Episode 15: Lisa's win is a win for every fan

Published: September 9, 2018

A somewhat belated look back at the Survivor NZ: Thailand finale, what Lisa Stanger's win means to her fellow Survivor superfans, and what the success of NZ: Thailand and other international Survivor seasons mean for fans around the world.

Episode 14: Evaluating the final three

Published: July 25, 2018

As Survivor NZ sprints to its conclusion, Jeff takes a look at the final three contestants, and evaluates their individual chances of winning. With one key variable remaining: How bitter the jury turns out to be.

Episode 13: What to make of Adam's ribbing?

Published: July 21, 2018

As Survivor NZ's colorful villain heads to the jury, Jeff questions whether (in 2018) reality TV still needs to be going overboard with in-confessional trash-talking. Or if at least some editing restraint might be welcome.

Episode 12: Rise of the Kiwi Cirie?

Published: July 13, 2018

A deep dive into the shocking, game-changing blindside in Episode 12 of Survivor NZ: Thailand. Comparing Lisa's move to Cirie's in Panama, Dave's decision to Blood vs. Water, and Matt's performance to those in the elite player ranks.

Episode 11: Missed opportunities

Published: July 7, 2018

The question of Survivor NZ: Thailand thus far seems to be: Can anyone stop Matt (and Dave)? For this episode, at least, the answer was a resounding no (and no, and also no).

Episode 10: Is Survivor fair with a secret pair?

Published: June 28, 2018

As the numbers dwindle on Survivor NZ: Thailand, two numbers remain: Matt and Dave. Does their having been friends before playing Survivor give them an unfair advantage? (Answer: Yes, duh, but maybe not as much as you think.)

Episode 9: The battle for Tess

Published: June 21, 2018

In which Jeff discusses how Brad's blindside was partly a jockeying for another power - the power of Tess. Also: Is the end nigh for Kiwi Joey Amazing? And some idol talk.

Episode 8: Can we yet book anyone for the win?

Published: June 15, 2018

With a horde of solid game-players leaving around the merge, Jeff wonders which of the remaining players has the best chances of winning. There's a run-through of the contenders, a look at a fizzling secret alliance, calendar questions, and... a vidcap gallery.

Episode 7: K(ill)ing of the snakes

Published: June 7, 2018

As two superfan strategists become the final two Survivor NZ: Thailand pre-jurors, Jeff assesses the events of Episode 7. Some sparks of superfan life, an actual villain, an unfair idol find, and a questionable decision.

Episode 6: The power shifts (maybe)

Published: June 1, 2018

A major blindside seemingly tilts power away from the (now smaller) Khang Khaw tight five, and gives Chani new life, as Jeff reviews Survivor NZ: Thailand's big Episode 6. Also: Pizza and tarps highlight a new vidcap gallery.

Episode 5: Ticks and talks

Published: May 23, 2018

In its fifth episode, Survivor NZ: Thailand hits the swap, producing two tribes with outnumbered Chanis. Yay. But one has an idol, which gets played... incorrectly. Yay again. But wait, there are also some minor head injuries.

Episode 4: Folding the Wildcards

Published: May 16, 2018

As both Wildcard contestants have now exited the game, Jeff asks whether they faced a level playing field. Plus praise for another interesting Outpost twist, and a historical reckoning of Chani's terrible challenge performance.

Episode 3: The Outpost vs. Ghost Island

Published: May 8, 2018

Jeff conducts a more thorough investigation of the relative strengths and faults of the two current Survivor island-based getaways: the US's Ghost Island, vs. NZ: Thailand's Outpost. Which will emerge supreme? Also, Chani Power Rankings.

Episode 2: Outwit, outplay, Outpost: A test for Tess

Published: May 2, 2018

Survivor NZ: Thailand's first run through the Outpost was a complete success, as JT and Tess demonstrated the potential for both mischief and pure entertainment. But where does the episode leave its few remaining older women, and... its superfan contestants?

Episode 1: Superfans vs. naiveté

Published: April 23, 2018

Survivor New Zealand delivered an impressive premiere episode for its new season, set in Thailand. Faster-paced editing, energetic and more Survivor-savvy contestants, and an improved level of challenge quality combined for a highly entertaining debut.