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.
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What happens if you find a Hidden Immunity Idol?
Do you tell anyone?
Is throwing a challenge beneficial to your tribe?
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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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The list goes on.
Certainly not every twist is beloved by the fans.
Not every twist will work.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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.
Keep Reading:Survivor and Deal or No Deal Island Are Embracing Whats Often Edited Out