Screen Queen TV Reviews: Survivor: Australia V The World, Invasion, The Rookie & Amanda Knox drama

Survivor: Australia V The World

Sunday, 7pm, Ten

Gutted. That’s the only way to describe how I felt upon reading that long-time Survivor Australia host Jonathan La Paglia (or JLP to his friends and fans) would be stepping away from his beloved show at the end of this final Australia V The World season.

He posted the news on June 30, and as he explained, he never saw it coming. “Australian Survivor has seen some of the most epic blindsides over the last 10 years, but this one might just be the craziest of them all . . . because it happened to me,” he wrote on social media.

“I received a call from the network thanking me for all my hard work and dedication to the show but for next season they are ‘going in a different direction’.”

And just like that — our world was rocked.

I’m just not buying Ten’s whole “taking things in a new direction’’ excuse; I suspect the decision had more to do with budget than anything else.

I think I speak for all (passing and ardent) fans when I say JLP WAS Aussie Survivor and he will be sorely missed. Ten years ago, he stepped in to fill Jeff Probst’s very big shoes in the local version of this long-running reality show — a seemingly impossible ask. And he not only exceeded expectations, but won fans both here and internationally.

Rumours are swirling that two-time Survivor Australia winner and Perth lad-about-town David “Golden God” Genat might step into the hosting role. He’s competing in this season, alongside fan faves George from Bankstown, Luke Toki, Shonnee and many familiar faces from the US series and other international seasons.

Don’t get me wrong, he’s a formidable competitor: he recently won Deal Or No Deal Island in the United States, a game show hybrid that saw him walk away with the biggest cash prize in the history of network television ($US5.8 million dollars!). But is he host-worthy?

In my dreams, Jeff announces his retirement and JLP slides seamlessly into his hosting duties in the US.

Until then, I’ll watch him one last time — and wordlessly shake my fist at this utterly head-scratching decision.

The Rookie, S7

Monday, streaming on 7Plus

I’ve spoken before of my shock at discovering you guys absolutely LOVE The Rookie. Having now watched a few eps, I’m struggling to fully comprehend why, though this column is nothing if not a safe space, and who am I to judge? After all, during lockdown in Melbourne in 2020, I watched every episode of Escape To The Chateau, got to the end, then started at the beginning and watched them all again. So yeah, I get it.

Anyway, good news: this week sees the premiere of the newest, seventh season. It’s coming to 7Plus, whose team reliably informs me it’s the most-streamed show on their platform right now — go off, Rookie fans! Enjoy this latest crop of eps.

Richard Osman’s House Of Games

Monday, 7.05pm, ABC Entertains

You’ve seen Claire Hooper’s local version, now check out the original, with everyone’s favourite writer/producer/podcaster at the helm. Interested to know how you think it stacks up.

The Twisted Tale Of Amanda Knox

Wednesday, streaming on Disney Plus

Does the truth exist if no one believes it? That’s the question this new eight-part drama asks, as it delves into the strange-but-true story of American student Amanda Knox, who was falsely accused of murder while studying in Perugia in 2007. She’s an EP on this, alongside Monica Lewinsky — it’s getting lots of buzz.

Invasion, S3

Friday, streaming on Apple TV Plus

Love yourself a high-concept alien invasion series (we’re looking at YOU The 100 fans)? The third season of this cult show drops this week.