"Survivor" Alums React to Lisa Kudrow Calling Richard Hatch "Despicable"

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"Survivor" Alums React to Lisa Kudrow Calling Richard Hatch a "Despicable" Winner
by Wesley Stenzel
March 18, 2026


Lisa Kudrow unleashed some strong fighting words about "Survivor's" first-ever winner — and now, other alums from the show are weighing in.

The "Friends" alum opined that Richard Hatch, who won the inaugural season of the CBS reality series in 2000, was "despicable" in a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter.



"I saw the very first season of Survivor and loved it. What a phenomenal show, but the guy who won was despicable," she said. "How do people say that he played a better game worthy of $1 million? Why aren’t you rewarding the person who played a great game, didn’t stoop to his level and was a shining example of humanity? That person should get $1 million."

For Kudrow, Hatch's victory over runner-up Kelly Wiglesworth had disturbing implications. "I remember thinking, 'This is the end of civilization,'" she said.





During an Entertainment Weekly live chat on Wednesday, season 47 victor Rachel LaMont and her former competitor Sol Yi shared their thoughts on her comments.

"I'm not sure Lisa Kudrow understands Survivor," LaMont said in response to a question about Kudrow's comments regarding Hatch.



"I think whoever wins each season of Survivor played the best game," Yi said. "The jury doesn't lie."

"That's what makes Survivor great: Everyone has a different opinion."

https://ew.com/survivor-alums-react-...inner-11929550