Spoilers forward for the newest episode of Survivor.
Whereas actuality exhibits are in all places, few have been fairly as long-running and culturally important as Survivor. Arguably probably the greatest actuality exhibits ever, the CBS collection (which is streaming with a Paramount+ subscription) is presently within the midst of Season 48. The latest episode noticed contestant Eva Erickson come out as being on the autism spectrum, and the web exploded with candy messages of help.
Whereas some people are nonetheless determining how one can watch Survivor 48, hardcore followers like myself are nonetheless reeling from the wildly emotional final episode. Eva had a tough time in the course of the Immunity Problem, and ended up having an episode because of all of the stimulation. That is when Joe crossed Tribal traces and helped calm her down in the way in which she had proven him earlier. She got here out afterward, with audiences and even host Jeff Probst getting emotional. Of us on Twitter sounded off about how touching the sequence was, living proof being:
EVA. JOE. JEFF. 10S ACROSS THE BOARD. Once I let you know that man wished to go assist her THE WHOLE TIME. It isn’t good recreation play, however man what a second for the collection. I ain’t by no means seen Jeff lose it too. I am over right here dry heaving. 😭😭😭#Survivor pic.twitter.com/RgxFKiidb9March 27, 2025
Whereas followers like determining how a lot Survivor contestants make, the precise occasions of the sport are inclined to go viral each week. And it feels like Eva’s story has transcended gameplay and really touched the hearts of followers, in addition to the opposite castaways.
When looking on-line, there is a ton of discourse about Eva’s popping out journey, and specifically the way in which that Joe has supported her to date on this recreation. One other tweet factors this out, saying:
I’ve an autistic daughter about Eva’s age. Once I let you know this Joe man is the perfect dude on the earth…#Survivor pic.twitter.com/atJUy3UUghMarch 27, 2025
Solely time will inform if Season 48 turns into probably the greatest Survivor seasons, however it’s already up there with reference to how emotional it is made the fan base. Plenty of viewers have been moved by how Joe take care of Eva throughout her time of want, with one other tweet utilizing a GIF of Michael Scott to drive the purpose residence.
Watching Joe maintain Eva and calm her down after her episode was one of the touching moments I’ve ever seen on #Survivor #Survivor48 pic.twitter.com/pWJcBqmLjWMarch 27, 2025
After all, the hardcore Survivor followers are also involved about this dynamic duo. As a result of whereas the forged put their help behind Eva, her shut bond to Joe has the potential to place each of their video games in danger. I imply, clearly they are not going to vote in opposition to one another. As one other fan tweeted:
Joe caring a lot might be gonna be his downfall however you possibly can really feel on this second that Joe is extra than simply phrases. It’s such a harmful factor to point out that reference to Eva however there’s some knowledge within the authenticity and vulnerability he displayed #Survivor #Survivor48 pic.twitter.com/XyBCEPwKLfMarch 27, 2025
Solely time will inform how their video games are affected by this show of their affection. Regardless, it should go down as a memorable a part of Survivor historical past. One other fan tweeted out why, saying:
This could be my favourite human second in #Survivor historical past. Eva’s openness about her autism, Joe’s deep compassion, and Jeff’s emotional response, it was uncooked, actual, and a reminder of the facility of empathy. A second greater than the sport.
They are not fallacious. The previous few years have seen loads of conversations concerning the energy of illustration. And Eva brazenly enjoying the sport whereas on the autism spectrum is certain to encourage people on the market. What’s extra, it exhibits that neurodivergent folks can overcome and obtain identical to anybody else.
New episodes of Survivor air Wednesdays on CBS as a part of the 2025 TV premiere checklist.