Survivor has become one of the biggest reality shows of all time. Though not the first, Survivor has swiftly become synonymous with reality-based TV. Throughout its storied history, the hit show has been responsible for some of the most entertaining, shocking and controversial moments in TV’s recent past. However, there have been moments that went beyond “game tactics” and ventured into the realm of the real.
Villainous behavior, as well as touching on real-world subjects, has become a Survivor staple, but it’s the moments that stopped being about the game, trespassing over into real life issues, that this list will be focusing on.
7 Jeff Probst Retires ‘Come On In, Guys’ - ‘Survivor 41’
“Come on in, guys,” had been Jeff Probst’s catchphrase since Survivor’s inception. However, during the premiere episode of season 41, Probst voiced his current opinion regarding the phrase. Before the first competition, Jeff would say, “I love saying it, it’s part of the show, but I too want to be of the moment.”
The third episode in, Jeff addressed Ricard, asking him about the vibe back at camp, to which Ricard (who happens to be married to a trans person) expressed his feelings, “I don't agree that we should use the word ‘guys,’” he continued, “I fully agree that we should change it, whether it just be dropping the ‘guys’ or changing it to something else. I just don’t really agree with it. The reality is, Survivor has changed over the last 21 years. And those changes have allowed all of us — all of these Brown people, Black people, Asian people, so many queer people — to be here simultaneously.” A smiling Jeff agreed with Ricard, ultimately retiring his longtime catchphrase.
6 Natalie Anderson Calls John Rocker Out On His Past Racial Comments And Is Then Threatened - ‘Survivor: San Juan Del Sur’
During an episode of Survivor: San Juan Del Sur, eventual winner Natalie Anderson expressed her feelings to the rival tribe that they should vote out their fellow tribe member John Rocker. As an argument ensued, Natalie felt the need to address Rocker’s past racially charged comments, to which Rocker responded, "If you were a man, I'd knock your teeth out." This, of course, was crossing the line, but resulted in Anderson responding with, “I'm not afraid of you like the other guys on your tribe.”
5 Shan, Danny, Liana and Deshawn’s Unity Went Beyond The Game - ‘Survivor 41’
About midway into season 41, the remaining African-American tribe members, Shan, Danny, Liana and Deshawn, decided to join together. This particular alliance went beyond the game. Shan would comment, “we... really want to give the Black community back home something to celebrate because we know that 2020 was a hard year, so whenever we refer to doing it for the culture, that’s what we’re referencing. I wanted to do that, too, but I also made all the other connections in the game that go beyond the color lines.”
4 Richard Hatch Goes Too Far With His ‘Game Tactics’ Against Susan Hawk - ‘Survivor: All-Stars’
Survivor’s first winner and a somewhat controversial figure, Richard Hatch, became a household name after his stunning victory all the way back in Borneo. Hatch would pop up as a member of Survivor’s first all star cast. Hatch would find himself in familiar company, as he would reunite with fellow Borneo castaway Sue Hawk. During one particular competition, Hatch would find himself facing off against Hawk, resulting in Hatch (who had already implemented his naked strategy for this game) rubbing his body against Hawk. Ultimately, this tactic resulted in an emotionally charged Sue leaving the game, and while Hatch claims this tactic was the brainchild of CBS, the damage was done nonetheless (apologies for the unintentional rhyme.)
3 Pat Cusack Sustains A Major Injury While Riding To Shore - ‘Survivor: David Vs Goliath’
Pat Cusack fell victim to an unfortunate (and serious) boating accident that resulted in his departure from the show, making him the first person eliminated from Survivor: David vs Goliath. Medical staff rushed to the scene as Cusack was given the dire news that he had suffered a major back injury and would have to be evacuated. “I regret getting on the f**king boat,” is what Pat told EW.com. Probably the understatement of the decade.
2 Caleb Reynolds Almost Dies Due Of Dehydration - ‘Survivor: Kaôh Rōng - Brains vs. Brawn vs. Beauty’
Caleb Reynolds was already a veteran of reality TV when he was cast on the 32nd season of Survivor. Unfortunately for Reynolds, he would suffer a serious blow during an immunity challenge. As a result of severe dehydration and exhaustion, Reynolds would be forced to leave the game indefinitely. However, all was not lost, as Reynolds would reemerge on Survivor: Game Changers.
1 Jeff Varner Outs Zeke Smith As Transgender At Tribal Council - ‘Survivor: Game Changers’
Throughout Survivor’s 20+ history, the show has spawned many classic villains. Russell Hantz, Johnny Fairplay (whatever happened to that iconic villain?) among others. However, practicing villainous acts for gameplay purposes is one thing; to take said practices and use them to expose someone's closest kept, real life secret is a horse of a different color. Unfortunately, that's precisely what Jeff Varner was guilty of doing during the now infamous Game Changers tribal council. "Why haven't you told anyone you're transgender?" spewed from Varner’s mouth, revealing that Zeke Smith was, in fact, transgender, something that had been told to Varner in confidence and had nothing to do with the game. Varner's distasteful attempt to reveal that Smith was deceptive resulted in not only Varner’s elimination from the game, but major backlash outside the game.
