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TV This Week

For long-running ‘Survivor,’ a title most apt

The CBS series wraps up its 31st season with steady ratings. Just amazing.

By Louisa Ada Seltzer

December 16, 2015

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At a certain point, “Survivor” is going to go off the air. But we don’t seem any closer to that point, despite the fact that the show is now in season 31, which is absolutely geriatric for a primetime program.

“Survivor: Cambodia” wraps up its season tonight at 8 p.m. on CBS with a two-hour episode, followed by a one-hour cast reunion.

And there’s a good chance CBS will win the night in 18-49s and almost certainly among the older demos with whom the show excels.

Why the continued success?

CBS has been smart enough to keep the same winning formula in place. Though the location and the rules change slightly, the network doesn’t mess with what has worked in the past. That also includes host Jeff Probst, who has hosted every season and remains very popular.

“Survivor” has averaged a 2.1 adults 18-49 rating this season, according to Nielsen, down just a tenth from last spring. It’s also averaging 9.9 million total viewers, even to last season, which is pretty remarkable considering shows even a tenth of its age often see big declines.

Of course, it also helps that this season reunites some past contestants for an all-star-type edition, always a good way to raise ratings.

Six players are left heading into tonight’s finale, and the smart money is on Jeremy, Spencer and Tasha to make the final three.

A look at this week’s top TV draws

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16

Time

Network

Program

Description

8 p.m.

CBS

“Survivor” (R)

Season finale. Two-hour finale episode, followed by the season-ending reunion episode.

8 p.m.

ESPN

“NBA Basketball” (S)

Doubleheader includes Grizzlies versus Bulls and Suns versus Warriors.

8:30 p.m.

Fox Sports 1

“Women’s Soccer” (S)

The U.S. women’s national team takes on China in a friendly match in New Orleans.

10 p.m.

Reelz

“Entertainment Weekly: Best & Worst of 2015” (A)

The magazine’s look at the most memorable moments of the year.

10 p.m.

MTV

“The Challenge” (R)

TJ makes a change that will affect the whole game.

10 p.m.

History

“Christmas Through the Decades” (N)

Season finale. Final episode takes a look at Christmas in the ’90s.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17

Time

Network

Program

Description

8 p.m.

Bravo

“Inside the Actors Studio” (T)

Former “The Office” star Steve Carell guests.

8 p.m.

“The iHeartRadio Jingle Ball 2015” (A)

Concert special features The Weeknd, Selena Gomez, Demi Lovato, Fetty Wap and others.

8:25 p.m.

NFL Network

“NFL Football” (S)

Tampa Bay tries to keep its playoff hopes alive versus the Rams in St. Louis.

9 p.m.

BBC America

“Luther” (D)

Season premiere. The season picks up with Luther on a leave of absence.

9:30 p.m.

ABC

“The 10 Most Fascinating People of 2015” (A)

Barbara Walters’ 23rd annual countdown, featuring the likes of Bradley Cooper, Bernie Sanders and Amy Schumer.

10 p.m.

NBC

“Running Wild with Bear Grylls” (R)

Special episode in which Bear is joined by President Obama.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18

Time

Network

Program

Description

7 p.m.

ESPNU

“College Football” (S)

The Division III national title game, also known as the Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl.

8 p.m.

Lifetime

“Billboard Women in Music 2015” (A)

Honoring some of the year’s top women in music, including Lady Gaga, Selena Gomez and Lana Del Rey.

9 p.m.

CBS

“A Home for the Holidays” (A)

LL Cool J hosts the annual special benefiting kids in foster care.

10 p.m.

Cinemax

“The Knick” (D)

Season finale. Thackery ignores advice and decides to make a risky move.

10 p.m.

“The Soup” (C)

Series finale. The final episode of the show’s run features former “Dawson’s Creek” star James Van Der Beek.

10 p.m.

USA

“Satisfaction” (D)

Season finale. Grace and Neil open their new business.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19

Time

Network

Program

Description

12 p.m.

ABC

“College Football” (S)

College football’s bowl season kicks off with a new one called the Celebration Bowl, pitting Alcorn State versus North Carolina A&T.

1 p.m.

CBS

“College Basketball” (S)

A good nonconference matchup between UCLA and North Carolina.

3:30 p.m.

ABC

“College Football” (S)

The 24th annual Las Vegas Bowl features BYU versus Utah.

8 p.m.

ABC

“Democratic Debate” (N)

The Democratic presidential candidates square off in New Hampshire.

8:25 p.m.

NFL Network

“NFL Football” (S)

A special Saturday night game between the Jets and Cowboys.

8:30 p.m.

TV Land

“Instant Mom” (C)

Series finale. Gabby realizes that the new girlfriend of her ex is using him.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20

Time

Network

Program

Description

7 p.m.

Fox

“Miss Universe Pageant” (A)

The 64th annual event, live from Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas.

8 p.m.

USA

“Santa’s Little Helper” (M)

A fired businessman tries to work his way up to Santa’s main elf.

8:20 p.m.

NBC

“Sunday Night Football” (S)

The Cardinals take on the Eagles in Philadelphia.

8:30 p.m.

CBS

“Undercover Boss” (R)

Season premiere. The president of Buffalo Wings & Rings takes part to kick off the season.

9 p.m.

Showtime

“Homeland” (D)

Season finale. The drama puts an end to its fifth season.

9 p.m.

OWN

“Oprah Goes to Broadway: The Color Purple” (A)

Oprah Winfrey takes a behind-the-scenes look at “The Color Purple–The Musical.”

A = awards show or special, C = comedy, D = drama, DD = daytime drama, G = game show, K = kids, M = movie, N = news/documentary, R = reality, S = sports, T = talk/variety show.

Tags: cbs, survivor, survivor finale, survivor ratings, tv this week, wednesday tv this week