Survivor: Season 50
` It's no secret that Survivor is one of the most popular reality television shows to hit our screens, and if you think that's a baseless claim, I would probably say you've never seen the show, or know little about it! The proof is in the pudding folks, Survivor first aired on May 31, 2000. That was almost twenty-six years ago! It is the longest running reality TV show behind Cops, and The Challenge. I mention all of this because it comes at no surprise that it is about to air its 50th season in late February, and oh boy, with the way they're advertising/talking about it, it's shaping up to be a good one.
Survivor 50 is pulling out all of the stops they can to hype this up to be a big season, and so far they have not been shy to advertise it in places with high viewership. YouTube, morning shows, almost every other social media app I could think of, and I personally have seen more than five (and I am underestimating) advertisements for the new season on almost every football game that I have watched, after the conclusion of its 49th season of course. In fact, the only reason I follow them on Instagram, is because I saw their page on an advertisement for season 50. Before, I never knew or even cared to check if they had an account (keep in mind I just started watching not too long ago but I am HOOKED). The question can be raised: why are they advertising this season so much? Well, depending on who you are, some could/would say the show has lost its touch, has softened up and may need to advertise more for that reason, but in my opinion, that's just not the case. I started the show on season 30 because I wanted an idea of the more modern game leading up to season 50. I got through some more seasons after 30, and am currently finishing up 49 in preparation for 50 as it is coming very soon. All of this to say, I have no issue with the modern game, and I think the reason they are hyping this season up so much is actually because of what this season is going to be all about, and it's huge!
It's fascinating to me that all of the new factors in this season make for perfect advertising, quite literally designed to foster engagement in viewers. What do I mean? What sets season 50 apart from every other season is that the fans will have a say, as this season is literally titled Survivor 50: In the Hands of the Fans. Fans of the show got to vote online to determine things like production design, game mechanics and probably even more that they are waiting to reveal when it airs. According to an Entertainment Weekly article, this season will be one of the most consequential seasons of the show, with its host Jeff Probst saying: "I think Survivor 50 will forever change how the players embrace uncertainty." Additionally, Jeff inferred that "aggressiveness will be rewarded," in this new season. Another cool thing about this season is that they are bringing in big names from pop culture. Examples of these big names are people like Mr. Beast, who has been seen in commercials and articles for the new season, also artists like Billie Eilish and Zac Brown. Even Jimmy Fallon is expected to make an appearance. This is a great example of an ever-evolving TV show, that will change over time in order to appeal to newer generations. The inclusion of popular YouTuber Mr. Beast and artist Billie Eilish point toward a strong aim at Generation Z, in an attempt to expand their audience into the younger demographics, even potentially the youngest generation: Generation Alpha. It's quite literally the smartest play they could make while retaining their identity, and not shifting into more modern tactics of promoting viewership, like big titles designed for clicks such as "Spending 100 Hours Buried Alive" or "A Week in the Alaskan Wilderness by Myself," or short form, high stimulus media that dominates today's entertainment platforms which draw in most younger viewership. This isn't to say they haven't used short form content to foster engagement, because they have, but they do it by clipping parts of episodes and posting them to pages like their Instagram to promote the show, or to give fans a look into new or old episodes. I mention this because it is important to distinguish how they use short form content versus how newer media/influencers use it. Often you will see influencers using clips with context that may be similar to the longer video it comes from, but it is often not as crazy as the clip makes it seem, and this is all done to get easy clicks and views on the larger video that the clip is sourced from. Survivor, on the other hand, while they may post a high stakes clip here and there, is not trying to sell the show for something that it isn't. For example, a lot of the short form content that the Survivor Instagram page has posted recently has been clips from previous seasons, including players that will show up in season 50. It has also posted clips of previous but returning players directly talking to the fans about something, or a fun challenge (I will mention the specific challenge further along) they get to participate in leading up to the new season. It all remains consistent and doesn't try to bait you by making it seem any more extravagant than it already is. I very much admire this as a fan, especially as a newer one. It builds trust and promotes loyalty in the fanbase, which Survivor has no issue with given its lifespan thus far.
For more information on the Entertainment Weekly article: https://ew.com/jeff-probst-survivor-50-forever-change-how-players-embrace-uncertainty-11886720
For more information on the expected celebrity appearances: https://people.com/survivor-season-50-trailer-celeb-cameos-11872354#:~:text=Along%20with%20Lusth%2C%20Young%2C%20Donaldson,who%20came%20in%20fourth%20place.
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Jeff Probst with Mr. Beast on Survivor 50. Courtesy of Robert Voets/CBS
https://www.survivor50challenge.com/how-to
Another huge aspect to this season which I have already sort of mentioned, is that they are bringing back huge players from past seasons, including winners. This isn't the first time the show has done this, but they are really diversifying the tribes, mixing winners with finalists, people who got voted out early, and people who have had a controversial history on the show as aggressive, or dramatic. With all of this combined, it really does look like this will be one of the most interesting seasons in the show's 25 year run. It makes sense that they are advertising it in every way that they can! I mean, they really put it all out there this season, and they want people to see what kind of treat they're in for, and to potentially gain a whole new generation of viewers!
This is what makes Survivor such a captivating show. It is a multi-generational show with high stakes, drama, and most of all, it's real. It has one of the most loyal, die-hard fanbases out there, and the best part, is that because it has gone on for so long, and is likely to continue going on for much longer, the fan base will make up future casts. Like, that's insane to think about! The cast creates fans, the fans become the cast, and it repeats over and over. It's a winning recipe for a gameshow, and season 50 truly is shaping up to be the best season the show has ever aired.
Phew. I am hyping this up a lot, does that make me apart of their advertising strategy? I have no problem with it. Season 50 of Survivor airs on February 25th on CBS and Paramount+. If you haven't watched the show yet, I encourage you to do so. Just like me, you have a lot of catching up to do, but it will be a fun ride.
Images here are used for educational and commentary purposes under fair use.
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