Richard Hatch, Russell Hantz and Jeff Probst on 'Surviving Survivor'

A special prequel episode to a new season of "Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains" featured some of the most famous players in “Survivor” history, including villains Russell Hantz and Richard Hatch, plus longtime host, Jeff Probst. They all discussed success strategies for the upcoming season of “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains.” In addition, the one-hour special called "Surviving Survivor" looked back on the last ten years of “Survivor” and the huge impact it's had on network television.

Russell Hantz and Richard Hatch, probably the most renowned bad boys in “Survivor” history, both discussed their days on “Survivor.” Richard Hatch, the very first winner of “Survivor” said that he never had a doubt he would win. “I was in control. I used any means necessary to advance in the game,” he told viewers. He also said that the keys to succeeding on “Survivor” are knowing who you are and honing your ability to read other players. He also stated, “I don’t consider myself a villain. I was someone who played a game really well.” Hatch is unable to participate in “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains” because of his legal issues.

Russell Hantz finished in second place on “Survivor: Samoa,” but legions of fans consider him the best player ever in “Survivor” history. On “Surviving Survivor,” he didn’t shy away from praising his own abilities to play the game. Without hesitation, he said, “I am the greatest player to play the game. My social game was perfect. Nobody’s at my caliber. I think it’s like Babe Ruth or Michael Jordon.” Hantz also told viewers that he doesn’t agree with being cast as a villain. “I should be a hero because I am a hero to millions of people.”

The host of “Survivor” for the past ten years also weighed in on the challenges faced by competitors. Jeff Probst said that the biggest obstacles faced by “Survivor” contestants aren’t necessarily the physical ones. He said the scheming and drama from fellow players can often be as daunting as the physical aspects of the game.

Fans of “Survivor” can’t wait for the 20th season to begin. Whether you love or hate the show, there’s no question that “Survivor” has had a tremendous impact on television for the last ten years. After its premiere, reality TV took over the airwaves. In fact, “Survivor” is often called the “Father of Reality TV.”

Are you excited about the premiere of “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains”? What do you think will be the best strategy: to play fair or to play dirty? Who do you think will win? Feel free to leave your comments and thoughts below.

Related articles you might find of interest:

• It’s sweeps time for ‘Survivor,’ ‘The Biggest Loser’ and ‘Project Runway’
• Russell Hantz and Rob Marino return for 'Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains'
• Fan favorite Russell Hantz loses on Survivor, may return for season 20
• Russell Hantz, the Omarosa of ‘Survivor: Samoa’ orchestrates a game defining moment
• Jeff Probst: ‘This was the scariest moment on nineteen seasons of Survivor’
• Jeff Probst on Emmy win: ‘I’m living my dream’
• Survivor Samoa has a new villain you’ll love to hate
• The premiere of Survivor Samoa: who will win this season?

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