“I'm So Sick of This Race Talk. Boo Hoo”: Perceptions of Race on 2021–22 CBS Survivor

Abstract

Historically, reality TV casts have lacked diversity while producers have been known to create narratives based on stereotypical characterizations, perpetuating stigmas and reinforcing racial bias. But what is the role of reality TV anyway and do audiences even desire or care to include these conversations in entertainment discussions? In response to the most diverse cast of CBS’ Survivor, this study analyzes 492 social media posts to assess how audiences perceive race on season 41 of this popularized reality TV competition. Specifically, this study explores audiences’ sentiments about CBS’ attempt to intersect diversity initiatives with the show while assessing whether audiences believe Survivor is an appropriate forum to educate about race and engage in racial discourse. Findings suggest that generally audiences watch Survivor solely for entertainment purposes and believe engaging in race conversations presents an unnecessary and problematic distraction, encroaching on their ability to escape reality. Moreover, findings indicate audiences often become offended by these conversations and believe they demonstrate a political agenda, while believing diverse cast members can separate their racial identities from their gameplay, despite Survivor being a social experiment. Such perspectives and their implications including their ability to impede progress toward addressing systemic racial issues are discussed.