‘Survivor’ Isn’t as Brutal With Its Contestants as It Used To Be — and That’s No Accident

Reality competition shows seem intent on finding new, creative ways to put their contestants through the absolute ringer. Yet even amidst a whole genre of programs that confront their casts with brutal challenges, few are as infamous as Survivor; created by Charlie Parsons, this CBS series has offered more than two decades-worth of intense challenges for its castaways to try and power through. From one-on-one wrestling matches to wild dashes across the open water, it's renowned for its intense combat — which is why fans are so sad to learn that the show has decided to put an end to these kinds of challenges.