The starting-from-scratch Survivor guide

Part I: Why Survivor and your first three seasons

An important thank you

I must begin here: My obsession with Survivor began in 2021 with Brian and Bella Kirkup, who convinced me that I should give the 20-year-old show — which I did not even know was still on TV — a chance. I was just starting to date their best friend, so I agreed, mostly because I wanted to impress them. Brian originally put this list together for us and, after watching 30+ seasons (lol thanks COVID), I’m now the one trying to convince all of you. Thank you, Kirkups, for turning me into the Jeff Probst stan that I am 🫡

The trip to the Dominican Republic wherein Elliot and I were persuaded to watch two seasons of Survivor between beachfront cocktails.

Now, let’s talk about the show itself

I know you know that font.

First airing in 2000, Survivor was one of the earliest reality television shows that went mainstream in America. I remember it being a thing and my mom’s friends talking about it, but was too young to really get it.