The Exclusive With Sharon Tharp

Big Brother 3 legend Jason Guy returns to The Exclusive to recap Week 5 of Big Brother 28, breaking down the blindside that rocked Haley's HOH and why Dee's fingerprints are all over the flip. Jason unpacks Lala's historic Wall win over Kamu, makes the case for Yash's quiet "stealth game" as the season's most dangerous, and explains why he needs to see the reality TV icons sweat before Dee and Devens cruise to the end. He weighs in on the secrecy around Deven's Diamond Power of Veto, calls Kamu a "free agent" living on borrowed time, and celebrates Mallory's feel-good BB Time Capsule win. Plus: his read on the Melody–Drew slow burn, Angela's cooler head, and who he predicts is heading out the door this Thursday.

The latest houseguest evicted from Big Brother 28, Lyric Medeiros, joins The Exclusive to break down the last-minute flip that sent her home 8-3 and why she insists she "knew" the vote was coming the moment Haley put her up. The attorney reflects on getting shut out of the Red Corner despite Chuk and Kamu's support, the apology she owed Mallory and Melody after "confirming" their target list, and Rome's ground rules for her flirting strategy — "no handholding and no kissing." Lyric also opens up about the "magnets" pull she felt with Rome from day one and reveals who she's picking to go all the way.

Q Burdette, fresh off Survivor 50, joins The Exclusive to watch a Big Brother episode for the very first time — and he's not holding back. The Survivor vet breaks down last night's episode in a mask, from Haley's "limited power of attorney" Head of Household run to Lyric throwing her closest allies under the bus to save her own game. Q also weighs in on Deven's mysterious power, the "scripted" feel of the diary room confessionals, and why the live feeds are proof the show is designed to "make people fail in real life." He explains why the game left his 2-year-old son begging to go outside, why he needed a new TV by the end of the episode, and whether this whole ordeal changed his answer on ever playing Big Brother himself (spoiler: hell no). Plus, Q previews Survivor 51's "open era" and calls his shot on getting an invite.

Big Brother 5 and All-Stars houseguest Diane Henry McFarland joins The Exclusive for the latest edition of the Memory Wall, looking back on one of the show's most iconic OG seasons two decades later. The reality TV vet reveals she never actually applied for Big Brother and reflects on the infamous blowup with Scott that had her begging producers in the middle of the night to let her quit. Diane also sets the record straight on the backdoor plan that changed the entire game, revealing who really came up with it, and opens up about the sting of Drew choosing Cowboy over her at the final two. Plus, she gets candid about the "trauma" that lingered long after the cameras stopped rolling and weighs in on whether she'd ever step into the Traitors castle.

Big Brother 25 alum Izzy Gleicher returns to The Exclusive to recap Week 4 of Big Brother 28, breaking down why Drew is still in denial even after being warned he doesn't have the votes. Izzy discusses the power imbalance fueling drama inside Haley's HOH, calls out the "chucklehead three" running the house, and makes the case for Taylor as this season's "sleeper agent." She also unpacks the secrecy around the Diamond Power of Veto, weighs in on the controversial BB Bribe, and reflects on Jason's blindside exit and the "fumble" she thinks is costing both sides the game. Plus: her read on Yash's floater era, Barrett's next move, and who she predicts is heading out the door this Thursday.

Drew's closest friend, who has been running his social media while he's in the Big Brother 28 house, joins The Exclusive for a special live podcast to break down one of the season's most talked-about games. After helping Drew prepare for the season and competing alongside him on Beast Games, he shares behind-the-scenes insight into Drew's strategy, the pregame planning that shaped his approach, where things went wrong with The Crossovers, and why he believes Drew can still recover. They also discuss Drew's relationships with Barrett, Melody and Angela, the mystery surrounding the Time Capsule power, and whether there's still a path forward if Drew survives the week.

SPOILER WARNING: This audio contains major spoilers for the latest episode of Big Brother 28, including the evicted player.Big Brother 28's third eliminated houseguest, Jason De Puy, joins The Exclusive to break down the house's unanimous vote to send him packing. The RuPaul's Drag Race alum (better known as Salina EsTitties) shares his surprise to finding out that Taylor — not Barrett — cast the mystery vote for Rome, admits he regrets not scrapping his "generic" final pitch, and opens up about the isolating "Tea Party" confrontation with Kamu that he says "felt personal." Jason also addresses the lack of LGBTQ+ representation in the house, reveals the full-drag nomination speech he never got to deliver, and names exactly who he'd have targeted had he kept his HOH. Plus: why he's ready to run it back and prove his "messy" game deserves a redo.

Big Brother 10's Michelle Costa joins The Exclusive for this edition of Memory Wall to break down everything from Keesha's birthday and her now-iconic "unitard meltdown" on live eviction night. The self-proclaimed Portuguese princess reflects on "clocking" Dan as America's Player long before anyone in the house believed her, the kitchen scene so tense it felt "like a funeral," and the surreal Catalina Island date where Dan told her, "This isn't Rhode Island, but it's paradise." Michelle also revisits the infamous jury house bomb she dropped just because she was "bored" — telling the house she'd vote for Memphis to win — and weighs in on whether Dan's game still holds up nearly two decades later. She wraps by explaining why, 18 years later, she still has "a lot of unfinished business" and is ready to run it back for another season in the house.

Survivor 42's Omar Zaheer joins The Exclusive to recap Week 3 of Big Brother 28, breaking down Kamu's Head of Household reign, the controversial Tea Party plan, and why he believes the house could be on the verge of imploding. Omar shares his thoughts on Dee and Rick Devens' games so far, whether the veterans are overplaying their positions, how the Diamond Power of Veto could reshape the season, and why players like Lyric, Barrett, Taylor, and Mallory may be in better spots than fans realize. Plus, Omar reveals his current winner pick, his biggest dark horse, and explains the strategic move he'd make if he were trying to take down the vets.

Big Brother 2 legend Monica Bailey joins The Exclusive for a wide-ranging in-studio conversation, revealing the real reason she believes she was cut from All-Stars at the last minute and why she says CBS still "owes her one." Monica revisits the surreal experience of learning about the 9/11 attacks—and the disappearance of her cousin—while sequestered in the Big Brother house, and reflects on predicting years before The Cookout that a Black houseguest couldn't win the game. She also opens up about her decades-long friendships with Dr. Will Kirby and Mike "Boogie" Malin, shares whether she'd ever return to Big Brother, and reveals she's already thrown her hat in the ring for The Traitors.

New Big Brother: Unlocked panelist Jerry O'Connell joins The Exclusive to share his unfiltered thoughts on the explosive second week of Big Brother 28. The actor and longtime superfan explains why he believes one houseguest is playing the "messiest" game in the house, weighs in on the growing power of the Icons alliance, and reveals the move he thinks the newbies need to make before it's too late. Jerry also reacts to Rome's eviction, shares why he's impressed with Taylor's loyalty, and opens up about why he'd jump at the chance to compete on Celebrity Big Brother.

The second houseguest evicted from Big Brother 28, Rome Seymour, joins The Exclusive to break down the mistake he believes cost him the game. The pickleball coach reacts to Lyric voting to evict him, explains why he has no regrets about their showmance, and reflects on putting too much trust in Rick Devens during his Head of Household reign. Rome also reveals who he planned to target had he stayed in the game, the surprising alliance he hoped to build had he survived the Blockbuster competition, and why he's already ready for another shot.

Big Brother 27's Jimmy Heagerty joins The Exclusive to recap an explosive second week of Big Brother 28. Jimmy shares his thoughts on Angela's game so far, Rick Devens' chaotic Head of Household reign, the formation of new alliances like The Toolshed, and the strategic fallout that has already reshaped the game. He also weighs in on the growing divide inside the house, the players making the biggest mistakes, who's in the best position moving forward, and whether this wild week has permanently shifted the balance of power. Plus, Jimmy reveals which houseguests he's most impressed by—and who he believes could be in serious trouble as the season continues.

SPOILER WARNING: This video contains major spoilers for the latest episode of Big Brother 28, including the evicted houseguest. ⚠️Big Brother 28's first evicted houseguest, Ashley Trail, joins The Exclusive to break down what really went wrong during her first week in the house. Ashley opens up about the unanimous vote that sent her packing, why campaigning by naming the "other side of the house" ultimately tanked her game, and the alliance she hoped to build had she survived the Blockbuster competition. She also reveals who she would have targeted, shares which houseguests she believes are playing the strongest games so far, reacts to Rick Devens winning Head of Household, and explains why she'd jump at the chance to play Big Brother again—with a very different strategy next time.

Julie Chen Moonves joins The Exclusive to break down the first week of Big Brother 28, and she isn't holding back. The longtime host explains why she believes Rick Devens made his biggest mistake of the season, reveals why Dee Valladares has completely won her over, and shares which houseguests she's already rooting for. Julie also opens up about the show's biggest premiere in five years, what she thinks is fueling the ratings surge, teases what fans can expect from the milestone 1,000th episode, and reveals the classic Big Brother twists and punishments she'd love to see return.

Survivor 50 winner Aubry Bracco joins The Exclusive to recap the wild first week of Big Brother 28 and share her unique perspective on former tribemates Dee Valladares and Rick Devens. Aubry explains why she believes Dee was "made for" the Big Brother format, breaks down Devens' chaotic but loyal gameplay, and weighs in on the powerful Crossovers alliance, the Red Corner, and the emerging battle against the returning reality TV veterans. She also shares her thoughts on Angela Murray's surprising position in the game, the players who have impressed her most so far, and reveals her early winner pick for the season.

Big Brother 13 winner Rachel Reilly joins The Exclusive to reveal the story behind her surprise Big Brother 28 appearance, from secretly entering the house and forming alliances to being dramatically thrown into a volcano by a Velociraptor. Rachel shares behind-the-scenes details from filming the premiere, explains how production pulled off the twist, and reacts to Angela's surprising celebration after her exit. She also weighs in on Dee's first HOH reign, Jason's strategy of targeting the returning players, the season's first showmance, and why she's optimistic about the Big Brother 28 cast—and even teases whether she'd ever return to compete again.

With two Survivor stars officially joining the Big Brother 28 cast, Survivor 49 and 50 player Rizo Velovic joins The Exclusive to give Big Brother fans the ultimate crash course on Rick Devens and Dee Valladares. Having played alongside both of them on Survivor 50, Rizo breaks down each player's biggest strengths and weaknesses, how their Survivor games could translate to the Big Brother house, and why Dee and Rick could become two of the season's biggest threats. He also shares behind-the-scenes insight into their personalities, strategy, and relationship outside the game before making his predictions for their Big Brother 28 journeys.

Big Brother 4 winner Jun Song joins The Exclusive to break down the entire Big Brother 28 cast before the premiere. The reality TV legend shares her first impressions of every new houseguest, reveals who she thinks has the best chance to win, predicts the first boots, and explains which contestants she's already skeptical of after digging through their social media and LinkedIn profiles. Jun also weighs in on the season's returning reality TV veterans, discusses the evolution of modern Big Brother casting and reflects on why she never returned to play again.

Big Brother 28 is officially underway, and host Sharon Tharp is sharing her unfiltered first impressions of the first 14 houseguests entering the game. From superfans and recruits to potential showmances, early winner contenders, and players already giving "early boot" energy, Sharon reacts in real time to each contestant's introductory video and breaks down who stands out, who raises red flags, and who could surprise once the game begins. She also weighs in on the cast overall, the apparent lack of hardcore fans, and how the incoming mystery players could shake up the season.

Josh Martinez joins The Exclusive for his first in-depth interview following his fourth-place finish on La Casa de los Famosos. The Big Brother winner and The Challenge veteran opens up about surviving 115 days inside the house and why he says it was the hardest reality competition he's ever faced. Josh reflects on the emotional toll of the game, the racist and anti-Latino comments he says he endured, the two moments he nearly quit, and how seeing his mom during a family visit gave him the strength to keep going. He also discusses the overwhelming support he received from the Big Brother and Challenge communities, breaks down some of the biggest controversies from the season, shares where he stands with his fellow houseguests today, and reveals what's next after breaking into the Latin American reality TV market. Plus, Josh teases future projects, explains what it would take for him to return to Big Brother, and shares why The Traitors remains at the top of his wish list.

Padma Lakshmi joins host Sharon Tharp on The Exclusive to discuss creating and executive producing America's Culinary Cup, the ambitious new food competition series she designed to challenge the conventions of reality television. The Emmy-nominated host opens up about taking creative risks, eliminating many of the genre's most common tropes, and why she refused to sequester contestants during production.Lakshmi also reflects on reinventing the cooking competition format, creating a high-end environment for chefs to perform at their best, the strategic elements inspired by shows like Survivor, and the lessons she's learned from decades in television. Plus, she shares candid thoughts on leadership, imposter syndrome, and stepping into a larger creative role behind the camera.

Chef Jonathan Dearden joins The Exclusive following his elimination from Top Chef Season 23 to reflect on his journey through the competition, the ambitious pumpkin and brioche dish that ultimately sent him home, and why he believes the judges were forced to nitpick as the field narrowed. Jonathan opens up about the pressure of cooking alongside his brother Brandon, shares his unfiltered thoughts on the controversial challenges, and reveals why he was surprised to find himself on the bottom. He also discusses Sieger's heated Judges' Table confrontation, calling the moment "very uncomfortable," explains what viewers didn't see from the exchange, weighs in on Rhoda's eventual victory, and reveals whether he'd return to the Top Chef kitchen for another shot at the title.

Chef Anthony Jones joins The Exclusive following his elimination from Top Chef Season 23 to reflect on his journey, the rabbit challenge that sent him home, and the judges' critiques that he still questions. The chef opens up about why he found the "disjointed" criticism of his Michelin-inspired plating "odd," weighs in on fellow contestant Sieger's decision to push back at Judges' Table, and shares his thoughts on some of the season's most controversial challenges. Anthony also discusses the shrinking margin for error as the competition progressed, the advice he received from former Top Chef winner Tristen Epps before filming, and whether he'd return if Top Chef called him back for another shot at the title.

Big Brother 27 finalist Morgan Pope joins The Exclusive to recap the Survivor 50 finale after attending the live reunion in Los Angeles. Morgan reacts to Aubry Bracco's emotional win, explains why she believes Aubry's adaptability earned her the title, and weighs in on the online debate over whether the jury was truly “bitter” toward Jonathan and Joe.Morgan also shares her firsthand reaction to Jeff Probst accidentally spoiling the fire-making challenge result live in the theater and what the atmosphere inside the room was actually like during the chaotic moment. Plus, Sharon and Morgan break down several “what if” scenarios from the finale, including whether Tiffany could have won the season, who wins a Rizo vs. Jonathan vs. Joe Final Tribal Council, and whether Aubry still dominates if Rizo makes the end instead.

The latest chef eliminated from Top Chef Season 23, Brandon Deaden, joins The Exclusive to break down the Restaurant Wars service that sent him home. Brandon reflects on taking the line cook role to help his team succeed, why he believes focusing too much on service hurt his individual dish, and the inconsistent rice pudding mistake that ultimately sealed his fate. He also opens up about the behind-the-scenes chaos viewers didn't fully see, including communication breakdowns during service and why he believes timing and luck can play a huge role in Restaurant Wars. Plus, Brandon also discusses competing against his twin brother Jonathan, the sibling bickering and trash talk that didn't fully make the edit, and why the two intentionally tried to “put on a show” whenever the cameras were rolling. 

The latest chef eliminated from Top Chef Season 23, Oscar Diaz, joins The Exclusive to break down the small mistakes and kitchen chaos that led to his exit. Oscar reflects on the pressure of the combined Quickfire and Elimination challenge, the turmeric spill that left his face “on fire,” and why he thinks the judges misunderstood the intention behind his rice dish. He also opens up about the mental toll of filming, constantly moving locations, and trying to stay calm while cameras followed every move in the kitchen. Plus, Oscar shares what viewers didn't fully see about the cast dynamic, how being disconnected from phones and social media changed him during filming, and why he'd absolutely return for another shot — this time “coming for everyone's jugular.”

Tiffany Nicole Ervin joins The Exclusive after her heartbreaking fifth-place finish on Survivor 50 to reflect on losing the game by just one puzzle piece and why she truly believes she would have won had she reached the Final Tribal Council. The Survivor 46 alum opens up about overcoming early skepticism from fans and fellow players, navigating the game after losing her closest allies early, and how her social game helped her survive despite becoming an early target. Tiffany also breaks down her close bond with Cirie, explains why she ultimately respected and voted for Aubry's winning game, and pushes back on the idea that the Survivor 50 jury was “swayed” by stronger personalities at Ponderosa. Plus, she discusses the “idol trauma” that shaped her anti-idol gameplay this season, reflects on becoming one of the breakout fan favorites of Survivor 50, and shares why proving herself as a legitimate contender meant almost as much as the $2 million prize itself.

Rizo Velovic joins The Exclusive after his heartbreaking fourth-place finish on Survivor 50 to react to Jeff Probst accidentally spoiling his fire-making elimination live during the finale and why he's choosing to embrace the moment as part of his Survivor legacy. The Season 49 alum reflects on going out in fire for the second season in a row, explains why Aubry ultimately didn't want to sit next to him at the Final Tribal Council, and breaks down the faction-based gameplay that shaped the endgame. Rizo also responds to criticism from Ozzy and Chrissy, shares why he has “zero regrets” about not warning Ozzy to play his idol, and opens up emotionally about discovering his mom secretly flew all the way to Fiji hoping to see him make the Final 3. Plus, he discusses his bond with Joe, embracing vulnerability on television, and why he already feels ready to return for Survivor again.

Joe Hunter joins The Exclusive after finishing in third place on Survivor 50 to reflect on one of the emotional Final Tribal Council and why he felt many jury members were “locked in” before the questioning even began. The two-time finalist opens up about the difficulty of returning for an all-star season, the criticism he's received from fans, and why he refused to “play a character” just to fit what viewers wanted from him. Joe also discusses his personal bond with Rizo, including the emotional fire-making moment where he stepped in to help him, and explains why that decision mattered more to him than gameplay optics. Plus, he breaks down his complicated relationship with Devens, reflects on making back-to-back Final 3s without ever having his torch snuffed, and shares why he'll always say yes if Jeff Probst calls him back to Survivor again.

Survivor 50 runner-up Jonathan Young joins The Exclusive to reflect on his emotional Final Tribal Council loss to Aubry and why he believes modern Survivor juries may value “middle” gameplay differently than aggressive strategic control. The Survivor 42 alum opens up about evolving beyond the “challenge beast” label this season, talking with Boston Rob before the game, and why he thought his more flexible and socially active approach would resonate with the jury. Jonathan also reacts to Aubry's underdog story dominating the finale conversation, shares his thoughts on jury dynamics and Ponderosa influence, and breaks down the brutal immunity challenge where he threw up mid-competition before pulling out the win anyway. Plus, he discusses redeeming himself in fire-making against Rizo, the difficulty of reliving the finale, and why he's still ready to play Survivor again “as soon as Mr. Jeff calls.”

Aubry Bracco joins The Exclusive fresh off her long-awaited victory on Survivor 50 to reflect on finally rewriting her Survivor story nearly a decade after Kaoh Rong. The fan-favorite opens up about intentionally playing a more patient and perception-focused game this time around, why she learned to “keep her doors open” socially, and how years of studying her past losses ultimately helped her secure the win. Aubry also breaks down the emotional challenge of voting out allies like Ozzy and Cirie, explains why Tiffany became her “Survivor angel,” and reveals the strategic thinking behind wanting to sit next to Jonathan and Joe at the Final Tribal Council. Plus, she discusses overcoming Survivor fandom backlash over the years, the pressure of returning for a fourth time, and whether this victory truly closes the book on her reality TV journey forever.

Survivor: China winner Todd Herzog joins The Exclusive to break down the Survivor 50 Final 5 and predict who will ultimately take home the $2 million prize. Todd shares his candid thoughts on Joe and Jonathan's “old school” style of gameplay, why he believes Tiffany could win if she survives Final 5, and whether Rizo's flashy betrayal of Cirie and Ozzy was actually a smart move. He also weighs in on Aubry's edit, Amanda Kimmel almost returning for the season, the impact of pre-gaming in all-star Survivor, and why Final Tribal Council could be far messier than fans expect.

Big Brother 25 and The Amazing Race 38 star Izzy Gleicher joins The Exclusive to break down the emotional Survivor 50 episode that saw Cirie Fields and Rick Devens sent packing just before the finale. The reality TV superfan reacts to Cirie's brutal exit edit, debates whether Rizo made a game-ending mistake by turning on his closest ally, and explains why she believes Aubry is now the frontrunner to win the season. Izzy also weighs in on Tiffany's underrated game, Jonathan and Joe's jury chances, the chaos of the Final 5, and why the Survivor 50 reunion could get very messy.

SPOILER WARNING: This audio contains major spoilers for the latest episode of Survivor 50, including the eliminated player.The latest player voted out of Survivor 50, Rick Devens, joins The Exclusive to break down his “messy” gameplay, the fake idol move that turned him into a massive target, and why he has no regrets about playing Survivor on “hard mode.” The fan-favorite strategist opens up about the emotional reaction to his return season, reveals that members of the jury told him they were rooting for him to win, and explains the key difference between his chaotic gameplay style and Joe's “honor and integrity” approach. Rick also reflects on getting close to Final Tribal Council, being an alternate, and why he'd say yes to playing Survivor again “of course.”

SPOILER WARNING: This audio contains major spoilers for the latest episode of Survivor 50, including the eliminated player.The latest player voted out of Survivor 50, Cirie Fields, joins The Exclusive to reflect on her emotional elimination and what many fans are calling her most impressive game yet. The Survivor legend opens up about why she knew nobody would let her reach Final Tribal, responds to Stephenie's comments about loyalty, and shares her honest feelings on Rizo writing her name down. Cirie also reacts to Ozzy's game-ending mistake, explains why certain players were never viewed as real jury threats, and reveals what her relationship with Aubry was actually like on the island. Plus, Cirie discusses whether she'd ever play Survivor again, a wild airport story involving Shannon Sharpe, and why she still has zero regrets about her Survivor 50 game.

America's Culinary Cup showrunner Josh Silberman joins The Exclusive following the season finale to break down how the hit CBS cooking competition came together — from the Survivor-inspired twists and strategy elements to Padma Lakshmi's hands-on role behind the scenes. Silberman opens up about designing the million-dollar finale, Jeff Probst's reaction to the format, and why he wanted the chefs to win or lose based strictly on their food rather than gimmicks. The producer also shares emotional memories of bonding with his late mother over Top Chef, reveals the hidden Taylor Swift Easter eggs planted throughout the season, and explains how working alongside Padma and the judges completely changed the way he thinks about food. Plus, Silberman discusses Cara Stadler's victory, the pressure of crafting challenges for elite chefs, and what he would want to evolve if America's Culinary Cup returns for Season 2.

Survivor 43's Jesse Lopez joins The Exclusive to recap a wild episode of Survivor 50, including Ozzy's emotional blindside and Emily's nearly game-changing move against Cirie. Jesse breaks down why Ozzy's attempt at jury management completely backfired, explains why Emily's risky strategy would have earned her “immediate legend status” if it had worked, and reacts to Cirie once again proving why she's one of the greatest to ever play. Jesse also weighs in on Joe's “honor and integrity” approach to the game, Rick Devens' chaotic energy this season, Rizo's position moving forward, and whether anyone can actually beat Cirie at the end.

SPOILER WARNING: This audio contains major spoilers for the latest episode of Survivor 50, including the eliminated player.The latest player voted out of Survivor 50, Ozzy Lusth, joins The Exclusive for an emotional conversation about the “worst decision” of his Survivor career and the regret he feels after choosing not to play his idol. The Survivor legend breaks down the jury management strategy that backfired, explains why he believes Rizo made a game-ending mistake by turning on him, and reflects on the heartbreaking blindside that left him feeling “numb.” Ozzy also opens up about his complicated family story and the emotional scene involving his father, reveals how closely he worked with Cirie throughout the game, and shares why he was trying to align with Rick and Christian. Plus, Ozzy discusses why winning challenges mattered less to him this season and whether he would ever return to play Survivor again.

SPOILER WARNING: This audio contains major spoilers for the latest episode of Survivor 50, including the eliminated player.The latest player voted out of Survivor 50, Emily Flippen, joins The Exclusive to unpack her “hot mess express” game, the emotional fallout from Ozzy's shocking blindside, and why she believes getting voted out on Day 21 may have been a “blessing in disguise.” Emily breaks down her failed “Hail Mary” plan with Rick Devens, reveals how worried she was about becoming a no-vote finalist, and reflects on the chaotic relationships that defined her season — including her rocky dynamic with Ozzy, her close alliance with Christian, and her struggles with Jonathan. She also reacts to the infamous rice situation, shares behind-the-scenes insight into Survivor jury management, and explains why she believes Survivor 50 will be her final time playing the game.

Rick Devens may have just delivered the biggest moment of Survivor 50 so far — and Domenick Abbate is here to break it all down. The Ghost Island runner-up joins The Exclusive to unpack Devens' “MVP” fake idol play, the chaotic Tribal Council that flipped the game, and why this might be one of the best episodes in recent memory. Dom explains how creativity separates great players from good ones, and whether Devens' bold move actually helps or hurts his chances to win. Plus, Dom weighs in on Cirie's dominant social game, Stephenie's critical misstep, the controversial coin flip twist, and how the shocking $2 million prize could impact strategy moving forward. He also shares his honest reaction to missing out on Survivor 50 — and whether he would've played just as aggressively if given the chance.

Stephenie LaGrossa Kendrick, the latest player voted out of Survivor 50, joins The Exclusive to break down the wild Tribal Council that ended her game. The four-time player opens up about trusting Cirie Fields despite years of history, why she now calls that her biggest mistake, and how she believes her entire alliance was quietly taken out “one by one” without her realizing what was happening. She also reacts to Joe and Jonathan writing her name down, the coin toss twist she ultimately passed on, and why she says communication breakdowns led to her downfall. Plus, Stephenie reflects on the social game she wishes viewers saw more of and reveals whether she'd ever return to Survivor again—including the one other reality show she'd say yes to without hesitation.

The latest chefs eliminated from Top Chef Season 23, Jennifer Lee Jackson and Justin Tootla, join The Exclusive for a candid exit interview breaking down the shocking turn that led to both of their departures. Jennifer opens up about the scary medical emergency that forced her to step away mid-competition—and what it was like realizing something was seriously wrong in real time. Justin reveals what went into his emotional decision to turn down the chance to return and replace her, explaining why leaving to support Jennifer was the only option.The duo also reflect on competing together as partners, the pressure of watching each other struggle, and the heartbreak of missing out on Restaurant Wars just as they were getting close. Plus, Jennifer reacts to being invited back to the competition in the future—and whether Justin would ever consider stepping into the kitchen again.

Top Chef showrunner Doneen Arquines joins The Exclusive to break down the high-stakes Restaurant Wars episode and reveal what really happens behind the scenes. The longtime producer explains why the fan-favorite challenge is “like Survivor's merge,” what goes into building the restaurants from scratch, and how close calls at Judges' Table are actually decided. Doneen also shares insight into common strategy mistakes chefs make—from vague “global” concepts to risky role choices—and weighs in on whether contestants should speak up when they disagree with a dish.Plus, she opens up about the evolution of Top Chef over 20+ seasons, the decision to change immunity rules, how casting and challenges come together, and why even the most talented chefs can struggle under pressure. Doneen also discusses Kristen Kish stepping in as host, the possibility of another All-Stars season, and answers fan questions about everything from dessert strategy to behind-the-scenes judging logistics.

Survivor winner Jeremy Collins joins The Exclusive to break down the Jimmy Fallon twist that shook up the game and Cirie Fields' “magical” social strategy this season. He reacts to the latest Tribal Council, explains the key decision that shifted the vote, and shares why some players are thriving while others are unraveling. Jeremy also weighs in on Devens' chaotic gameplay, the risks of playing too hard too fast, and what it really takes to build a winning resume in today's Survivor.

The latest player voted out of Survivor 50, Christian Hubicki, joins The Exclusive to break down the chaotic Tribal Council that led to his blindside and the series of moves he says “really messed things up.” The fan-favorite strategist reacts to the controversial Jimmy Fallon twist that forced him to vote for himself, explains how throwing out Ozzy's name to Cirie shifted the target onto him, and shares why he ignored key warning signs that his name would be written down at Tribal. Christian also dives into Rick Devens' flashy fake idol play, gives credit to Cirie's subtle social game, and reveals what viewers didn't see from his final days on the island.

Big Brother runner-up and House of Villains finalist Paul Abrahamian joins The Exclusive to break down the Season 3 finale, including where things went wrong in the final challenge and the strategy that could have secured him the win. Paul reflects on being underestimated as the “dumb stoner rocker,” why he believes he could've won sitting next to the right players, and how a “bitter jury” may have impacted his chances. He also reacts to the final three, shares his unfiltered thoughts on key moves that weren't owned, and explains why intimidation—not strategy—ultimately defined the winner. Plus, Paul opens up about coming out of reality TV “retirement,” why he had “the time of my life” on the show, and whether he'd return for The Traitors, Survivor, or another competition series.

Big Brother 16 winner and Traitors alum Derrick Levasseur joins The Exclusive to break down Episode 8 of Survivor 50, including the double elimination twist and the Tribal Council that sent both Chrissy and Coach home. Derrick shares why, as a player, he would “hate” a twist like this but as a fan finds it “interesting,” weighs in on whether the right targets went home, and reacts to Devens' flashy idol play and its impact on the vote. He also dives into the evolving power structure of the game, explains why players like Cirie and Rizo are in the strongest positions, and discusses how the “middle” players could ultimately control the outcome—plus who he sees as the biggest threat heading into next week.

SPOILER WARNING: This audio contains major spoilers for the latest episode of Survivor 50, including the eliminated player. The latest player voted out of Survivor 50, Chrissy Hofbeck joins The Exclusive to break down the “brilliant” twist that led to her elimination and why she and Coach ultimately “both are responsible for our own demise.” Chrissy reflects on going into Tribal Council “feeling safe,” the shocking vote flip that blindsided her, and how Devens' fake idol chaos played into the outcome. She also opens up about her complicated dynamic with Rizo, addresses the “Zoom Alliance” rumors, and explains why, despite the result, she leaves the game with “a grateful heart” and no regrets about her Survivor journey.

SPOILER WARNING: This audio contains major spoilers for the latest episode of Survivor 50, including the eliminated player. Benjamin “Coach” Wade joins The Exclusive after his Survivor 50 exit to break down the chaotic Tribal Council that sent him home, including the “huge mistake” that left his alliance “cooked” and the moment he admits his game “all just went to shit.” The Survivor legend reflects on building what he calls an “amazing, brilliant game” before it unraveled, why the refusal to split votes shocked him, and where things went wrong with allies like Chrissy, Rizo, and Ozzy. He also addresses pregame alliance rumors, Devens' idol impact, and why he ultimately feels at peace with his elimination, saying, “I messed up, and it is what it is.”

The latest chef eliminated from Top Chef Season 23, Brittany Cochran, joins The Exclusive to break down what really went wrong in the elimination challenge, including the equipment issues—a delayed meat grinder and oven mishap—that derailed her dish at a critical moment. She opens up about the intense mental pressure of the competition, why she felt confident going in before everything unraveled, and how being in her hometown added a unique layer of stress. Brittany also reacts to Tom Colicchio's rare praise, shares why she believes the outcome could have been different, and reveals whether she'd ever return to the Top Chef kitchen again.