Where were you in the summer of 2000? Still trying to recover from the global Y2K disaster? Nevermind, that never happened. I know where I was. I was 21 and spent the summer working at a restaurant and rowing on the varsity squad. I didn’t go to any gay prides or party at the Odyssey on Thursday nights for Shower Power. I was still “straight”. Instead, I was obsessed with that little show called “Survivor”. Seriously obsessed. I watch each episode two or three times each week. I couldn’t get enough. Since then, I have never missed an episode in all 19 seasons.

Thankfully, CBS was kind enough to air a retrospective of sorts in the lead up to Survivor 20: Heroes vs Villains. I’m stoked. I love all-star seasons. Yes, we’ve seen them all before… sometimes 3 or 4 times… but there’s something about watching people who actually know each other play the game that is even more intriguing. Everyone knows Jerri is a bitch. Everyone knows Colby is a challenge power house. Everyone knows Cirie is a social mastermind, Coach is delusional, and Parvati is a minx. There are no secrets, no trying to figure each other out… it’s just game on! Of course, Russell’s presence could throw in a monkey wrench or two. I for one cannot wait.

In the CBS retrospective, jeff Probst called Survivor the “ultimate social experiment”. I wouldn’t go that far, but for me it has been the ultimate reality tv show that continues to deliver and surprise. I stopped watching the Real World after Las Vegas. The casting, catfights, and hot tubs started to bore me. I’ve given up on American Idol this year. Even with Ellen, it feels like it is on its last legs. So You Think You Dance almost killed itself with the back-to-back seasons that felt sloppy and rushed. During the summers, I find myself fast forwarding through a lot of Big Brother. But with Survivor, I still rewind. There’s nothing better than a good blind side after a snarky Tribal Council.

As we get ready for Survivor 20, here are some of my favourite things from the last 19 seasons.

Favourite Seasons

Borneo – nothing beats the first time when we all cringed at the thought of an “alliance” led by a fat naked gay guy. Now no one would ever try and play without alliances.

Fans vs Favourties – Led by Parvati, a group of amazing women backstabbed, hoodwinked, and blindsided a bunch of dumbass men.

All Stars – The Rob and Amber show. It was awesome watching people like Lex get worked.

Amazon – The first shot at men versus women. The amazing strategist Rob Cesternino got beat by a peanut butter loving pretty girl. He totally should’ve won. Too bad he couldn’t win the last immunity challenge!

Samoa – It may be the freshest in my mind, but watching Russell screw everyone over in such a cocky arrogant way… only to lose to a “stupid little girl” was sweet.

Favourite Winners

Parvati – She owned F vs F and I’m always a sucker for girl power.

Todd – China wasn’t the best season, but little gay Todd found a way to be sneaky, manipulative and likeable all at the same time. Take notes Russell!

Yul – Probably the smartest, smoothest, and cleanest win ever. He beat out Ozzy at the end in a battle of brains versus brawn.

Amber – She didn’t really do anything in Australia to warrant an All-Stars ticket, but she got there and played it well. I like big bold players like Rob M or Russell… but I also like the clever, under-the-radar, and sly game. She won the million and got a husband out of the deal.

Richard – At the time, I hated him. I was rooting for Kelly Wigglesworth. But looking back, he absolutely deserved the million and set the course for every Survivor to come.

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