5 Reasons to Watch Survivor - the Ultimate Reality TV Competition

For ten years we have flocked to watch 16 contestants stranded on a deserted island for 39 days compete for one million dollars. This year the season premier of Survivor: Nicaragua was up 8%, grabbing top ratings for CBS up against the season finale of Master Chef and America's Got Talent.

*What makes Survivor one of the hottest reality shows on television?

The 2010 season premier of Survivor averaged 12 million viewers, but since the first contestants were stranded in Pulau Tiga and had to learn to live amongst their tribes, Survivor captured America's attention.

5 Reasons to Watch Survivor - Cut-throat competition
Much of reality TV is about competition, but Survivor is the one show that really puts people out there, literally in a remote location, with nothing but the clothes on their back and their personal skills to survive. We've learned that under these conditions extreme pressure builds up bringing out the best and the worst people.

We get a behind the scenes look at the competition as castaways lie, cheat, and steal to remain on Survivor. It is safe for us to sit on out couches, watch the raw human emotion and cut-throat competition and experience a range of emotions through the experiences of our favorite and least favorite contestants.

We empathize, get angry, or root for the underdog, but we feel something when we allow ourselves to get attached to the players and get involved in the Survivor competition.

5 Reasons to Watch Survivor - Vicarious Adventure
Not everyone has the luxury of pulling up stakes and setting out on a wild adventure in a beautiful, remote location. The lucky few chosen to compete on CBS' Survivor get to do just that, and until we take our next adventure let's watch them enjoy it.

You may not be able to go to the jungle, but we see and enjoy places many of us may never visit. Unlike a remote, detached documentary, Survivor takes us on location, and we get to see what it is like to be there, not just look from afar. Feel the mosquito bites and heat, and enjoy the pleasure of a light rainfall.

5 Reasons to Watch Survivor - Esprit de Corps
As cut-throat as the competition can be, it is interesting to watch the camaraderie and team spirit that develops among the tribes. Each Survivor tribe fights to win competitions, build tribal strength, and form alliances that will survive when the tribes are merged. It is encouraging to see the sense of responsibility and teamwork that develops.

5 Reasons to Watch Survivor - Learn to Survive
You or I will probably never be stranded on a deserted island, but just in case Survivor teaches us a few basic Boy Scout skills. More importantly, we learn what survival of the fittest really means.

Social survival is the key to winning Survivor. We get a glimpse at the psyche and strategy of each of the players, and can learn what works and what doesn't work in social and work relationships.

We learn what it takes to be a good competitor.

5 Reasons to Watch Survivor - Entertainment
CBS' Survivor brings it all: competition, adventure, and intrigue. It is one of the best reality TV shows on the air and sets a standard for the competition. That's entertainment.

Read More about Survivor:
The Cast of Survivor Nicaragua
Survivor: Nicaragua Season Premier Recap

Sources:
Survivor, Imbd.com
CBS Survivor: Nicaragua