i love that show. i started watching it when i was about 9. i think it is appropriate for any age but i don't think smaller kids will enjoy it as much
Survivor
-
Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings -
Is it any good?
-
Common Sense says
Plotting and scheming in paradise for $1,000,000.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 12–13
What to watch out for
-
Violence:
-
Sex:
-
Language:
-
Consumerism:
-
Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
This review of Survivor was written by Betsy Wallace
Parents need to know that this show's early success is largely responsible for the explosion of reality programs on TV. While it airs in early primetime, it's not always family viewing: Survivors sometimes swear and like to "get back to nature" -- but you might too, if your clothes got as dirty as theirs. Producers will sometimes divide teams along controversial lines (race, age groups, etc.) to shake things up, and virtually every activity the Survivors take part in is backed by a corporate sponsorship. Bonds of friendship are made to be broken as the players struggle to outwit each other in order to win. No one is above back-stabbing a friend when $1,000,000 is on the line.
Families Can Talk About
Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
- Families can talk about what it means to be a true survivor and how "real" the show is. Do you think the contestants are ever really in danger of starving or getting seriously hurt? Are the players really the way they seem on TV, or does editing shape how they come across to viewers? Do you have to cheat and lie in order to win this game? Is it ever OK to lie, and if so, when? The show could also inspire families to try a camping trip and divide up chores such as gathering wood, catching fish, and cooking over a fire.
Have you seen it? Review It!
More on Survivor
What’s the Story?
In award-winning reality show SURVIVOR, a group of strangers (usually 16, sometimes more) ranging in age from mid-20s to mid-50s is "cast away" for 39 days in a remote tropical location and divided into tribes. The tribes compete against each other in challenges for rewards or immunity from elimination (once the number of players dwindles significantly, they start competing one on one instead of at the tribal level). The last contestant standing wins $1 million and the title of Sole Survivor. Even as they form a society and work together to build shelters and win the challenges, the Survivors vote each other out of the game one by one at tribal council -- a formula copied by countless reality/game shows since, from Big Brother to The Bachelor and American Idol. But the game changes in unexpected ways each season, too, deliberately churning up surprises: Past gimmicks have included bringing back players who were voted out, switching up the tribes after a few days, exiling players to a special island, dividing tribes along controversial lines (race, age groups, etc.), and so on.
Is It Any Good?
It's not a stretch to call Survivor innovative and educational. The game requires contestants to learn and employ wilderness skills and work together, and each season takes place in a different part of the world, with the history and culture of the region incorporated into the show. Challenges test not only Survivors' physical strength, but also their knowledge of local traditions and their ability to solve puzzles and problems. Terrific wildlife footage gives viewers a close-up look at exotic insects, snakes, spiders, sharks, tigers, alligators, etc., depending on the location.
As it has progressed, the series has wisely spent less time focusing on the Survivors' day-to-day ailments and more time emphasizing their social interaction and competitive ability -- which always makes for more compelling reality TV. Fans of the series will find plenty to enjoy in each installment, although some parents won't appreciate the fact that lying and backstabbing are so prevalent.
Our Members Say
See all 26 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
-
I rate this title on for age 9 and give it
great show
-
I rate this title on for age 12 and give it
For tweens and above.
This show has raised some good parental discussions. Not ready for my 11 year olds to watch.
-
I rate this title on for age 10 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Negative role models
-
I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
Please I Beg Of You! Watch This Show!
I LOVE THIS SHOW SO MUCH! It is not innapropriat wahat so ever no matter what anyone says. It is such a good show, and my #1 Favorite show everr since I was three. I lover it!! Please watch it, but WARNOING: Once you begin to watch it I promise that you will love it so much, you will never stop.
-
I rate this title on for age 7 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Inappropriate sexual content
perfect for most ages
It's a great show. Okay for most ages.
Give Recommendations, Get Them, Too!
Become a member and get recommendations from other parents based on your child's age.Tell us your child's age:
Already a member? Log inOur Members Rate It
Have you seen it?
For Your Family
Get age-based recommendations for your kids:
Customize based on your child's age
