My wife and I are somewhat new to Survivor only having started watching it in the last 2 years or so. I apologize if this has been covered in another thread but searching did not show a thread. I was wondering what people's favorite seasons of Survivor are as we have Paramount+ and recently started watching a new season randomly (season 30 worlds apart with the three trips blue collar, white collar, and no collar. We watched the seasons with "coach" and Colton and a few others and some seasons seemed hit or miss.

Thanks!

I know this isn't the answer you were looking for, but there is so much history in Survivor, I would start from the beginning and watch them all. There are lots of players that have played multiple times.

we thought about going all the way back but the early seasons are in 4:3 aspect ratio and feel really dated. I'm not loving the new seasons since COVID where they changed the rules so I'm hoping for some 'best of' seasons.

Probably Heroes vs Villains, but without the background of knowing the contestants, it wouldn't be the same.

The seasons with Russell Hanz, Boston Rob and Sandra Diaz... I think some of them overlap. The first 40 seasons or so are pretty good but the last few have been trash, IMO.

How much you like a particular season will usually fall on how much you enjoy the leading personalities. Boston Rob's first season was one of my favorites and it's made even more special by what we know happens afterwards. I'm not a huge fan of seasons in which floaters win but I won't spoil those names for you.

Any of the really early seasons are probably a little too quaint. Starting with season 6, Amazon was entertaining at the time, but I'm sure it hasn't aged well. Season 10 (Palau) & Season 13 (Cook Islands) are worth a watch. I love season 15 (China), primarily because of Courtney Yates. Season 16 (Micronesia AKA Fans Vs Favorites) is generally considered to be at or near the top of most peoples lists. Seasons 18 (Tocantins) is worth a watch.

Some people love season 20 (Heroes V Villains), but season 19 & 20 were the Russell Hantz show, and I just couldn't stand him. Season 28 (Cagayan) was the best in years. I like season 31 (Cambodia AKA Second Chance), season 33 (Millenials Vs GenEx), and Season 36 (Ghost Island).

I bailed on the show because of the unpleasantness halfway through season 39 and haven't watched it since. .

I'd say the Boston Rob/Amber season.

I bailed on this show about 15 years ago when they started adding so many gimmicks. And I can't stand Probst.

I think Boston Rob was one of the first seasons we watched with our daughter who got us into the show. Its strangely entertaining when its good which is not usually my cup of tea as I don't watch any of the reality shows that I can think of, no dance shows, 'talent,' or big brother stuff etc. Might try the amazing race at some point but IDK

spring and summer

I was a huge Survivor fan and loved it when it aired on Thursday Nights. It moved to Wednesdays and it just didn't feel the same watching it on Wednesdays. I liked the "Fans vs. Favorites" season a lot and the China season was very good too.

Sounds like China was one to watch. I think I saw Heros vs Villains but would need to see the first couple of minutes of the episode to be sure but it sounds quite familiar for the tagline.

Dalton Ross who does weekly Survivor recaps for Entertainment Weekly has maintained rankings for each season. Might be worth scrolling through his list knowing he's seen them all.

The obvious warning: You'd want to overlook his brief write-ups for each season if you want to avoid spoilers of key moments/outcomes.

Every 'Survivor' season ranked (ew.com)

I've watched every season since #2 and am still watching. I've seen part of season 1 and need to go back and finish it, but the early seasons are definitely dated. This show had been screaming for 16x9 HD before they finally made the plunge.

I really liked Cook Islands. I haven't rewatched seasons and I generally don't remember what happened when so I can't really identify which seasons I preferred. If you have the time and stamina, it might make sense to watch a few seasons in order because some of the returning players have character arcs that make things more interesting. Some of the disagreeable characters I ended up liking.

Among seasons where its just 1st time players vs each other,these might the 1st I would recommend.

China-15 th season
Pearl Islands-7th season
Cayagan-28th season
Davis vs Goliath-37th Season

We finished 30 on Thursday and 31 by yesterday - super lazy weekend LOL. I think we may do the recommended seasons above China for sure but I hated the Russel seasons but it was entertaining for sure. I will check out the list below but we may do season 28 and beyond or something at this point.

Really sad after watching season 31 to find out that Keith passed away last year.

Holy crap. I'd given up on the series years ago but this thread prompted me to check Wikipedia. 45 seasons! Now I feel old especially since I vaguely recall season 1. Then again who can forget Jenna Lewis and Naked Richard and his tax issues?