The Exclusive With Sharon Tharp

In this preseason interview filmed in Fiji, Christian Hubicki opens up about his long-awaited return for Survivor 50 and the major life shifts—including earning tenure and becoming a father just six weeks before the game—that have reshaped his approach to the season. Christian explains his new "narrative warfare" strategy, a lesson he's stealing from Mike White to control the stories told on the island, while breaking down his fascinating "four role" hypothesis on how this legendary cast was built. From his pre-game observations of Coach and Cirie to his plan to become an "ace in the hole" that his competitors won't see coming, the robotics professor reveals why he is finally ready to crack the code of the final three.

In this preseason interview filmed in Fiji, Rick Devens reflects on his dramatic path to Survivor 50, revealing that he was nearly left off the cast as a late alternate before finally getting the call. Devens explains how that setback gave him a chip on his shoulder—and why it's pushed him to approach the game differently this time. From being one fire-making challenge away from winning his original season to intentionally playing down his threat level now, Devens breaks down his evolving strategy, his willingness to cause some trouble, and how he plans to navigate the massive old-school vs. new-era cast.

The fifth player banished on The Traitors Season 4, Ron Funches joins The Exclusive to unpack his emotional exit after being targeted by a house of reality veterans. The comedian and actor compares the castle dynamics to a toxic high school, reveals why he's expecting "fake apologies" from certain costars at the upcoming reunion, and breaks down the "popular kid" strategy that led to his downfall. Ron also opens up about his unexpected bond with Rob Rausch, the real reason he believes Candiace Dillard Bassett and Rob were such effective Traitors, and the deeply personal way his experience on the show led to a life-changing autism diagnosis.

After nearly a decade away from the game, Chrissy Hofbeck is back for Survivor 50—and she believes the timing couldn't be better. In this preseason interview, the Survivor 35 finalist sits down with host Sharon Tharp on set in Fiji to break down her strategy heading into Survivor 50: In the Hands of the Fans. Chrissy opens up about why being a “lone wolf” from her season could work to her advantage, how jury dynamics may shape the endgame, and why she thinks New Era players could become early targets. She also reflects on the “robbed” narrative from her original season, discusses managing her challenge reputation, and explains why she genuinely believes she has a path to win this time around.

In this preseason interview filmed in Fiji, Aubry Bracco opens up about returning for Survivor 50 after stepping away from the Survivor community and how that time off — along with becoming a parent — has reshaped her perspective and strategy. Aubry explains why she plans to play as a free agent in the early game, focusing on one-on-one relationships, keeping her options open, and avoiding early commitments in a cast full of returning players with pre-existing alliances. She also reflects on adapting to the modern game and what she's watching for in the critical opening phase of Survivor 50.

In this preseason interview filmed in Fiji, three-time Survivor alum Stephenie LaGrossa Kendrick opens up about returning for Survivor 50 more than two decades after her original seasons. Stephenie reflects on balancing motherhood with coming back to the game, her concerns about physical endurance, and why she believes the game begins the moment players arrive. She also shares her thoughts on old school versus new school Survivor, navigating pre-existing relationships, modern twists and advantages, and which players she's hoping to align with as the season begins.

In this preseason interview filmed in Fiji, Survivor legend Ozzy Lusth sits down with host Sharon Tharp ahead of Survivor 50 to size up the cast and reflect on how the game has evolved over the years. Ozzy shares his thoughts on old school versus new school Survivor, returning to the island after more than two decades with the franchise, and how existing relationships and reputations could shape the early game. He also opens up about who he's excited to play with, which unknowns intrigue him most, and what he hopes to do differently in this landmark season.

In this preseason interview, Survivor 48 winner Kyle Fraser sits down with host Sharon Tharp on location in Fiji ahead of Survivor 50 to break down his mindset returning to the game so soon after winning. Kyle opens up about why being a winner isn't his biggest concern, which players and unknowns worry him most, and how pre-existing relationships and groups could shape the early game. He also reflects on adjusting his strategy for a returning-player season, balancing loyalty with cutthroat gameplay, and what he wants to experience differently this time around on Survivor 50.

Survivor 45 winner Dee Valladares returns for Survivor 50 with confidence, clarity, and nothing to prove. In this preseason interview, Dee sits down with host Sharon Tharp on set in Fiji to break down how she's approaching the game as a returning winner — from managing her threat level to why she sees her perceived disadvantages as advantages. Dee reacts to the Survivor 50 cast, opens up about who she's vibing with (and who she isn't), and explains why personal connections matter more to her than early-game strategy. She also reflects on playing with old-era competitors for the first time, navigating pregame dynamics, and what she truly wants out of her Survivor 50 experience.

Survivor alum and The Traitors Canada star Omar Zaheer joins Sharon Tharp on The Exclusive to break down the most hyped episode of The Traitors Season 4, diving deep into the dramatic Banquet murder, Yam Yam's shocking exit, Lisa Rinna's gameplay and defense, Natalie's desperate fight for the antidote, and Rob's increasingly powerful position in the game. Omar analyzes the strategy behind the murder in plain sight, whether Yam Yam's final words should matter, the fallout at the roundtable, and what the looming turret showdown between Rob and Candiace means for the rest of the season — plus bold predictions on who's set up to win and who's in serious danger next.

The fifth player murdered on The Traitors Season 4, Yam Yam Arocho joins The Exclusive to unpack his shocking banquet exit, after being murdered in plain sight by Lisa Rinna. The Survivor winner breaks down the controversial moment that sparked online debate, why he believes murdered players should be allowed to speak, and how his growing suspicion of Lisa ultimately played into his fate. Yam Yam also reflects on navigating early heat in the game, the misunderstood “gamers vs. non-gamers” narrative, and what future Traitors players should learn from his experience.

After more than a decade away, Benjamin "Coach" Wade is returning for Survivor 50 with a clear goal: to win. In this preseason interview, the Survivor legend sits down with host Sharon Tharp on set in Fiji to reflect on how time, family, and personal growth have reshaped his approach since his previous seasons. Coach opens up about legacy, redemption, and why returning now feels like the right moment to rewrite how he's remembered in the game. He also discusses adapting to the modern era, navigating familiar faces, and what it would mean to finally leave Survivor 50: In the Hands of the Fans as a champion.

After 20 years and four previous runs, Cirie Fields is returning for Survivor 50 with unfinished business. In this preseason interview, the Survivor legend sits down with host Sharon Tharp on set in Fiji to reflect on how experience, perspective, and longevity have reshaped her approach since her first season. Cirie opens up about loyalty, reading people before the game begins, and navigating pre-existing relationships. She also discusses managing her threat level and why recent winners could face bigger targets in Survivor 50: In the Hands of the Fans.

Angelina Keeley is back for Survivor 50 — and she's playing a smarter game this time. In this preseason interview, the Survivor: David vs. Goliath finalist sits down with host Sharon Tharp on set in Fiji to reflect on how life, motherhood, and experience have reshaped her approach since her first season. Angelina opens up about learning from a zero-vote finish, dialing back theatrics, and balancing her big personality with a more controlled, intentional strategy. She also discusses navigating pre-existing relationships, the potential impact of her connection to Mike White, and how ambition and perception could shape the game in Survivor 50: In the Hands of the Fans.

Q Burdette is back for Survivor 50 — and he knows exactly what went wrong last time. In this preseason interview, the Survivor 46 breakout sits down with host Sharon Tharp on set in Fiji to reflect on how moving too fast and embracing chaos cost him his shot at the end — and why he plans to start Survivor 50 by slowing down. Q opens up about the reputation he brings into the game, the fine line between unpredictability and control, and why boredom could be the moment everything flips. With more experience, a new mindset, and no shortage of confidence, Q explains how he plans to adapt his game for Survivor 50: In the Hands of the Fans — and what might happen if patience runs out.

Mike White is back for Survivor 50 — and he's ready to police the vibe. In this preseason interview from Fiji, the Survivor: David vs. Goliath finalist and The White Lotus creator sits down with host Sharon Tharp to discuss why the timing felt right to return, how stepping away from his day job helped reset his mindset, and why he's drawn to playing a looser, more mischievous game this time around. More than two decades into Survivor's legacy, Mike reflects on competing alongside old school and new school players, navigating a cast full of big personalities and past winners, and why creating the right energy on the island matters just as much as strategy as the milestone season approaches.

Jenna Lewis-Dougherty is back for Survivor 50 — and she's counting on being underestimated. In this preseason interview, the Survivor Season 1 alum sits down with Sharon Tharp to discuss returning for Survivor 50: In the Hands of the Fans, why being overlooked is exactly where she wants to be, and how the game's modern era of advantages and résumé-building has changed the way she plans to play. More than two decades after first appearing on Survivor, Jenna reflects on competing alongside players who weren't even born when the show premiered, staying outside the modern Survivor social scene, and what she's watching for as the milestone season approaches.

Survivor winner and The Traitors Season 3 alum Jeremy Collins joins Sharon Tharp to break down The Traitors Season 4, Episode 6 — the most intense episode of the season so far. They dive into Ron Funches' poignant Roundtable speech, Colton Underwood's's aggressive (and controversial) strategy and Lisa Rinna's growing target. Plus, Jeremy shares insider perspective from his own time on The Traitors, weighs in on the faithfuls' mistakes, the gamers' lack of unity, and what the murder in plain sight twist could mean heading into the next episode.

Host Sharon Tharp talks to Venita Aspen about the fallout between Craig Conover and Salley Carson on Southern Charm, pushing back on claims that she gave her friend an ultimatum and explaining why she felt compelled to speak up. Venita opens up about the criticism she's faced, her perspective on Craig and Salley's dynamic, and why she stands by how she handled the situation — plus where she currently stands with Craig after their friendship fracture.

In this bonus episode of The Exclusive, host Sharon Tharp is joined by social media influencer and reality TV superfan Bran Flakezz for a big-picture check-in on The Traitors Season 4 so far, breaking down the early stretch of the game, standout players, strategy, and how the season is shaping up compared to past installments. They also branch out into Bran's thoughts on the Survivor 50 cast, his favorite seasons of Big Brother, and whether he'd ever say yes to doing reality TV himself.

Big Brother 27 finalist Morgan Pope joins Sharon Tharp to recap the drama of Episodes 4 & 5 of The Traitors Season 4, reacting to Tiffany's shocking banishment, the latest murders, and the growing chaos among the Faithfuls. From Rob's strong Traitor position to the controversy surrounding Colton's gameplay and the castle's shifting alliances, Morgan delivers her unfiltered thoughts and sharp strategic analysis on how the game is unfolding.

Fourth player murdered on The Traitors Season 4, Monét X Change joins The Exclusive to unpack her abrupt exit, the betrayal that blindsided her, and why she believes the Traitors' loyalty this season is unlike anything we've seen before. Monét opens up about trusting Candiace Dillard Bassett, suspecting Lisa Rinna, unshielding Tiffany Mitchell, and how planting the right seeds ultimately put a target on her back. She also reacts to discovering the Traitors' identities, reflects on whether being murdered or banished is worse, and shares why she'd love another shot at strategic reality TV—possibly even inside the Big Brother house.

The third player banished from The Traitors Season 4, Tiffany Mitchell, joins The Exclusive to break down her emotional exit, what really went wrong at the roundtable, and who tipped her off that she may be getting votes. The Big Brother 23 mastermind reflects on her fiery confrontation with Colton Underwood, her close bonds with Ian Terry, Rob Cesternino, and Candiace Dillard Bassett, and what she believes ultimately sealed her fate. Tiffany also opens up about watching the season back and what future players should learn from her banishment.

In this The Traitors Season 4 exit interview, Rob Cesternino joins host Sharon Tharp on The Exclusive to break down his shocking “murder in plain sight” and react to the moment he believes fellow Survivor player Yam Yam Arocho put a target on his back. Rob opens up about the emotional toll of his early exit, being labeled a “mastermind,” how that perception affected his game, and what he'd do differently if he ever returned to The Traitors.

Big Brother 14 winner Ian Terry joins Sharon Tharp to break down his experience on The Traitors Season 4 after becoming the first player murdered. From why he said yes, to how his reputation as a “smart player” made him an early target, Ian reflects on early-game randomness, missed connections, and what might have changed if he'd survived just one more round.

Survivor legend Tyson Apostol joins Sharon Tharp to break down Episodes 1–3 of The Traitors Season 4, diving into the early murders, banished players, and strategic mistakes that set the tone for the game. From first impressions to surprising moves and early-game chaos, Tyson shares his unfiltered take on what's already shaping up to be a wild season.

Host Sharon Tharp sits down with Stephen Colletti to talk about his experience on The Traitors, his complicated history with reality TV, and how Laguna Beach shaped — but didn't define — his career. From why he finally said yes to a competition show to reflecting on life, growth, and navigating Hollywood after early fame, the conversation goes beyond the castle and into what comes next.

Rob Cesternino joins Sharon Tharp to break down his return to reality TV on The Traitors, opening up about why the timing finally felt right after more than 20 years, how the opportunity differed from a potential Survivor return, and what it was like stepping into the castle as both a longtime player and podcasting powerhouse. Rob also reflects on building RHAP into a full-time business, balancing family life with a media career, and discusses his upcoming book, which explores the evolution of Survivor through the lens of a superfan-turned-player-turned-historian.

Certified Bravo expert and Gabbing With Gib host Gibson Johns joins Sharon Tharp to break down the Real Housewives competing on The Traitors Season 4, including Dorinda Medley, Lisa Rinna, Porsha Williams, Candiace Dillard Bassett, and Caroline Stanbury. Gibson dives into who these women really are beyond Bravo, how their Housewives history could shape their gameplay, and which cast dynamics, alliances, or clashes could define the season as the Housewives enter the castle.

Amazing Race 38 winners Jag & Jas Bains join Sharon Tharp to break down the U-Turn drama that shook the race, explain how they pulled off a record-breaking run, and reveal what viewers didn't see behind the scenes. The brothers open up about strategy, alliances, finale taxi luck, representation, and how their Big Brother experience shaped their approach—plus whether they'd return for All-Stars, or even Survivor.

Survivor 49 finalist Sage Ahrens-Nichols joins The Exclusive to reflect on her third-place finish and her path to Final Tribal Council, opening up about feeling misunderstood by the jury, the “flip-flopping” label that followed her game, and why she believes adaptation — not indecision — kept her alive in a volatile endgame. Sage also discusses the Steven vote, her complex dynamic with Savannah, her reaction to Kristina's debated jury question, and whether she would ever consider playing Survivor again.

Survivor 49's Kristina Mills joins Sharon Tharp for an exit interview, breaking down her exit, her jury vote at Final Tribal Council, and the reasoning behind the pointed question she asked Savannah that sparked major debate among fans. Kristina opens up about what she was looking for from each finalist, how close her vote truly was, and why that moment ultimately solidified her decision. She also reflects on being voted out just short of the endgame, the emotional journey of watching the season back with her family, the criticism surrounding her “Uncle Jeff” nickname, and how Survivor changed the way she views loyalty, selfishness, and her own gameplay. Plus, Kristina weighs in on Savannah and Rizo returning for Survivor 50 and whether she'd say yes if Survivor ever called again.

Survivor 49's Rizo Velovic joins Sharon Tharp for an exit interview, breaking down his fire-making loss, why he believes whoever won that showdown would have won the season, and how he weighed the “what if” of reaching Final Tribal Council. Rizo also opens up about his vote for Savannah, his reaction to Kristina's pointed jury question, and the strategy behind holding an idol for nine straight tribals — including why the theatrics were more calculated than viewers realized. Plus, he reflects on representing Albania on CBS reality TV, what it meant for his family to watch his journey back, and the surreal moment he was asked to return for Survivor 50 immediately after the game ended.

Survivor 49 runner-up Sophi Balerdi joins Sharon Tharp for an exit interview, breaking down her mindset heading into Final Tribal Council, why she was shocked to receive votes, and how close the endgame really was. Sophi also opens up about her subtle social strategy, working within the Savannah–Rizo trio, her fire-making decision, the fallout from the Knowledge Is Power twist, and why she believes her Final Tribal performance was stronger than viewers saw. Plus, Sophi reflects on the edit, the moves that didn't make air, how Survivor 50 may have impacted storytelling, and why she'd jump at the chance to play again.

Survivor 49 winner Savannah Louie joins Sharon Tharp for a post-finale interview, breaking down her Final Tribal Council performance, how she interpreted the jury's tough questions, and why she wasn't fully sure she had the win locked up heading into the vote. Savannah also opens up about her aggressive gameplay, the jury votes that surprised her most, her tight bond with Sophi and Rizo, what viewers didn't see in the edit, and the surreal moment Jeff Probst asked her to return to Fiji just days after winning the million-dollar prize.

Izzy Gleicher and Paige Seber join Sharon Tharp to break down their unforgettable run on The Amazing Race 38, unpacking the finale, how the edit portrayed their journey, and where they stand with their fellow castmates today. They open up about representation, identity, and the challenges viewers didn't fully see — including the Moulin Rouge task — plus how they approached running a “clean” race, what they learned about each other under pressure, and whether they'd pick up the phone if Amazing Race came calling again.

Joseph and Adam Abdin join Sharon Tharp to reflect on their whirlwind run on The Amazing Race 38, breaking down the chaotic finale, the taxi moments that changed everything, and what it meant to race the world together as brothers. They also open up about representation, family, and the messages they've received from viewers who felt seen by their journey — plus what they learned from competing alongside a stacked cast of reality TV veterans and whether they'd ever race again.

Southern Charm star Molly O'Connell joins Sharon Tharp to get real about her sophomore season on Bravo, including where things stand with Sally after their on-screen tension, her past kiss with Shep and why they're better as friends, and what dating looks like now with a new boyfriend outside the Bravo world. Molly also opens up about sharing her struggles with body image and health, and why being an open book has resonated so strongly with viewers.

Survivor 49's Steven Ramm joins Sharon Tharp for an exit interview, breaking down his shocking blindside, why he still can't fully make sense of Sage and Kristina's decision, and how it felt to watch back the chaotic tribal council filled with Knowledge Is Power, the block-a-vote twist, and Rizo's idol theatrics. Steven also opens up about minimizing his threat level, the moves viewers didn't realize he was involved in, how his relationships on the jury shaped his endgame chances, and why he believed he had a clear path to win.

For this episode of The Exclusive, Sharon is joined by Taran Armstrong — well-known Big Brother live feed analyst, RHAP podcaster, and author of the new USA Today bestselling book Behind the Mirror. We dive deep into the evolution of Big Brother, from the early social-experiment roots to the modern gameplay showcased in Big Brother 27, and how the show's edited version compares to the reality fans see on the live feeds. Taran breaks down his writing process, what surprised him most while researching the global origins of Big Brother, and why the show has had such a profound impact on his life and career.

Big Brother Canada winner Kevin Jacobs joins Sharon Tharp to break down his experience on The Traitors Canada, including the moves he planned, the ones he didn't see coming, and why he jokingly refers to himself as the “worst Traitor.” Kevin also opens up about his pre-game strategy, cast dynamics, whether he would ever play again, and lots more.

Survivor 49's Sophie Segreti joins Sharon Tharp for an exit interview, breaking down her shocking blindside, why she underestimated Sage and Jawan's bond, how she really felt about being under-edited before the merge, the strategic plans viewers never saw, and whether she thinks Steven and Kristina made a mistake voting her out. Sophie also reflects on her immunity wins, jury reactions, what surprised her most watching the episode back, and if she'd ever return to play Survivor again.

Survivor 49's Jawan Pitts joins Sharon Tharp for an honest exit interview following his wild blindside where he opens up about blacking out at Tribal Council, the moments that changed his game, and the unexpected blind spots he didn't realize until watching the season back. He also shares what he wishes viewers understood, the conversations fans didn't see, and whether he'd ever return for another season.

Squid Game: The Challenge Season 1 player Dash Katz sits down with host Sharon Tharp to unpack Season 2 — from that shocking quit in the finale, to their unfiltered take on the winner and what the show needs to fix heading into Season 3.

Survivor 49's Alex Moore sits down with Sharon Tharp to break down his big blindside and rivalry with Rizo. From watching the idol go unplayed twice to realizing his "messy"" social game made him a threat, Alex opens up about the alliances that crumbled, why Jawan and Sage flipped, and the conversations fans never saw. He also reflects on Savannah's polarizing presence, the chaotic Tribal Council, and whether he has any interest in playing again.

Below Deck Mediterranean star Joe Bradley joins Sharon Tharp to break down everything from Tess and Christian's firings to stepping in last-minute for Captain Sandy. He opens up about the deck drama, working again with Nathan and Aesha, addressing last season's love-triangle backlash, and whether he'd ever return as bosun.

Survivor 49's MC Chukwujekwu sits down with Sharon Tharp to unpack her elimination and the unseen moment fans never got to see. From realizing she was the target to sharing a personal conversation she hoped would change her fate, MC opens up about her strategy, the split Tribal twist, and how it felt to see it all play out on TV.

Survivor 49's Shannon Fairweather joins Sharon Tharp to break down her emotional exit from Fiji. She opens up about the blindside that sent her home, Sage's decision not to hug her goodbye, and the biggest lessons she's taking from the game.

Boston Rob Mariano joins Sharon Tharp to talk about his new Kahlúa and Dunkin' partnership. He also dives into Survivor pre-gaming, reveals whether he'd ever compete on Dancing With the Stars, and teases his upcoming project with Traitors pal Dylan Efron.

Survivor 49's Jason Treul sits down with Sharon Tharp to unpack his short but memorable run in Fiji. From stepping in as an alternate to getting swap-screwed, Jason opens up about what really happened at Tribal Council, why he didn't play his Shot in the Dark, and the surprising realization that made him proud of his game.

Survivor 49's Matt Williams joins Sharon Tharp to break down the episode that sent him home. He opens up about his failed Hail Mary plan to flip the tribe, what really went wrong at Tribal Council, and the behind-the-scenes moments fans didn't see on TV.