBS

The list goes on and on.

We call them alliances.

Without Richard Hatch’s brilliant plan, the landscape of reality television strategy might look a bit different.

Reality TV

There’s not a team or solo game out there that doesn’t rely on alliances.

The success ofSurvivorallowedBig Brotherto take off that same summer.

Then cameThe Amazing Race.

Survivor

Keep Reading:Survivor and Deal or No Deal Island Are Embracing Whats Often Edited Out