The Biggest Face Turns in Survivor History

What is it about Survivor that brings out the worst in people? Oh, right, the starvation and paranoia.
/ idoled_out
Music: Silent Partner - New Tires
*also Dan's shoes were $1,600, my mistake

[@ryanklima791]

Honorable mention: Jay from Millennials vs Gen X. Part of the cocky cool kids alliance, spearheaded the ice cold blindside Michaela, and ate stolen food with Taylor. But he hung around as an underdog for a long time and had a great heart-to-heart with Adam on the hammock, an emotional high point in a season full of emotional moments.

[@969thepwner]

Jay makes MvGX not a bottom tier season for me

[@IdoledOut]

Totally agree, Jay is such a bright spot in that season, What a great dude! I've been mulling over a "Survivor's best frenemies" video inspired by Jay and Adam, but having trouble coming up with others that fit the bill enough to warrant a full top 5. If there's anyone else you all think would be fitting for that, lemme know!

[@roger_towny_jr]

@@IdoledOut Frenemies: How about The Rockstar Alliance Nick and Mike from David vs Goliath. They didn't always see eye to eye game wise, but were still pretty tight. Spencer and Kass in Second Chance might fit this as well. Michelle and Stacey in Fiji. Philip and Ralph in Redemption Island. Sophie and Albert in South Pacific.

[@DircyaT.Rubino]

@@IdoledOut Parvati and Russell could count. They were in a formidable alliance, but distrust grew between them when they started to keep secrets from each other. Also, Parvati and Jerri. They hated each other before Russell brought them together, and Jerri ended up voting for Parv in the end.

[@ryanklima791]

David and Wentworth’s feud/friendship was one of my favorite parts of EoE-they were constantly trying to get each other out but also willing to work together when the situation called for it.

[@roger_towny_jr]

Just want to clarify the whole skateboard situation: When Production first called Robb about being on the show and told him he had to bring a luxury item, his first choice was actually a football. But Production said No because Rob Mariano already brought a football as his luxury item on the previous season, Marquesus, and they didn't want two contestants both named Rob bringing the same luxury item back to back. So then Robb asked if he can bring a pen and paper so he can write. Production says No again, because someone else brought a journal. So at that point Production just tells him to list things off in his room, and he's like, "well I got a lamp, a clock, a photo, a skateboard, and_" And Production immediately jumps on that and is like "OOOOH! Bring the skateboard. That'll be cool!" So yeah, thanks to Boston Rob of all people, Robb Z has to look like the freaking moron who brought a skateboard to the beach.

[@IdoledOut]

I gotta give props to production on this point though, a skateboard at the beach is just so Robb Z it hurts.

[@teamsteed1]

I was wondering about that.

[@teamsteed1]

@@IdoledOut Yeah he couldn't ride it because of the sand.

[@queenzoroark]

Thanks Jake and Boston Rob, you just trolled Robb Z

[@NYChica23]

And he also asked if he could bring a Frisbee, but production said no, because someone else on the season was bringing one

[@cheesymonkey6221]

It's always shocked me how people just kinda forgot Holly went insane and by the end she was well-respected

[@freddytang2128]

Im sure we've all thrown a temper tantrum and did something we later regret, especially if you're sleep deprived and starving

[@adamsbriee6330]

I always assumed her and Sash were the biggest villains of the Nicaragua regardless of their edits

[@voodoomcspaghettipants4082]

@@adamsbriee6330 I feel like early on it was Holly because people found her crazy but later on Sash became the villain due to his transactional and soul-less playstyle

[@brokenpikachu9491]

I loved Holly the entire season

[@lvl6humancleric216]

Couldn't stand Holly.

[@brokenpikachu9491]

If you bring very expensive shoes on Survivor, you’re basically asking for them to get ruined. Holly took the savage route

[@pacific_productions]

Just want to clarify the Chet situation: - Chet's coral actually also caused an infection and he would've been pulled from the game directly after tribal if he hadn't been voted out, production just didn't want to medevacs in a row so they said stay for the vote. He was going no matter what and they just kept him in the further propel the favorites position. Poor Chet it was probably really painful.

[@freddytang2128]

I always wondered, how does anyone get a piece of coral in their foot?

[@pacific_productions]

@@freddytang2128 i surf a lot lmao so I can explain. When there like a lot of impact it goes right through your foot cuz your finger is less harder to bite than a carrot, to put it in comparison how easy it is to cut your foot open.

[@noahs5636]

Dang, Micronesia is a much more dangerous season than meets the eye. James, Penner, Chet technically, and Kathy’s mental breakdown quit! Second only to Kaoh Rong of course with Caleb, Neal, and Joe evacuations as well as would-be evacuations for many of the voted out players.

[@roger_towny_jr]

@@noahs5636 honestly Micronesia is the most compromised season in the history of Survivor. Everything from Johnny Fairplay quitting cause of a concussion from getting socked in the face weeks prior, to Kathy quitting, and Chet, Penner, and James all leaving for medical reasons.

[@noahs5636]

@@roger_towny_jr yeah it’s definitely the most compromised season but I’d say Kaoh Rong was the most dangerous season. Virtually everyone on that season had really bad infections and a handful of the players that got voted out would’ve been medivaced had they not gotten voted out (in addition to the 3 medivacs)

[@willheikes8755]

Later on Robb realizes that the important things in life aren’t making money and getting wasted. It’s family, and getting wasted. My all time favorite line on this channel

[@craigresendes2403]

Jerri’s three season arc is definitely the best Face turn ever, but in terms of single-season arcs these are all fantastic! I remember feeling so bad for Penner during his medevac.

[@gadjman]

Predicting Robb as 1st place has been the only upside I've gotten from watching Survivor: Thailand.

[@IdoledOut]

Hey there's also great moments like, hmm... well, I'll get back to you on that

[@queenzoroark]

Attack zone is a great moment...just it. Only Helen's confessional in episode 2 is a highlight from Thailand, the rest is just dead.

[@krzysztofa.848]

Really don't understand hate Thailand season gets... I have enjoyed it a lot. IMO Brian was dominant winner. Dont care what happened off the island.

[@simonbrady3899]

Penner is also one of my favourites. One of the most unique and intriguing contestants of all time.

[@IdoledOut]

Love Penner - one of the GOAT characters ever on this show

[@andrewpratt8081]

Don't forget, he's hilarious.

[@shesjustafrienduhhafriend8655]

I like his accent too

[@BrettMKW]

I do have to point out that Chet’s injury was very real and he had surgery on it before flying back to the states. Just giving credit where credit is due.

[@junkerinhistrunker]

Kathy Vavrick Obrien sank and then swam so that Holly could sink then swim

[@NYChica23]

I'm surprised Kathy wasn't on this list, because I always saw her as the original Holly in terms of being the tribe outcast at first, but slowly integrated into Rotu and eventually became the breakout player of the season

[@a.jdeets5527]

Holly’s arc alone makes Nicaragua a solid season. I’ve never understood the hate it gets.

[@lizwilcoxsad]

Agree! I really liked that season!

[@shesjustafrienduhhafriend8655]

People didnt really care for it cause it was right after heroes vs villians one of the best seasons but i liked it to soo

[@maxlolbits2182]

For me it's a season that I really want to respect, and it really had the assets to be a fun and chill season as a break from the endless strategy. But for me having to get through all the NaOnka stuff was a slog, and by the time she's gone the season's already almost over.

[@burnout713]

It was the first season after the golden age of seasons 12-20, so I also hated it at the time. In hindsight, though, it is pretty solid.

[@anaj835]

"It's family and getting wasted."

[@matthewbadger6212]

A video... about Rory... I’ve never seen anything so beautiful 🥺

[@kalebstuckey570]

As soon as we met Rory, my first thought was “great, another socially unaware loud mouth.” Then he turned into a funny Carl Winslow. The best part is his wife told him to keep his mouth shut and not be himself.

[@TransparentEclipse]

I love ur vids, honestly I’ve watched many, many survivor channels and ur humor is just unmatched. The only person who comes close is peridiam, who I also love, but I prefer this. Keep it up

[@datdom000]

Wow Luke! This vid was hilarious and informative, yours are always well done but this one was especially great 😁 Keep up the quality work and much love from Canada 🇨🇦

[@IdoledOut]

Much appreciated!

[@brooka955]

Jerri went from one of the survivors I hated the most to one of my favourites, love her now

[@juniper665]

In the commentary for Vanuatu, Ami said that Rory would take the machete on post swap Yasur and disappear for hours at a time leaving the tribe unable to pretty much do anything.

[@thenightowldude]

Holly's redemption arc in Nicaragua is the best thing about that trainwreck of a season.

[@yo9301]

Dude just found your channel, your content is amazing, really interesting and you clearly know you sht, keep it up

[@huntergreene4344]

Buff dog meme sent me 😂😂

[@bobgray6498]

I loved Rory. I love when people ask a question and then answer it themselves. I do that myself 😄😄😄 Robb's story-arc is so moving, especially his last tribal council

[@tengurius3464]

I really like Jonathan Penner, he was such a great character and player, honestly should've won his third time, but foolishly decided not to make a final 3 deal.

[@SmoothCriminal12]

I also think that had Skupin and Lisa not flipped on Pete and voted Malcom, that couldve also helped Penner's odds.

[@markhighfield6669]

I love your videos, but I just finished catching up on Australian Survivor and I think you should do more videos that include that series!!

[@huntergreene4344]

Do top 10-20 best looking Immunity Idols

[@brackbrackerhd6006]

Joking right

[@kellydaunis]

Great idea

[@igorsteinberg3533]

Bring back Robb and the ATTACK ZONE!

[@Mr.Jacket]

Tv tropes actually calls it Heel-Face turn. As in the Heel (Bad guy wrestling) turns to Face (Good guy/Hero wrestling). There's also Face-Heel turn which the good guy goes bad. And the Face-Heal revolving door in which the they change sides constantly.

[@owengette8089]

Call me crazy, but I'd even consider Sean. He was never quite a villain, but he certainly got more heroic as the season went forward.

[@petefabio1530]

Which Sean?

[@owengette8089]

@@petefabio1530 Rector

[@kalebstuckey570]

@@owengette8089 “Recta” -Rob M.

[@elgringolocoMaldonado]

Jay from Gen X vs Millenials should have gotten a mention. Still wish hed run it back for a second time. I think hed fair even better this time round

[@charlieradant]

Happy Easter Luke! I hope people subscribe so the easter bunny gives you more ideas for comical survivor content

[@IdoledOut]

Happy Easter!

[@averymontemayor8420]

In robs defense, he wanted to bring a football, but production said a guy named rob bringing a football right after a guy named rob brought a football the season before would not be ok, so he said he saw a skateboard in his room and suggested that and production loved it.

[@zackneufeld6710]

Man what an amazing video!!!

[@jesmccoy26]

I would really like to see Jamal play again, he kind of got screwed over

[@IdoledOut]

Totally agreed. I'd love to see Jamal, Dean, and Janet get a second shot from IOI!

[@jesmccoy26]

@@IdoledOut I feel like if Janet came back unfortunately she wouldn't have much of a chance to do anything. It's likely IOI was her only shot at winning

[@thestatmosphere7850]

When I first watched Nicaragua a while back, by episode two I wondered how this crazy woman Holly managed to make it to final four. By the end she was by far my favorite person that season.

[@teamsteed1]

Thanks for posting the video.

[@hommefataltaemin]

Tbh I’ve just never liked Holly. I guess I feel bad for her but I just could never get over how childish she was to people who hadn’t really done anything to her. Like throwing out the snails and the shoes. I basically never ever like the ones who destroy stuff around camp especially food. Even if it makes for good tv.

[@nicholasjessup6788]

To be fair, Holly did make it up to Dan at the reunion. She went out of her way to buy some new boots for Dan, which he seemed to really appreciate.

[@freestrike2000]

You should do a video on villains who are misperceived to be heroes. Like, Rupert, Stephanie and Cirie!

[@roryabberton2752]

Tony is the big show in terms of turning

[@bsperoz]

0:38 My favorite is Kurama from the NARURO franchise who went from trying to kill the protagonist to working with him, then being his friend, then FREAKIN' SACRIFICING HIMSELF TO SAFE HIM!!! Now THAT is a reformed character of ever there was one...

[@survivorturnover]

criminally underrated & rad content tho

[@petefabio1530]

David in MvsGx. Honorable mention

[@finnshelton7367]

i never thought about your name until now but it totally fits your voice

[@lukeliebert1199]

That better not be an insult🤨

[@lazyturtle9796]

Wdym?

[@lukeliebert1199]

@@lazyturtle9796 My name is also Luke so he better have a great voice😉🙂

[@AltariaLuvr55]

Holly wasn't really a jury threat, she had a really bad reception at Ponderosa. Rory Freeman is a Survivor Legend. Great video!

[@0pacbig32]

He does not go behind the scene's that much as other channel's

[@EzraDair]

You should do a list of people who changed the most from day one till their last day on the island ( like how Penner always come in big and always leaves very slim xd )

[@mallowout]

"We were bad, but now we're good"

[@drgamenstein3032]

I always feel when Thailand comes up, that if you swap Robb's boot with Shii-ann the entire season changes.

[@markcullen2870]

I think Mike Halloway definitely should’ve been on this list

[@ajl9772]

He was always seen as likable due to being on the same tribe as Dan and Rodney

[@ajl9772]

I thought Jay for Season 33 was gonna be on here. He blindsides a likable ally, is cocky and a jerk to Adam, but becomes likable as the underdog especially when he is moved by learning about Adams mom, stating he'll take him to the end even if he loses

[@123tewh]

Agreed, at the start of his season I found him annoying. But after the blowup after the auction and he stuck up for Shirin and then won challenge after challenge taking out Dan and Rodney and then winning he became my favorite of the season.

[@turtletcp1598]

Spencer has possibly the biggest face turn ever.

[@freddytang2128]

I never thought Holly was a villain or bad person in her early game. She just seem to be having a bad day, probably sleep deprivation and stress, and did something she later regretted. Come on, we all done that before

[@CharletonWarriot]

Oh yeah, I remember that last time I drowned someones expensive shoes in the ocean

[@kat8559]

Lmao oh no their shoes 😭😭 remember when rupert stole everyone's shoes on purpose?

[@kat8559]

Also who tf brings their expensive shoes to survivor? Even as a luxury item.

[@UlyssesWachowski-vw5vi]

I haven’t homie. Go to therapy

[@moonhead538]

Donkey Kong? For the record, the original Donkey Kong that kidnapped Pauline in that old game was actually DK's grandfather.

[@jordylynharris3912]

If this video was made in 2023 Emily from survivor 45 would be on this list

[@timeworntraveler3644]

the greatest-est face turn is Drew from Survivor 45 during the Kelley blindside while the votes are being read *fourth wall break*

[@thefoxoflaurels3437]

Rory went from tribe pariah and perpetual decoy boot who survived on other people’s mistakes to challenge beast and solid defensive strategist who got the women’s begrudging respect and eliminated as a threat. He gives off friend’s dorky dad energy.

[@soysauce420]

Next video you have to make is what should the next all star theme should be and who should be on it. That would be great.

[@Paddyvertex]

The important things in life aren't: making money and getting wasted... It's family........... and getting wasted... Seriously I broke down in tears 😂

[@vituhasspoken]

I love Penner and felt so bad for his demise in Micronesia :/ And after watching these two videos I realized that I need to rewatch Nicaragua ASAP, lol, I didn’t remember all of these awesome facts hahaha

[@wellingtoncamelo8466]

I never finisehd Thailand because of how annoyed I was by the whole cast but Shii Ann. But the only thing about Robb that I can remember is: hate him

[@adrianadrian4585]

Also don't forget about Jamal and Jack's conversation when Jack mistakenly call the buff as durag. That's one of the best scenes ever

[@Seyibabs123]

It wasn’t by mistake. It was an ignorant joke.

[@GeorgeEugeneBarrett]

@@Seyibabs123 - there’s nothing wrong with calling it a do-rag.

[@GeorgeEugeneBarrett]

It was just more woke nonsense that almost completely ruined Survivor.

[@freddytang2128]

Rory received votes in all 6 tribals he attended? damn can we do a ranking like that, either "how many tribals someone received votes at", or "most tribals attended, for a person that received votes every time"

[@BrettMKW]

Rory's 6/6 is the record for receiving votes at every tribal. He also had the record for most votes in a season with 14 until Penner received 15 in Cook Islands. Karishma now holds this record at 22 although she negated 7 of them with an idol. If you only count votes that counted then Laura M. received 19 during BvW and got voted out twice in the process. The only contestants to receive votes at 7 tribal councils in one season are Penner (7/9), Phillip (7/13), Cochran (7/10), Keith (7/9 if you count a tribal he negated votes with an idol), and Wentworth (7/10). However none of them received votes in all of their first 7 tribals so Rory has the record. Surprisingly Karishma only had votes at 6 tribal councils.

[@cripplermaximus]

Wow I love the use of wrestling terminology here!

[@OnceUponAnIsland]

Holly in the thumbnail gets a thumbs up from me!

[@kellydaunis]

Hey hi there. Happy Easter

[@OnceUponAnIsland]

@@kellydaunis Happy Easter!

[@siwap3809]

great list, but me personally? i would have put holly at no1 it's pretty much a whole season arc,; one part i really wish you mentioned about holly, was in the double-quit episode, when jeff offered more camp supplies for one person to sit-out reward, naonka DOES NOT budge (even though shes leaving in 8 hours 💀), but holly bites the bullet, and lets it go, whilst spending the rest of her day putting her effort into trying to talk someone out of quitting, just like JJ did with her, out of empathy and the kindness of her own heart. holly was pretty much the most likeable winner candidate come the finale; i was genuinely devasted she got ousted, bc it would have been a really cool arc to look back on, had she won. would have been lit to see her on WaW too, had that happened TL,DR: holly (nicaragua) is the GOAT

[@manuelbarrios9664]

Brandon from season to season should be here

[@TransparentEclipse]

Single season only, and that was a heel turn, not a face turn

[@SB-jq8jj]

His South Pacific game alone could count. Kind of being a jerk in the beginning and being weird with Mikayla to giving his necklace to Albert at the end

[@TransparentEclipse]

@@SB-jq8jj this is what I was thinking, what made me question it was that this commenter said season to season. Cause technically Brandon had a face turn in his first season, and then heel turned immediately the following season, so if u remove the season to season part from this comment it makes sense or if u include that it’s a heel turn and not a face turn it also makes sense, only this combination is incorrect and that’s what confused me

[@KaseyRacem]

wait with robb from thailand YOU WERE NOT IN THE ATTACK ZONE WHEN YOU FIRST MADE CONTACT

[@BlueSpiceSpace]

well now we need you to review the jenna morasca wrestling match

[@BradleyBoy]

I hope Heel turns are next Edit: Already done

[@jacobymatt1767]

Lol

[@zeaferjones1404]

Molly does kind of look like Parvati though. Their smiles are very similar.

[@motchimadness7192]

What about brenda lowe she was such a hero on her second season

[@cflenn6]

Idk if this would make much of a video, but best voting ties?!

[@DJGaryOak]

Finally Rory gets some love!

[@escritorzombie]

Rory Get ready to rumble!!!

[@henryratul999]

Imagine Nora and Debbie are playing in the same season.

[@thelegendaryluxray6088]

Imagine thinking dan’s shoes were $600 and not the value they actually were: $1,600

[@lostsoldier212]

39 was my hands down least favorite cast, save for Jamal, Janet, and Dean, who I would have liked to have seen in the final 3 instead of the boring and personally disappoilnting, final we did get that season. Penner...man, I love that guy...not just because of all he has been through, but also because he made for great TV any season he was on, in my opinion. Holly...lol...loved her thumbnail...she did make a great comeback. Bravo to her. And she wins brownie points for the boots she got Dan in the reunion episode.

[@brendanpang4059]

I wished Robb Z made it further in his season #BringBackRobbwith2Bs

[@JoshNieporte]

Penner flipped between face and heel more than The Big Show.

[@sackeshi]

Season 39 could have been US vs Canada 🤷‍♀️ but have to do Island of #

[@lukassvoboda4107]

Please do Cirie or Malcolm 5 best moves🙏.

[@AnomNOus]

I wish Holly came back. She was a favorite of mine from the season.

[@Gfp49]

Am I the only one that rarely remembers what season is what by name? (unless it's a themed season obvs)?

[@lukeliebert1199]

8:19 - It’s not $600, it’s $1600!

[@IdoledOut]

I corrected myself in the description! I'm sure Dan would be offended I said his $1600 shoes only cost a mere $600

[@funty420]

Robb's earrings look like PAs

[@Robertthededicatedninja07]

Anyone noticed dean was wearing Jordan’s

[@lukeliebert1199]

I haven’t seen this - I’m hoping Kathy Vavrick-O’Brien is on this list!

[@oney3281]

I want to see Holly come back I have an idea for a season They bring 20 castaways from 20 different states And they divide them by region Northeast Midwest South West

[@dinohall2595]

I don't think the like 4-tribe seasons, but I can see East Coast vs. West Coast vs. Heartland making the cut.

[@oney3281]

@@dinohall2595 that could work too, but if they were to do a four tribe season they can just do it over two tribal councils

[@queenzoroark]

@@oney3281 Like Cook Islands? I mean, I loved the idea but if you are going to dissolve the tribes after 2 tribal councils, what's the point in having them?

[@CarlosRodrigo2182]

Where they not $16000 alligator shoes???

[@cultsulth]

Tyson in BvW ?

[@behindthespotlight7983]

“Two B’s”

[@ALex-dm4ko]

Can you IMAGINE tony in heroes vs villains?

[@hannahjaffe6402]

have you discussed the racism on thailand?

[@GeorgeEugeneBarrett]

Oh ffs.

[@drewlmao]

It's now Emily

[@barclaybower9158]

Kathy in marquees?

[@user-db9vy2gh3v]

I read face off when I clicked the video

[@NnifWald]

Pretty sure Dan's shoes were worth $1600, not $600 :)

[@user-we9xr8tx2m]

Holly wasn't the biggest jury threat. Only final 3 where she has a shot to win is her, Sash and Chase and even there Chase is a much more likely winner

[@BrettMKW]

Could Dan have actually won against Holly and Sash?

[@user-we9xr8tx2m]

@@BrettMKW Yes, he played a good social game and was friends with the jury

[@PepsiMaxiPad]

"Rory is a man..." A GROWN ASS MAN.

[@mckenziehensarling4284]

oi whats wrong with the cc

[@scottwiseman6686]

I think the shoes were $1600, not $600 lol

[@ThexJohnxSmithxShow]

Mike Holloway?