From loved 2 time fan favorite to hated

[@OnceUponAnIsland]

You are a legend who is wildly entertaining on Survivor.

[@Sixersszn0]

I’m confused because I thought Russell was talking about your channel in the video

[@OnceUponAnIsland]

@@Sixersszn0 I thought so too initially, but everything he talks about has nothing to do with the story videos.

[@pianofixer898]

I also had this fear initially…Russell Hantz, you are a true game changer and, in my opinion, the greatest mistake that CBS ever made was not including you in season 34, survivor game changers. You are wildly entertaining, and the recent once upon an island content is a wonderful essay on your legacy that will likely introduce you to an entire new generation of fans.

[@BrettWolfe-o3t]

I'd like to see him go through your Rise, Fall and Destruction video sometime and give his reasoning for every "But why?" Lol

[@Thesportsmusicgod]

@@OnceUponAnIslandI do think he’s talking a bit about your channel

[@pianofixer898]

Russell, I want you to know that you still have loyal fans today. You played an aggressive game that was completely unheard of at the time and it changed survivor forever. You own up to the fact that in your first episode of Samoa, you made comments about the women on your tribe that are certainly problematic but I believe you that it was for the shock value and for a television audience in 2009 that is very different than the consumers today. You are a brilliant strategist (though you never nailed down how to make a jury like you) and you will always be in the Survivor hall of fame.

[@JacksonMeyer]

Well said main, this is about what I would have wrote as well. Russell is a legend, if he can learn from himself and realize that he didn't play a perfect game (as noted that he didn't understand the jury dynamic) he will be dominant in the LEGENDS season.

[@TheFalco9000]

You're a legend. Your team throwing a challenge in season 22 to vote you out was the most frustrating thing I've seen on Survivor.

[@v0idlociraptur3]

Made me sick, but given the tribe's fate during the season I was glad they got their come up ins. Like Russell said that season, "NEVER give Boston rob momentum." They could have learned a lot if they listened

[@emrakultpe]

The reason is the people who voted for fan favorite for a reality show in 2009 are not the same target demographic for survivor content made in 2023.

[@HotRoute7]

So sad, now it’s all made for the skinny-jeaned Starbucks hipsters

[@lance9249]

True Survivor turned to cater a smaller portion of its viewership and the ratings show it.

[@strangedays871]

That audience still exists though. They could bring back millions of viewers if they bring back some of the legends.

[@stinkypeterson7699]

People are too sensitive, Russel is one of the best ever survivor players of all time, as well as one of the most iconic. Even for people who didn’t like him, they loved to hate him, whether they realize it or not lol. He added so much to his seasons and he should’ve won the first season he played hands down.

[@swannoir]

You got me into watching Survivor, Russell. Someone asked me if I was watching during your first season. So I checked it out. Went back and watched the previous seasons and been watching since. You changed the game forever. Well-deserved fan favorite awards! Mad love

[@beeteecee618]

You my guy is the GOAT of survivor, you showed us how survivor is played!! I really love how you played it, it was entertaining and was so satisfying!! KING!

[@ZacharyMcCoy-lj9dj]

Can’t believe people would think of him as a bad person. My favorite survivor player hands down and tbh the best to ever do it haters gonna hate

[@SamuelCulper-h6s]

He's just an ass

[@luisjayson]

Rosell, I am one of those people who voted for you to be the fan favorite and still love you to this day. I think it wouldn't hurt you to accept some of these shows to get a little more exposure. Bring people to your channel to hear the truth. Big brother, house of villain, the traitor etc

[@ScottL1017]

There is only one King of Samoa and it’s Russell Hantz! s19 and s20 were so epic and are some of my favorite survivor memories. Had great times watching them and enjoying them with my brother too. You played hard and went all out 100%. Funny that so many bitter jury members who tried and failed to get you out can’t accept the fact they got outplayed so badly. Even Sandra in s20 saying her only goal was to get Russell out 😂 yet she gets points for that. The Jury’s were pathetic. Thanks for your entertaining and awesome play!

[@Littledaffodilgirl]

Russell Hantz… Hi and I just wanted to say… You ARE the best survivor who ever lived. I litterally would die for another season with you!! Your a true legend

[@EZ_Case]

You would lay down your life and die for a complete stranger? 🤨

[@KingHoop24]

Russel me and my dad both have massive respect for the way u play the game… like my dad always says it’s lonely at the top. There can be only one winner and then the winner is surrounded by losers who don’t want the actually best person to win because there not the best

[@CodCats]

yo man do a cast assessment video of the upcoming seasons, would love to see it!!! i was hoping you were gonna show up in the next season ;)

[@captainradio5894]

SEASON 50 NEEDS YOU. I just finished season 22 and I cannot believe you never returned. You’re a fantastic player and you properly tested the possibilities of aggressive play style. You answered questions we all had about the importance of the jury. I think if you go back the ratings would explode.

[@jroc00725]

My first season watching was your season and you’re the person who turned me into a fan,not so much these last seasons though,haven’t even watched the past two seasons. Much respect ✊🏻

[@ToriDTV]

The past 2 seasons aren't as bad as the most woke season to ever air... give it another chance. Still, there will never be players like Russel again. Not in this climate.

[@jroc00725]

@@ToriDTV 💯

[@Like_Elsa]

This man made it to final tribal two seasons in a row, nuff said!

[@christothecore3038]

Just got done watching all three of your seasons for the second time. Still to do this day by far my favorite survivor contestant. Man your third season gets me heated every time I watch it. Sorry you had to go out like that but regardless you’ll always be in my opinion the greatest to do it.

[@rmessy26]

Huge fan from Michigan! You have been my favorite Survivor player since the first moment I saw you playing the game. You are, by far, hands down, the best player to ever play the game. Loved watching you then and would love to watch you play again.

[@thatoscarguy9965]

I think I’ll always remember my favorite line of yours and hearing it the first time. “I just won. Boston Rob the super all star, he ain’t not know me” I was definitely rooting for you at that point and I am to this day.

[@teecakes]

ARE YOU GONNA BE IN SURVIVOR 50 PLEASE SIR 🙏

[@danieldunlap2471]

Bro, I love you. You're my favorite player. Always.

[@jrdnclassics7604]

Nah we love you Russell you’re the goat for real

[@DJAdams125]

Forgot that James also won fan favorite player twice. Both of y’all were fun to watch back then

[@bwd111]

After the new year sometime, would you like to go on rock radio here in Utah doing an interview?

[@bclproductionsmedia]

You are awesome Russell! You are the reason I started watching Survivor! Screw the haters!

[@rileywhite8003]

Hey Russell, please keep uploading on your channel! At least once a week for the fans. Love your videos man

[@angelito1D]

When I saw survivor samoa I loved your game, and honestly I never saw you as a villain, you seemed like the hero of the season, and although Natalie seems like an underrated winner to me, I think that victory was stolen from you. When I saw you in Heroes vs Villains I think that you behaved like a villain, in fact all the love I had for you in Samoa left me in Heroes vs Villains, I feel that in Redemption Island you should have changed your style of play, people knew you and it was certain that they would do whatever it took to get you out, personally I think that tribe was very stupid to let themselves get lost, expelling you was the downfall of Zapatera and the resurgence of Ometepe. In conclusion, I would like to see you for the fourth time, I am writing to you from Peru, I am a big fan of yours, your perfect game in Samoa and Heroes vs Villains will always remain in my mind.

[@ilbobisss]

You are the BEST that ever played and by far my favorite of all time. Survivor nowadays is a political a joke and none of these people could ever complete against you. From what I have learned about you through the years is that outside of the spotlight you are a super nice, caring and down to earth person. I support you and which you all the best! Best of luck to the King! Blessings to giu and your family 🙏🤗

[@dylanshepherd3213]

Rewatching season 20 rn, season 19 was the first season I ever watched as a kid. I didn’t really understand everything where I was so young but man re watching and seeing how slick you are is awesome. You was my favorite then and your my favorite now, truly the King of Survivor.

[@bwd111]

You did a great job on Survivor when I saw your episode for the first time I was like this is amazing and then I started watching more and more and more even though had started watching since 2011 I had never seen your seasoned you're awesome

[@gregbrown4486]

You are the GOAT 🐐 and should have won cause you did outwit.. outlast and out played the competition. You Sir are a beast!!! You need to come on for another season

[@mrjollyguy25]

Russell, you're always going to be one of Survivor's most iconic and infamous villains. Your gameplay made for some riveting television, but of course as time goes on, as with anyone, your gameplay will be scrutinized again and again so future players learn from it. You are a master strategist and manipulator and idol hunter, yet your social game had always been lacking, which cost you the win both times you made it to the end. This dichotomy is precisely why you're always being talked about. Hold your head up, you're a legend.

[@crossroads2361]

You’re definitely my favorite player, knew how to play the game to win america over. Sometimes it’s not just about winning the game but winning the audience, you know how to do that.

[@SlayerPDX]

No lol, rob knew how to do that

[@StolenGamerz]

They need to let you return to the game man wtf you are a legend, I just went back and watched season 19,20 & 22

[@Jobe826]

I love you Russell! Survivor wouldn't be what it is today without you. I would love to see you play again, maybe for 50.

[@perfectnumber7783]

Your a LEGEND Russle!!!! Hands down Favorte Player!

[@justachannel8498]

You changed survivor for me and my husband. We love you and think you are the BEST player ever. Yes, EVER. We went back and watched all the seasons and you are still THE BEST PLAYER hands down.

[@JDoradoTube]

Did Russell delete his video talking about Traitors and house of villains?

[@Daqtor]

could u cover traitors? itd be insane if u ever were to go on that show youd kill it, but yea could u do recaps for the traitors we’d love it

[@jackmac9502]

I’m not really sure where the hate is coming from or who is giving you hate but NOBODY can deny that you are a legend. Nobody can say you’re a bad player either. I was 8 years old when you first played and I thought you were a polarizing figure and player. keep your head up, stay humble and be kind.

[@tamedape9609]

YOURE A BEAST!!! my favorite player

[@BrettWolfe-o3t]

Thanks for making a video Russ! Hadn't seen you in a while. Glad to see you're doing ok

[@Plumoe]

You’re a legend Russell. I’ll always remember you as an iconic game changing player. But your refusal to adjust your gameplay in the later seasons was so frustrating to watch, as I wanted you to succeed, but you just kept making unnecessary enemies and getting yourself on the wrong side of the numbers. Season 19 you should have won, but you didn’t because you misread what the cast valued. The title of sole survivor is decided by the jury, and you just refused to show them any respect. I personally agree you should have won. But watching back seasons 19 and 20, I can see why the jury didn’t vote for you. Hope to see you play again, and see some real character growth - with less ego, and more respect for your opponents (even if they don’t deserve it). Cheers for all the entertainment mate.

[@wavvio734]

You’re a legend bro. Would you ever go back one more time? I would watch!!!!

[@Yenchy]

I agree. Russell should go back. And maybe even change the way he plays a little to secure the win this time 💪

[@loganbicknell]

You gotta run it back 1 more time. I just watched redemption island for the first time and that hit me hard when they threw the challenge to get you out. Your Samoa and HVV seasons were fantastic as well. I just don’t think ending on that redemption island season is the best way for you to go out.

[@majorzally24]

Russell you are by far the greatest player to watch of all time in my opinion. Tony is pretty close as well. You’re a legend

[@hotelmario]

Tony is close, but Russell laid the groundwork and the blueprint.

[@PrincessStarwberry]

From Dubai here, everyone loved you and adored you in my community. Hands down one of the best players who changed what survivor is. If i want to recommend a season for any player to watch its yours, and its what got me to watch survivor to begin with and i have been loyal ever since. Ofc you’ll get positive feedback here, we would love to see you play again. I didnt watch willie but i watched Branden and meh nothing against him but no.. that was bad.. Season 19 and 20 you should have won, the only reason you lost is a bitter jury not a better player. Yeah you could be more friendly to people but like, jury shouldnt be too sensitive. Rob is so boring and his season was filled with sheep. His play style is so irritating similar to a cult with brain dead people.. your tribe did the right thing to get you out because if you stay you would have won, take it as a compliment that they actually threw to get you out.. best player in history i dont blame them. I hope you accept offers and play again in any show, we love you and we will continue to watch and support. I dont use reddit its for boring people, you shouldnt look at it as well and believe the shit they say. Let jeff do a voting to cast for survivor and show reddit people who’s boss.

[@disconabisco2234]

Russell, what do you think of this season? A lot better than the other recent ones no?

[@TheRebelDog]

Would you ever consider going on a future season of House of Villains? I think you would excel and be crowned America's Super Villain!

[@OnceUponAnIsland]

Agreed, Russell would be perfect for House of Villains. Put Coach on there too!

[@TheRebelDog]

@@OnceUponAnIslandI would pay money to see them play! Wildly entertaining tv!

[@TheRebelDog]

Also, I follow Randy on Twitter and even he said he would be interested in playing which is just wild.

[@Melvinshermen]

@@TheRebelDog yeah season 2 get both Russell and Willie hantz on house of villian.

[@guybrushthreepwood7811]

Hi Russel. I want to start by saying I’m not a hardcore fan of yours, but I’ve never been a hater either. I very much enjoyed your runs in Seasons 19 and 20. I stumbled onto this channel out of curiosity and have listened to your videos for a couple months. Normally I would not throw out my feedback for no reason because who am I? You’re a celebrity and I’m not, but you’ve asked for it here and I think you’re being genuine, so I want to respond in kind. First, I want to say that I can tell that this video is coming from a place of hurt. You feel as though a community has turned its back on you and cast you aside, and though you can handle it because that’s who you are, it still does eat away at you a bit. I totally understand this feeling as on multiple occasions during my life, I’ve had to wrestle with former friends discarding me. Your case is of course much more far reaching in scope, but along the same lines. I see you, I feel for you, and I respect you a lot. That being said, I don’t think the way you have handled yourself in the past has been perfect. You admit that yourself in this video and I can see that you have legitimately tried to improve your life. The problem I see is that you have improved your life, but you have not improved into the type of person CBS wants to portray anymore. As the times have shifted, for better or worse, the media landscape has changed, and the casting department no longer looks for good villains for the show. That’s what you have been, a good villain. But I don’t think that you are evil in real life, though people who have only watched the show might assume that. You have been arrogant and smug and loose-lipped, but you aren’t a bad person. Perhaps the show and the fame went to your head and inflated your ego. That is to be expected. The only way I see for you to mend your relationship with the network is to step back and try to compromise. The real Russel and Russel from Survivor are two different people. One is flesh and blood and the other is a sensationalized character you portray. In muddying that distinction, others can do damage they don’t intend. In the same way though, I think you must realize that Jeff Probst is also two people: the real Jeff and Jeff from Survivor. The things you have said about Jeff and about Survivor have probably wounded him in the same way that the things people say about you wound you. But his character isn’t a Survivor player, it’s the host. And especially since taking over as executive producer, Jeff really needs to portray that role at all times. He doesn’t have the luxury of taking off the mask, because in essence he IS Survivor. If Probst says controversial things or speaks his mind, his head is way more on the chopping block than yours is. I think a good first step in compromise is cutting the show a little bit of slack. They have tried to evolve the show they love, and whether or not it worked, their intentions have always been good. On Samoa and HvV, and to a lesser extent your other seasons, you played a very aggressive game, and an incredible game. You were dominant the whole time, and while you said some things that did not earn you points, they were part of the sensationalized Russel character that CBS does not want anymore. I do not think that you played as great a game as you think you did, and I think that Natalie and Sandra deserved their wins for one simple reason: you had poor jury management. It really is your greatest downfall, because you are a very clever player otherwise. If you had played the same games, but focused on making more genuine connections, I truly think that you would have gotten enough votes to win. And while getting to the end is important, it is that which determines whether or not you played a good game at the end: whether or not you have earned enough votes. There is a clear path to your playing again that I can see and I would encourage you to take it because I would love to watch. Hell, I’ve submitted an app this past year to play, so maybe I’ll have the pleasure of taking you down on a Fans vs. Favorites haha. The path is this-first, acknowledge your failings publicly, and show you are willing to change. If CBS sees this, then they will be more likely to contact you. Then, create a NEW sensationalized Russel Hantz. We’ve seen the old Russel play before, we know what we’re getting. Offer CBS a new style of play, such as a redemption arc, because that would be something everybody, including Probst would love. Play a different game entirely. Instead of raw aggression, focus on social play. That could actually work because once someone has made it to the end one way, the people you’re playing against will understand you enough to counter your moves. If your competitors see a different Russel than the one they knew (especially a sandbag pre-merge like Tony in WaW) they are more likely to keep you around. CBS is far more likely to put you on if you offer them something they haven’t seen before. Season 50 will almost certainly be Legends, and I want to see you there. If you’ve read all this way, I hope you know that I think you’re awesome. If the critiques were not welcome, I am sorry, but I hope somehow this comment can help you going forward. Keep trucking.

[@Myhair_010]

Honestly, i think it really just comes down to whether people can appreciate both the "hero way" of winning and the "villian way" of winning. You have always played a great game, but i think some people have a mindset like "you can win without being villainous" but not all people can win immunities lile ozzy. A perfect example of this would be the season where officer sarah, troyjan, and brad Culpeper are the finalists. Brad won immunities and was more of a "hero" but Officer sarah played a better game overall as a "villian"

[@thelittlefish559]

I need to see you play again!

[@bright6155]

ayy we love you here! your passion for the game was so clear and it showed

[@4th_and_Goal-CWALT]

I truly feel you were the first 2 time winner. People on the jury couldn’t separate their feeling from facts of gameplay! Survivor has lost their way imo

[@neverlucky1352]

They way you played the game you gonna get hate and love bro, its just how it is, but you are still the top 10 the best player in the history of Survivor who have ever played the game, hope you will come back and destroy it on season 50.

[@chowie65]

The recent cast of survivor could not play the old school game…

[@catskills8553]

Agreed, they’re so whiny and overly sensitive

[@danielkornja6120]

THE most Over-Hated Survivor Player in the History of the game. It's Sad to Know that People Won't Give him the Respect he Deserves Because people Hate him Over a GAME

[@matthewberby8200]

You're fine bruh. One of the top legends.

[@Scarface615]

Firstly, Id like to say thank you for all you have done on survivor and also on KZbin. I am truly one of your biggest fans and appreciate you making my childhood awesome. I'll always be one of your biggest admirers and defenders. As for why I believe some people may dislike you are for the following reasons below Your reputation from survivor (they think what they see on screen is the way you actually are in real life) You not being politically correct at times People often feel like you are arrogant and still bitter about survivor You often get into fights on twitter with people like Wendell, Carolyn and Sandra Something about you scamming people on fantasy football You being outspoken and giving your opinion on modern day survivor

[@LiamP589]

Pretty much summed all the issues up here. I'm a fan Russell, but the internet exposes your flaws.

[@snobey]

To be honest, I watched 12 seasons so far, and I like them all, but still find Samoa as my favourite. Very memorable, great players, and great moments (especially idol play or final challange)

[@unicornrainbow4760]

Russels gameplay was fun in the moment but having no redeeming qualities doesnt age well. Its actually quite bring and one dimensional in retrospect. He made 0 actual connections.

[@ninjahotdog9036]

Russell, please make your return to KZbin. You need to talk about Bhanu’s performance from Season 46. I think you’ll have a LOT to say.

[@unicornrainbow4760]

I would love to see our favorite "bandy legged troll" return for fifty. Hahaha

[@ThePalawanian]

hello host new subscriber love your honesty

[@LTStealthAIR]

No bs I'm your biggest fan bud, loved the way you played the game, but unfortunately we got a weak society that doesn't like your strong controversial opinions or "how you treated people" in the game etc. People don't like cocky/confident/controversial types, especially in these days. It's all about fluffing each other up and all being equal and treating each other right and don't be passionate about anything, or trying to win, it's all about sad sap stories and participation trophys and going along with the flyweight opinions. The ONLY negative thing I have to say about you is all the talk about you ghosting people on paying them for fantasy football. I was in one of your leagues one year and ended up coming in 3rd I believe and was 1 point or so away from making finals and i would have scored more points than the guy that won in the finals and you apparently screwed him over by not paying him or paying him the full amount.. and the fact that it was so close to having been me and if you woulda been ghosting me on paying me for winning especially because I was so happy to be talking to you and joining a league of yours obviously having been a huge fan, that woulda really soured my love and respect for you man, and still kinda does the fact that you did it and there was others out there saying you did it as well in other years running leagues. That's the lowest of low to do that, people trust when they join those leagues that the commissioner is gonna be reliable and do right by the people that join and everyone trusts you being fans of yours and assuming your a stand up guy. So that definitely doesn't help your character outside of the game.

[@Thesportsmusicgod]

He should go to jail for that

[@paulhamj6175]

​@Thesportsmusicgod are you kidding? You dont know or have a jot of evidence yet you say that!? Get a grip!

[@linvi_chemutai]

I've met people with this character in real life. Wearing a mask to get sympathy or as you call it "an edge" They dont believe they would be liked for themselves hence invent pitiful stories eg"death of your dog" Its narcissistic. I truly believe in Survivor just like the outside world, people can sense genuineness and being sincere no matter your flaws, is very attractive. If you won survivor based on people feeling sorry for a fake story, it would have ruined the game for most.

[@FoldGishy]

Its also funny how I can’t name like a single person in the “new era” of survivor 😂 but people from years ago are fresh in my mind

[@judomaster1703]

Hi Russel huge fan, just found this channel. i think that the edit on your seasons helped you be a fan favorite, meanwhile your game play was epic, and for that you deserve a spot on mount rushmore. that said you have struggled to read a room. You might have been able to beat natalie if you read the jury better, and everyone wanted you to show compassion to brandon at his show. we all felt watching that he was spiraling and needed support and you did crush him. i think that moment hurt you more than anything. during the pandemic people got real bored rewatched seasons (obviously the best ones...yours), forgot that hindsight is 20-20 then came up with their own podcasts grading peoples games, where they have called you a goat, and it has gotten traction. you are my favorite survivor of all time, and i thought you deserved to beat natalie, not as badly as you thought you won though, and i think u matched parvaty in the best season of all time. I hope you don't let the opinions of trolls bother you, and i think 2 things could fix this real quick. a shout out to nat, that she really worked that other tribe right at the merge, and knew to stick woth you, and if that was enough she did it well. and maybe something so we know your looking out for your nephew brandon. Much Love to ya!

[@matthewplotnick750]

You will always be my favourite Survivor player to ever play the game. And I know many other people would say the same.

[@giovannamaza561]

AMIGO...CUANDO VEO LA TV ☺️ ALAS 4PM X CANAL 21. EN PERÚ...ES PARA VERTE Y ESCUCHARTE...ME ENCANTA VERTE..🤭REALMENTE QUIERO Q SEAS ASI...COMO TE MUESTRAS N LA TV...SALUDOS..GIOVI D PERÚ

[@frankgar2779]

You will always be one of the great and the biggest game changer man

[@merlinsenthil]

Russell, hope you read this. I think you are one of the best players in the game of survivor, especially in strategy and finding idols. I think using many of the tactics you did can be valid when it’s a game you’re playing to win. But I think you have overlooked aspects of the game that led to your loss and the respect of newer and older fans. All games have rules, which make the game playable (this includes lying and backstabbing in survivor). But it also includes jury management. You knew before entering the game that to win the title you had to win the jury, and like you did in smaller ways at other times, you could have been more strategic in winning their vote. Even if you were faking it entirely, you could’ve tricked them into liking you if that what you gotta do to win. And you seemed like someone that would do anything to win, right? That would include being willing to change, adapt, be someone else - play not just to YOUR strengths but to whatever you had to do to win. Honestly, I don’t think I can say you deserved to win, because calculating all the factors that were in play, you didn’t… but I think you really could have won, maybe even twice! You really are a fascinating and talented player, but I think your ego got the best of you too many times and that led to you loses the game and fans. To answer your question directly, our world is much more hyper sensitive to things these days, so your ego and bullying in the game is only going to be looked down upon more as time passes. I think that is really the reason you may be seeing the decline of your fans. We have also seen other players like Tony be very deceitful and lie, yet still win the hearts of the jury, so we know that can be done. You can be a ruthless strategist and still get people to like you. Obviously, you still did get many fans to like you, but think that seeing you play again and again without seeing real growth in character and in your own gameplay has made fans lose interest and even turn on you. You may disagree with all this. Obviously there’s a lot that can be argued about. But I’m just addressing your gameplay here. I think you’re a great player, but you could’ve been better. You not wanting to admit that (if that’s the case) only solidifies your ego as a weakness. I am a Christian man that sees weakness as a great strength, because we must see how weak we truly are as humans to realize God’s greatness and our need for Christ. It’s in seeing this weakness that we can truly gain and unshakable strength. Being blinded by our own weakness and pride is the destruction of true greatness. Being honest and humble about our weaknesses is what actually makes us better and stronger. I would have loved to see you become stronger and better… and maybe win! I don’t know your personal life, but I hope this is an encouragement to your gameplay and personal life as well.

[@pladampa]

I didn't know you were getting hate. I liked watching you on survivor and how you played. I haven't watched it since but if you were to be on another season I'd watch again. Don't feed the trolls Russell.

[@MrRjl]

Russell, you're one of the best to have ever played survivor to this day. I don't know about the shows you're talking about,never seen them, nor would I watch them. Don't worry about Brandon or Willy, just be who you are.

[@Insulindependantfati]

Is this about the Once Upon an Island video?

[@Thesportsmusicgod]

Yep it is

[@joeys5748]

Russ you're the man. The best to ever play. Fuck the haters

[@dancegregorydance6933]

Russell you still have fans. You will always be my favorite Survivor player.

[@franciscooropeza551]

The king of the idols

[@v0idlociraptur3]

My favourite player upon first watch and that remains true over a decade later. Seen every season and watch your uploads as well; there are some great ideas in the comment section as to why public opinion may have shifted; essentially its the climate of the culture, and Im sure thewinds will blow again in your favour

[@v0idlociraptur3]

Given Jeffs involvement of the show if you spoke of what you like and promote in the new model of Survivor opposed to solely yourgripes that we share, he may rally in your favour a bit more. Despite what the general consensis is in terms of favourable qualities, nobody could debate what a strategic and entertaining game you played, each time. Wish you luck, success and happiness, brother. Hope to see you involved in the show again, a lot of the changes in the game could be attributed to how you hacked and dominated the old Survivor template

[@joshfereday3093]

Russell, You're a Good Person What you on the 3 Seasons of Survivor Was Just for the Show, and they Can't Blame you of What Happened to Willie and Brandon your Still a Legend and Fan Favorite and I'm Going to Put you on a Brantsteele Survivor Season.

[@ricepatty69]

Youre still my favorite player of all time.

[@kevinkiely8331]

If you're reading this Russell Hantz, I think that you do not get nearly enough credit as a former player as you deserve. When I heard Eric on survivor samoa, ridicule you for just playing the game, or in his words "an unethical game", my hands immediately became fists because I felt like you didn't deserve any of that negative jury feedback from him or from anyone else on that hostile jury. And so to put it in your words, you should have won your first season of survivor. You have always been my number one favorite former player.

[@robynrodgers5839]

Russel you promised to watch and comment on the current season. You let a lot of us down. What happened???

[@dancegregorydance6933]

It’s a pretty average season with 2 quits

[@jamesriegel13]

You are my favorite Survivor player I thought you played the game great I saw nothing wrong with how you played the game

[@davidshaker2072]

You're my favorite player of all-time. You should try to be on The Traitors if they do a season 3

[@darrylflinch5274]

It would be hilarious if you got on the "Dancing with the Stars" show. All I know you definitely was/is entertaining. I like the trips you took with your son. That was a cool segment on your KZbin

[@steph5804]

Russ, we love you. S22 was the worst season of all time because of how dirty they did you.

[@demonbadger86]

I didn't watch the third season you were on... but you made the other two seasons you were on watchable imo.

[@Lewis.Linnchannel]

I have nothing against you at all. I guess the only thing that kind of hurt is how you reacted after Brandon’s season 19. To me, I felt like he played an honorable game and I felt sick the way he got voted out, but I think he deserves some credit for how far he went in the game using integrity and how he lived out his faith. I still love your immunity idol play in Somoa and it’s my favorite move ever, I loved seeing everyone and how shocked they were. The build up to it was fantastic too.

[@Gryphon129]

People have the right to feel how they want. I love Russel & his game even while not sharing his politics. Most people can’t separate the 2.

[@jbca]

You and your family were always held in contempt by most fans. The only thing that changed is you became infinitesimally more self-aware of it.

[@mayzeis907]

You are my favorite and you the number’s 1 ever play the game in survivor, can you please go back play

[@bwd111]

They need to bring Mark Burnett back

[@bwd111]

A few days ago this post- Anyone else feel like Jeff doesn’t get Survivor? prompted great comments (1287 upvotes!).... and got me to thinking about what a genius Mark Burnett is at creating characters for his "reality" series shows.

[@thomascolabella5757]

Alright Russell as an old Survivor fan I'll level with you. The game needs people like you. In retrospect I see how you lost and what didn't work but your strategy pushed Survivor into a new era. I don't think you're all bad, you were highly entertaining. A true villan is something that has been missing from the game for awhile now and it's sorely needed. With this being said the producers and community want to be squeaky clean in this social environment and that's where the "Russell Bad" narrative comes from. You aren't the problem, just the most notable example of an era when the game was far dirtier and in a way more real. Sure there were a lot of problematic elements back then but it was a lot more entertaining than the feel good fest Survivor has turned into. Jessee and Carla from 43 were the closest we've gotten to a return to golden era style players.

[@ToriDTV]

Good point

[@user-cc7ho4ce9z]

Behind Tony, best player ever! Single best performance season 19. 20 is top 5.

[@archiet907]

Dude you are fxcking awesome! i just watched you get voted out on your 3rd season. i gotta watch it again...hold up...yep. You said you wanted to Bxtch-slap every single one of them. Dude! You rule! Thanks Going in 4 a third

[@maximoforte9463]

Brother, I know exactly how you feel. No one knows your pain more than me, I totally get it. But the difference between you and me is that you actually have plenty of fans who love you and think you're one of if not the best survivor player ever. But the only reason people say you'll never play again is because Survivor is now trying to act like the first 40 seasons never happened in the first place

[@bryce7588]

Russell you are the survivor GOAT, if survivor will have you again please play. I was watching season 22 for the first time and I was sick to my stomach to see how you got out I had to stop watching. You need to get back in there and give em hell

[@ChuckFinsUp]

i promise ya russ, everyone misses you on the show

[@ToriDTV]

The show is made for fruit loops now

[@RoflPoet]

Russel, I believe you're genuine about wanting some feedback. I have been a Russel loyalist since I first saw you play and will always defend your game play. My fandom for you grew after I discovered this channel but it leaves a bad taste in my mouth when you promise things that you don't deliver on. It seems like there's a pattern whenever you're involved in some drama, you run from us and lay low despite promising continued coverage. Your true fans don't really care about drama. We don't care to pick a side. I don't even care about what's going on. We just want your insight about game play because we value it. When you come back 4 months later, you don't really address that you broke promises to your loyal fans. But instead you announce that you're making all your vids members only. We still love you but we wish you were more consistent or at least finish what you start.