Spectacle: True Crime

Reality TV | 3. How Survivor revealed America’s tribalism

Spectacle: True Crime

Show Notes

When Survivor premiered in 2000, there was nothing like it. It was like Lord of Flies meets Castaway. That first season enthralled audiences as contestants backstabbed all for a chance to win $1 million dollars. Ultimately, the show also became a microcosm of greater society. With some seasons segregating by race or class, it emulated the divisions we see on the mainland. What does Survivor tell us about ourselves? In this episode, we talk to Survivor cast member Max Dawson and aficionados Andy Dehnart, Mike Bloom and Racquel Gates.

A Neon Hum Media and Sony Music Entertainment production.

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts to binge all episodes now or listen weekly wherever you get your podcasts.

Find more great podcasts from Sony Music Entertainment at sonymusic.com/podcasts

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

More from Spectacle: True Crime

Oct 10, 2023

A podcast series that marvels at the sheer magnitude of the human spirit and the lengths we will go to preserve the most sacred of things – life. Join primitive survival expert and United States Marine Corps Veteran, Donny Dust, as he hosts the brand-new series from Sony Music Entertainment, Rescue.

Aug 1, 2023

Betrayal on the Bayou is a podcast about a former DEA agent Chad Scott, who for almost two decades, stopped at nothing to put drug dealers behind bars. He controlled a web of snitches and played people like pawns. His successes earned him awards from his superiors, but his willingness to bend the rules made enemies of his fellow agents and gave him a terrifying reputation on the streets. He was the Golden Boy; Big Dog; The White Devil.

Jul 11, 2023

From Dean of Black Twitter, Michael Harriot, comes a Black history podcast like you've never heard before. Using a recipe that includes detailed research, barbershop humor and a little seasoned salt, a parade of cookout-certified celebrity guests helps Michael Harriot serve up a compelling, hilarious, and more accurate version of Black history that was conveniently whitewashed from your social studies book. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 1, 2023

This season, we’re getting into 1950s Hollywood, ground zero for a cultural transformation that would upend every aspect of Americans’ lives. A movie theater in every city, a TV in every living room, and a Post-war America determined to be happy at any cost. Also, during this period… a slew of untimely Hollywood deaths.

Feb 1, 2023

Smoke Screen: Deadly Cure is a podcast about a family on the fringe who convinced tens of thousands of people across the globe to buy a miracle liquid made of poison, the international conspiracy they ignited, and the people who fought to take them down.

See all episodes →