Residual Fandom: Television Technologies, Industries, and Fans of Survivor

Abstract

ABSTRACT:In this article, I explore the relationship between industrial practices and fandom. Specifically, I ask how fandom has developed and changed because of the new availability of Survivor on streaming platforms such as Hulu and Paramount+. I provide context through Amanda Lotz’s theorization of the post-network era. Additionally, I take up Rebecca Williams’s conceptualization of post-object fandom. Importantly, Williams asserts that fandoms provide fans with a sense of “ontological security.” I argue that fans make use of Survivor’s streaming availability to develop this new security that fandom promises.