• September 15, 2000

While CBS reruns the "Survivor" series through September, many fans who know the ins and outs of the TV phenomenon will be logging on to laugh at parodies such as the cult hit "Sufferer." The success of "Survivor" has spawned a niche industry of minor "Survivor" tributes and satires with everyone from the Cartoon Network to the Emmy Awards taking on the series. Now, the 15 minute "Sufferer" has emerged as a fan favorite for the clever and hilarious way it has captured the spirit and the style of the show. The spoof has been downloaded and emailed by thousands of fans. "Sufferer" creator John Palacio, a network television producer, says parodies like this are the perfect way to salute a well-produced series and make fun of the genre in the same brush stroke.

"The parallels between 'Survivor' and 'Sufferer' are endless," according to Palacio, "We filmed on an island, Manhattan, we too had to brave horrible dangers, the NYPD, the only difference is, we cast a group of actors, and we admit it." Clearly, "Survivor" has no immunity against spoofs like "Sufferer."

The reality television craze seems to be just beginning, with shows like "Survivor II," ABC's "The Mole," and NBC's "Destination Mir" in the works and now the Internet has provided an immediate venue for fans and critics to relish and ridicule the wave. In "Sufferer", sixteen contestants face the ultimate challenge: to withstand watching 39 continuous hours of reality television, suffering through dreadful shows like "Little Brother," "The 1999 House," and "The REAL Real World. As two tribes, Tacky and Ping Pong, they endure immunity challenges and the dreaded tribal councils. Richard, Rudy, Ramona and the rest bicker and backstab their way toward the ultimate prize: a lottery ticket for a chance to win a million dollars.