Aitu 4 is my absolute favorite of all time. Though Black Widow Brigade have more entertainment and strategic value, Aitu just has the heart and satisfying ending I love more.

according to both parvati and ozzy, amanda actually knew that ozzy was leaving and was acting throughout that entire tribal. she was the good cop to parvati's bad cop, and parvati was actually shocked that amanda didnt bring that up in the final tribal council (however im assuming that amanda thought that she would lose votes if she did).

Just reminding me why Parvati and Cirie are always going to be among my favorite players of all time.

Great video! I would have loved to see Malcolm and Denise’s relationship. It was the best comeback in survivor history and you would never have expected the two to get along so well!

Aitu 4 basically single-handedly got me interested in Survivor. They were magical and wonderful. And Yul is one of the best players of all time and his final tribal council was perfection and also basically invented modern final tribal.

Season 40 cops r us is about as good as it gets for me. So personal and touching to see Tony so emotional, you can tell how much they care for eachother. Not to mention how hilarious they are together. The recon missions are second to none

Aitu 4 have to be my favorite. 4 genuinely good people who get completely screwed only to bounce back and become the final 4. Ozzy's skills and Yul's brains made them so great to watch. Also, though a lot don't care for it, I'm a big fan of The Cult of Rob from Redemption Island. I just think it's crazy to watch Rob have absolute control finding the immunity idol, owning crazy Philip's vote, and all the younglings bound to him willing to follow him. He promised them final 6 and got them that. Doesn't make for the most exciting season, but it makes for a mighty alliance and a near guaranteed win for the one pulling the strings.

The Black Widow Brigade would always be my favourite alliance at stirring up chaos and pulling off some iconic moves. Following closely as my second alliance is the AITU 4 because of their strong underdog story.

Was fully expecting the electric, dynamic, and captivatingly iconic alliance of fan favourites Sierra Dawn-Thomas and Brad Culpepper from everyone’s fave season Game Changers to be number one on this list

The Salem Witchs of second chance are my favorite. Such baddies and cemented Kelley Wentworth into survivor history of most blocked votes via immunity idol

1:58- you did not have to do him like that 💀💀💀

Aitu 4 is why i love Survivor. I rewatch the season constantly. It’s so satisfying to see it all play out.

The Aitu Four have a story that nobody could make up. So much could have gone wrong for them, but thankfully it didn't. Yul's trick in the Depth Charge challenge got them the first immunity challenge win and they weren't going to lose the Pacific Islands challenge with Ozzy in their tribe. Although, the final four fire making challenge between Becky and Sundra is a bit of a weird way for their alliance to end.

I feel like some honorable mentions are; Earl and Yauman (Fiji), The Villains merge (HvV), Rupert, Christ, and Sandra (Pearl Islands), Kenny, sugar, Marty, Susie, and Crystal (Gabon). My favorite is definitely the Gabon alliance. I mainly loved watching Kenny grow from a kid into a man. Even if his game is respected much, his story is underrated. He strategically masterminded an alliance of 5 from the tribe swap to the final 6. People just saw him as a nerdy naive college kid, but he proved them wrong.

I loved the BostonRob-Parvati alliance in Winner at War, I really think that they formed a genuine bond

Amanda was not actually left out of the Ozzy vote, which makes the brigade even better. Confirmed by Ozzy n Parv on a podcast. Parv n Amanda would go strategize away from cameras. It was both of their idea to blindside Ozzy. Hence why on GC Cirie and Ozzy made up cuz it wasn't her idea. Amanda told Ozzy it was her n Parv

How did you not include Tai and Marc the Chicken's alliance? They both made it to final tribal!

The Foa Foa comeback was absolutely insane

the black widow brigade will always be my favorites, and micronesia will always be my favorite season bc of them. no other alliance is able to bring that much entertainment while also being strategic geniuses

A suggestion for a future video if it hasn’t been done yet: top 5 greatest survivor downfalls. This would be a single player or a whole alliances: ex. Jon from San Juan Del Sur for the former, the four horsemen from Fiji for the latter.

A recent alliance I am a huge fan of is Shan and Ricard. Something about an alliance that is so very ride-or-die only to end with heartbreak and betrayl is very fun to me

15:27 I was bracing for a David proposal jumpscare, thank God it wasn't that

"Oh, it's gonna be awkward." Damn I miss James. He had some of the best one-liners.

“And they just unanimously voted out the tribal immunity idol” 😂😂

Oh by the way it's been stated that Sean is a lot smarter than he seemed it's no coincidence that pagongs names were all at the beginning of the alphabet it's been rumored and heavily speculated by even the cast of Borneo that he knew what he was doing the entire time and he knew that he was going to be voting for the opposite tribe but because it's a game where the losers pick the winner he wanted to make it seem like he was this great guy who was only there for the adventure and he wasn't there to screw anybody over it's actually quite ingenious

great video, one of my faves from this channel

Great video! I know you already covered Casaya in this video, but I hope you could do a ranking too of the other dysfunctional successful alliances in Survivor history! Fei Long and Stealth R Us would be top of mind, but sadly couldn't beat Casaya's... Casaya-ness.

Reed's misfit alliance will always be my favorite solely due to how awful it was gameplay wise

Sad to not see the outsiders alliance from Marquesas. Especially starting from the tiny Post-Swap Maraamu that was so rootable!

Erika + Heather, the alliance so iconic we didn’t even know it existed until halfway through the merge

Surprised to not see the Todd, Amanda and Courtney alliance in this video or even in the comments

Great video! I thought of some honorable mentions as well: The Family Cult Alliance from South Pacific Stealth R Us (Starting on RI and carrying through Caramoan) Malcolm/Denise Jeremy/Natalie Ride or Die (particularly Jesse/Cody)

Hey I think I asked about a video like this a few months ago. Awesome, love it!

The aitu four is the best for sure. They’re all likeable people, strong physically, and they’re good strategic players (I’m saying Becky and sundra are great players they just didn’t get to shine next to ozzy and yul)

Amanda knew about the Ozzy vote. She acted surprised because her and Parvati agreed that she would play "Good Cop" and Parvati would play "Bad Cop"

The Ride Or Die alliance from 43 could be very iconic. Especially if Cody, Jesse and Gabler do well on returnee seasons.

Cirie's alliances are gold. 🔥

I'd love to see a top-tier Survivor KZfaqr like yourself break down Borneo more. I feel like a lot of current Survivor discourse stays away from it because it's "boring," and it's true, neither the strategy nor the challenges are super gripping to watch from start to finish. But that's why some analysis is fitting, because it's crazy just how much evolution occurred just during the season itself, and that's probably more intriguing to current viewers than actually watching the season. I think there's a ton of stuff that'd be really fascinating for people well-versed in Survivor but not very familiar with the old school. Maybe this kind of thing has been done to death, and that's why the Survivor KZfaq pantheon doesn't talk about it much. But I feel like I HAVEN'T seen much talk about it, other than rehashing decade-old takes of "lol, they thought alliances were bad! Lol, alphabet voting!" I feel like there's a lot more nuance to it that newer Survivor fans would eat up if given the chance.

Huge respect for acknowledging how iconic and important the Tagi 4 are in Survivor history.

Why should you not root for Galu? There is this one-sided hatred from Shambo towards Laura. Erik who thinks he's a great player, John, who thinks he's a great player, Dave Ball whose every single moment is pure gold and Kelly who persumably was the leader. And the challenge beast Brett. I would love to spend more time with Galu any time. Especially over Russel confesionals

I really missed your videos!

How could you forget Shane’s sub alliance with his Blackberry

I like how you include jokes and puns not just facts and numbers. Thank you for a good laugh!

Tikka 3! We finally have a new alliance worth adding to this list.

Natalie - social game Russell - strategy Mick and Jaison - challange wins

What a great idea to start out your 2023, Luke!

Glad Black Widow Brigade got their just due. My favorite alliance. 🕷 🕸

I understand all the legacy and iconic status of first three alliances. But aitu 4 not making it to top-3 is a crime

Cops R Us is the most successful alliance in Survivor history. 2 people. 3 wins. Amazing.

I definitely think Yam Yam and Caroline from Survivor 44 should be up there now lol

There’s been a few alliances I’ve liked but for me it always comes down to the underdogs I love them and how can you not as the viewer. The underdogs coming back and knocking out the higher ups is always satisfying. Here is some of my favourites. Season 8 All Stars Rob and Amber. Just a two person alliance but very powerful and somehow both defeated the chopping block especially Amber when Rob convinced Lex not to vote Amber off then Rob voted Lex out right after. The love those two had for each other was powerful no one could break. Season 9 Vanuatu Chris. Chris the one man show was an amazing underdog story all the men get voted out back to back to back and then there’s Chris who somehow survives all these woman by using his smarts. It was fantastic to watch as the viewer like it’s easy just vote Chris off but it never happened. Season 13 Cook Island Yul , Becky , Sundra , Ozzy These 4 players after being left by Candice and Jonathon to fend for themselves went on one of the craziest runs I’ve ever seen they were a strong 4 some and watching there fight in every immunity challenge was a treat too see. Season 16 Micronesia Parvati , Cere , Amanda , Natalie Another 4 some this time all woman that took control of the game by flirting with men. It was an amazing thing to watch all these men including Ozzy had no idea what was happening until Jeff snuffed there torches. They were even able to convince Eric to give up his immunity neckless true underdogs. Season 19 Samoa Russell , Natalie , Jasion , Mick Again there’s a theme here a 4 some this was mostly ran by Russell but it was still a really fun underdog story. The way the merge happened 8 to 4 the odds were not on the 4 some side but cleaver manipulation by Natalie and Russell’s ability to find those idols kept this group alive. Season 20 Here’s vs Villains Russell and Parvati This 2 some was pretty epic I’d throw Danielle in there too but it was mostly the Russell Parvati show they were able to knock Boston Rob out at the same time Russell was able to obtain JT idol and knock him out not too mention Russell found a way to save himself and get Tyson to vote himself out was such a treat to watch. Both these players had targets on there backs both did not win but it was still fun to watch. Season 28 Cagayan Tony The player that played like Russell but actually won. Tony’s game was amazing every tribal he was in trouble of going home and stayed alive enough to win the game. If you really want to see an underdog performance watch season 28. Season 38 Edge Of Extinction Chris Another Chris this one gets hate but I still like it this guy was voted out so early in the game and stayed the most days on the Edge to come back give up his spot in the final to do fire wins the fire challenge then wins the game. I still think it’s a great underdog story he was left to fend for himself and he never gave up. Those are some my favourite underdog story’s in survivor so far.

8:43 HOW DARE YOU? Gary Hawkins is an icon, the best landscaper on the show with a remarkable resemblance to Gary Hogeboom (gary went to central michigan but he didn’t play)

You should do like a top ten duos ranking. So castaways that we’re seen as a duo in the game and rank them

Amanda was involved in the Ozzy vote. It's just intentionally not caught on camera for the episode to keep her good cop image.

Long live the Aitu 4! It has to be the greatest of all time! All four not only made the final 4 but they were such underdogs!

Can't believe you talked about the Jalapau alliance but didn't mention honorary member Erinn ONCE, even though she contributed to their numbers AND was the one who fractured them to get Taj ousted! :D Justice for Erinn! :D

My favorite honorable mentions: Mason-Dixon Alliance Stealth-R-Us Coach’s Cult Malcom & Denise The Ride Or Die Alliance (S43)

Im kinda curious how some of these older alliances would do in the modern game. Like would they turn on each other right away, maybe go to the merge and do big moves or stay together thru the whole game again

This video perfectly captures why the Black Widow Brigade is the best, they have fun doing their dirty work. It would be interesting though had James not been Medevac'ed. The sting that this vote would achieve not only to James but to Amanda as well. Imagine the real possibility of James being duped by Amanda twice.

Amanda was actually in on the Ozzy vote-out; Parvati agreed to be the fall girl for that vote while Amanda would ham-up the shocked face for... sympathy points? Idk, those points went a long way in early Survivor. Not enough to net a win for Amanda who's statistically better than Russell, but I digress.

The Black Widow Brigade I agree is the most iconic alliance ever. I'm still wondering why Amanda and Cirie were placed on the Heroes Tribe and not the Villains, and why Natalie wasn't casted on into the Villains.

I love the Aitu 4 so much. I also really liked the Morgan tribe alliance in Pearl islands

Honestly, Rob proposing to Amber at the finale is the biggest powerplay you can possibly make to the jury. Now even if they vote you out you get the money. CHad move. We love Boston Rob here.

Jalapao 3 and Aitu 4 💜💜💜💜💜💜

damn, i’d say those last 3 alliances were all equal in their icon. They all existed and then changed the way people thought in the game in some way.

Surprised Courtney, Todd, and Amanda aren't on here Also what does the comment about changing the Cops R Us name mean? Am I missing something here? Haha

Black Widow Brigade is correctly number one. What a great list ugh I love Survivor

Hate them all you want, but Coach and Sophie's South Pacific alliance is iconic. They absolutely used faith to their detriment, but they steamrolled that game.

How is the Drake alliance of Sandra, Rupert and Christa not on here or the Fei long group of Courtney, Amanda and Todd not here

Black widow brigade delivered priceless television

January, 2023: Gervase is now 90% convinced that Tagi has formed an alliance.

16:06 I was like 8 when All Stars came out and I just realized now that Amber was literally opening her legs to Rob

I think your top 4 is very close to an objectly correct decision: Aitu 4, Rotu 4, Romber and Black Widow Brigade (in any order).

The Black Widow Brigade is incredible!

Didn’t even get a Sierra Dawn-Thomas joke. My boy is letting up on her.

21:17 I think it's the best blindside where no idol was played

i know they didn’t last, but the post-merge women of vanuatu is so iconic. imo more vindictive and fractured than the casaya six but still managed to make it work for a non-insignificant chunk of the season

Some days I imagine what might have happened if there was actual effort from Pagong in Borneo

I don't want to sound like a conspiracy theorist but four members of Tagi voted for Gretchen

I totally forgot about the immunity idol looking like willard

I feel like I have to relate every video to DVG somehow but the “strike force” alliance was the most hyped up and never talked about again alliance. Also the Jabeni 3 is an honorable mention for this list cause they made f3

Cops R Us is probably my favorite. The dynamic between the two is just so entertaining. I love both Sarah and Tony.

Australians laugh out loud when Idoled out say's Rootable.

Allow me to introduce myself

I pegged Tony as not only a cop, but a dirty cop from the tiny clip of him riding in on the boat. I know a lot of cops, be it family or friends. Been around a lot of good ones and dirty ones because of this and Tony 100% gives off the dirty cop vibe. The fact that Sarah was able to sniff out his lie because she is around cops all the time too. Maybe she just turns a bling eye to the bad ones. Most tend to do so.

A few honorable mentions I feel deserved this list. Shan and Richard , Jesse and Cody( my favorite of all time!$

Eric giving up his immunity idol to Natalie (or any other member of the Black Widow Brigade) was one of the stupidest moves in the history of Survivor.

Honorable mentions : The David's 6 (S37) , Omotepe's Zombies Alliance (S22) , Stealth R Us (S26), Malcolm & Denise (S25), Tina & Colby (S2), Boran 3 (S3), Chuay Gahn 5 (S5) Todd, Amanda, Courtney (S15)

9:06 would you say that an iron fist sharpens an iron fist?

Just a remainder that if they cast literally anyone other than RIchard Hatch for the first season. Survivor would most likely never become what we know it to be today and might not have gotten more than a couple of seasons.

Casaya 6 better be here

Though not iconic in terms of gameplay and strategies, Lesu 3 is one of my favorite alliances. It was so chaotic and entertaining. lol

Where would you put the Tika 3

BLACK WIDOW BRIGADE 😩

do a part 2 we need jeremy natalie, david’s from DvG and jesse and cody

The Brochachos are pretty iconic too, but that is just because of Christian… lol

Jalapao 3 my fav!!❤️❤️‼️

did sarah and tony not commit to cops r us in game changers? bc i thought they did

I assume someone else is going to say this, but Wendell and Dom are like if Shan and Ricard weren’t obsessed with blindsides.

Yeah a lot of these are a given. You simply can't make a list of iconic alliances without the Aitu Four, the Black Widow Brigade, and Romber