The people in this image … no, like, they’re my family. Photo: CBS.
Welcome to Hung Up’s Survivor rewatch. This is post is for discussing the first block of episodes, 1-6. To the one person who said she already binged the entire season over the weekend: my culture! I would’ve 100 percent done that too.
Starting a new Survivor season is an adjustment, but David vs. Goliath has some real lovable loudmouths off top. Christian is a genius oddball. Angelina will find a way to wear that dress fifty-leven different ways. Jeremy … would die for him, period. Mike White’s reaction faces are very fun. Davie is such a sweetie. Nick and Kara are good competitors. Lyrsa and Elizabeth … sorry … can not think of two more grating personalities. I go back and forth on Gabby, but ultimately I might ride for her. On the subject of Dan: lights on, no one home.
I looooveeee Natalie. I’m not sorry! She is bossy and she contributes basically nothing, but consider: that is exactly how I would act if I were on Survivor. When people are whispering about voting her off in episode two, her winning pitch is that she’s wondering if they should even be on the Goliath tribe, because they’re acting like such Davids. “I’m not going down without a fight, without some tricks,” she tells Angelina. When Jeremy tries to confront her, it is a biblical battle of people you can’t tell anything to. This is such a great season with so many big personalities.
Generally, the pre-merge episodes are harder for me to watch because competitors approach it in a backwards way. In the earlier seasons, the strongest were the first to be eliminated — inevitably, those tribes would underperform at challenges! All the strategy is trickier too when people haven’t had a chance to make alliances.
That should be enough to get the convo started — comment along as you’re watching! On 2/13 I’ll send a new prompt email for the second block of episodes (7-13, plus the reunion).
For those who’ve already finished, wanted to share the order I watched the next seasons in:
- Cagayan (season 28)
- Cook Islands/race war (season 13)
- Micronesia: Fans vs. Favorites (season 16)
- Panama (season 12)
- Pearl Islands (season 7)
- China (season 15)
Cagayan is so overrated in my opinion. A fine season with two funny players, but was such a bummer that people would rely on stereotypes to vote the black/women off first. Cook Islands is a PERFECT season — they need to do a race war again. Perfect players, interesting strategy, and you get a sense of how the game has developed. Micronesia has the best two ep arc of survivor I've ever seen. I would maybe watch Panama ahead of micronesia because I love Cirie so much, but you CANNOT watch micronesia without watching cook islands first. China also has a lot of returners, but I liked watching it after Micronesia tbh
I have a Lyrsa story: during season 39, the one with all the controversy, the topic was raised on Twitter about contestant’s safety. Dalton Ross, EW magazine source for all things Survivor, made some comment on Twitter, and I responded that I wish the contestants could be given their swimsuits again, just to have more options for clothing instead of walking around in undies all the time. We’ll Miss Lyrsa went on the attack. Basically told me I knew nothing because she didn’t need her swimsuit and then got her fans to mock me for daring to have an opinion about a show I’ve watched for 20 years. She was pretty gross. Some of her comments were later deleted, and I don’t think I screenshot it because I was really taken aback at her rudeness. You’re mad because I want survivors to be more comfortable? Sorry, what?
Anyhow, on the flip flop, Davie is a sweetheart from every Twitter interaction I’ve had with him, he added me to a Black Survivor Fans group, which made me smile. The season is still in my top 10, but if I ever rewatch, I will skip Lyrsa confessionals.
You have fully converted me into a die hard Survivor fan, I can’t believe it took me so long to get into it. This season is captivating, literally watching the finale as we speak and can’t wait to dive into another. Thank you for doing this!!!
angelina's sense of self should be studied. she asked natalie for her jacket so many times, i would have to leave the game due to embarrassment after being ignored the first time
Truly one of the best seasons. I remember watching the finale live w my mom and the Angelina of it all and I was mouth open aghast the whole time. True mess
Blessing your name Hunter for bringing survivor back into my life after so many years 😭 truly didn’t know what I was missing until I heard someone say “target on their back” for the 72nd time. I’m holding myself back for dear life trying not to binge the rest before the next thread!!
I looove this season I’ve seen it so many times. Some incredibly iconic moments to come. Related - Meghann Fahy went on Las Culturistas recently and talked about filming her White Lotus scene with Kara and Angelina. She said that in one of the takes Angelina was hysterically crying and Mike had to yell at her to stop and that her character wouldn’t be that sad lmaooo. A committed queen!
I forgot how good this cast was. Im a Gabby apologist. And Survivor fans love Angelina and want her to play again I bizarrely am indifferent about her.
I have never watched survivor before but have always been keen to. Would it be weird to start now especially when this isn’t the first season? I’m going in blind - I know nothing about this show
So glad for a rewatch! I love survivor but it seems not in the way many diehards love it, so I’m glad for the chance to see other hung up heads takes. Was only able to watch one episode so far but reminded of how painfully obvious it is that Kara doesn’t like Dan at all and he has no clue. Dan frequently acts like he was cast on the bachelor and it’s so annoying. As someone who identifies with “I’m not the boss, I’m just bossy” Natalies directorial energy vibes with me. Also hate modern survivor #girlboss players. Always rings more phony than old school survivor girlies alliances.
The delusion of the Goliath tribe in the early eps of the season is truly incredible (this is a compliment!) Between Angelina declaring that her, Natalia, and Kara are running the tribe and Natalie sincerely stating her strategy is getting along with everyone was going well, I’m in awe.
I just finished this season yesterday, couldn’t be more excited to chat about it.
My main takeaway from the early episodes is that 1) Christian is the GOAT and 2) I could never in a million years survive as a contestant on this show because THE AMOUNT OF RAIN at the start of this season?!?!?! A literal typhoon?! Like, absolutely no. I don’t blame Angelina for begging for that jacket — I would’ve too if I had to survive those conditions!
I find the fact that the Goliaths truly believed they were so superior absolutely hilarious. Like have they never heard the story? Producers absolutely setting them up to look like fools.
I hear “Natalie can I have your jacket” in my nightmares. Angelina is really interesting study- but more on that in the second block.
Off topic, but I find all the social media posts from the newest season so annoying. I know production makes them do it, but it’s already making me judge players before I’ve seen them play. Survivor is in its 800th season, I’m not sure if a pre-season social media junket is necessary or helpful.
Just saying... Angelina... THAT GIRL. Hate her stinking guts, makes me vomit, scum between my toes, but this season she's just the one. Her going full Oliver Twist to beg for that jacket sends me every time. She was out of pockets all season but easily the most watchable for me.
(The other reason I love this season is because of the Christian and John friendship, Christian because he is the purest little guy and John because he is also pure, and equally, all the ways in which I wanted him to break my back in half)
i will also recommend either of the blood v water seasons 27 and 29 - ppl going on survivor with their loved ones is so chaotic and funny (tho not as much family backstabbing as i would want lol)
You single handedly turned me into a Survivor stan and I can’t thank you enough. I started with DvG and now I’m almost finished with China. Incredible TV! I can’t believe I didn’t watch for so long!
This works out perfectly because I'm staying with my friends and having them watch this season, their very first season of Survivor! (I've been watching since season one and even had a Survivor-themed birthday party in middle school.)
OBSESSED with Angelina hugging Natalie and defending her on tribal just for Natalie to walk away and keep her own coat...so true queen <3 And listennnn I have mixed feelings about Lyrsa because that is my puerto rican lesbian representation! but she has so little to offer the show besides complaints and letting others strategize around her
One thing I really liked about this compared to say The Mole or The Circle or The The Traitors (all of which I like) is there's not nearly as much, "no but man really you can trust me." Everyone is trying to convince people of things but with the pitch that they won't betray them THAT WEEK -- not that it's inconceivable they ever would.
Has that always been the case on Survivor is was it moreso because the show has been on for so long? Like hunter alludes to the pre merge eliminations being kind of backwards from who you would assume you'd cut. Was that different in the earlier seasons?
ALSO jess was so annoying, the vote turning on people is so much more gratifying when they talk big game at tribal. She and Bi were 100% mean girls....when they ignored Gabby and then complained about her not voting with them like what did you expect???
okay I used to watch survivor religiously as like, a child, so this was a very interesting season to get back into it 😭 it starts out so dramatically, you cannot possibly predict how the game will be played! I’m not a natalie truther but I AM a natalie enjoyer but the only person funnier this season was Angelina the Military Wife because WOWWWW she is a full glass of Something
I think majority of the entertainment from this season was a lot of the Goliaths just posterING the HELL out of each other and that ATE. The Natalie/Jeremy showdown at tribal...ICONIC.
currently appreciating how the Bartender will not abide an alliance member that doesn’t speak to him with respect. sorry Natalia, you’re gonna have to fuck off to Ponderosa with this “sir, I ordered my espresso martini three minutes ago, where is it?” energy.💖
this is the one of my favorite seasons for a bunch of reasons but I especially love that How You Talk To People has immediate consequences hour-to-hour, vote-to-vote. It’s ultimately why I think Mike plays the best game this season - it seems like everyone feels seen, respected, and Trusted in their interactions with him and it’s obviously a conscious strategy while managing to not feel calculated or manipulative. One of the finest social games of all time.
After the Elizabeth vote, it seemed like the tribe realized Angelina was the perfect back up plan in case a vote didn't work. No one from either side would be that mad if she ended up leaving! But she was also the perfect loser to drag to the finale since she never had any genuine alliances, only obvious superficial pandering, to back her game up.
Obsessed with her making an island wardrobe though. Where did the blue dress with white flowers come from at the end? Is there a compilation of all her ensembles? Did anyone count? I'm guessing 7 fit changes.
Imo having watched survivor post-pandemi, race war, Mike white, Philippines, 1st blood vs water, and micronesia are my faves. Obviously not on-topic but weirdly race war is one of the best most inclusive seasons
It’s hilarious to me that so many of us are living parallel lives of starting survivor over the holidays, post- WL. I loved dvg and thought it was so funny that the longer Christian stayed on the island, the more he looked like a Ridgewood bro that plays pool at Carmelo’s every Wednesday
after relishing in this thread with my little sister (survivor stans of old), she reminded me of survivor philippines where a contestant (unnamed here so i can not spoil it all) came onto jeff after he snuffed her torch.. this show is the gift that kept giving. i implore you to watch that season for that moment alone!
This was my pandemic watch and every friend I had ever made in my life thought I was an inch away from being MAGA. But I stand by this show so much and have gotten a couple of friends on board. I tell people to watch the following seasons in order if they can:
Race Wars
Micronesia (watch Ozzy look hot and like a fool at the same time)
side bar: I suggest they also watch his soft core porn episode of "Foursome" by Playboy channel
Heroes vs Villains
Cagayan (you need Tony's backstory)
Millennials vs Gen X (very heartbreaking storyline)
Game Changers (Cirie... duh)
fun fact: saw her at a hospital I used to sell at my old job and started fangirling (she works as a nurse)
For those who’ve already finished, wanted to share the order I watched the next seasons in:
- Cagayan (season 28)
- Cook Islands/race war (season 13)
- Micronesia: Fans vs. Favorites (season 16)
- Panama (season 12)
- Pearl Islands (season 7)
- China (season 15)
Cagayan is so overrated in my opinion. A fine season with two funny players, but was such a bummer that people would rely on stereotypes to vote the black/women off first. Cook Islands is a PERFECT season — they need to do a race war again. Perfect players, interesting strategy, and you get a sense of how the game has developed. Micronesia has the best two ep arc of survivor I've ever seen. I would maybe watch Panama ahead of micronesia because I love Cirie so much, but you CANNOT watch micronesia without watching cook islands first. China also has a lot of returners, but I liked watching it after Micronesia tbh
I have a Lyrsa story: during season 39, the one with all the controversy, the topic was raised on Twitter about contestant’s safety. Dalton Ross, EW magazine source for all things Survivor, made some comment on Twitter, and I responded that I wish the contestants could be given their swimsuits again, just to have more options for clothing instead of walking around in undies all the time. We’ll Miss Lyrsa went on the attack. Basically told me I knew nothing because she didn’t need her swimsuit and then got her fans to mock me for daring to have an opinion about a show I’ve watched for 20 years. She was pretty gross. Some of her comments were later deleted, and I don’t think I screenshot it because I was really taken aback at her rudeness. You’re mad because I want survivors to be more comfortable? Sorry, what?
Anyhow, on the flip flop, Davie is a sweetheart from every Twitter interaction I’ve had with him, he added me to a Black Survivor Fans group, which made me smile. The season is still in my top 10, but if I ever rewatch, I will skip Lyrsa confessionals.
You have fully converted me into a die hard Survivor fan, I can’t believe it took me so long to get into it. This season is captivating, literally watching the finale as we speak and can’t wait to dive into another. Thank you for doing this!!!
angelina's sense of self should be studied. she asked natalie for her jacket so many times, i would have to leave the game due to embarrassment after being ignored the first time
Truly one of the best seasons. I remember watching the finale live w my mom and the Angelina of it all and I was mouth open aghast the whole time. True mess
I also binged the season over the weekend #HungUpOverachievers
What have I been missing all this time! Have also ready finished the season. ANGELINA what a person but I guess she's good tv
Angelina made me realize how much internalized misogyny I had
christian is such a good player- he does such a good job endearing himself to everyone while still being an incredible strategist
I am BEGGING for another returnee season soon I miss Christian!
Blessing your name Hunter for bringing survivor back into my life after so many years 😭 truly didn’t know what I was missing until I heard someone say “target on their back” for the 72nd time. I’m holding myself back for dear life trying not to binge the rest before the next thread!!
I looove this season I’ve seen it so many times. Some incredibly iconic moments to come. Related - Meghann Fahy went on Las Culturistas recently and talked about filming her White Lotus scene with Kara and Angelina. She said that in one of the takes Angelina was hysterically crying and Mike had to yell at her to stop and that her character wouldn’t be that sad lmaooo. A committed queen!
i am so excited for this—this is exactly the excuse i needed to rewatch david vs. goliath!!
I highly recommend Survivor: Caramoan — Fans vs. Favorites
It has, in my opinion, the one the BEST moments
in Survivor history and one of my all time favorite ones.
Natalie is my hero. As people pleaser I love someone who doesn't care about others feelings. her not giving up her jacket was bit too iconic
I forgot how good this cast was. Im a Gabby apologist. And Survivor fans love Angelina and want her to play again I bizarrely am indifferent about her.
I have never watched survivor before but have always been keen to. Would it be weird to start now especially when this isn’t the first season? I’m going in blind - I know nothing about this show
Angelina could have convinced the Oscar committee to rescind Andrea Riseborough’s nom. She is that powerful
So glad for a rewatch! I love survivor but it seems not in the way many diehards love it, so I’m glad for the chance to see other hung up heads takes. Was only able to watch one episode so far but reminded of how painfully obvious it is that Kara doesn’t like Dan at all and he has no clue. Dan frequently acts like he was cast on the bachelor and it’s so annoying. As someone who identifies with “I’m not the boss, I’m just bossy” Natalies directorial energy vibes with me. Also hate modern survivor #girlboss players. Always rings more phony than old school survivor girlies alliances.
The delusion of the Goliath tribe in the early eps of the season is truly incredible (this is a compliment!) Between Angelina declaring that her, Natalia, and Kara are running the tribe and Natalie sincerely stating her strategy is getting along with everyone was going well, I’m in awe.
Christian trying to understand the community and politics of slamtown.... Christian for controller 🫡
I just finished this season yesterday, couldn’t be more excited to chat about it.
My main takeaway from the early episodes is that 1) Christian is the GOAT and 2) I could never in a million years survive as a contestant on this show because THE AMOUNT OF RAIN at the start of this season?!?!?! A literal typhoon?! Like, absolutely no. I don’t blame Angelina for begging for that jacket — I would’ve too if I had to survive those conditions!
I find the fact that the Goliaths truly believed they were so superior absolutely hilarious. Like have they never heard the story? Producers absolutely setting them up to look like fools.
I hear “Natalie can I have your jacket” in my nightmares. Angelina is really interesting study- but more on that in the second block.
Off topic, but I find all the social media posts from the newest season so annoying. I know production makes them do it, but it’s already making me judge players before I’ve seen them play. Survivor is in its 800th season, I’m not sure if a pre-season social media junket is necessary or helpful.
Just saying... Angelina... THAT GIRL. Hate her stinking guts, makes me vomit, scum between my toes, but this season she's just the one. Her going full Oliver Twist to beg for that jacket sends me every time. She was out of pockets all season but easily the most watchable for me.
(The other reason I love this season is because of the Christian and John friendship, Christian because he is the purest little guy and John because he is also pure, and equally, all the ways in which I wanted him to break my back in half)
i will also recommend either of the blood v water seasons 27 and 29 - ppl going on survivor with their loved ones is so chaotic and funny (tho not as much family backstabbing as i would want lol)
also - i don't think you've gotten to the episodes with more of her, but gabby is everything to me!! a nerd queen
You single handedly turned me into a Survivor stan and I can’t thank you enough. I started with DvG and now I’m almost finished with China. Incredible TV! I can’t believe I didn’t watch for so long!
This works out perfectly because I'm staying with my friends and having them watch this season, their very first season of Survivor! (I've been watching since season one and even had a Survivor-themed birthday party in middle school.)
OBSESSED with Angelina hugging Natalie and defending her on tribal just for Natalie to walk away and keep her own coat...so true queen <3 And listennnn I have mixed feelings about Lyrsa because that is my puerto rican lesbian representation! but she has so little to offer the show besides complaints and letting others strategize around her
One thing I really liked about this compared to say The Mole or The Circle or The The Traitors (all of which I like) is there's not nearly as much, "no but man really you can trust me." Everyone is trying to convince people of things but with the pitch that they won't betray them THAT WEEK -- not that it's inconceivable they ever would.
Has that always been the case on Survivor is was it moreso because the show has been on for so long? Like hunter alludes to the pre merge eliminations being kind of backwards from who you would assume you'd cut. Was that different in the earlier seasons?
ALSO jess was so annoying, the vote turning on people is so much more gratifying when they talk big game at tribal. She and Bi were 100% mean girls....when they ignored Gabby and then complained about her not voting with them like what did you expect???
okay I used to watch survivor religiously as like, a child, so this was a very interesting season to get back into it 😭 it starts out so dramatically, you cannot possibly predict how the game will be played! I’m not a natalie truther but I AM a natalie enjoyer but the only person funnier this season was Angelina the Military Wife because WOWWWW she is a full glass of Something
I am so glad I started watching this, I forgot how much I love survivor! Also this season is absolutely hilarious, I was dying about the jacket!!
I would love to discuss the amount of "island hot" on this season. Christian, Alec, Davie, the list goes on and on for me.
I think majority of the entertainment from this season was a lot of the Goliaths just posterING the HELL out of each other and that ATE. The Natalie/Jeremy showdown at tribal...ICONIC.
currently appreciating how the Bartender will not abide an alliance member that doesn’t speak to him with respect. sorry Natalia, you’re gonna have to fuck off to Ponderosa with this “sir, I ordered my espresso martini three minutes ago, where is it?” energy.💖
this is the one of my favorite seasons for a bunch of reasons but I especially love that How You Talk To People has immediate consequences hour-to-hour, vote-to-vote. It’s ultimately why I think Mike plays the best game this season - it seems like everyone feels seen, respected, and Trusted in their interactions with him and it’s obviously a conscious strategy while managing to not feel calculated or manipulative. One of the finest social games of all time.
After the Elizabeth vote, it seemed like the tribe realized Angelina was the perfect back up plan in case a vote didn't work. No one from either side would be that mad if she ended up leaving! But she was also the perfect loser to drag to the finale since she never had any genuine alliances, only obvious superficial pandering, to back her game up.
Obsessed with her making an island wardrobe though. Where did the blue dress with white flowers come from at the end? Is there a compilation of all her ensembles? Did anyone count? I'm guessing 7 fit changes.
Ok I know this isn't about survivor, but Hunter.... I'm so sorry to be the bearer of this bad news: Austin Butler is dropping The Voice https://ew.com/movies/austin-butler-losing-elvis-accent-damaged-vocal-cords/
they say “stay goliath strong” WAY too much i want to scream every time i hear those words
Imo having watched survivor post-pandemi, race war, Mike white, Philippines, 1st blood vs water, and micronesia are my faves. Obviously not on-topic but weirdly race war is one of the best most inclusive seasons
natalie’s voting confessionals were so good i wish she stayed for longer
Natalie and that damn jacket 🤣🤣🤣
Gabby is annoying... Girl, stop crying
kept thinking christian reminds me of someone and just realized...incel harry styles in dwd
It’s hilarious to me that so many of us are living parallel lives of starting survivor over the holidays, post- WL. I loved dvg and thought it was so funny that the longer Christian stayed on the island, the more he looked like a Ridgewood bro that plays pool at Carmelo’s every Wednesday
after relishing in this thread with my little sister (survivor stans of old), she reminded me of survivor philippines where a contestant (unnamed here so i can not spoil it all) came onto jeff after he snuffed her torch.. this show is the gift that kept giving. i implore you to watch that season for that moment alone!
Ok I'm late to this party but I need to chime in:
This was my pandemic watch and every friend I had ever made in my life thought I was an inch away from being MAGA. But I stand by this show so much and have gotten a couple of friends on board. I tell people to watch the following seasons in order if they can:
Race Wars
Micronesia (watch Ozzy look hot and like a fool at the same time)
side bar: I suggest they also watch his soft core porn episode of "Foursome" by Playboy channel
Heroes vs Villains
Cagayan (you need Tony's backstory)
Millennials vs Gen X (very heartbreaking storyline)
Game Changers (Cirie... duh)
fun fact: saw her at a hospital I used to sell at my old job and started fangirling (she works as a nurse)
Winners at War (ultimate spoiler but worth it)