Let us count the ways.
35 Reasons to LoveSurvivorin Honor of the 35th Season
It changed the face of television.
TV in the United States had never seen anything like it.
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Its difficult to watch… and yet you cannot look away.Fear Factorowes its entire existence to theSurvivorfood challenge.
Jeff Probst: The Hostmaster General
Hosting anything is difficult.
Now imagine hosting in a tropical storm.
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Or in 118-degree heat.
Or when you are getting pulverized by a wave.
Jeff Probst has to handle both the contestants and the elements and does so with amazing composure and aplomb.
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Which brings us to the time inMarquesaswhen John Carroll demanded that someone pee on his hand.
I need someone who can pee on my hand!
This was the first of many examples of dramatic Tribal Council endings that extended beyond a mere vote.
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It was the ultimatewho wants it more?challenge.
Ultimately, Brian Heidik wanted it the most, winning both the challenge and the season.
Jonny Fairplays Dead Grandma
The loved ones visit onSurvivoris usually responsible for more tears than a Pixar film festival.
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It was the ultimate vote delivery system, until…
11.
The fact that there are surprises and controversial decisions (Amber over Rob?
Michele over Aubry?)
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If he wants to lay his torch down, so it shall be.
And so it was.
Wanda and Jonathans early ouster may have been harsh.
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It may have been brutal.
But what else should we expect from the game ofSurvivor?
TheGuatemalaHike From Hell
ThinkSurvivors easy?
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The poor souls ofGuatemalahad to start their season with a brutal 11-mile race through the jungle in blazing heat.
Bobby Jon Drinkards eyes rolling back in his head remains a haunting yet powerful image.
And, of course, hidden immunity idols have led to…
19.
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Although perhaps not so hilarious if your name is Jason Siska or Eliza Orlins.
The Mutiny
Cook Islandsstarted off with a cringe-inducing concept (with tribes separated by ethnicity) and mediocre gameplay.
Just one problem: Neither of them could make fire.
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And then they STILL couldnt make fire!
Sundra eventuallyran out of matches, and Becky won in the funniest five minutes inSurvivorhistory.
TheSurvivorCar Curse
Only onSurvivorcould winning a free car be abadthing.
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Just one problem: Nobody who won the car ever went on to win the game.
Dreamz reneged on his side of the deal, and neither won the million dollars.
It was also the last time the show had a car reward.
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Perhaps that is for the best.
By the way, did he pay taxes on that car?)
Jeff Probst Looks Down at His Feet When He Tells Players to ‘Come On In, Guys!’
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I dont know why he does it.
I have no clue what he’s looking at.
Wanna know what youre playing for?…
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Immunity is back up for grabs… Got nothing for you… Youve got to DIG DEEP!
Put them all on your Probst Bingo card and see who wins next time the show airs.
Chet: I hit my head.
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Joel: I dont care.
Chet: I know.
Its just one example of the head-scratching decisions that fuel endless Thursday morning quarterbacking.
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Ozzy Lusths edition after being blindsided inMicronesiaremains a classic.
Quite simply, on top of everything else,Survivoris a stunning spectacle.
The Medallion of Power
Yes, the Medallion of Power.Survivorhas had numerous exciting twists.
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The Medallion of Power isnotone of them.
These examples where players get to interact with the local culture around them are always welcome.
For the other 1,300+ days, they have been left to suffer.
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Jeff Probsts Orange Baseball Hat
Its been a long, winding road when it comes to Jeff ProbstsSurvivorheadwear.
Its a move I fully endorse, issuing an #OrangeHatAlert every time he rocks the choicest of chapeaus.
ButSurvivorhas no such problem because every season brings a new cast and new concept.
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If one season goes south, no problem!
Thats because theres a reset button waiting just around the corner.
In fact,Survivorhas a history of following sub-par seasons with stellar ones.AmazonfollowedThailand.PalaufollowedVanuatu.ChinafollowedFiji.
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It also means you’ve got the option to drop in or out at any time.
Some would consider it sacrilege to change it in any way.
But thats exactly what producers did last season.
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35. Who Knows What Happens Next?
It is just as vital as ever.
Personally, I cant wait to find out.
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