Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
‘DWTS,’ ‘Voice,’ ‘Survivor’: Still thriving
Reality television continues to entertain and intrigue as the medium undergoes sweeping changes. Three long-running favorites conclude their seasons with flourishes this week.
“Dancing With the Stars” remains ABC’s most-watched series in its 24th season. Finalists Rashad Jennings, Normani Kordei and David Ross perform at 8 p.m. Monday, and the winner will be named in the season finale starting at 8:30 p.m. Tuesday.
“The Voice,” in its 12th season, is the favorite reality series of young adults in all of television. The four finalists perform at 8 p.m. Monday on NBC, and the winner will be revealed in a twohour finale at 9 p.m. Tuesday.
“Survivor,” which is finishing its 34th season, usually draws the biggest audience on Wednesday nights. The “Game Changers — Mamanuca Islands” edition will name the winner, review a tumultuous season and take up three hours at 8 p.m. Wednesday, the final night of the 2016-17 season.
Each series has managed to freshen its format through shrewd casting. “The Voice” will have new coaches next season: Jennifer Hudson in the fall and Kelly Clarkson in the spring. Both gained fame on “American Idol,” which moves to ABC next season.
In “The Voice,” how coaches perform seems more crucial than how singers do. Maybe that’s why the contest has never produced a star like Clarkson or Hudson.
“Survivor” brought back veteran players, who have stressed and schemed as the game took increasingly complicated turns this season. Host Jeff Probst has presided over week after week of jaw-dropping tribal councils.
The clash between dance competition and popularity contest keeps “Dancing With the Stars” one of prime time’s most surprising series.
If you want a dance contest, you were probably stunned by the ejections of actress Heather Morris (“Glee”), figure skater Nancy Kerrigan and gymnast Simone Biles.
If you prefer a popularity contest, you may be rooting for Chicago Cubs favorite Ross to collect that mirrorball trophy. He is not as skilled as Kordei of Fifth Harmony or NFL free agent Jennings.
Kordei should win, but the suggestion that she might not will keep us watching. These reality series still have involving stories to tell, unlike many scripted series.