• Sunday, 17 December 2023 18:26

• Local

Underestimated and Strategic: Canadians Shine on 'Survivor'

Apologies to our American counterparts, but Canadians are making their mark on the reality TV game show Survivor, proving to be not only smart and strategic but also adept at flying under the radar. Erika Casupanan, hailing from Toronto, emerged victorious in the 2021 season, employing a strategy rooted in being underestimated—an experience she drew from navigating the corporate world as an Asian woman.

Casupanan's win marked a historic moment as the first Canadian to claim the title of sole survivor on the CBS reality game show, despite Canadians being relatively recent additions to the cast. The following season, Maryanne Oketch of Ajax, Ont., continued the winning streak, prompting the question: Are Canadians the ultimate Survivor players?

Evaluating the data objectively, as suggested by podcaster Philip (J.E. Skeets) Elder, reveals that Canadians may indeed have an edge. Elder notes that Canadians, on average, exhibit a more low-key demeanor than their American counterparts, a trait that proves advantageous in the strategic game of Survivor. Their tendency to remain in the shadows, listen, ask questions, and avoid excessive self-promotion has contributed to their success.

According to Elder, the likeability factor plays a crucial role in Survivor, where competitors must vote each other out and then vie for a million-dollar prize. Canadian winners, he observes, have mastered the art of maintaining positive relationships, a skill that often tips the scales in their favor.

Casupanan acknowledges the stereotype of Canadians as "fairly affable, likable people" and emphasizes its significance in the game. She notes that the cultural difference in the standard of niceness between Canada and the U.S. became apparent during her Survivor journey, underscoring the role of Canadian charm in navigating the intricate dynamics of the game.

As Canadians continue to make their mark on Survivor, their unique approach to strategy and social dynamics sets them apart, challenging the status quo and adding a distinct flavor to the show.

Canadian Success and Challenges on 'Survivor': Navigating the Strategic Landscape

While Canadians on Survivor have showcased intelligence and strategy, there's a unique aspect to their gameplay that extends beyond the stereotypically affable demeanor. According to observers like Philip (J.E. Skeets) Elder, Canadians may possess an advantage in hiding their tactical and strategic sides behind a friendly façade. The ability to maintain a low-key approach while strategically maneuvering has been a recurring theme in Canadian players' successes.

However, not every Canadian participant has achieved victory on Survivor. The inclusion of Canadians in the show started in its 39th season in 2019, and since then, there have been both triumphs and setbacks. Retired NHL player Tom Laidlaw, hailing from Brampton, Ont., participated in the 39th season but was the fifth player voted out. Survivor's 40th season, featuring previous winners, did not include any Canadians. In subsequent seasons, Canadians like Shantel Smith, Omar Zaheer, and Kane Fritzler faced challenges and eliminations.

Despite occasional setbacks, the success rate of Canadians stands out. Erika Casupanan and Maryanne Oketch's victories contribute to the overall positive trend, prompting reflections on the exclusivity of Canadian contestants. Oketch notes the camaraderie among Canadian participants, creating a supportive community that transcends geographical differences.

Philip Elder suggests that the show's popularity in Canada, coupled with the recent inclusion of Canadian applicants, has contributed to the success of Canadian players. However, he also raises an intriguing question: Will the increasing success of Canadians pose a challenge for future applicants? In a game where players often conceal aspects of their identity, including their profession and earnings, the question arises whether nationality might become another factor that players choose to keep undisclosed.

As Survivor continues to evolve, the unique dynamics brought by Canadian participants add an extra layer of intrigue to the show, both in terms of gameplay strategies and the evolving dynamics of an exclusive Canadian Survivor community.

Survivor's Shifting Dynamics: The Potential Rise of Citizenship Secrecy

As Canadians continue to excel on Survivor, the intriguing question arises: Could the increasing success of Canadians prompt a new trend of concealing citizenship on the island? Philip (J.E. Skeets) Elder muses about a future season where contestants, fearing the 'Canadian threat,' might resort to false claims about their origins. Will someone from Stratford, Ont., in season 55 of Survivor pretend to hail from Kalamazoo, Michigan?

This speculation adds an exciting layer to the evolving dynamics of the show, raising the possibility that nationality, like other aspects of personal identity, might become a strategic secret. As Survivor continues to captivate audiences, the strategic nuances introduced by Canadian contestants may pave the way for an intriguing twist in future seasons.

Philip Drost is a journalist with the CBC, and for further insights into Survivor's evolving landscape, you can reach him by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. While engaging in thoughtful conversations, please note that CBC does not endorse the opinions expressed in comments, and comments on this story are moderated according to Submission Guidelines.

Join the conversation and share your thoughts on the potential shifts in Survivor dynamics as Canadians leave their mark on the iconic reality game show.

In conclusion, as Canadians continue to make their mark on Survivor, the potential for a strategic shift in future seasons emerges. Philip (J.E. Skeets) Elder's intriguing speculation about contestants concealing their Canadian citizenship to avoid being perceived as threats adds a new layer of anticipation to the show's dynamics. The question of whether, in season 55 or beyond, players might fabricate alternate origins, transforming from a resident of Stratford, Ont., to a supposed Kalamazoo, Michigan native, injects an element of strategic intrigue.

This speculation underscores the evolving narrative of Survivor and the unique impact that Canadian participants are having on the game. As the show progresses, the strategic nuances introduced by Canadians may pave the way for a fascinating twist, challenging traditional gameplay dynamics and ensuring Survivor remains a captivating and unpredictable experience for both participants and viewers alike.