Sarah Michelle Gellar Reveals Herself as a Hardcore 'Survivor' Fan

The 'Buffy' star praises Parvati Shallow as the 'Survivor' GOAT and dismisses comparisons to recent winner Savannah.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 8:15pm

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In a recent interview, actress Sarah Michelle Gellar, best known for her role as Buffy the Vampire Slayer, revealed herself to be a devoted fan of the reality TV show 'Survivor.' Gellar praised legendary 'Survivor' player Parvati Shallow as the greatest of all time, dismissing comparisons between Parvati and recent winner Savannah. The actress also shared her 'Survivor' Mount Rushmore, which consists solely of Parvati.

Why it matters

Gellar's passion for 'Survivor' and her strong opinions on the show's players and gameplay highlight the enduring popularity of the long-running reality series, even among high-profile celebrities. Her comments also underscore Parvati Shallow's status as one of the most iconic and influential 'Survivor' contestants of all time.

The details

During an appearance on the 'Drop Your Buffs Podcast,' Gellar shut down the comparison between Parvati Shallow and recent 'Survivor' winner Savannah, stating, 'They keep trying to say Savannah is the new Parv. And it's like, no. She doesn't compare to our Parv.' The actress also revealed that her 'Survivor' Mount Rushmore consists solely of Parvati, further cementing the latter's legacy as one of the greatest players in the show's history.

  • Survivor Season 50 is set to debut on the 2026 television schedule with a special three-hour premiere on Wednesday, February 25, airing from 8/7c to 11/10c on CBS.

The players

Sarah Michelle Gellar

An American actress best known for her role as Buffy the Vampire Slayer, who has also appeared in various horror movies and other genre films.

Parvati Shallow

A legendary 'Survivor' player who has won the show twice and is widely regarded as one of the greatest contestants in the show's history.

Savannah

A recent 'Survivor' winner who has been compared to Parvati Shallow, a comparison that Sarah Michelle Gellar firmly rejects.

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What they’re saying

“They keep trying to say Savannah is the new Parv. And it's like, no. She doesn't compare to our Parv.”

— Sarah Michelle Gellar

“My Mount Rushmore is Parvati.”

— Sarah Michelle Gellar

What’s next

Survivor Season 50 is set to debut on the 2026 television schedule with a special three-hour premiere on Wednesday, February 25, airing from 8/7c to 11/10c on CBS.

The takeaway

Sarah Michelle Gellar's passionate endorsement of Parvati Shallow as the greatest 'Survivor' player of all time, and her dismissal of comparisons to recent winner Savannah, underscores the enduring popularity and cultural significance of the long-running reality series. Gellar's status as a 'Survivor' superfan also highlights the show's ability to captivate even the most famous of viewers.