In this week’s “Survivor 46” deleted scene, Venus Vafa confesses to viewers that her clothes caught on fire in the middle of the night when she slept too close to the campfire, and that she “almost died” as a result. And sure enough, there is video evidence to prove she was indeed in danger of burning out — watch the clip above.
The video begins on Night 18 at the Nuinui camp as Venus explains in a confessional, “My unofficial role at camp at night is to tend to the fire. I’m always throwing in sticks and stuff because I’m freezing out here. And I’m always right next to it because I’m so cold and I curl right next to it in a little ball.”
The 24-year-old data analyst from Toronto, Canada adds, “But I guess I fell a little bit too much into deep sleep because as I’m sleeping,...
The video begins on Night 18 at the Nuinui camp as Venus explains in a confessional, “My unofficial role at camp at night is to tend to the fire. I’m always throwing in sticks and stuff because I’m freezing out here. And I’m always right next to it because I’m so cold and I curl right next to it in a little ball.”
The 24-year-old data analyst from Toronto, Canada adds, “But I guess I fell a little bit too much into deep sleep because as I’m sleeping,...
- 5/3/2024
- by Marcus James Dixon
- Gold Derby
In the game of “Survivor,” the goal is to outwit, outplay and outlast the competition, but sometimes real-life troubles get in the way that lead to dramatic medical evacuations. As of this writing, a whopping 19 castaways have been removed due to health emergencies — 18 men and only one woman (Kourtney Moon). Tour our photos above (or click here for direct access) to see all of the “Survivor” medevacs/medical evacuations throughout the show’s run. Which ones were the scariest to watch on TV? Which ones do you remember vividly?
Michael Skupin (Season 2: The Australian Outback)
In episode 6, “Trial by Fire,” Skupin fell face-first into the campfire after taking in too much smoke. With skin hanging from his badly burnt hands, he was flown out of the Outback by helicopter as the show’s first ever medevac.
Bruce Kanegai (Season 12: Panama)
In episode 11, “Medical Emergency,” Bruce was taken out...
Michael Skupin (Season 2: The Australian Outback)
In episode 6, “Trial by Fire,” Skupin fell face-first into the campfire after taking in too much smoke. With skin hanging from his badly burnt hands, he was flown out of the Outback by helicopter as the show’s first ever medevac.
Bruce Kanegai (Season 12: Panama)
In episode 11, “Medical Emergency,” Bruce was taken out...
- 3/14/2024
- by Marcus James Dixon
- Gold Derby
Some Survivor contestants will stop at nothing in their attempt to win the game. Things can get pretty ugly as castaways fight to be the last one standing in the popular CBS reality series. So, perhaps it shouldn’t come as a surprise that a few cast members have bent – or broken – the rules back in the real world. After returning home, these six Survivor players have found themselves on the wrong side of the law.
Richard Hatch ‘Survivor’ contestants Richard Hatch and Susan Hawk | CBS via Getty Images
Richard Hatch capably played the role of the villain on Survivor’s first season back in 2000. His ruthless approach to the competition meant he walked away the winner. But a few years later, a jury convicted him of failing to pay taxes on his $1 million in prize money from the show. He served 51 months in federal prison. But the stint behind...
Richard Hatch ‘Survivor’ contestants Richard Hatch and Susan Hawk | CBS via Getty Images
Richard Hatch capably played the role of the villain on Survivor’s first season back in 2000. His ruthless approach to the competition meant he walked away the winner. But a few years later, a jury convicted him of failing to pay taxes on his $1 million in prize money from the show. He served 51 months in federal prison. But the stint behind...
- 5/27/2023
- by Megan Elliott
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Among the bruises, blunders and baffling decisions that filled the 2-hour premiere of “Survivor 44” on Wednesday night was the disheartening medical evacuation of 46-year old Bruce Perreault. It is never easy to see a player to leave the game for any reason other than being voted out, but Bruce’s exit stands out as especially frustrating because his fate was sealed literally minutes in to the start of the game. Luckily, Jeff Probst and the “Survivor” producers vowed this week to bring him back for a future season.
Jeff announced the decision Wednesday night on his new behind-the-scenes podcast, “On Fire with Jeff Probst.” In speaking on the vow, Jeff acknowledged what the players give up from their lives in order to journey to Fiji to compete and that he doesn’t think Bruce “got his fair share.” He went on to say that it was an easy call, and...
Jeff announced the decision Wednesday night on his new behind-the-scenes podcast, “On Fire with Jeff Probst.” In speaking on the vow, Jeff acknowledged what the players give up from their lives in order to journey to Fiji to compete and that he doesn’t think Bruce “got his fair share.” He went on to say that it was an easy call, and...
- 3/6/2023
- by John Benutty
- Gold Derby
Survivor is one of the most dangerous reality competition shows on television. The series features castaways stranded on an island exposed to the elements with limited resources. So, over the show’s 43 seasons, there have been 16 instances when producers had to pull contestants from the game due to injury, infection, or some other medical issue. And we’ve compiled the five most frightening medical evacuations in Survivor on CBS.
Jeff Probst, Caleb Reynolds, Nick Maiorano, and the ‘Survivor’ medical team | Photo by Robert Voets/CBS via Getty Images Michael Skupin in ‘Survivor: The Australian Outback’ was the first of 16 medical evacuations
The first season of Survivor featured no medical evacuations. However, the CBS reality competition show’s second installment included the first medevac in the series’ history.
Michael Skupin was the (self-proclaimed) leader of the Kucha tribe in Survivor: The Australian Outback. He fished and provided food for his tribemates.
Jeff Probst, Caleb Reynolds, Nick Maiorano, and the ‘Survivor’ medical team | Photo by Robert Voets/CBS via Getty Images Michael Skupin in ‘Survivor: The Australian Outback’ was the first of 16 medical evacuations
The first season of Survivor featured no medical evacuations. However, the CBS reality competition show’s second installment included the first medevac in the series’ history.
Michael Skupin was the (self-proclaimed) leader of the Kucha tribe in Survivor: The Australian Outback. He fished and provided food for his tribemates.
- 3/1/2023
- by Sarah Little
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Get ready for one of the scariest seasons of “Survivor” ever. Host Jeff Probst recently teased the new season by stating, “‘Survivor 41’ is like the monster in a horror movie and if you’re a player, it’s coming for you. So either you devour the monster, or the monster will devour you.” CBS’s reality TV show returns to the airwaves on Wednesday, September 22, after a historic 16-month hiatus brought about because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Watch Probst’s social media announcement below.
Wednesday night is @survivorcbs night on @CBS! We’re back with a Monster of a season on September 22nd with a 2hr premiere. Rt of you’ll be there! pic.twitter.com/tG421jTPIv
— Jeff Probst (@JeffProbst) July 12, 2021
SEEEverything to know about ‘Survivor 41’
The Emmy-winning reality program has seen its fare share of scary moments throughout its two decades on the air — remember Michael Skupin falling...
Wednesday night is @survivorcbs night on @CBS! We’re back with a Monster of a season on September 22nd with a 2hr premiere. Rt of you’ll be there! pic.twitter.com/tG421jTPIv
— Jeff Probst (@JeffProbst) July 12, 2021
SEEEverything to know about ‘Survivor 41’
The Emmy-winning reality program has seen its fare share of scary moments throughout its two decades on the air — remember Michael Skupin falling...
- 7/21/2021
- by Marcus James Dixon
- Gold Derby
I was never the biggest fan of “The Facts of Life,” a sitcom about an all-girls boarding school that ran nine seasons on NBC from 1976 to 1988. But I learned through pop-culture osmosis that Tootie was played by Kim Fields, that Mindy Coen was Natalie and character actress Charlotte Rae was cast as Edna Garrett, a mother hen to a flock of adolescent lassies. I also was somewhat aware of Lisa Whelchel, who was spoiled rich girl Blair Warner on the popular show.
But when Whelchel signed on as a castaway on the 25th season of “Survivor” that took place in the Philippines in 2012, I became quite intrigued by her presence on the show. It was partly because she was able to keep her identity a secret from most of the other players, most who were too young to know about her ties with the sitcom.
See‘Survivor’ host Jeff Probst...
But when Whelchel signed on as a castaway on the 25th season of “Survivor” that took place in the Philippines in 2012, I became quite intrigued by her presence on the show. It was partly because she was able to keep her identity a secret from most of the other players, most who were too young to know about her ties with the sitcom.
See‘Survivor’ host Jeff Probst...
- 4/30/2020
- by Susan Wloszczyna
- Gold Derby
When “Survivor: Winners at War” host Jeff Probst reads the final votes of Season 40 (from the comfort of his own home), whose name will you be rooting for to see on the parchment? As of this writing, only nine castaways remain in the running to take home the series-high prize of $2 million, with one more scheduled to join them from the Edge of Extinction at a later date. Vote in our poll below for the person you hope wins “Survivor 40” on May 13, and then be sure to defend your choice in the comments section.
See ‘Survivor 40’ advantages: Who currently has immunity idols, fire tokens in ‘Winners at War’?
Sophie Clarke (“Survivor: South Pacific”) — Sophie was the winner of Season 23 on December 18, 2011, with a 6-3-0 vote over Benjamin “Coach” Wade and Albert Destrade. That season’s location was South Pacific.
Michele Fitzgerald (“Survivor: Kaoh Rong”) — Michele was the winner of...
See ‘Survivor 40’ advantages: Who currently has immunity idols, fire tokens in ‘Winners at War’?
Sophie Clarke (“Survivor: South Pacific”) — Sophie was the winner of Season 23 on December 18, 2011, with a 6-3-0 vote over Benjamin “Coach” Wade and Albert Destrade. That season’s location was South Pacific.
Michele Fitzgerald (“Survivor: Kaoh Rong”) — Michele was the winner of...
- 4/16/2020
- by Marcus James Dixon
- Gold Derby
“Survivor” can be one of the most entertaining shows on television, an adventure on a deserted island where strangers out-maneuver each other and compete in fun challenges. It can also be immensely uncomfortable when the illusion of the game fades away and real-life implications come into play. Above you can scroll through our photos of the 12 most disturbing moments in “Survivor” history, ranked from uncomfortable to ugly.
The safety of the “Survivor” castaways is always of grave importance, which is what makes the show’s medical evacuations so unfortunate to watch. Some, like Michael Skupin in “The Australian Outback,” have an accident, falling in the fire and requiring medical attention. Others push themselves to the brink, like Russell Swan in “Samoa” and Caleb Reynolds in “Kaoh Rong.” These are the worst kinds of “Survivor” exits, and while there can be compelling drama in seeing a castaway push themselves, it’s...
The safety of the “Survivor” castaways is always of grave importance, which is what makes the show’s medical evacuations so unfortunate to watch. Some, like Michael Skupin in “The Australian Outback,” have an accident, falling in the fire and requiring medical attention. Others push themselves to the brink, like Russell Swan in “Samoa” and Caleb Reynolds in “Kaoh Rong.” These are the worst kinds of “Survivor” exits, and while there can be compelling drama in seeing a castaway push themselves, it’s...
- 3/14/2020
- by Kevin Jacobsen
- Gold Derby
As “Survivor: Winners at War,” the 40th season of the landmark reality competition series, continues to heat up we take a look back at all the times players were evacuated from the game for medical reasons in its first 20 years (see above). Though some players removed from the game once later returned to compete again, none of them have ever returned and won. That isn’t to say their evacuations haven’t had a long-lasting impact on the show–both Nick Wilson and Michele Fitzgerald benefited greatly from the removal of players in their path to a win. And now they both have a chance at a second win on “Winners at War.”
See ‘Survivor 40’ advantages: Tracking who has immunity idols, fire tokens in ‘Winners at War’
The last time a player was removed from the game for medical reasons was in Season 37 “David vs. Goliath.” Pat Cusack was well-liked...
See ‘Survivor 40’ advantages: Tracking who has immunity idols, fire tokens in ‘Winners at War’
The last time a player was removed from the game for medical reasons was in Season 37 “David vs. Goliath.” Pat Cusack was well-liked...
- 2/25/2020
- by John Benutty
- Gold Derby
On Wednesday night 20 “Survivor” champions will begin their battle for the $2 million prize that comes with being named “Sole Survivor” of Season 40, “Winners at War.” Ten of those champions are the fiercest, most competitive and dynamic players to ever win the game. The other ten are men. Vote below in our poll to determine which female “Survivor” champion you are most rooting for this season.
Of all the women on this cast, Sandra Diaz-Twine is the name you’re probably most familiar with. Going into this cycle she remains the only player to ever win twice — first in Season 7 “Pearl Islands” and again in Season 20 “Heroes vs. Villains.” Unless she pulls off the seemingly impossible and wins again, one of her competitors will join her in that double win category. It could be Parvati Shallow, who lost to Sandra by only a few votes in the Season 20 finale. Parvati entered...
Of all the women on this cast, Sandra Diaz-Twine is the name you’re probably most familiar with. Going into this cycle she remains the only player to ever win twice — first in Season 7 “Pearl Islands” and again in Season 20 “Heroes vs. Villains.” Unless she pulls off the seemingly impossible and wins again, one of her competitors will join her in that double win category. It could be Parvati Shallow, who lost to Sandra by only a few votes in the Season 20 finale. Parvati entered...
- 2/12/2020
- by John Benutty
- Gold Derby
In honor of the upcoming 40th season of the beloved reality series, which premiered in 2000, here are some of the most shocking moments of the last 20 years of “Survivor” — from full-frontal nudity on national television to Dan Spilo getting kicked off the show last season. Season 40 premieres Feb. 12 at 8/7c on CBS.
Dan Spilo Gets Kicked Off the Show
The Hollywood talent manager was ejected from “Survivor: Island of the Idols” in 2019 following accusations of inappropriate touching, making him the first person to ever be kicked off the show. He has since said he is “deeply sorry.”
Season 1 Winner Richard Hatch Jailed for Tax Evasion
He was known as somewhat of a villain during his 2 stints on the show, but even more drama plagued Hatch after his time on “Survivor.” He ended up having to serve time in federal prison for tax evasion. Forbes has a good explainer of what happened there.
Dan Spilo Gets Kicked Off the Show
The Hollywood talent manager was ejected from “Survivor: Island of the Idols” in 2019 following accusations of inappropriate touching, making him the first person to ever be kicked off the show. He has since said he is “deeply sorry.”
Season 1 Winner Richard Hatch Jailed for Tax Evasion
He was known as somewhat of a villain during his 2 stints on the show, but even more drama plagued Hatch after his time on “Survivor.” He ended up having to serve time in federal prison for tax evasion. Forbes has a good explainer of what happened there.
- 2/11/2020
- by Margeaux Sippell
- The Wrap
Yikes! The preview trailer for Wednesday’s eighth episode of “Survivor: Edge of Extinction” teased that somebody may have been medically evacuated during the immunity challenge. If true, this castaway joined a long list of “Survivor” medevacs that includes Season 37’s Pat Cusack (whose back was injured on the boat in “David vs. Goliath”) and Season 2’s Michael Skupin (who fell into the fire in “The Australian Outback”). So what actually went down with the medical emergency and who followed last week’s voted-out player Joe Anglim to Extinction Island?
See‘Survivor’ 38 power rankings: Original Kama maintains control, but Rick Devens and David Wright have their foot in the door
Below, check out our minute-by-minute “Survivor” recap of Season 38, Episode 8, titled “I’m the Puppet Master,” to find out what happened Wednesday, April 3 at 8/7c. Then be sure to sound off in the comments section about your favorite castaways on...
See‘Survivor’ 38 power rankings: Original Kama maintains control, but Rick Devens and David Wright have their foot in the door
Below, check out our minute-by-minute “Survivor” recap of Season 38, Episode 8, titled “I’m the Puppet Master,” to find out what happened Wednesday, April 3 at 8/7c. Then be sure to sound off in the comments section about your favorite castaways on...
- 4/3/2019
- by John Benutty and Marcus James Dixon
- Gold Derby
Wednesday’s eighth episode of “Survivor: Edge of Extinction” won’t be for the faint of heart, as host Jeff Probst is forced to call for medical assistance during the immunity challenge. At first glance the endurance competition looks like one that’s been played many times before, as the 12 remaining castaways stand still while balancing blocks on their heads. However, one person begins “shaking seconds into this challenge,” then apparently drops to the ground, which requires Jeff to take action. “Medical!” he shouts during the dramatic “Survivor” preview trailer (watch above).
See Get ready for the biggest ‘Survivor’ jury of all time: Will a whopping 13 people decide the winner?
“For one castaway, the game takes a critical turn,” the video clip teases as the show’s doctor is seen hovering over the mystery player. “Can you hear me?” he asks. No hints are given as to who might have...
See Get ready for the biggest ‘Survivor’ jury of all time: Will a whopping 13 people decide the winner?
“For one castaway, the game takes a critical turn,” the video clip teases as the show’s doctor is seen hovering over the mystery player. “Can you hear me?” he asks. No hints are given as to who might have...
- 4/2/2019
- by Marcus James Dixon
- Gold Derby
Wednesday’s merge episode of “Survivor: David vs. Goliath” was officially one for the books as it featured new strategies, alliance double-dealing, backstabbing, gossip-spreading and a whole lot of drool-inducing messiness. And yet amidst all of the back and forth, the newly merged Kalokalo tribe came together to unanimously oust Elizabeth Olson. But before she went, Elizabeth was sure to throw Angelina Keeley‘s shadiness under the bus to her fellow Goliaths. How will they react to Angelina the morning after or how will it play into the hands of our newest super alliance, “Strike Force,” headed by Angelina’s target Christian Hubicki and his closest ally Nick Wilson?
In this week’s power rankings I maintain that Christian and Nick are still the two most powerful players in the game and likeliest to make it to the final. Below I’ve ranked the top 12 with my assessments on the shelf life of “Strike Force,...
In this week’s power rankings I maintain that Christian and Nick are still the two most powerful players in the game and likeliest to make it to the final. Below I’ve ranked the top 12 with my assessments on the shelf life of “Strike Force,...
- 11/8/2018
- by John Benutty
- Gold Derby
Wednesday night the castaways of “Survivor: David vs. Goliath” competed as tribes for the final time this season. The struggling Jabeni tribe returned to tribal council with #Jacketgate still on their minds, and though Angelina Keeley was in the hot seat for her deceptive behavior, in the end Mike White managed to get Nick Wilson to go against his word to Lyrsa Torres-Velez instead of sending another original Goliath home.
As we look ahead to next week’s merge episode, the biggest question is how the “David vs. Goliath” theme plays out once they’re all together. Because of Mike’s decision to keep Angelina, the Goliaths hold a 7-6 advantage over the Davids, but we’ve already seen players from both sides jump ship. With that in mind, our second set of power rankings this season is divided into what we see as the three main blocks of players still standing.
As we look ahead to next week’s merge episode, the biggest question is how the “David vs. Goliath” theme plays out once they’re all together. Because of Mike’s decision to keep Angelina, the Goliaths hold a 7-6 advantage over the Davids, but we’ve already seen players from both sides jump ship. With that in mind, our second set of power rankings this season is divided into what we see as the three main blocks of players still standing.
- 11/1/2018
- by John Benutty
- Gold Derby
After so much jacket drama on “Survivor: David vs. Goliath,” we just had to ask Lyrsa Torres whether she left her coat behind for Angelina Keeley after Jeff Probst snuffed her torch. “Are you crazy? I took that jacket with me, honey,” Lyrsa tells us the morning after her elimination in Season 37, Episode 6. “That jacket is here with me. I use it quite often actually because it’s getting cold here [in Boston]. I didn’t know the jacket was gonna be this big. I feel like it’s the 21st cast member of the show.” Listen to our “Survivor” exit interview above.
See‘Survivor’ medevacs: See all 15 medical evacuations through the years, from Michael Skupin to Pat Cusack
Lyrsa continues, “If [Angelina] would have approached me and told me, ‘Hey, you’re leaving. Can I keep your jacket because, you know, it’s cold?’ I would have been like, ‘Yes.’ I have...
See‘Survivor’ medevacs: See all 15 medical evacuations through the years, from Michael Skupin to Pat Cusack
Lyrsa continues, “If [Angelina] would have approached me and told me, ‘Hey, you’re leaving. Can I keep your jacket because, you know, it’s cold?’ I would have been like, ‘Yes.’ I have...
- 11/1/2018
- by Marcus James Dixon
- Gold Derby
So far in the first four episodes of “Survivor: David Goliath,” Natalie Cole has made a name for herself by speaking her mind and ordering her fellow castaways around at camp. In fact, in Wednesday’s fifth episode she apparently sets her sights on Nick Wilson, with CBS’s preview trailer announcing, “Another cyclone brings a whirlwind of chaos. But the real storm? A castaway that reigns terror.” Watch the Season 37, Episode 5 video above.
See‘Survivor’ 37 power rankings: Mason-Dixon allies Christian Hubicki and Nick Wilson on top after first tribe swap
Since the episode has a quirky title (“Jackets and Eggs”) we don’t get any potential clues about who might be on the chopping block this week. But as you may recall, the Davids and Goliaths were mixed up last week into three separate tribes and in each scenario the underdogs were outnumbered by the over-achievers.
After the orange Vuku tribe lost immunity,...
See‘Survivor’ 37 power rankings: Mason-Dixon allies Christian Hubicki and Nick Wilson on top after first tribe swap
Since the episode has a quirky title (“Jackets and Eggs”) we don’t get any potential clues about who might be on the chopping block this week. But as you may recall, the Davids and Goliaths were mixed up last week into three separate tribes and in each scenario the underdogs were outnumbered by the over-achievers.
After the orange Vuku tribe lost immunity,...
- 10/23/2018
- by Marcus James Dixon
- Gold Derby
Wednesday night the castaways of “Survivor: David vs. Goliath” saw a second player leave the game prematurely due to injury before dropping their buffs and being sorted into three all new tribes. In the random draw, former Goliaths maintained their supposed dominance by lucking into a 3-2 majority on all three tribes. Shockingly, however, Alec Merlino gave power to the former Davids of the Vuku tribe when he flipped on Natalia Azoqa, voting her out and making room for exiled Carl Boudreaux to assume her spot and give the Davids the 3-2 majority at that camp.
How will Alec’s bold stupid move shake up the game going forward? It’s all a matter of how the Goliaths on the other tribes react to the news that one of their own flipped and whether that encourages them to do the same in their own new tribes. Below I take a...
How will Alec’s bold stupid move shake up the game going forward? It’s all a matter of how the Goliaths on the other tribes react to the news that one of their own flipped and whether that encourages them to do the same in their own new tribes. Below I take a...
- 10/19/2018
- by John Benutty
- Gold Derby
“I think I foreshadowed my future for sure,” Natalia Azoqa tells us the morning after her “Survivor: David vs. Goliath” blindside was shown on TV. Following the dreaded tribe swap, Natalia had a numbers advantage with her, Alec Merlino and Kara Kay being former Goliaths and Elizabeth Olson and Davie Rickenbacker being former Davids. But when Natalia made the comment to Jeff Probst that she’d still be happy even if she went home “guns a-blazin,” it may have sealed her fate in Season 37, Episode 4. Listen to our “Survivor” exit interview above.
See‘Survivor’ medevacs: See all 15 medical evacuations through the years, from Michael Skupin to Pat Cusack
“I was like basically telling a prophecy and it came to life in that moment, you know?” Natalia laughs. “There’s a part of me that thinks if I didn’t said that would that have all transpired? Like, did I will my fate?...
See‘Survivor’ medevacs: See all 15 medical evacuations through the years, from Michael Skupin to Pat Cusack
“I was like basically telling a prophecy and it came to life in that moment, you know?” Natalia laughs. “There’s a part of me that thinks if I didn’t said that would that have all transpired? Like, did I will my fate?...
- 10/18/2018
- by Marcus James Dixon
- Gold Derby
After spraining her McL during “Survivor: David vs. Goliath,” Bi Nguyen had a big decision to make. Should she continue on with the show and potentially ruin her Mma fighting career, or should she call it quits? In the end, Bi made the tough choice to leave the game and announced her decision in front of both tribes during Season 37, Episode 4. “Looking back, I don’t regret it because it would have been a bigger regret to tear it and not be able to fight anymore,” Bi tells us the morning after her ouster was shown on TV. Listen to our “Survivor” exit interview above.
See‘Survivor’ medevacs: See all 15 medical evacuations through the years, from Michael Skupin to Pat Cusack
As Bi explains, “After the challenge the doctor looked at it and said it was sprained, but it was not a tear. So we wrapped it up and I...
See‘Survivor’ medevacs: See all 15 medical evacuations through the years, from Michael Skupin to Pat Cusack
As Bi explains, “After the challenge the doctor looked at it and said it was sprained, but it was not a tear. So we wrapped it up and I...
- 10/18/2018
- by Marcus James Dixon
- Gold Derby
While the underdogs lost the first two immunity challenges on “Survivor: David vs. Goliath,” they rallied last week and forced the over-achievers to send home one of their own: Jeremy Crawford. But all of this talk of Davids versus Goliaths came to an end in the fourth episode, as host Jeff Probst told the remaining 17 players to all “drop their buffs” in the first tribe swap of Season 37. Which castaways used the mix-up to their advantage and who was eliminated in “Time to Bring About the Charmpocalypse”?
See‘Survivor’ medevacs: See all 15 medical evacuations through the years, from Michael Skupin to Pat Cusack
Below, check out our minute-by-minute “Survivor” recap of Season 37, Episode 4 to find out what happened Wednesday, October 17 at 8/7c. Then be sure to sound off in the comments section about your favorite castaways on CBS’s reality TV show, who annoys you the most, and who you...
See‘Survivor’ medevacs: See all 15 medical evacuations through the years, from Michael Skupin to Pat Cusack
Below, check out our minute-by-minute “Survivor” recap of Season 37, Episode 4 to find out what happened Wednesday, October 17 at 8/7c. Then be sure to sound off in the comments section about your favorite castaways on CBS’s reality TV show, who annoys you the most, and who you...
- 10/17/2018
- by John Benutty and Marcus James Dixon
- Gold Derby
In the game of “Survivor,” the goal is to outwit, outplay and outlast the competition, but sometimes real-life troubles get in the way that lead to dramatic medical evacuations. As of this writing, a whopping 15 castaways have been medevaced by host Jeff Probst and the medical teams due to emergencies — 14 men and only 1 woman (Kourtney Moon). Need a refresher on the show’s evacuees through the years? Click through our photo gallery above highlighting all of the medevacs on “Survivor.”
See‘Survivor’ Season 37 premiere ends with a shocker that leaves the David tribe in tears
While the first season (“Borneo”) went off without a hitch in 2000, the much anticipated sequel (“The Australian Outback”) in 2001 wasn’t so lucky. In the sixth episode Michael Skupin fell face-first into the campfire after taking in too much smoke. Cameras didn’t actually capture the moment he fell in the flames, but the after-effects...
See‘Survivor’ Season 37 premiere ends with a shocker that leaves the David tribe in tears
While the first season (“Borneo”) went off without a hitch in 2000, the much anticipated sequel (“The Australian Outback”) in 2001 wasn’t so lucky. In the sixth episode Michael Skupin fell face-first into the campfire after taking in too much smoke. Cameras didn’t actually capture the moment he fell in the flames, but the after-effects...
- 10/16/2018
- by Marcus James Dixon
- Gold Derby
The premiere episode of Season 37 of “Survivor” started with a lot of touchy-feely moments and the usual grousing about outsized personalities, thanks to its premise of pitting so-called Davids against Goliaths. But it ended up with an unexpected and rather harrowing twist when Pat Cusack, a member of the David tribe who took charge of building their shelter, was suddenly shown to be moaning in pain and clearly injured in the final moments of the show. He somehow hurt his back when his tribe returned to their camp after they lost the immunity challenge when their boat went through choppy water caused by a rainstorm.
The maintenance manager, 40, from upstate New York tied the record for the earliest medical evacuation in “Survivor” history. That mark was previously set by Kourtney Moon of “Survivor: One World” in 2011’s Season 24 when she was forced to leave on Day 3. Moon remains the first...
The maintenance manager, 40, from upstate New York tied the record for the earliest medical evacuation in “Survivor” history. That mark was previously set by Kourtney Moon of “Survivor: One World” in 2011’s Season 24 when she was forced to leave on Day 3. Moon remains the first...
- 9/27/2018
- by Susan Wloszczyna
- Gold Derby
Former "Survivor" contestant Michael Skupin is now a registered sex offender, and on his way to prison for possession of child porn and running a Ponzi scheme. Skupin -- who's been sentenced to up to 4 years behind bars -- is being transferred Monday to Michigan State Prison after being convicted last month. Once Skupin gets out, some of his supervision conditions include ... no contact with any minors, staying 1,000 feet away from all schools, no owning...
- 1/23/2017
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
Michael Skupin appeared in an Oakland County courtroom in suburban Detroit on Tuesday, and was ordered to serve one to four years in prison for possession of child pornography, Et confirms.
In a separate case, the two-time Survivor contestant was also ordered to four years probation for larceny, and will have to submit to drug testing once released. In addition, Skupin will have to pay $31,800 to the victims of the crime.
Exclusive: Naya Rivera Explains Why She Wasn't Surprised About Mark Salling's Child Pornography Charges
During an investigation into Skupin's involvement in a financial scheme, authorities found child pornography on his laptop. He was convicted in November, but claims he did not download the videos and images to his computer.
.
“I maintain that I didn’t do it,” he said in court on Tuesday (via People). “That’s all I maintain. There were hundreds of people who had access to my computer. I have 11 children...
In a separate case, the two-time Survivor contestant was also ordered to four years probation for larceny, and will have to submit to drug testing once released. In addition, Skupin will have to pay $31,800 to the victims of the crime.
Exclusive: Naya Rivera Explains Why She Wasn't Surprised About Mark Salling's Child Pornography Charges
During an investigation into Skupin's involvement in a financial scheme, authorities found child pornography on his laptop. He was convicted in November, but claims he did not download the videos and images to his computer.
.
“I maintain that I didn’t do it,” he said in court on Tuesday (via People). “That’s all I maintain. There were hundreds of people who had access to my computer. I have 11 children...
- 12/28/2016
- Entertainment Tonight
Two-time Survivor contestant Michael Skupin was sentenced Tuesday morning in Michigan to one to four years in prison for child pornography and larceny, People confirms.
Skupin, 54, bowed his head and blinked back tears as Judge Kelley Kostin handed down the sentence in the Oakland County Courthouse near Detroit.
“I think he is a threat,” the prosecutor said in court before the sentencing. “We are asking for the maximum sentence.”
In addition to the prison time, Kostin ordered that Skupin serve four years of probation on the theft charge. He has also been ordered to pay $31,800 in restitution, plus several thousands in court costs.
Skupin, 54, bowed his head and blinked back tears as Judge Kelley Kostin handed down the sentence in the Oakland County Courthouse near Detroit.
“I think he is a threat,” the prosecutor said in court before the sentencing. “We are asking for the maximum sentence.”
In addition to the prison time, Kostin ordered that Skupin serve four years of probation on the theft charge. He has also been ordered to pay $31,800 in restitution, plus several thousands in court costs.
- 12/27/2016
- by skhelling
- PEOPLE.com
“Survivor” alum Michael Skupin was found guilty of possessing child pornography by a Michigan court on Friday. Skupin was found guilty on four of six charges by an Oakland County jury in the case after they deliberated for less than a day. He faces up to 16 years in prison when he is sentenced on Dec. 27, per ClickOnDetroit. The images were discovered as the result of an investigation into a Ponzi scheme that Skupin was allegedly participating in. Also Read: Naya Rivera Wasn't 'Totally Shocked' by Mark Salling's Child Porn Arrest According to the attorney general, an investigation was opened on Skupin after.
- 11/21/2016
- by Joe Otterson
- The Wrap
Michael Skupin was found guilty Friday of four of six counts of child pornography after a one-day trial, a spokesperson from Michigan Oakland County Clerk confirms to People.
The two-time Survivor contestant, 54, had pleaded not guilty to 11 charges of child pornography and racketeering stemming from an investigation by the Michigan attorney general.
According to the clerk’s spokesperson, the pornography and financial charges were split and Skupin will be tried separately for the racketeering charges beginning next week, after which his sentence will be handed down.
Skupin, who was arrested in February, had been out on bond during his trial...
The two-time Survivor contestant, 54, had pleaded not guilty to 11 charges of child pornography and racketeering stemming from an investigation by the Michigan attorney general.
According to the clerk’s spokesperson, the pornography and financial charges were split and Skupin will be tried separately for the racketeering charges beginning next week, after which his sentence will be handed down.
Skupin, who was arrested in February, had been out on bond during his trial...
- 11/18/2016
- by greghanlontimeinc
- PEOPLE.com
Michael Skupin is finally getting his day in court after his February arrest on child pornography and racketeering charges.
The two-time Survivor contestant reported to court on Thursday morning for his criminal trial, in which he faces 11 criminal charges stemming from an investigation by the Michigan attorney general.
According to the attorney general, the investigation began when people came forward alleging they were victims of a Ponzi scheme. The alleged victims say they made $10,000 investments to a gifting scheme called Pay It Forward, in which their donations cycled through a chart of investors, until they were paid by new investors’ money.
The two-time Survivor contestant reported to court on Thursday morning for his criminal trial, in which he faces 11 criminal charges stemming from an investigation by the Michigan attorney general.
According to the attorney general, the investigation began when people came forward alleging they were victims of a Ponzi scheme. The alleged victims say they made $10,000 investments to a gifting scheme called Pay It Forward, in which their donations cycled through a chart of investors, until they were paid by new investors’ money.
- 11/17/2016
- by skhelling
- PEOPLE.com
For the past few days, America has been enthralled by the tale of Ryan Stock and AmberLynn Walker, the couple who became instantly famous on America's Got Talent when Walker shot Stock in the throat with a flaming arrow (accidentally). Stock's accident joins a long line of terrifying incidents captured on "reality" television. Below, some of the most heart-stopping. (We're just excluding the low-hanging fruit of Fear Factor entirely.)
Snooki Gets Punched
The nadir of Jersey Shore's grip on America arguably came when the show's diminutive mouthpiece, Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi, was struck in the face by a male high school teacher at a bar.
Snooki Gets Punched
The nadir of Jersey Shore's grip on America arguably came when the show's diminutive mouthpiece, Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi, was struck in the face by a male high school teacher at a bar.
- 8/4/2016
- by Alex Heigl, @alex_heigl
- People.com - TV Watch
For the past few days, America has been enthralled by the tale of Ryan Stock and AmberLynn Walker, the couple who became instantly famous on America's Got Talent when Walker shot Stock in the throat with a flaming arrow (accidentally). Stock's accident joins a long line of terrifying incidents captured on "reality" television. Below, some of the most heart-stopping. (We're just excluding the low-hanging fruit of Fear Factor entirely.) Snooki Gets Punched The nadir of Jersey Shore's grip on America arguably came when the show's diminutive mouthpiece, Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi, was struck in the face by a male high school teacher at a bar.
- 8/4/2016
- by Alex Heigl, @alex_heigl
- PEOPLE.com
For the past few days, America has been enthralled by the tale of Ryan Stock and AmberLynn Walker, the couple who became instantly famous on America's Got Talent when Walker shot Stock in the throat with a flaming arrow (accidentally). Stock's accident joins a long line of terrifying incidents captured on "reality" television. Below, some of the most heart-stopping. (We're just excluding the low-hanging fruit of Fear Factor entirely.) Snooki Gets Punched The nadir of Jersey Shore's grip on America arguably came when the show's diminutive mouthpiece, Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi, was struck in the face by a male high school teacher at a bar.
- 8/4/2016
- by Alex Heigl, @alex_heigl
- PEOPLE.com
Former Survivor contestant Michael Skupin will stand trial in Minnesota on child pornography and other charges, the Associated Press reports. A judge determined there was enough evidence for him to stand trial in Oakland County.
Skupin was arrested in February after officials said they discovered child pornography on Skupin's laptop while they were investigating an alleged ponzy scheme. Skupin has denied the charges, saying in an exclusive statement to People in February that he was "wrongfully accused."
"My whole life has been kids: my kids, my family and anyone who ever needed help in any way," he said in the statement.
Skupin was arrested in February after officials said they discovered child pornography on Skupin's laptop while they were investigating an alleged ponzy scheme. Skupin has denied the charges, saying in an exclusive statement to People in February that he was "wrongfully accused."
"My whole life has been kids: my kids, my family and anyone who ever needed help in any way," he said in the statement.
- 6/4/2016
- by Aaron Couch
- People.com - TV Watch
Former Survivor contestant Michael Skupin will stand trial in Minnesota on child pornography and other charges, the Associated Press reports. A judge determined there was enough evidence for him to stand trial in Oakland County. Skupin was arrested in February after officials said they discovered child pornography on Skupin's laptop while they were investigating an alleged ponzy scheme. Skupin has denied the charges, saying in an exclusive statement to People in February that he was "wrongfully accused." "My whole life has been kids: my kids, my family and anyone who ever needed help in any way," he said in the statement.
- 6/4/2016
- by Aaron Couch
- PEOPLE.com
Over the years, Survivor has had its share of medical evacuations. Sometimes, it was the contestant's own fault, like when Mike Skupin fell into a fire during 2001's Australian Outback. Sometimes, it was due to illness, like when Panama's Bruce Kanegai found himself severely constipated. Other times, the blame falls on the producers. In 2012, contestant Kourtney Moon broke her wrist during an ill-conceived challenge that had contestants jumping from a 25-ft. tower into a net. But no Survivor has been quite as brutal and chaotic as last week's episode, where contestants spent nearly an hour digging in hot sand for bags of balls.
- 3/16/2016
- by Steve Helling, @stevehelling
- PEOPLE.com
Over the years, Survivor has had its share of medical evacuations.
Sometimes, it was the contestant's own fault, like when Mike Skupin fell into a fire during 2001's Australian Outback. Sometimes, it was due to illness, like when Panama's Bruce Kanegai found himself severely constipated.
Other times, the blame falls on the producers. In 2012, contestant Kourtney Moon broke her wrist during an ill-conceived challenge that had contestants jumping from a 25-ft. tower into a net.
But no Survivor has been quite as brutal and chaotic as last week's episode, where contestants spent nearly an hour digging in hot sand for bags of balls.
Sometimes, it was the contestant's own fault, like when Mike Skupin fell into a fire during 2001's Australian Outback. Sometimes, it was due to illness, like when Panama's Bruce Kanegai found himself severely constipated.
Other times, the blame falls on the producers. In 2012, contestant Kourtney Moon broke her wrist during an ill-conceived challenge that had contestants jumping from a 25-ft. tower into a net.
But no Survivor has been quite as brutal and chaotic as last week's episode, where contestants spent nearly an hour digging in hot sand for bags of balls.
- 3/14/2016
- by Steve Helling, @stevehelling
- People.com - TV Watch
Michael Skupin is speaking out for the first time since last week's arrest - and the reality star vigorously maintains his innocence. Skupin, a two-time Survivor contestant, faces 11 criminal charges, including possession of child pornography and racketeering. He was arrested last Friday. In an exclusive statement to People, Skupin, 54, says he was "wrongfully accused" and vows to fight against the charges. He also tells People that this is the only statement he will issue while the legal case is pending. Below is his statement in its entirety. I'm not even sure what to say. I'm more shocked by this than anyone.
- 2/13/2016
- by Steve Helling, @stevehelling
- PEOPLE.com
Michael Skupin is speaking out for the first time since last week's arrest – and the reality star vigorously maintains his innocence.
Skupin, a two-time Survivor contestant, faces 11 criminal charges, including possession of child pornography and racketeering. He was arrested last Friday.
In an exclusive statement to People, Skupin, 54, says he was "wrongfully accused" and vows to fight against the charges. He also tells People that this is the only statement he will issue while the legal case is pending.
Below is his statement in its entirety.
I'm not even sure what to say. I'm more shocked by this than anyone.
Skupin, a two-time Survivor contestant, faces 11 criminal charges, including possession of child pornography and racketeering. He was arrested last Friday.
In an exclusive statement to People, Skupin, 54, says he was "wrongfully accused" and vows to fight against the charges. He also tells People that this is the only statement he will issue while the legal case is pending.
Below is his statement in its entirety.
I'm not even sure what to say. I'm more shocked by this than anyone.
- 2/13/2016
- by Steve Helling, @stevehelling
- People.com - TV Watch
Michael Skupin is speaking out for the first time since last week's arrest - and the reality star vigorously maintains his innocence. Skupin, a two-time Survivor contestant, faces 11 criminal charges, including possession of child pornography and racketeering. He was arrested last Friday. In an exclusive statement to People, Skupin, 54, says he was "wrongfully accused" and vows to fight against the charges. He also tells People that this is the only statement he will issue while the legal case is pending. Below is his statement in its entirety. I'm not even sure what to say. I'm more shocked by this than anyone.
- 2/13/2016
- by Steve Helling, @stevehelling
- PEOPLE.com
Former Survivor contestant Michael Skupin is facing 11 criminal charges, including possession of child pornography and racketeering, the Michigan Attorney General's office announced Friday. An investigation into Skupin began after people who say they were victims of an alleged Ponzi scheme he ran contacted a local newspaper. The alleged victims say they made $10,000 investments to a gifting scheme called Pay It Forward, in which their donations cycled through a chart of investors, until they were paid by new investors' money. The alleged scheme was discovered when the investors say they lost all of their money after no new people were brought into the group.
- 2/6/2016
- by Aaron Couch
- PEOPLE.com
Former “Survivor” contestant Michael Skupin has been charged with possession of child pornography, the Michigan attorney general said Friday. In all, the 54-year-old was charged with six counts of possession of child sexually abusive materials, along with five counts of larceny by conversion, and one count of racketeering- conducting a criminal enterprise. The images were discovered as the result of an investigation into a Ponzi scheme that Skupin was allegedly participating in. Also Read: 'Law & Order' Director Jason Alexander Pleads Guilty to Child Porn Charges According to the attorney general, an investigation was opened on Skupin after victims from his alleged Ponzi.
- 2/6/2016
- by Tim Kenneally
- The Wrap
Former "Survivor" contestant Michael Skupin -- whose claim to fame on the show was falling in a fire pit -- has been charged with several counts of possessing child porn. Michigan's Attorney General announced the charges Friday ... including 6 counts of possession of child porn, 5 counts of larceny and 1 count of racketeering. The A.G. says Skupin came under investigation after people came forward claiming they were victims of his Ponzi scheme, losing up to $10k.
- 2/5/2016
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
There are a lot of similarities between Survivor and politics. The scheming. The backstabbing. The alliances.
So it's only natural that some contestants have entered the cutthroat world of politics after their seasons were over. Rupert Boneham was the 2012 Libertarian candidate for Indiana governor. In 2001, Mike Skupin considered a run for U.S. Senate. Jolanda Jones, the first contestant voted off of Survivor: Palau was a Houston city councilwoman.
Now another contestant is throwing her hat into the ring: Laura Morett, who competed in Survivor: Samoa and Survivor: Blood vs. Water, has announced that she is running for a seat...
So it's only natural that some contestants have entered the cutthroat world of politics after their seasons were over. Rupert Boneham was the 2012 Libertarian candidate for Indiana governor. In 2001, Mike Skupin considered a run for U.S. Senate. Jolanda Jones, the first contestant voted off of Survivor: Palau was a Houston city councilwoman.
Now another contestant is throwing her hat into the ring: Laura Morett, who competed in Survivor: Samoa and Survivor: Blood vs. Water, has announced that she is running for a seat...
- 11/11/2015
- by Steve Helling, @stevehelling
- People.com - TV Watch
The second UK season of Bear Grylls' latest survival reality series, "The Island," is generating outrage after contestants have slaughtered three pigs for food and killed an endangered crocodile, having confused it with a more common caiman. An American version of the show will air on NBC this summer, debuting May 25. Reports say that PETA actually wants Grylls and the show's producers to be arrested for these actions. "Killing animals is a cheap ratings ploy and sends an especially harmful message to young viewers, who are greatly influenced by what they see on TV. Bear Grylls and the producers should be prosecuted. Fame doesn't mean immunity," the organization said in a statement. Most interesting, however, is that the animals were placed on the island by producers to be killed. (The show is filmed in the Pearl Islands off the coast of Panama.) On Channel 4's web site for the episode,...
- 5/12/2015
- by Andy Dehnart
- Hitfix
It was a debacle. The battle of the sexes twist didn’t work. The cast was unlikable, including one dude who called himself Troyzan and another dude who called himself Tarzan. It was ridiculous. So when Survivor: One World signed off in the spring of 2012, many wondered openly about the health of the franchise that gave birth to network reality TV way back in the summer of 2000. Maybe it was finally time to snuff Survivor’s torch.
Except that’s not what happened. Ever since then, Survivor has been so hot that Michael Skupin may burn his hands on it...
Except that’s not what happened. Ever since then, Survivor has been so hot that Michael Skupin may burn his hands on it...
- 5/21/2014
- by Dalton Ross
- EW.com - PopWatch
It is almost impossible to believe that "Survivor" just concluded its 25th season. Even more improbably, "Survivor: Philippines" was epic, destined to top all-time fan favorites lists for its engaging cast, roller-coaster twists and insane Tribal Councils.
"Dead Man Walking," the eighth episode, was the standout of an incredible season. The title refers to impossibly charismatic returning player Jonathan Penner's certain execution -- and the thrilling Immunity Challenge victory that spared his life in the game. Leading up to one of "Survivor's" most lively and astounding Tribal Councils, "Facts of Life" child star Lisa Whelchel transformed from America's Sweetheart to aggressive gamer. She betrays Malcolm first by revealing to Skupin and Pete that he found a Hidden Immunity Idol -- and then campaigning to blindside him next.
Party-boy Pete hilariously believes Malcolm's denials -- and boy is he in for a surprise at Tribal Council, where everyone is oversharing,...
"Dead Man Walking," the eighth episode, was the standout of an incredible season. The title refers to impossibly charismatic returning player Jonathan Penner's certain execution -- and the thrilling Immunity Challenge victory that spared his life in the game. Leading up to one of "Survivor's" most lively and astounding Tribal Councils, "Facts of Life" child star Lisa Whelchel transformed from America's Sweetheart to aggressive gamer. She betrays Malcolm first by revealing to Skupin and Pete that he found a Hidden Immunity Idol -- and then campaigning to blindside him next.
Party-boy Pete hilariously believes Malcolm's denials -- and boy is he in for a surprise at Tribal Council, where everyone is oversharing,...
- 12/28/2012
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
We've reached the end of the "Survivor: Philippines" exit interview road, which means we've reached the peak. In the past three days, you've read my interview with popular 4th place finisher Malcolm Freberg, as well as the conversations with Mike Skupin and Lisa Whelchel, who made it to the Finals, but received only one vote apiece. That brings us to the million dollar winner, Denise Stapley. Calm, analytical, tough Denise, who made an alliance with Malcolm on Day One and chose exactly the right moment to separate from that alliance and stand on her own, received six of eight...
- 12/21/2012
- by Daniel Fienberg
- Hitfix
She didn't win the million dollars, but Lisa Whelchel still cleaned up on Survivor: Philippines.
After tying for second place with Mike Skupin (prize money for the tie: $87,500), she received an extra $100,000 for being crowned the player of the season – an award chosen by the viewers. Plus: she also received an extra $10,000 for attending the live finale. But Whelchel tells People that the experience may have done more than just line her pocketbook.
"I didn't really go into Survivor to restart my career," says Whelchel. "I loved the game, and I wanted to play it. That really was my sole reason.
After tying for second place with Mike Skupin (prize money for the tie: $87,500), she received an extra $100,000 for being crowned the player of the season – an award chosen by the viewers. Plus: she also received an extra $10,000 for attending the live finale. But Whelchel tells People that the experience may have done more than just line her pocketbook.
"I didn't really go into Survivor to restart my career," says Whelchel. "I loved the game, and I wanted to play it. That really was my sole reason.
- 12/20/2012
- by Steve Helling
- People.com - TV Watch
More than any of the returning players on "Survivor: Philippines," Mike Skupin was an enigma. Jonathan Penner had played twice and we knew what to expect from him. Russell Swan was a mystery, because barely anybody remembered him, but saying he was an enigma implies people had given him thought. But Mike Skupin? He killed a pig. He fell into the fire. But for the full decade after his departure from "Survivor: The Australian Outback," he was always the show's great "What if?" After seeing Skupin make it to the end of a "Survivor" season, some of...
- 12/19/2012
- by Daniel Fienberg
- Hitfix
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