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Survivor 50 is already making huge headlines with its epic cast of returning players. But there’s more to the game than what many fans see on television. That’s right – behind the scenes, participants have to follow some really strict rules (some of which sound pretty bizarre).

And what’s even more interesting is that these rules don’t just apply while the players are on the island. Even after they’re voted out or leave the show, they are still under tight restrictions. So, let’s take a look at some of the strangest rules the milestone 50th season players must follow – even after they’re out of the game.

Survivor 50 off-camera rules are going to be even wilder than the game Jeff Probst in a still from Survivor | Credits: CBS Network

Survivor can easily be one of the toughest reality shows on TV. But interestingly, the real challenge...

In honor of Survivor’s 25th anniversary on May 31, TVLine is spotlighting the most iconic, unforgettable moments from the series that helped redefine reality television. Today, we’re tackling Season 1’s groundbreaking final Tribal Council, including Sue Hawk’s infamous “snakes and rats” speech, which paved the way for Richard Hatch’s historic win. Stay tuned to TVLine later this week for additional coverage of the show’s biggest game-changing moments, emotional high points and more!

Twenty-five years ago on a small island in southeast Asia named Borneo, a “snake” devoured a “rat.”

More from TVLineSurvivor Turns 25: Season 3 Winner...

Survivor fans remember the cast even years after they appeared on the show, but Season 21 will stand out because of a twist. The two teams were based on age: above 40 and below 30. One of the contestants passed away in the last day. Read on for more details.

Who Passed Away?

The news of the death arrived on Facebook on Thursday, and the person who shared it was Ashley Hammett. The sad news means that she lost her mom, Jane Bright, from Survivor: Nicaragua, in Season 21. The 2010 contestant was 56 years old at the time. When she died, she was 71 years old.

Survivor Jane Bright – CBS Promo

Ashley said in her post, “Today Jane Bright was found passed away in her home by a good friend and [the] county sheriff.”

Jane’s Death was shared by her daughter – Facebook

The former contestant had many posts on her social media of dogs, dog training,...

When most Survivor fans think of the reality TV show, it is Jeff Probst that comes to mind first and foremost. However, once fans figure out which seasons to watch first, they will realize that it is the show's players that make some seasons better than others. For that reason, it is always a shame when Survivor players get medically evacuated for whatever reason.

Considering how important the players are to Survivor's success, it is fascinating to look at who the people who've appeared on the show are. One perfect example of that is the fact that it is interesting to look at who the oldest people to ever play Survivor have been.

Rudy Boesch Was Survivor's Oldest Player Ever... Twice

Over time, Survivor became a more youth-oriented show. However, when the show's first season was still airing, the show's producers clearly were still figuring out what Survivor...

“Survivor: Africa” runner-up Kim Johnson has died at the age of 79, according to that season’s winner, Ethan Zohn. The “Survivor” Season 3 contestant’s family confirmed her death.

“Rest in peace Kim Johnson. It was a blessing to call you my friend and a privilege to experience the final tribal council with you,” Zohn wrote on Instagram Monday. “I will forever have that planters punch in your honor!”

While he did not publicly disclose a cause of death, the “Survivor: Winners at War” contestant did tag Stand Up to Cancer in his announcement.

Johnson starred on the third season of “Survivor” in 2001 and ultimately lost the final tribal council vote to Zohn 5-2, winning $100,000 in the process. At the age of 56 at the time of filming, she remains the oldest female finalist in the CBS reality show’s 46-season history.

Per her official CBS cast bio, Johnson was born in...

Fans debate best Survivor seasons, forgetting early firsts like Sonja Christopher, the first voted out player in history. Sonja embraced being the first voted out, found joy in her Survivor experience and lived a remarkable life before passing. Sonja's legacy includes kindness, selflessness, and donating Survivor earnings to a church building fund.

Now that Jeff Probst has been hosting Survivor for decades, many fans have forgotten things from the show's first seasons. Instead, many fans spend their time debating which seasons are the best and which seasons new fans should watch first.

Since many Survivor fans have forgotten about the earlier seasons, they don't know what happened to the first player who was medically evacuated. Most of those same fans have no idea what happened to the first Survivor player who was ever voted out.

Survivor's First Player Voted Out, Sonja Christopher, Led A Remarkable Life Before She Passed...

Stacey Stillman claimed Survivor rigged her elimination, lawsuit settled out of court. Contestants face backlash for breaking NDA rules, like Alec Merlino spoiling cast. Dark moment in Survivor history: Sue's disturbing quit over incident with Richard Hatch.

CBS has a few things they'd rather not discuss about its reality TV gem, Survivor. Using body doubles is one of them, while the depressing truth of residuals on the show is also not a great look.

Speaking of bad looks, in the following, we're going to take a look back at season 1, and a lawsuit launched by Stacey Stillman. In her view, she was purposely eliminated in favor of a more popular Survivor. We'll reveal what took place, and why her argument might've been legitimate. In addition, we'll take a look at other controversial moments that took place in the past, like cast members breaking an NDA, and a horrible incident that...

Saturday night in Hollywood, “Survivor” staged a massive Emmys For Your Consideration event featuring perennial host Jeff Probst, past contestants, authentic challenges, and island-themed drinks and bites. With the recent death of Sonja Christopher still on the minds of fans, Gold Derby chatted exclusively with Probst about his thoughts on the first-ever contestant to be voted off of CBS’s reality TV show.

“Every time I saw Sonja,” Probst remembered, “whether it was on the first season when she was tripping in the first challenge and that kind of doomed her, or when I would see her at ‘Survivor’ events, she was always joy, always happy, always wanting to know how you were doing. And I thought it was pretty interesting that first season, that the first person voted out was Sonja, who had recovered from cancer and came with her ukulele just to have some fun — and then the...

Older contestants on Survivor often face challenges and are seen as underdogs. Younger contestants generally have an advantage and are more likely to return for future seasons. The oldest Survivor contestants have shown remarkable physical stamina and strategic prowess but often fall short of winning the game.

Survivor has featured many kinds of players over the years, and here are the ten oldest. Given the intense nature of the reality competition series, type A personalities and those in peak physical condition tend to thrive the best in Survivor. However, this hasn't discouraged older people from competing. Often seen as underdogs, a few prove everyone wrong by reaching the final stages. As Survivor season 45 wraps up, it's time to revisit the oldest players.

Typically, most contestants on the show fall within the 18 to 40 age bracket. Younger contestants have an added advantage because they can always return for later seasons and have...

Some of Survivor's greatest players were strong contenders to win the game, and these "fallen angels" could've easily won their seasons with one lucky break. In the Survivor lexicon, the term, "fallen angel" refers to the last player eliminated before the Final Tribal Council, also becoming the season's final jury member. Often, they're considered one of their respective season's best overall players, but for one reason or another, they couldn't get the job done.

In old-school Survivor, the show had a Final Two instead of a Final Three, so the fallen angel was the player who received the sole vote from the final immunity challenge winner. Third place stopped being the typical fallen angel, when the show switched to its Final Three format, putting the fourth-place finisher in the fallen angel position. The format changed again with the introduction of Final Four Fire-Making. Not all fallen angels were great players,...

Survivor 43 made big news when it announced its winner. Mike Gabler, who had spent most of the season remaining low and not making major moves, had won by a vote of 7-1-0. Gabler had snuck under the radar for most of the season, only to explain his game-winning strategy at the final tribal.

In an interview with Parade, Gabler talks about many things, like his game plan, life on the island, and his historic decision to donate all the money. Any Survivor fan should get to know the latest winner in the show's history by reading up on some interesting tidbits about Gabler.

He Is A Superfan

In today's world of reality tv, viewers never know how much the contestants care about the show they are on. There are many instances where producers recruit people who have no idea what the show is.

Related: 10 Conspiracy Theories About Survivor, According...

A whole bunch of strangers plus an isolated location without food or shelter equals the incredibly long-running hit reality show Survivor, but where can you watch Season 43?

The reality show has captured the attention of millions for 22 years and counting. Survivor continues to be a staple show in the houses of so many Americans, as they wait with bated breath to learn the fate of their favorite reality-show contestants. Read on to find out more about Survivor, and then head over to watch the 43rd season of the better-than-ever show on Paramount+.

Watch Survivor Season 43 on Paramount+

What Is Survivor?

Survivor first began as a Swedish television show called Expedition: Robinson that premiered in 1997. In 2000, the format was adopted for the American television show, Survivor and has been a hit ever since. Since its premiere, Survivor has been nominated for 62 Emmy Awards, has won 7 People’s Choice Awards, a GLAAD award,...

If you’re a longtime “Survivor” fan who frequently finds yourself reminiscing about the older seasons, you’re not alone. Now even host Jeff Probst is getting nostalgic. During the November 30 episode of “Survivor 43,” the Top 7 castaways competed in a classic immunity challenge in which they each had to hold their breath under a steel grate in the ocean as the high tide rolled in. Midway through the competition, Probst lamented, “That water is rising. Immunity on the line. This is old school ‘Survivor,’ back when we inflicted a little more pain. Nice to revisit some of our old haunts.”

On cue, a portion of Russ Landau‘s classic theme song from “Survivor” Season 1 was heard in the background, a perfect callback for diehard viewers of CBS’s reality TV show. Re-watch the original opening titles sequence below.

See ‘Survivor’ deaths: Full list of castaways we’ve lost

The new...

Twenty-one years after “Survivor” Season 1 became a ratings juggernaut for CBS, runner-up Kelly Wiglesworth is speaking out about fan-fave castaway Rudy Boesch. Rudy passed away in 2019 at age 91 following a battle with Alzheimer’s disease. When EW recently asked Kelly about her biggest “Survivor” regret, she responded simply by saying, “Not giving the win to Rudy.”

Let’s recap. In Borneo’s final immunity challenge (watch above), Kelly, Rudy and Richard Hatch were tasked with holding their hands on the immunity idol for as long as they could. Richard voluntarily gave up after two and a half hours, and then Rudy accidentally let go after the four-hour mark, resulting in a victory for the then-22-year-old river guide. Kelly then solely got to choose whom to eliminate (Rudy) and whom to bring to the final two (Richard). At the final tribal council, the jury voted Richard as the winner of...

“Sunday Burquest had one of the brightest smiles of any person to ever play ‘Survivor,'” tweeted Jeff Probst following the recent death of the fan-fave castaway from “Millennials vs. Gen X.” Sunday, age 50, passed away on April 18 after a year-long battle with esophageal and ovarian cancer. The “Survivor” host continued, “She radiated kindness and understanding. She seemed to understand better than most, that life is for living, so say yes to life whenever possible. My condolences go out to her family and friends.”

Sunday Burquest had one of the brightest smiles of any person to ever play Survivor. She radiated kindness and understanding. She seemed to understand better than most, that life is for living, so say yes to life whenever possible. My condolences go out to her family and friends. pic.twitter.com/eL2Q1qDw3f

— Jeff Probst (@JeffProbst) April 18, 2021

See Everything to know about ‘Survivor 41’

She...

“Survivor” contestant Cassandra Anne “Angie” Jakusz is dead at age 40 after a three-year battle with cancer. She passed away on Friday, January 8, 2021, according to her New Orleans obituary. Angie rose to fame in 2005 by starring on “Survivor: Palau,” the reality TV show’s 10th season on CBS.

Angie is now the eighth person from “Survivor” to pass away, following Jenn Lyon (2010), B.B. Andersen (2013), Caleb Bankston (2014), Dan Kay (2016), Ashley Massaro (2019), Rudy Boesch (2019), and Cliff Robinson (2020). See more info on all of these memorable players by clicking through our photo gallery above.

See Everything to know about ‘Survivor 41’

“Whether she was sewing, painting, drawing, doing nail art or makeup, costuming, reading, snorkeling, scuba diving, traveling or just raising hell, she did it lovingly and with laser precision,” her family wrote in her obituary. “She is survived by her husband of nine years, Steven Calandra; her parents, Linda and Wayne Jakusz; her brother,...

Cassandra Anne “Angie” Jakusz, a former contestant on season 10 of CBS’ reality show “Survivor,” died Jan. 8. She was 40 years old.

Jakusz was born and raised in Waukesha, Wis. but lived in New Orleans, La. at the time of her entry onto “Survivor: Palau.” Prior to living in New Orleans, Jakusz resided in San Francisco and New York City.

A former “Survivor: Palau” contestant who competed with Jakusz, Coby Archa, told People Magazine that Jakusz’s family made it public that Jakusz had cancer.

“We had heard from her family 3 years ago that she was battling cancer,” Archa said. “We raised some money for her treatments. She wasn’t into the fame, just the experience of Survivor. She came, she played, and she went back to her life in New Orleans. She liked her life that way.”

An obituary for Jakusz reads, “Angie was an incredibly passionate person with an extraordinary lust for life.

Can you believe it’s been 20 years since CBS censors had to pixelate Richard Hatch‘s naked body on “Survivor: Borneo”? The popular castaway walked around in his “birthday suit” to celebrate his 39th bday on the ninth episode of that iconic first season, which aired July 26, 2000. Watch the “Survivor” flashback video above. It’s since become one of the most well-known and controversial moments throughout the reality TV show’s 40 seasons, particularly in the wake of the #MeToo movement against sexual harassment.

There were only eight castaways left in the merged Rattana tribe when Richard celebrated his birthday sans clothing: original Tagi members Richard, Kelly Wiglesworth, Rudy Boesch, Susan Hawk and Sean Kenniff and original Pagong members Jenna Lewis, Gervase Peterson and Colleen Haskell. Richard of course would eventually go on to win the show’s first-ever $1 million check (see the winners list).

See Sonja Christopher still a ‘Survivor...

May 31, 2020 marked the 20-year anniversary of when a little show called “Survivor” first premiered on television. To mark the occasion, Sonja Christopher, now age 83, is breaking her silence on what it meant to be the first person ever voted off of CBS’s reality TV show. “Oh my God, what an experience!” she told Entertainment Weekly. “I’m so fortunate to have had it. And I’ve learned lessons about how to treat it, regard it, live with it, and go with the flow.” Watch a video retrospective of Sonja’s “Survivor” journey below.

As it turns out, Sonja is still a fan of the show after two decades and has some choice words for the winner of Season 40, Tony Vlachos. “He was such a loose cannon, it seemed,” she declared. “And his hiding in the tree almost seemed laughable. But it turns out apparently it worked for him!” She...

“Survivor” may have its highs and lows, but those highs keep fans coming back for more. Who could have known in the summer of 2000 that a reality show about strangers stranded on an island would become one of the most enduring franchises in television history? Fans were first bewitched by that first season, later titled “Survivor: Borneo,” with its cast of colorful characters like Richard Hatch, Rudy Boesch and Sue Hawk. The series became a smash hit and go on to produce 40 seasons, two per year. Above, tour our photos of the 12 best “Survivor” seasons ranked from worst to best. (We’ll update it again after “Survivor: Winners at War” concludes in May 2020.)

See ‘Survivor 40’ deleted scene: Parvati hilariously Slaps Ethan for being a ‘bad’ liar [Watch]

Some of the best “Survivor” seasons gave fans something new, whether it be battle of the sexes (“The Amazon”), loved ones competing against each other (“Blood vs.

“Survivor” superfans are currently hyped for the upcoming all-winners season, but it’s not always the case that the most popular contestant of the season is the one who wins. In fact, the audience tends to fall in love with those who just come up short of the $1 million prize, often more so than the champion. Players like Rupert Boneham, Cirie Fields and Joe Anglim will probably never win “Survivor,” no matter how many times they come back and try. Their likability is a double-edged sword — they’re genial enough to be safe through several Tribal Councils but once it gets toward the end, they’re too big of a jury threat to win. As we prepare for “Survivor: Winners at War,” here’s the ranking of our 16 favorite lovable losers we hoped would make it onto an all-winner season someday.

See‘Survivor: Winners at War’ predictions video: Who will win?...

In advance of this Wednesday’s two-hour premiere of “Survivor: Winners at War,” which starts at 8 p.m. Et/Pt. CBS aired last week a special look back titled “Survivor at 40.” Many of the flashbacks that were highlighted from past seasons featured more than a few standout castaways — including some of the 20 Sole Survivors who will be returning for the special anniversary edition of the show.

They ranged from devious Boston Rob Mariano proposing to wife-to-be Amber right before she was named the winner of Season 8 to nerdy fave favorite Christian Hubicki from Season 37 hanging on a narrow perch for dear life in the blazing sun for five hours just to prove he could win an individual immunity challenge.

See ‘Survivor’ spoiler: Yep, Edge of Extinction returns in ‘Winners at War’ — the agony!

But in our poll of “Survivor” fans, there was one clear standout from all of the past...

To whet the appetites of “Survivor” fans who are eagerly awaiting the start of “Winners at War” that pits 20 former champs of the show — 10 women and 10 men — against one another, CBS aired a retrospective in honor of the long-running reality show’s 40th season and 20th anniversary on Wednesday.

Basically, the show was both a highlight reel, a greatest hits showcase and a history lesson of how the show has evolved through the years. The special also served as a reminder of how some of these returning winners — who will be front and center when the premiere airs a two-hour episode on Feb. 12 at 8 p.m. Et/Pt — added their own twists and innovations to the game. While the first Sole Survivor, Richard Hatch, was not invited back, he is seen during the special with Sue Hawk, Kelly Wiglesworth and Rudy Boesch as they form the first ever voting alliance.

“Survivor: Winners at War” officially kicks off Wednesday, February 12 on CBS, but on February 5 the network aired a retrospective special welcoming back the 20 returning champions. If you don’t know your Kims from your Dannis, or your Nicks from your Bens, then this hour-long recap special was just for you. Host Jeff Probst is back yet again for this landmark 40th season (because of course he is), with the contestants fighting for a cool $2 million instead of the paltry $1 million from years past.

See‘Survivor: Winners at War’ predictions video: Who will win? Who’ll be voted out first? [Watch]

Below, check out our minute-by-minute “Survivor: Winners at War” recap of Season 40, Episode 0, titled “Survivor at 40: Greatest Moments and Players,” to find out what happened Wednesday, February 5 at 8:00 p.m. Et/Pt. Then be sure to sound off in the comments section about your favorite castaways on CBS’s...

Amid the chaos that was 2019, the show business industry lost some major players. There were icons of the big screen and TV, along with such legends as Broadway director Harold Prince and actress Carol Channing; singers Eddie Money, Ric Ocasek and José José; musicians Peter Tork, Ginger Baker and Dr. John; and composers Michel Legrand, André Previn and Jerry Herman, to name just a few of the year’s high-profile passings.

Hollywood also lost groundbreaking directors, unforgettable writers, and executives.

Familiar actors who left us this year include Robert Forster, Luke Perry, Katherine Helmond, Rutger Hauer, Jan-Michael Vincent, Arte Johnson, Rip Torn, Diahann Carroll, Peter “Chewbacca” Mayhew, Cameron Boyce, Bob Einstein, Seymour Cassel, Michael J. Pollard and Danny Aiello.

The New York Times headline says it all:” ‘Survivor’ Limps to a Finale After a Difficult Season.”

CBS’ venerable reality show has been on the air since 2000 sunk to a new low in its latest edition. Not its ratings, since returned to the top 10 of most-watched series, ranking at No. 7, but in its handling of the sensitive #MeToo-era inappropriate touching by a male contestant. On this edition’s premiere, two female players discussed how Dan Spilo was a little too touchy-feely. One player, Kellee Kim, specifically told him on camera that she did not like being touched by other people.

At that early point in the season, you would think someone at the network or the producers might have stepped in. But no. And matters just grew worst from there as some female players exploited Kellee’s concerns and caused Janet Carbin to vote against Dan to show solidarity with...

During the 39th season finale of “Survivor: Island of the Idols,” fourth grade teacher Tommy Sheehan took home the $1 million prize over Dean Kowalski and Noura Salman by an 8-2-0 jury vote. Even though Tommy won the advantage-heavy season that brought back former winners Rob Mariano and Sandra Diaz-Twine as special mentors, he wasn’t fans’ number one choice. In fact, it was the fifth-place finisher, lifeguard Janet Carbin, who ended up dominating our recent poll that asked fans to name who they Wanted to join the “Survivor” winners list.

Janet was an incredibly likeable player and an ace fire-starter to boot, which made her a huge target for her fellow finalists. The oldest woman in the game thought she was safe because she had a hidden immunity idol in her pocket, but unbeknownst to her Dean had acquired an idol nullifier at the Island of the Idols, which completely voided her power.

After a season of blindsides, betrayals and one player being ejected for inappropriate behavior, “Survivor: Island of the Idols” came to an end on Wednesday with one player winning the $1 million prize. Heading into the Season 39 finale, only five of the original 20 castaways were still in the game: Lauren Beck, Tommy Sheehan, Janet Carbin, Dean Kowalski and Noura Salman. Gold Derby’s racetrack odds favored Tommy to win it all, but did things go according to plan? And how did the contestants react to former winners/secret mentors Sandra Diaz-Twine and Rob Mariano finally revealing themselves?

See‘Survivor’ deaths: Remembering the castaways who’ve passed away, including Rudy Boesch and Jenn Lyon

Below, check out our minute-by-minute “Survivor: Island of the Idols” recap of the Season 39 finale, titled “Mama, Look at Me Now,” to find out what happened Wednesday, December 18 at 8/7c. Then be sure to sound off in the...

Of the nine players left in “Survivor: Island of the Idols,” we think only Five have an actual shot at joining the winner’s list. This handful of castaways have been adept at playing the game from a social standpoint, which means they all have a great shot at winning over the eventual jury. Below we break down our thoughts on those five players in our latest “Survivor” power rankings. In another article we discuss the four we think have no shot at winning Season 39. Do you agree or disagree?

1. Tommy Sheehan – 9/2 odds

In talking with friends throughout the season I’ve found that “Tommy is going to win” is the most polarizing conversation to have. On one hand, the edit has rarely focused on him and his personal journey and hasn’t always cared about showing him in a positive light. On the other hand, out of everyone left...

After last week’s two-hour episode of “Survivor: Island of the Idols,” only 11 castaways were still in the running to win the $1 million prize. Six of those came from the original Lairo tribe, while the other five were original Vokai members. According to Gold Derby’s racetrack odds, Dan and Karishma were most in danger of being sent to Ponderosa in this week’s double elimination episode. Were they right?

See‘Survivor’ deleted scene: Rob refuses to touch Sandra after seeing ‘huge blisters’ on her hands [Watch]

Below, check out our minute-by-minute “Survivor: Island of the Idols” recap of Season 39, Episode 10, titled “Two for the Price of One,” to find out what happened Wednesday, November 20 at 8/7c. Then be sure to sound off in the comments section about your favorite castaways on CBS’s reality TV show and who you think will ultimately join the “Survivor” winners list. Keep refreshing/reloading...

So-called reality competition shows are often in their own little bubble when it comes to what is actually shown on TV. In order to win, sometimes contestants go too far to push aside their rivals including being deceitful and taking advantage of someone’s common decency.

But what unfolded on the November 13 episode of the 39th season of “Survivor” was one for the history books, causing producers to step in both on and off the camera about castaway Dan Spilo‘s habit of inappropriately touching fellow contestant Kellee Kim. However, two other players, Missy Byrd and Elizabeth Beisel, took matters further and lied about also having #MeToo-like issues with Dan — causing Janet Carbin to vote against someone she actually liked at tribal council over concern for fellow females in the game. But when she learned that Missy and Elizabeth had tricked her — they actually voted With Dan in targeting Kellee,...

Kellee Kim, the second member of the “Survivor: Island of the Idols” jury, left tribal council with not one but Two hidden immunity idols in her pocket. Now that she’s a resident of Ponderosa Kellee seems to have no hard feelings about her blindside. “Before tribal I was like, oh my God I have two idols, am I gonna be able to use these idols properly? And then I got voted out!” Watch CBS’s Ponderosa video above.

See‘Survivor’ 39: Let’s talk about preying on Janet’s emotions, Jamal rudely snatching that non-advantage and Kellee’s wasted idols [Poll]

“Throughout the day I definitely had a big sense of paranoia,” Kellee said on her way to visit the reality TV show’s doctor. “Something is off. It could be me. And then I just sort of talked to the people that I trusted and they were like, it’s fine,...

Has there ever been a “Survivor” season that was so consumed by real-world social issues? Here we all thought that super players Sandra Diaz-Twine and Rob Mariano‘s mentoring would be the draw of the show’s 39th season. But the insertion of the Queen and Boston Rob into “Island of the Idols” with their rather obvious lessons on gameplay hasn’t made that big of an impact so far.

What has stood out is some of the behavioral and emotional baggage that the contestants brought with them to Fiji and openly discussed with their tribemates. Consider Karishma Patal‘s sharing her feelings about her traditional arranged marriage. Then there was a respectful verbal discussion about how Jamal Shipman felt when Jack Nichting called his buff a “durag,” which led to a civil talk about white male privilege. Last week, Kellee Kim called out Jamal when he admitted to being “fearful of an all-girls alliance,...

After seven long weeks, the merge finally arrived this week on “Survivor: Island of the Idols.” With 13 castaways still in the running to win the $1 million prize, the original Vokai tribe had a slight seven-to-six numbers advantage over their original Lairo counterparts. Despite those numbers, Gold Derby readers predicted Dan would be the one most likely to get his torch snuffed at the merge. Were they correct?

See‘Survivor’ elimination predictions: Dan Spilo has 29/20 odds to be voted out at the merge

Below, check out our minute-by-minute “Survivor: Island of the Idols” recap of Season 39, Episodes 8 & 9, titled “We Made It to the Merge,” to find out what happened Wednesday, November 13 at 8/7c. Then be sure to sound off in the comments section about your favorite castaways on CBS’s reality TV show and who you think will ultimately join the “Survivor” winners list. Keep refreshing/reloading this live blog for the most recent updates.

“Survivor” fans, rejoice: the Ponderosa videos have begun! Now that Jack Nichting is the first member of the jury on “Survivor: Island of the Idols,” fans can follow his experience in the jury house by watching CBS’s video above.

Immediately after being eliminated by a two-to-five vote over Dean Kowalski, who used Kellee Kim‘s idol to save himself, Jack met with the show’s doctor to discuss his physical and mental health. Hunger “took a mental toll” on Jack during his 19 days on the island, which was reflected in his weight loss of 12 pounds. “That’s why my abs look so good,” he said with a smirk. “That’s why my abs are poppin’!”

SEEJack Nichting (‘Survivor’ 39) exit interview: ‘I’m freaking pumped to be on the jury!’ [Watch]

The 23-year-old graduate student from Harrisonburg, Virginia was so homesick that at first he thought the food menu was “a letter from my mom.

Survivor paid tribute to one if its own on Wednesday, Nov. 6 episode. In the installment, the long-running CBS reality competition series featured a memorial card dedicated to the late Rudy Boesch. The card, which you can see below, featured an image of Rudy from his time on Survivor and the text, "A Survivor icon. An American hero." Rudy, who died in November 2019 at the age of 91, served in the Navy and was a United States Navy Seal. He appeared in the first season of Survivor in 2000 and again in Survivor All-Stars in 2004. He was the oldest contestant to compete in the show when he appeared at the age of 72. Rudy finished in third place and cemented his place in pop culture history by appearing on the...

Even though Jack Nichting was voted out of Wednesday’s seventh episode of “Survivor: Island of the Idols,” he is looking ahead to the next stage of the competition. “I’m freaking pumped to be on the jury!” he shouted during his exit interview at the end of the episode. Jack is now the first member of the jury that will determine the winner of the $1 million prize. He’ll be joined by another jury member each week until only the finalists remain during the Season 39 finale in December.

See ‘Survivor’ 39: 32% of fans say Elaine’s big tribal council move put a target on her back [Poll Results]

After Lairo lost the immunity challenge, the near-unanimous plan back at camp was for Dean Kowalski to be voted out. However, since Kellee Kim and Dean had a mutual friend back at home, she decided to give him her immunity idol in secret in order to protect him.

With the merge on the horizon, the Vokai and Lairo camps were dead even at seven members a piece heading into Wednesday’s seventh episode of “Survivor: Island of the Idols.” The Vokai tribe had a four-three split with Elizabeth Beisel, Missy Byrd, Aaron Meredith and Elaine Stott on one side and Lauren Beck, Tommy Sheehan and Dan Spilo on the other. Meanwhile, the Lairo tribe was flirting with a girls alliance vs. the three guys. So which castaway ended up getting their torch snuffed by host Jeff Probst?

See‘Survivor’ 39: 32% of fans say Elaine’s big tribal council move put a target on her back [Poll Results]

Below, check out our minute-by-minute “Survivor: Island of the Idols” recap of Season 39, Episode 7, titled “I Was Born at Night, But Not Last Night,” to find out what happened Wednesday, November 6 at 8/7c. Then be sure to sound off in the comments section...

Decorated U.S. Navy Seal and Survivor contestant Rudy Boesch has died at age 91 this past Friday at a hospice center in Virginia Beach. “We can confirm that Master Chief Rudy Boesch passed away last night. He was surrounded by his family and passed away peacefully,” the statement read. “He proudly served our nation from […]

The post Rudy Boesch, ‘Survivor’ Fan Favorite & Oldest Competitor, Dies At 91 appeared first on uInterview.

Rudy Boesch, the oldest person to ever play “Survivor,” passed away on November 1 at age 91 following a battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Now many of his former tribe members from “Survivor: Borneo” (when he was 72 years old) and “Survivor: All-Stars” (when he was age 75) are eulogizing their friend on Twitter. Among Rudy’s cast mates who reacted to his death are “Boston” Rob Mariano, who’s currently serving as a mentor on “Survivor: Island of the Idols,” and Richard Hatch, who formed an unlikely bond with Rudy during their two seasons together.

“We lost an original Og ‘Survivor’ legend,” Rob tweeted. “Rudy was always very nice to me. I feel fortunate to have known him and played the game of with him #SurvivorAllStars. Our sincere condolences to his family. Rest In Peace Rudy.” Rob and Rudy appeared together in the eighth season, which brought back so-called “All-Stars” from the first...

After two decades and 575 episodes on the air, you may think you’ve seen everything there is to see on “Survivor,” but that’s not the case. “[We’ve] never had a tribal like this. Ever,” admits shaken host Jeff Probst in CBS’s spoiler-filled preview trailer for the seventh episode of Season 39, titled “I Was Born at Night, But Not Last Night” (watch above). It’s unclear whether Jeff is talking to Lairo or Vokai, but as of this writing both tribes are even at seven members a piece. Avoiding tribal council at this stage is imperative as both tribes crave a numbers advantage heading into the merge.

See‘Survivor’ contestant Rudy Boesch dead at 91: Jeff Probst calls him a ‘legend’ and a ‘true American hero’

We get one additional glimpse of tribal council as Rob Mariano and Sandra Diaz-Twine give each other fist-bumps when they arrive in their secret lookout bunker.

Walter Mercado, famed Puerto Rican TV astrologer, died Saturday night at Auxilio Mutuo Hospital in San Juan, according to the hospital’s spokesperson, Sofia Luquis. He was 87.

According to Telemundo PR, the cause of death was “apparent renal failure.”

Mercado was born on a ship traveling from Spain to Puerto Rico, according to a biography published by Puerto Rico’s Foundation for Popular Culture. He believed at an early age that he had spiritual abilities, including the powers of astrology.

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Although he began his career as a telenovela actor, he took on his most famous job in 1969 when a guest did not show up for a Telemundo program. Mercado was asked to fill in by reading the horoscope, and his passionate delivery won over viewers so much that he was asked to return.

In 2010, he...

Leave it to Jeff Probst, four-time Emmy-winning host of CBS’s “Survivor,” to perfectly state how the show’s fans are feeling after Rudy Boesch‘s death was announced this weekend. “The ‘Survivor’ family has lost a legend,” Probst tweeted about the fan-favorite contestant who died following a battle with Alzheimer’s disease. “Rudy Boesch passed at the age of 91. He played in the first season of ‘Survivor’ at the age of 72. He is one is the most iconic and adored players of all time. And he served our country as a 45-year Navy Seal. Rudy is a true American hero.”

The Survivor family has lost a legend. Rudy Boesch passed at the age of 91.

He played in the first season of Survivor at the age of 72. He is one is the most iconic and adored players of all time.

And he served our country as a 45-year Navy Seal.

Brian Tarantina, an actor who was known for his roles on “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” and “Gilmore Girls,” was found dead on Saturday morning. He was 60.

Tarantina was found in his New York City apartment by the NYPD, a police spokesperson confirms to TheWrap. The cause of death is unknown.

“On Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019 at approximately 0040 hours, police responded to a 911 call of an unconscious male inside of 353 West 51 Street, apartment 11, within the confines of the Midtown North Precinct,” a spokesperson said. “Upon arrival, officers observed a 60-year-old male, unconscious and unresponsive, fully-clothed, on his couch. Ems responded to the location and pronounced the aided male deceased at the scene (his residence). The Medical Examiner will determine the cause of death and the investigation remains ongoing.”

Also Read: Rudy Boesch, Original 'Survivor' Contestant, Dies at 91

Recently, Tarantina appeared in Amazon’s “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” as Jackie, the emcee...

Rudy Boesch, a retired U.S. Navy Seal who was one of the first contestants to appear on Survivor, has died after battling Alzheimer’s disease, People reported Saturday. He was 91.

Boesch was 72 when he competed on the long-running CBS reality series in 2000. He joined the show’s first alliance, creating lasting friendships. Despite being significantly older than the other contestants, he finished in third place behind Kelly Wiglesworth and Richard Hatch.

Boesch became close to Hatch, who paid tribute to him Saturday on Twitter.

“Ours was an interesting bond, Dear Rudy! You and I helped open minds and undermine prejudices. While your time here has passed, you will remain loved and iconic, dear friend!” Hatch wrote.

Ours was an interesting bond, Dear Rudy! You and I helped open minds and undermine predjudces. While your time here has passed, you will remain loved and iconic, dear friend!

— Richard Hatch (@HatchRichard...

Rudy Boesch, a contestant during the inaugural season of CBS’ “Survivor,” has died following a battle with Alzheimer’s disease, according to People. He was 91.

Boesch, a former Navy seal, was one of the oldest “Survivor” contestants in the show’s history, at 72. He finished third on that first season in 2000, which was won by Richard Hatch. Boesch made it all the way to the final episode and became a fan favorite throughout the season. He returned to “Survivor” for the show’s “All Stars” edition for its eighth season. He was the second contestant voted off the island.

“Ours was an interesting bond, Dear Rudy! You and I helped open minds and undermine predjudces [sic]. While your time here has passed, you will remain loved and iconic, dear friend!” Hatch tweeted.

Ours was an interesting bond, Dear Rudy! You and I helped open minds and undermine predjudces. While your time here has passed,...

Rudy Boesch, a retired United States Navy Seal who competed in two seasons of CBS’ Survivor, has died at age 91 due to complications from Alzheimer’s Disease, People reports.

Boesch was 72 years old when he began his Survivor career on the reality competition series’ very first season (aka Survivor: Borneo) in 2000. Despite being significantly older than his fellow competitors, Boesch proved that age isn’t everything, ultimately finishing in third place behind Kelly Wiglesworth and Richard Hatch.

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Rudy Boesch, a fan-favorite competitor of season one of Survivor and the franchise's oldest contestant, has died at the age of 91. The Udt/Seal Association announced the death of the reality star and U.S. Navy vet on Saturday. "It is with a broken heart that we inform you that Master Chief Rudy Boesch passed away last night," the group said on Instagram. "Master Chief was a legend in the Seal and Special Operations community. Rudy proudly served our Nation from 1944-1990 and his impact on so many individuals continues today. Please join us in respecting his family's wishes of privacy until we can release more details. God Speed Rudy!" Boesch had...

Rudy Boesch, the oldest person to compete on “Survivor,” died Friday from complications of Alzheimer’s disease, according to numerous media reports. He was 91 and was a resident of Virginia Beach, Va.

A former Navy Seal, Boesch appeared on the first season of the reality show in 2000. He was 72 at the time and finished in third place.

Boesch formed an alliance with Richard Hatch, the winner of the first season, who tweeted, “Ours was an interesting bond, Dear Rudy! You and I helped open minds and undermine prejudices. While your time here has passed, you will remain loved and iconic, dear friend!”

Ours was an interesting bond, Dear Rudy! You and I helped open minds and undermine predjudces. While your time here has passed, you will remain loved and iconic, dear friend!

— Richard Hatch (@HatchRichard) November 2, 2019

Known for his politically incorrect statements known as “Rudyisms” and gruff manner, he nevertheless became a fan favorite.

Rudy Boesch, a decorated Navy Seal and a pioneering castmember on the first season of CBS' Survivor, died Friday after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. He was 91.

"Master Chief Rudy Boesch passed away last night. He was surrounded by his family and passed away peacefully," Steve Gonzalez, Director of Operations of Seal Veterans Foundation in Virginia Beach, told The Hollywood Reporter. "He proudly served our nation from 1944-1990 and his impact on the men and women of Naval Special Warfare and the Special Operations Command is immeasurable. ... Rudy was beloved by all and will be ...