Angelika We have often reported on American media events, and this time it's happening again. As we read in the Süddeutsche Zeitung, the reality show "Big Brother" is surprisingly popular among younger audiences in Germany. However, in the USA, "Big Brother" has surprisingly had little success and has been overshadowed by the reality show "Survivor" from the television network CBS. What is "Survivor" about?

Sixteen contestants of varying ages, genders, and personalities are stranded on an island with the melodious name "Pulau Tiga" near Malaysia. The "survival battle" is set for 39 days, broadcast over 13 television episodes. The players are initially divided into two rival tribes (Tagi and Pagong Tribe) and must not only manage daily life with the most primitive means (everything from making fire, catching fish, building huts, etc.) but also compete against each other in various challenges. It's almost like "It's a Knockout." The challenges include rowing races, spear throwing, and holding one's breath underwater the longest; they even have to eat worms. The team that loses must vote out one of their members, who must immediately leave the island. This happens at the end of each show in a ceremonial tribunal. After several episodes, the tribes are merged. A competition takes place on each episode, but now the winner receives a talisman as a prize, which prevents them from being voted out. The very last "Survivor" receives a prize of one million dollars and is chosen in the final episode by the seven people who had to leave the island last.

You might be wondering what is so special about the show and that it probably has nothing to do with reality. I admit that running cameras and TV crews hardly create a genuine Robinson Crusoe feeling, but there is something about the show. Everyone knows it, everyone talks about it, which is not surprising considering that an average of 24.5 million viewers tuned in. When the last episode of Survivor I was broadcast, there were "Survivor parties" everywhere. Ironically, the contestant who won was the one who played coldly and strategically from the beginning and was not particularly popular with the audience. That might also be part of the fascination. The whole thing resembles more of a social-psychological experiment on human behavior in groups. To win, you have to form alliances with individuals and also try to strategically eliminate stronger players. However, you must not behave too badly and upset the other team members, as the last seven choose the winner. Luck also plays a part, as you can gain immunity by winning competitions. No wonder the American media was full of psychological analyses about why Richard (the lucky winner) won and the others did not, etc. And, of course, philosophical questions arise, such as "Is man inherently evil or good?" "Does it depend on the situation, environment, upbringing, or a reward being offered (1 million dollars)?" Well, you will surely be able to form your own opinion soon. The show is bound to come to Germany. Survivor II is already in the planning stages. This time, the survival challenge will take place in Australia, where there is also quite a bit of dangerous wildlife.

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• More topics you might be interested in:

  	Fitness
  	The Mobile Phone Plague
  	Foreigners
  	The Lassen National Park
  	Tips for Making Phone Calls
  	California Wine Tips
  	Earthquakes