Top 5 Survivor Seasons That Changed the Game

[@francb1634]

Cirie being advantaged out is Survivor's lowest point in term of gameplay.

[@jaketoffen2454]

Exactly. So many stupid gimmicks that you go home with 0 votes against you? They should go back to the old school formula with less idols and final 2.

[@philiphart4146]

@@jaketoffen2454 Final three is good because it makes it harder to drag a goat to FTC and make the jury vote a formality. That's the biggest problem with modern Survivor; it's almost mechanistic now, which is why they have to try and throw in all these gimmicky advantages to try and prevent the outcome from basically being a foregone conclusion from the second the contestants set foot on the beach.

[@philiphart4146]

So basically EVERYTHING ends up feeling very rote. There's a total lack of spontaneity even as they try and convince you that it's this super chaotic, anything-can-happen game when in reality it's a bunch of gamebots that get smacked around by the winds of chance to the point that there's a core mechanic that literally relies on blind chance now.

[@Christian-ql7uq]

I disagree, but I seem to be the minority. In my opinion, its way more fun with advantages because you can never truly predict whats about to happen, and it makes moments like that all the more exciting

[@dwcd_5341]

Cirie went out with so much class in game changers. If it were me, they would’ve needed to build a new tribal set after I was finished

[@BloodDraek]

she should have said, "the idols and advantages have spoken"

[@constantinvaldor1498]

Yeah thats not call class. That's called emotional maturity. You just told the world that yours is that of a child! SMH!

[@rilenaveen5695]

Oh shut up. I think most people would be upset at being eliminated that close to a million dollars with no votes against them.

[@shesjustafrienduhhafriend8655]

That’s why she’s a queen

[@rebeccakesner9840]

So True

[@rilenaveen5695]

Man, I usually agree with Jeff, but what happened to Cirie is probably my most hated moment of Survivor. No one should have to go home with no vote against them.

[@marcopaolo1643]

Yep, that is the epitome of giving too much twists and advantages but losing the core aspect of the game. Like the onions and garlics being the main course instead of the meat and the fish. It was so stupid and disrespectful of the greatest player to have never won. She would have been at home at Winners at War.

[@NYChica23]

That's the main reason I wish Survivor would scale back on all those advantages/idols instead of continuing to turn the show into one giant scavenger hunt and losing out on the strategic/social aspects that made it so great to begin with. I know I can't possibly be the only one who thinks that it was more fun to watch the gameplay back in the days when people had to rely on pure skill to survive the vote as opposed to just being good at finding stuff

[@marcopaolo1643]

@@NYChica23 Yeah, the good at finding stuff is all just luck. I wish if it would be hidden, it should be hidden in plain sight, like in challenges or beneath their hut, which tbf they did on some seasons, not in just arbitrary branches or holes. And it should always have a stipulation or two to not make it too powerful, like only good pre-merge, or only good at saving another person. The beware advantage is a step in the right direction for this (but still not the arbitrary hiding place) as well as the risk or protect vote. The amulet Hai, Lindsay and Drea have is also a good designed advantage imo making it more powerful as it diminishes which makes each holder prime target by the other 2.

[@NYChica23]

@@marcopaolo1643 I loved how they did the idols in Cambodia where you had to grab them during the challenge, because that brings in the added layer of figuring out when to do it so that no one else sees you getting it, plus the risk of someone seeing you grab it and then that makes another person knowing you have it

[@sarahpilleeventing]

I’m with you but this happens in other situations like rock draws

[@chargestone96]

Cook islands was 1. The first with a f3 2. The first time an idol was used for leverage 3. One of the biggest underdog stories 4. Brought us a ton of fan favourites 5. Was the first time a split vote was brought up

[@Verskil1412]

Yeah the final Aitu Yul playing Jonathan The Legendary Aitu 4 Parv, Yul, Ozzy. Idk why Candice gets a lot of hate but then I remember Mutiny. Cao Boi

[@queenrhonnie1000]

@@Verskil1412 Jonathan Penner

[@ShadowWizard224]

Top 5 seasons: Pearl Islands Cook Islands Palau Heroes vs. Villains Blood vs Water

[@matthewburdette248]

I think Cook Islands deserved consideration for the first time splitting votes was being implemented, a jury voting brains over brawn, and a strategy of using the idol as leverage to get people to vote with you

[@Daniel-gx3gd]

And also first time 3 people in final

[@thebodofagod]

Tina winning Season 2 was brains over brawns, but I agree with the other points

[@timrizzo3941]

Agree on consideration, though Cao Boi came up with vote splitting to flush an idol (plan voodoo) and then his genius went unused as he was unaware that Yul had the idol and the tribe promptly voted him out. As far as I know, the split vote idol flush strategy wasn't actually used until Micronesia 3 seasons later

[@siwap3809]

...and the first final 3 "IN THE HISTORY OF SURVIVOR" (as Jeff would say)

[@Ganychan]

Yes that guy figuring out how to split votes after a DREAM he had still forever blow my mind!

[@noahstoner851]

Peridiam didn’t mention that Russel was also the first person to find an idol WITHOUT a clue, proving that it was even possible. Which is a big deal

[@PineappleLiar]

Well I mean technically Gary Hogeboom- sorry, Gary Hawkins the landscaper was the first to find an idol without a clue. It gets forgotten because that first version of the idol was pretty underpowered, and also because Judd kinda got him halfway there by yelling about how it was ‘definitely on the ground’. But yeah in terms of building a game strategy around taking advantage of everyone’s preconceptions about the hidden immunity idols to sucker punch the rest of the players; that’s all him.

[@monapop]

@@PineappleLiar sorry but it is clearly not the same. The search for Garry stemmed from Judd's clue which was told to the entire tribe. And Garry seeing Judd looking in trees got to the logical conclusion that it is not the ground, again based on the CLUE information (right or wrong ). So not the same at all and it is not overlooked, it is actually in a completely different category. Russell hit the ground running with a clear plan to look for them not waiting for 10 clues. Also he went in with nothing searching for idols even creating the notion that if you go and stay apart from your tribe for too long you are looking for idols. To this day. So yeah, Russell is the FIRST to look for and find idols several times without clues. And yes, that is the start of new school.

[@monapop]

@Mr Meme let's agree to disagree. In my view Russell is and will remqine first.

[@augustp7543]

@Mr Meme Yeah but I think the point is that Russel found an idol before it was officially confirmed that an idol was hidden somewhere. When Gary found the idol, he at least knew the idol existed and could be found. Russel gambled that the idol was hidden BEFORE a clue was even given to any cast member, and he was right. That's the reason he's considered a game changer with idols. Not to say it's more impressive than Gary's, just pointing out that that Gary found the idol by reading other players, and Russel found it by reading the producers. It's an interesting development is all.

[@ChristineMcAvoy]

This. I agree. I knew this season would be on there, but essentially ever since, unless it's in a ridiculous spot, they've actually just put them in places for people to find.

[@Ganychan]

I think the entirety of Survivor was determined by Richard Hatch. He provided for his tribe so they didn't get rid of him, was a social player, strong physically and in the end ruthlessly strategic. If someone else would have won by being the nicest, or the best at survival, it would have set a whole other tone. Richard is problematic as a person, but as a player he showed what could be done with the game, and demonstrated incredible awareness for its first season.

[@brynndally9869]

Agreed and even Jeff has admitted that when they were filming the show they didn’t know what it was about so Richard really made it what it is

[@jaketoffen2454]

The original king of survivor.

[@airbornemelody6156]

i agree! it was awesome watching history be made. i don’t get why people don’t like Rich. he did a great job and set the strategy and way of survival

[@Ganychan]

@@airbornemelody6156 he was more gross in the all star season, but if people disliked his play in Borneo it's because they expected something different from the show, or were sore losers.

[@rachael8078]

He knew there was prize money and they voted each other out. He saw the obvious quickly but not many others did or they did and thought they could hold hands and be democratic lol

[@emmaww9049]

Cirie was so graceful in that Game Changers tribal where she had to go home... so much respect and admiration to her, it sucked to see a legend like her go out in that way.

[@noahs5636]

I would add Kaoh Rong to the list. This season might have had the biggest impact on the format of the show and most people don't even realize it. The strategy this season isn't anything special, but the Caleb medivac coupled with the other two medivacs and multiple other injuries really set the tone for the following seasons. Kaoh Rong is one of the reasons they've taken up permanent residence in Fiji, a much safer location, rather than continuing to visit new and dangerous terrains. This saw a rise in themed seasons and twists(which existed before but became the only option to differentiate seasons until the 40's). The following seasons focus less on camp life and the elements and more on advantages and twists. The challenges are safer, more simple, and get recycled often as well. In addition, Michele's win this season was the catalyst for the change of format to FTC that we see in Game Changers onward. Looking back at seasons 1-30 and comparing them to 31-the present, there's a stark difference. It's the same game of course, but you can feel the changes.

[@plentyofmagoes1143]

Agreed. Honestly after watching Kaoh Rong, I can understand why they are less eager to try out different locations. There are bugs that make people’s ears bleed, multiple infected cuts, heat exhaustion. It seems like the only more brutal season is maybe Marquesas, with the bugs, and maybe more but idk I can’t imagine a season more consistently brutal than Kaoh Rong.

[@xDragonK55x]

@@plentyofmagoes1143 Honorable mention has to go to Micronesia. Jonathan Penner and James both got medevac'd that season. And while it got a bit overplayed as a joke, Chet had that piece of coral (which is basically a very sharp rock) stuck in his foot in addition to when Joel basically mashed his head in that one challenge of partner maze tag (probably one of the most ill-conceived challenges in survivor - I remember at least like 3 injuries from that one alone).

[@eliotedward2113]

True, but I think that is somewhat similar to 19, with the shift towards strategy over location and theme's going from location Samoa, Gabon, Tocantins to themes about the cast Brains Brawn Beauty, Blood v Water HHH because of how captivating Russell's game was to watch. To your point tho, you cannot argue that the two seasons in Cambodia didn't completely change location and physicality of survivor. Something I think they've went a bit overboard with, watching old seasons its fun to see Rupert and Savage hold up 220 lbs or Cirie tackle Parv, JT run through people to shoot a ball.

[@spacecadet2172]

@@eliotedward2113 The reason they starting filming all in Fiji was because it was much cheaper and they get a huge tax break from the Fijian government. They wanted to save money. It wasn’t because of danger.

[@eliotedward2113]

@@spacecadet2172 Of corse I know that, but the high amounts of evacuations from Cambodia also caused them to want an easier location. They've moved away from Physical challenges as well to limit evacs

[@justinmarshall8631]

Totally agree with 31 in the top spot. Every season before it had a few strategic leaders and many more followers. But in 31, almost every single player had their own agenda in each round. For example, it was easy in season 20 to tell the story of Rob's alliance vs. Russell's alliance. But starting with season 31, you need to understand every person's motivations to make sense of what's happening, which is often impossible to communicate in 42 minutes. The result is the chaotic/sometimes incoherent storytelling of the seasons since. But the show clearly loves the unpredictability, and I think the shift towards casting superfans rather than recruits has been an effort to replicate the dynamic first seen on 31.

[@bunny_0288]

I agree! I feel like they had enough content to make Cambodia episodes three times longer in order to show all the alliances and relationships and individual strategies. Other seasons seem to drag at points because alliances are set and strategies are in place and it's just a matter of riding things out. This season was so chaotic and so much was going on and everything was constantly shifting. Such a good season and definitely one of my personal favorites.

[@Verskil1412]

If only Spencer wasn't kind of a bit condescending or haughty/arrogant during the final 3 open discussion with the jury, he would've won. Kinda same with his 1st showing in season 28 where if not for being voted out of final 3, most of the jury votes would've gone to him and he would've won the season.

[@gamerdragon5322]

Yes same

[@MrTomScavo]

Peridiam, I just want to say a massive thank you for the amazing videos you keep making - and to all of you for commenting and engaging. None of my friends/family watch Survivor and being able to watch/read people discussing my favorite show with the same passion I have myself - it just brings me so much joy 🙏🏻 Btw, the four black widows smiling after Erik is voted out will forever me my favorite moment from the show 🙌🏻

[@killwaine]

I super agree with Cambodia. The gameplays in that season were so hyper it was difficult to keep up. Voting blocks were also so chaotic, expectedly so, as the cast were returning players with pregame alliances

[@danjones2164]

I think an Honorable mention needs to go to All Stars, season 8. It’s popularity gave the producers permission to bring back old players.

[@jessenorwalt3936]

1.Micronesia: Black Widow brigade, major backstabs that changed the game, another example of someone running most of the show. 2. Heroes vs Villains/ Samoa: Russels moves with the idols in these seasons were unbelievable. Giving up an idol to someone else and manipulating the votes to give the idol away properly were simply amazing. 3. Game changers: Having multiple winners voted off so quickly, an idol elimination, someone using someone else's gender identity as a weapon in tribal, active tribals. This season brought in a lot of intensity. 4. All Stars: first time one person really controlled the entire game. Also first time romance was used as a major building block for an alliance in a game. Still one of the most brutal backstabs of all time. Rob made an alliance with basically everyone in the game to win, which hadn't really ever been done successfully up until that point. This really was the first season that made survivor a more cut throat game. Micronesia and heroes vs villains completed that, but up until this season the show was much more about survival. 5. Blood vs Water season 27: I think it was a big deal having people being willing to go to rocks at such a pivotal point in the game, and having relatives being brought into the season created a whole new dynamic in the game that had never really happened. It also brought in previous people who had played and new players who had not and basically created a fans vs favorites environment, but having them be related and keeping redemption island with the opportunity to switch with loved ones. In normal survivor that would never happen, but when you bring in relationships from the outside world it could.

[@ShadowWizard224]

My top 5 seasons: Heroes vs Villains Blood vs Water Palau David vs Goliath Millennials vs Gen X

[@Elbridgina]

Totally agree. All great choices, I never thought of the Game Changers / HHH pivot in game play, but your totally right. All of these seasons (or in that case a block of 2 seasons) were pivot points that have lead us to where we are now.

[@dylantorchinsky565]

This is a really fascinating topic, I think you chose five really solid seasons that changed the GAME, but I'd love to hear what seasons changed the SHOW. In that category, I'd actually pick EoE. EoE is when we see this direction of the game being dangerous really start to pick up; Jeff clearly LOVED the content of people suffering on the Edge, and now that's been incorporated into the main show. Additionally, throughout the 30s, we see an increased in timed advantages; Legacy Advantages that can only be played at certain tribals, idols with expirations, all these mechanics designed for guaranteed certain outcomes (i.e. with the Legacy Advantage, your finale or your merge will ALWAYS have an idol-like advantage played, guaranteeing a huge episode, right?). The show is increasingly dependent on these moments that they think they can guarantee.

[@lafoonxiii5311]

I recently watched Second Chance for the first time after hopping around different seasons in no particular order ( Only started watching the show in earnest last year, and have since watched every season but for a few early seasons and Winners at War). It is by far my favourite season of them all. The gameplay is next level to the nth degree, and IMO hasn't been rivaled since. Millennials v Gen-X and David v. Goliath got close, but I was enthralled every second of every episode for Second Chance.

[@Martial300]

Uhh did u watch Cagayan cause like

[@therealcjcas7294]

agreed!!!

[@lafoonxiii5311]

@@Martial300 I did, was actually the first season I watched (apart from the first few seasons, which my family did watch when they first aired... But I was 7 in 2000, and haven't watched survivor for nearly 2 decades). And yea, it's a great season. But Tony was the star, with bit roles from Spence, Kas, and the rest. Second Chance damn near every player was balls to the wall from the get go, and the meta gameplay never let up

[@Martial300]

@@lafoonxiii5311 every one it entitled to their own opinion but Cagayan was a better all around season for me than second chance. Agree to disagree 🤷🏾‍♂️:)

[@mollymack98]

ayyy, i tend to prefer newer seasons and i'd also put second chance, MvGX and DvG in most of my top spots! i think the "fluid game" / "voting-block" / "trust-cluster" dynamic that really keeps you on your toes (without the producers interfering too much) is my favorite mode for the show

[@55ehdiwarldl97]

I think every season has its own strategic/game evolution, but Marquesas final 9 is one of few true modern moments we saw in the early seasons.

[@scudder991]

YES! Completely agree!

[@katierowen3166]

Question: When Cirie got “eliminated” wasn’t that the only time Jeff let the contestant say “The tribe has spoken?”

[@mitchellkerle3241]

Surprised no one has mentioned that season 19/20 had a massive emphasis on bitter jury/jury management ... I mean it was the summary of 19/20, not Russell's idol hunt.

[@100amitty]

More jury management than bitter jury Russell wasn’t good at letting the jurors hear what they wanted

[@stogerat]

@@100amitty more bitter in samoa, more poor management in HvV

[@100amitty]

@@stogerat agreed although Samoa I think both bitter jury and poor management

[@100amitty]

@A Nigerian ninja but did Russell try? Did he make any efforts? Nope

[@NYChica23]

@@stogerat Nope...Samoa was definitely poor management/not knowing how to read the jury correctly. Let's start with Russell somehow not realizing that if Natalie was able to get the majority alliance to turn on one of their own at the first merge boot and was the one chatting up every single person who would wind up on that jury, it probably wasn't the smartest idea to take her to the end with him. And then there's the whole exchange between Russell and Monica where he somehow decides that it's a good idea to keep on poking and antagonizing her hours before he puts her on jury, similar to how he acted towards Danielle on HvV right before he voted her out

[@ctkellum011]

I still wanna know what would have happened had cirie had an idol?

[@declanjackson9377]

Rocks would be drawn probably

[@peanutbuttercracker1]

Either they go to rocks or everything is just nullified and everyone (even the challenge winner) is able to receive votes. I'd vastly prefer the second option if we ever see this scenario come to fruition

[@anthonymontagano]

The new Survivor trailer at the end had me dead. Great work Peridiam, you recognize the true Game Changers

[@ethan6483]

I would also argue that Heroes Villains should be an honorable mention. Mostly for the finale. While I love Sandra and think she absolutely deserved to win, a lot of fans and players started to shift to a resume style criteria for choosing a winner rather than the popularity style. Also video idea: could you do a recast of game changers that actually fits the theme? Like people who are actually game changers.

[@gamerdragon5322]

Sorry Ethan but Parvati was better

[@ethan6483]

@@gamerdragon5322 if she’s better why didn’t she win?

[@codyparliament1772]

It'll never happen, but I'd love a season where two groups of two tribes of 10 whittle themselves down to 12 players, merge to one tribe, then vote off two more. Then these two tribes of 10 meet on the beach for the first time and find out they are once again on a team of 10 against the other tribe, like at the start of a new game.

[@handsoaphandsoap]

They kinda did that in Pearl Islands, to a lesser extent. I don’t think people would like that twist tbh, sounds more interesting in theory than practice.

[@TransparentEclipse]

WAAAAY too many ppl. That’s FOURTY players. They purple ppl even when they only have 18 players. With 40?! Yeah literally 3/4 of the cast would have 0 screen time unless they made the season longer than a big brother season

[@codyparliament1772]

@@TransparentEclipse Too true. It would have to be a double episode season at least.

[@stewbacca]

Better yet: Edge of Extinction is also in play...

[@TransparentEclipse]

@@stewbacca oh god… I can already see the winner being the guy who got 38th place…

[@coolcammancool]

The only thing better than survivor on Wednesday Is our boy Peridium spoiling us with survivor content

[@nealsidhu2697]

Great video! I was expecting 4, 19, and 34/35 to be on this list, but you made some great observations about 16 and 31 that I hadn't thought of before.

[@scudder991]

Season 4

[@MsPandachen]

I might add MGx, only because it’s the birth for the “personal growth arc/edit”. With a lot of people, Brett, David, Zeke and Hannah.

[@sihlenyakane6792]

They did that with Game changers. So it's been done

[@MsPandachen]

@@sihlenyakane6792 game changers was the season after MGx 😊

[@shaneg4388]

Cirie? Aubry? Cochran? Theyve had plenty of growth edits before

[@ryanlargent9320]

I’m honestly surprised that Pearl & All Stars wasn’t the duo nominee. Pearl marked a big shift in the strategy and meta of the game versus early seasons, and All Stars established the idea of people coming back and learning from the show. Those are both things you credit to later seasons that start here.

[@myperspectiveisimnotblind]

Early predictions based on the title 😆 • Marquesas (purple rock scare?) • The Amazon (flipper strategy?) • Pearl Islands (establishing "characters") • Micronesia (femme fatales reached their peak) • Samoa (idols being a really big factor with strategizing) • Blood vs. Water (big moves being a topic of discussion when it comes to winning) . . . Just my predictions 😁 LOL Maybe also • Nicaragua • Cagayan • MvGx

[@golden_i3374]

That edit at the end got me

[@scottiethegreat74]

I loved season 41, but as to your remarks about wishing you could have included it, if you had, you would have invalidated your list!! There haven't been enough follow up seasons to be able to judge any changes it may have bought. Even if it had huge moves, never before seen, I don't feel it would be right to call it a game changing season, until you can see how it effects following seasons. So in my mind you made the right choice leaving it out!! I think you got the list pretty spot on as it stands!! Great job!!

[@kevinlohmann3185]

I can foresee it possibly being a game changing season because of how little the idols and advantages actually mattered (besides the hourglass twist, obviously). But like you say, we need to be a few years into the future before we'll know if 41 had any affect on the game, for sure.

[@bunny_0288]

You loved 41??? Really? It's like a bottom 10 season for me due to way too much time focusing on advantages and extremely unbalanced editing. Add to that most of the really likeable people leaving the game early... and it was a slog to get through at the end for me. 42 is sooooo much better so far. I mean to each their own of course, and that's what's great about Survivor. One person's crap season is another person's top 10 lol

[@FiveN9ne]

You mean the season where they virtue signaled about the word "guys" being offensive so they cut it from the show permanently? Because of one gay guy with a trans husband? Yea no thanks.

[@kevinlohmann3185]

@@FiveN9ne If that was enough to make you dislike a whole season, do you even like the show at all?

[@kevinlohmann3185]

@@bunny_0288 I think 42 is a better season already, too. 41 isn't in my top 10, but it is in the top half for me. The overly heavy influence on the game by production was too much, but casting did so well that the contestants saved the season for me. I think Shan and Ricard set some new standards for risk taking and strategizing, and I loved the focus on more human stories and flashbacks. But the way Erika's journey was edited was pretty trash.

[@felipeferraz948]

I just gotta say, this has gotta be like your best video of all time Peridiam... I absolutely loved it! Keep up the good work!

[@Gfp49]

They did Cirie dirty

[@KevinOrrell]

I would add the season with the Brandon meltdown. The cast selection seemed like more easy going people after that, who could seperate gameplay from personal stuff

[@hanyk06]

Some Marquesas love. Nice

[@stuartmcdonald5172]

I have seen every season at least 3 times and in most cases far more than 3. For a while there, I was fuming because Samoa wasn't listed and it was so obvious that it changed the game immensely. The fact that you have it this high shows me you DO actually know what you're talking about. Not only is this a season that changed the game, it's a seriously underrated season to watch and would be much higher on most favourite lists had Russell not been such a difficult person to like.

[@oliviaj9037]

Which are your favourite seasons? I’m new to the show and wanna start off right!

[@TransparentEclipse]

Season 12 deserves at least an honorable mention in my opinion. Mostly for how Terry lost, thereby creating the final 3 that they would implement every season other than 3 from that point on. But there was plenty of other stuff in that season too. It was the first season of both exile island, AND the first season of the super idol, both of which had play in multiple later seasons and drove the narratives of those seasons. Season 13 was really where all of that stuff kicked off, so maybe u have to include both, but those 2 seasons are game changers for sure

[@classicmiriam]

Also Cook Islands because of how Yul used his idol. Plus outsmarting everyone else. Also kind of funny the 2 times Parvati was voted out. Yul did it both times.

[@TransparentEclipse]

@@classicmiriam I included Cook Islands, the part about season 13

[@ExitSiign]

@@classicmiriam I think that was his answer in 40's pregame interviews to "who would you want to vote out?" lol as promised

[@rowan4573]

Marquesas is one of the most underrated seasons of all time

[@teamsteed1]

Thank you for posting the video.

[@matthewstorrs7084]

Well, since you asked for it, my list (going in chronological order rather than ranking by amount of change, mostly because I'm in the middle of dinner and can't be bothered right now. Marquesas-Introduced the idea of the totem-pole shakeup. Enough said. Exile Island-Introduced the Hidden Immunity Idol as a mainstay of the show, rather than a one-off, relatively unimpactful gimmick in Guatemala. Strategy starts to become centered around possession of and playing around the idol, rather than focussing purely on social matters. A lot of the more strategy-focussed modern seasons can be said to have their roots here. Also introduced the idea of having more than two starting tribes on a non-returnee season. Samoa-Popularized the idea of looking for idols without a clue, which is now expected on most seasons. Focus of the show changes from being an ensemble piece to highlighting the biggest couple of characters throughout a season. Cagayan-Reinvigorated the show's faith in casts without returnees present as a draw. Helps cement the three-tribe format as a successful one (alongside Philippines). Really helps boost the idea of "versus" seasons, which become the norm up until "Ghost Island" (excluding returnee seasons). Tony's win demonstrates that good gameplay and being an engaging character are not antithetical. We see crazier and crazier gameplay ideas in future seasons as a result. Kaoh Rong-This is how I would marry your dilemma regarding "Game Changers" and "Heroes vs. Healers vs. Hustlers". All your points about how those seasons changed the game are valid, and I would agree with them. I would just give credit to Kaoh Rong rather than those season. Production may not have implemented all the twists during this season, but they DID get the idea to do so out of being.... let's say "disappointed" with Michele's winning, and wanted to prevent a recurrence. Hence things like the updated Final Tribal Format. May not have been a game changer in terms of tv, but certainly one in how production saw the show.

[@rowanmoon]

Well obviously any season with Fan Favorite Game Changer Sierra Dawn Thomas

[@SandManGaming.]

Sean was my teacher in middle school and he ended up being a sub after he came back from survivor so I had him a lot in high school as a sub

[@yendub]

Your number 1 should have been All Stars. Why? It introduced the concept of brining back returning players and shaped so many seasons in the future from Fans vs Favorites, Heroes vs Villains, Winners at War, and all the seasons that had a couple of returning players.

[@adleranderson6797]

Survivor: Cagayan 1. Masterful blindsides 2. Unpredictable players 3. Literally Everything Tony did in the season (Bluffing about the Super Idol's powers, backstabbing his alliances every three days or so, convincing Woo to vote out a goat at F3) 4. Keeps you on the edge of your seat every minute

[@Sbock86]

Feel like this season is a little overrated. Don't get me wrong, it was good - but, don't think its as good as people make it out to be.

[@chasesteel2486]

Second chance really got rid of flipping being frowned upon with all the voting blocks and crossing lines it had. So much so that we are seeing even the mention of a tight alliance being seen as bad in season 42. This totally earns it the crown.

[@MrDainEbro]

My top 5 would be: 1] Marquesas for the reasons you mentioned 2] Vanuatu - I think it gets overlooked, but this is actually the first time an underdog bullshited his way to FTC and actually won. Vanuatu should get it's credit where the credit is due 3] Fiji another overlooked season, a dirty one, failed experiment that put an end to tribe divisions based on common trait up until the 30s (with a small exception of Nicaragua] + introduction of proper immunity Idol and a safe vote strategy 4} China - first time since Borneo when a villain actually won the season Sandra was never the villain of PI Fairplay was 5] Samoa - as mentioned 6} Second Chance as mentioned I'm considering Tocatines for amazing character development, but it might be just the matter of good casting. Well Tocatines also proved that if you are likable enough you will easily beat the mastermind JT v Fischbach Still the best season of all time for me is without any doubts Cagayan with its golden cast

[@jameswagers643]

Im actually starting a podcast and i am breaking down a season episode by episode and i started with Second Chances! Its such a good season

[@JAMPD3]

I think as it ages, 41 will have a bigger impact - EoE kind of tagged along with this. I think the edit will be a bit more deceptive of hiding its winner, but also we'll see a trend of UTR/behind-the-scenes players either winning or being the biggest threats to win. 31 further developed and perfected the meat shield strategy, and I think 41 will develop this "perceived goat gets targeted before FTC" mentality where the more obvious threats stick together out of fear of what's past surface-level. Erika was seen as such an unexpected yet deserving winner, and I think that will impact how we see future final 3's shape up.

[@kk_33]

Imagine if Wentworth doesn't play her idol at f12, the game changing season would have been another boring pagonging. Queen Wentworth will always be my favorite player of all time

[@ryan4627]

Russell walked so Tony could run

[@BlazeOnMars]

I 100% agree with this. If Russel hadn't already done the "most villainous character of Survivor ever", Tony would never have won Cagayan. The only major difference in Tony's play in Cagayan and Russel's in 19 is Russel's villainous behavior was targeted and he wasn't able to repair any rapport with his other players. But I do think if Russel hadn't played, Tony never would've won Cagayan.

[@shaneg4388]

@@BlazeOnMars tony’s social game is one million times better than russels. If jury management was as bad as russells he still would have lost. Even their strategy isnt all that similar except the idol thing his gameplay is more like cesternino than russel.

[@Furkward]

We also have to remember Trish's social game is the reason why Tony wasn't being turned against Danielle and Parvati wouldn't do that for Russell

[@KingEthanual]

Lol the final montages was hilarious

[@SirChrisM_PH]

MY TOP 5 1. MICRONESIA (it is the 1st season I've watched and I loved it❤) 2. SAMOA (Russel should be the winner, bitter Jury!!!!) 3. CAMBODIA-Second Chance (every tribal council is exciting to watch) 4. GABON (The cast were hilarious, so many clashing personalities, and the challenges were great in the terrain❤) 5. Its between Game Changers and Fiji (Season 14)❤ Love the girl who were able to create fire using her eyeglasses💥💥💥 Hopefully, it will back to 39 days format..

[@AV-jh2ss]

I would strongly consider “Survivor: All Stars” as a top 5 pick. This is the birth of pre-game alliances and is the reason why all past winners were voted out before the merge. You have past season gameplay becoming a downfall for Amazon Rob and becoming a motivation for Jerri by having Colby voted out over her. You have Boston Rob’s double-edged sword gameplay: his deceiving game elevating him to Final 2, but ends up losing by 1 vote due to a poor social game. The social game is why Twila (Vanuatu), Ozzy (Cook Islands), Russell (Samoa, Heroes vs. Villains), Benjamin (Coach - South Pacific), Aubry (Kaoh Rong), Brad Culpepper (Game Changers), and Dom (Ghost Island) end up losing at Final Tribal.

[@aubin2208]

One thema we have had yet but I REALLY would die to see is a ''remake season'' : rou take the exact same people, put them in the same starting tribes and only changes the idols positions and the challenges :p And you see how it turns :)

[@brittbritt5255]

And then don’t tell them they are doing exactly that til they are on the beach!!

[@saraelizabeth589]

I think it could be cool to also see if the same alliances are formed or if new ones are made, also if the players gameplay changes.I think it could get a little repetitive at points if they choose to go with how they played before though. Another thing would be getting everyone from one season back because I know in seasons where previous players returned they had to have back ups incase someone couldn't make it last minute, and id it was an older season that they were recreating the peoples lives have probably changed and they may not even want to come back.

[@YoshiDryBones]

Your picks for number 1 and 2 definitely hit it home for why Survivor has lost the adventure feeling the show used to have. I didn't think much of it when each season was airing, but now that I've recently gone back and rewatched all of the golden era seasons, I can't help but miss that kind of Survivor. The gamebot play was cool at first, but it's been so repetitive, it's lost its sheen for me.

[@kevinlohmann3185]

The adventure aspect of the show was a good thing to have when casting didn't do a great job, for sure.

[@antoineharris2176]

Excellent list of seasons. I originally had Seasons 1 & 6 in my top five, however, you did convince me about Micronesia and I did forget about Marquesas.

[@Sarahca323]

The clips at the end have me dying 😭😂

[@mmcgreg5044]

13 years later and Laura M’s expression of irritation when Russell plays his idol never gets old.

[@JustinBOTC]

This video provided me so many endorphins. Best outro ever as well HAH

[@plentyofmagoes1143]

I feel like the block of seasons 9-14 deserve an honorable mention in this. There’s the rise of the underdog arcs the show loved to tell in Stephenie, Terry, and Danni; there’s the development of the immunity idol; the creation of exile island; the switch to a final 3 (partially because of how much the show wanted to produce an underdog story in Terry); and also just the show working out some weird things of what not to do (that single post merge immunity challenge with random opposing teams in Fiji/ possibly mutiny and the bottle twist in Cook Islands). Just this period where they were working the early stages of spicing things up seemed to set the stage for future seasons.

[@sabergater174]

Survivor Soma also became a game-changing season for another reason, bitter jury, before previous seasons there were no bitter juries or a small minority that still decided not to vote for the player that deserved the win but when Hanz made the biggest moves and changed the game forever, the jury still butt hurt over being outplayed decided to vote for someone who did nothing the entire time, which showed the fans that bitter juries exist and that if your on the show that "it's ok to be bitter once your in jury"

[@ExitSiign]

The bitter jury thing happened in All Stars...but Amber's game was appreciated by Shii Ann and the jury in general hated both finalists haha

[@classicmiriam]

One thing most people don’t know about season 31. When Kelly Wentworth played her first Idol and negated all those votes. Joe had told her she was being voted out. When you know that it isn’t nearly as impressive. Personally I always thought the double idol play between Jeremy and Kelly. If you don’t remember that was the one that every vote was negated by the 2 idols. Kimmi eventually left. At least with that one Kelly didn’t absolutely know she was being voted out.

[@whosavestherescue]

I watched 16 after your video and dam your right that season is down right diabolical

[@DelaneyWalker]

I have watched season 31 so many times. I love seeing Kelly, Keith, Jeremy, etc. amazing cast!

[@darriusbethea2373]

My top 10 Influential Seasons 10. Season 5 Thailand first season that invented the goat strategy is probably one of the most used strategies in Survivor history. 9. In Season 33, Millennials vs. Gen X, we see the topic of resumes first come up. 8. Season 34 Game Changers see the implementation of an open forum format and the first time players get up from tribal council and talk. 7. Season 1 Borneo created the game 6. Season 6 Amazon first time a player flips back and forth, the first time a player encourages strategic thinking, and the first time a player decides to target the swing vote. 5. Season 16 Micronesia is the first season where almost every vote is a blindside, and strategic gameplay is highlighted. 4. Season 4 Marquesas established that the bottom did not need to simply accept that they were at the bottom. First time players on the bottom flipped, changed how ties are handled, and Boston Rob took out Hunter, the traditional provider and challenge leader. 3. In Season 19, Samoa is, idols are no longer underestimated, and Russell first player to find a model without clues. 2. Season 28 Cagayan Tony lies about how advantages work, and we have Tony first win a player several players in the following eras are inspired by. 1. Season 31, the big moves era and probably the most strategic heavy season in show history. Most of the players planned heavily this season, and we saw rich strategic gameplay throughout the season. Not only did most votes surprise the person getting voted out, but the edit actively started to try to surprise the viewers as well. Unlike Winners at War, you actively didn't understand votes and why certain people are aligned. I think Cambodia does a better job telling you why people are aligned with whom, but the goal is to show how chaotic and strategic the gameplay is.

[@memphismcfall5543]

a video that would be interesting is something similar to this, but where you take a look at all of the core strategies and just simple things in the game like (tie rules, fire making) and go through it in chronological order and state which seasons introduced those typical things. such as cao boy in cook islands creating the split vote strategy which is instrumental to todays game.

[@ericjorgensen3911]

#19 Where Russell found idols with NO clues! Russell showed the correct way to use them. #20 he even GAVE 1 away to save Parv! Too bad his social game was bad, or he could have won 2X. He was so FEARED the 3rd time he played his tribe THREW the challenge so they could vote him off!

[@benrichards6087]

Thanks Peridiam! NOBODY does survivor better..making you very unique!

[@LordKeram]

A great list and I suppose it should not be a surprise that most of my all time favorite/memorable seasons are on this list. If someone wanted to get into survivor I would show them Cook Islands leading into Micronesia and Samoa leading into HvV. I am sure the fact that I started watching survivor in the teens has something to do with it, but those are still some of the best seasons of all time and unlike some of the very early seasons they aged very well.

[@Cross_roads_]

I just watched season 31 again last night and it really is one of my favourite seasons 👌👌

[@jp15isme]

I miss Jeff’s antidotes/ zingers after tribal council this year. What are your thoughts on this?

[@audreyzeigon8255]

what about season 8 the first all star season

[@mar2873]

There was literally the same topic asked in the survivor subreddit recently. Was that you, Peridiam? :p

[@germanbustamante146]

Also Marquesas was the first season to introduce the idea of thinning the supplies, as it gave, for the first time, just a machete and cooking pans, with no food rations nor fire matches

[@Pirttis]

Live tribals with people walking around whispering would be up there for me.

[@deonmckinney1498]

How can you not put season 28?

[@bennettgibson3738]

Incredible outro

[@handsoaphandsoap]

Samoa is also a game-changing season due to the birth of the Erik Cardona speech

[@LordKeram]

While I personally don't have the that much of an issue with the Ciri moment as most other hardcore fans. I actually think it was a good moment, unfortunately because it was such a likable player as Ciri on the wrong side of it a lot of the hardcore fans hate it. But the fact that Jeff considers this the best moment ever or close to it is disgusting and very revealing about some of the bad trends that have been introduced after.

[@alanw9620]

I think season 28 really changed the game, Not so much the season itself but Tony changed the game in a major way. On the subject of s31 I really think they need to do seconds chances again

[@K8Elise]

Has anyone found a streaming service to watch all of the old seasons or the Australian version?

[@prettymuchbangtan]

soap2day (.)to (remove all the spapces and () of course), they have all the old seasons, as well as paramount +, the australian version of survivor can be found on youtube for free

[@kylerano8613]

I’m now realizing that they filmed Koah Rong before they filmed Cambodia. Spencer was right about it being an entire cluster.

[@AtebitAcorn]

Honestly the first survivor season anyone ever watches will be amazing. You’ll never forget it. For me it was season 2. Then season 7.

[@eloy938]

anyone knows where i can watch survivor online from europe???

[@cheyanneramcharan5130]

Nah I'm still mad that Russell didn't win, those players and some fans don't realize that he did what the game says, he outwitted, outplayed and outlasted. They be upset about how he went about doing it then they shouldn't be on survivor in the first place.

[@jd_7890]

Island of the Idols and Kaoh Rong need honorable mentions

[@thefoxoflaurels3437]

Before watching I’m gonna say it’s Marquesas, Amazon, Samoa, Cagayan, and MvGX

[@zacmitchell3468]

No blood vs water will be on there

[@iddiolgames]

Mine HR Fiji Guatemala Pearl Islands Marquesas Cook Islands 5. Micronesia 4. Heroes vs Villians 3. Cagayan 2. Redemption Island 1. Samoa

[@varisrevolver4061]

I knew of Cirie from the US Traitors, she mentioned she was on Survivor, didn't know anything about her apart from that, knowing that she was on Survivor and lost due to dumb luck I feel sorry for her, and spoilers, I'm glad she won Traitors

[@onepieceontop133]

I think Micronesia is also up there because it was the beginning of the idea of an all women’s alliance, led by parvati. Most leaders of women’s alliances are thought to take admiration from parvati. It was dedo an important season

[@northernking4787]

I don’t think Cerie’s torch should have been snuffed out since the tribe didn’t vote her out. They could have kept it in the background as a tribute to her going forward in every season, would have been a cool way to honor the legend that got screwed the hardest!

[@KristianYeager]

I completely agree with Jeff about Cirie in Game Changers

[@NYChica23]

I would've also thrown in Cook Islands and Fiji as honorable mentions...Cook Islands because it introduced the vote split, using the idol as a bargaining chip, and the final 3, and Fiji because of it being the first time that the whole idea of putting your votes on the person least likely to have an idol played on them originated

[@roycoalbico]

I agree!!! Caiboi specifically on Cook Islands and Stacy on Fiji

[@Aviator43]

the thing with Cambodia is that nearly every season in the 30s had 2 tribes go to 3 tribes, and a merge at 13 with a 10 person jury. Millenials vs Gen X had this format Game Changers had this format Ghost Island had this format David vs Goliath had this format Edge of Extinction had this format Island of the Idols had the 13 person merge and 10 man jury

[@daniellewinton2902]

Can you make a video of the times Jeff was shocked at tribal council?

[@diegoprodriguez]

I feel like there’s a certain tagline of “Play like it’s your second time” has sort of been emphasized more because of Second Chance.

[@apklimon]

I always wondered why they never did a season comprised of only people that were voted out first. They have nearly 50 of them to choose from.

[@jamesd7469]

I'm not sure if S41 changed the game, but it certainly did change my outlook on the future of survivor-which is now quite grim...unfortunately.

[@patrickleahy9534]

Cirie out with no votes is maybe the worst part of Survivor (within the game) post S30. Jeff was critical to Survivor getting where it is but needs to pass the baton. Edit: to add Gamechangers was a dumpster fire and bottom 10 or 5 season. Lacina did crush it though for sure.

[@pockylovingranger]

While it’s been awesome with all the idols and stuff, I’m starting to miss the old days of this franchise. Even more so after taking the time to go back and watch Thailand recently. I also remember that insane tribal council in Cambodia so vividly xD