Survivor is so much better than MAFS - try proving me wrong

Every year, I find myself inescapably drawn back to the multifaceted storytelling and raw human drama of Survivor. Now I know why.

Every week I look forward to my favourite moments of reality TV. This week did not disappoint. There was champagne, a bit of bare skin, blatant lies, and a whole lot of backstabbing.

I bet you’re sitting there thinking “Yep I watched the MAFS dinner party too.”

I must forgive you if you thought that because it’s easy to see why you would.

But that’s not what I’m referring to.

I am, in fact, talking about the OG reality TV 7.30pm time-slot king. 

Because I, friends, am a Survivor person. And if you thought I was talking about the melodrama that is Married at First Sight, it would tell me that you are a MAFS person.

Want more TV news? Sign up to Kidspot’s Talking TV newsletter for all the up-to-date news sent straight to your inbox.

Survivor is a different sort of reality TV viewing. Image: Channel 10

MAFS VS Survivor

Now, before you start acting like the girl on the Old El Paso add and wave your arms up at me with a “why not both?” I want you to answer this one question:

There’s a simple way to find out if you’re a MAFS person or a Survivor person.

Given the choice would you watch 'Final Vows' or 'Final Votes'?

(Also, before I go on, just clarifying I’m talking about Australian Survivor. Because of Jonathan LaPaglia. Obvs)

I’m not sure why anyone would choose the dating experts over JLP’s end of tribal one-liners, but it seems there’s a large subset of the reality TV community that have, and continue to, choose this option.

Those people are MAFS people.

Then there are those of us who prefer to watch the masterclass of human psychology and physical endurance that is Australian Survivor. We are, what I refer to as Survivor people. 

Introducing our new podcast: Mum Club! Listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an episode.

RELATED: The three types of people you see on reality TV

Both shows offer a good dose of drama

While MAFS might serve up a dishy dinner party spat, Survivor continues to deliver a banquet of human drama.

It’s not just about who can outwit, outlast, and outplay – it’s about who can do so while remaining likeable enough to secure the jury’s favour at the end. It’s a delicate balance between strategy and social grace. Victory isn’t just about surviving; it’s about doing so while maintaining the respect of those you’ve strategically outmanoeuvred.

While there is no official competition between the two (well, advertising, ratings and television channel rivalries aside), this is reality TV and obviously there needs to be a winner.

So why does Australian Survivor deserve the crown over a juggernaut like MAFS? The answer lies beyond the strategy and backstabbing (of which there is plenty, and all of it makes for great viewing), but in the raw, primal essence it captures – something far deeper than the latest marital spat or affair or conversations over who wore it better. 

And while I don’t have the statistics handy, I’d put money on the fact that relationships kindled in the Survivor world tend to fare better in the real world than those from MAFS.

Survivor contestants bond over shared hardships and triumphs, and form genuine connections that extend beyond the game. If you’re looking for love that is built to last, Survivor might just be your best bet at reality TV romance success.

Oh the drama that MAFS brings! Image: Channel 9

RELATED: Jonathan LaPaglia reveals the top 10 things to look for on Aussie Survivor

It's a safer option for family viewing 

I also love Survivor for the fact that I can safely pop it on around my kids and not worry about the content. Some mildly risqué swimming costumes and a few well-place Dad jokes about holding your balls is about the worst you’ll see on the “The Island Show” as it’s affectionately known by Master 3 in our house. 

I can appreciate MAFS has its charm. And for a quick second there I attempted to be a MAFS person. I did enjoy the glossy package of dinner parties and commitment ceremonies. It’s a spectacle of love found (and often lost) in the most unconventional way. Alas, like many of the marriages it showcases, my love affair with it was short-lived.

Year after year I find myself inescapably drawn back to the multifaceted storytelling and raw human drama of Survivor.

While viewers are no longer under any illusion that reality TV is, in any way, real, Survivor offers a kind of faux authenticity that’s hard to come by in reality TV. The challenges are real, the deprivation of food and lack of modern-day luxuries are real. The "sole survivor" title is earned not handed out.

It’s this semblance of authenticity that keeps viewers coming back season after season (well that, and JLP).

I will admit that I’ve flirted with the idea of being a MAFS person, but ultimately Survivor is my one true reality TV love.

Whether you prefer the drama of dinner parties or the tense conversations of tribal, there’s no denying the fandom is strong in the world of reality TV followers.

But when it’s time to cast my vote on the parchment, the choice is easy.

JLP over John any day.

Originally published as Survivor is so much better than MAFS - try proving me wrong