Parvati Shallow Will Never Stop Rooting for Cirie Fields

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Before becoming a well-known reality TV competitor, Parvati Shallow first tried out for The Amazing Race, bringing two friends with her. During the audition, when asked who she’d want as a teammate, she immediately chose one, effectively cutting the other from the running. Although she didn’t get on that show, this competitive edge served her well on Survivor, where she earned the nickname “the Black Widow” for her ability to win over allies with her charm before strategically eliminating them. She first competed on Cook Island and later returned for Micronesia, Heroes vs. Villains, and Winners at War. Throughout these seasons, she excelled at the social and strategic aspects of the game, becoming one of the most respected players in Survivor history. Parvati has continued to appear on other reality shows, including The Traitors, Deal or No Deal Island, and Survivor: Australia v. The World, always sporting her signature headbands.

You know, after being in reality TV for around 20 years, it’s tough to pinpoint a single ‘I’ve made it’ moment! My memory isn’t what it used to be, being a mom and all. But if I had to choose, it was probably when I was chatting with Alan Cumming, and he actually knew who I was. That felt pretty surreal, and like, okay, maybe I’ve done something right in this crazy business!

I got my first paycheck from being on Survivor Cook Islands. Although I didn’t win, it was a lot more money than I’d ever had before. I was 23, and I probably spent it all on a shopping spree!

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If you had to sum up your character in five words, what would they be? I’d say fierce – people are often intimidated by her. Also fun, athletic, and… well, ‘Black Widow’ – does that count as two words or one? And definitely flirty, though maybe not as much lately. Actually, yes, I still am.

Looking back on my career, the moment people still talk about the most happened in 2008. It was when I teamed up with Cirie Fields, Amanda, and Natalie – we called ourselves the Black Widow Brigade – and we managed to convince Erik Reichenbach to voluntarily give up his Immunity Necklace. It was a really powerful move that people continue to analyze and write about in articles and even books!

What makes that scene so memorable? It’s because it features a group of strong, capable women – four, to be exact – who come together and support each other instead of competing. They work as a team towards a shared objective, and I think that resonates with a lot of people who watch it, making them want to be part of something similar. Plus, it serves as a warning to anyone acting like the antagonist – a reminder of what not to do.

I think the hardest time with viewer perception was during my first season of Survivor when I was 23. I was new to everything, coming straight from Georgia, and I played the game the way I was living my life then – as a flirty cocktail waitress. I used flirting as a strategy in the Cook Islands, and when I returned, I faced a lot of harsh criticism and was unfairly judged for it. It was really difficult to deal with that kind of negative reaction.

If I could trade places with anyone on a reality show right now, it would be someone from The Traitors. I’m also watching the latest season of Survivor, which is a big one! But honestly, I’d love to be on Dancing With the Stars. I think I’d switch with one of the professional dancers and instantly become a skilled performer.

It’s rare for reality stars to be genuine on TV, but Phaedra Parks is a notable exception. She consistently presents her true self, both on and off screen, making her a true standout.

It’s surprisingly rare, but sometimes reality TV contestants aren’t quite as they appear on screen. Most of the people I’ve worked with are pretty consistent, but I can think of a few players from Survivor who come across as very virtuous on the show, and that’s not always the full story behind the scenes. I’d rather not say who specifically, though.

Are some of these people heroes? Some are, and that’s all I’m going to say. You can review the available notes to determine who they are.

Do you think every good reality-TV show needs a villain?
Every good reality TV show needs a villain.

When it comes to reality TV villains, I’d put myself and Boston Rob at the top of the list. But I really enjoyed Lisa Rinna’s performance on The Traitors this season. Tyson Apostol is another fantastic villain, and Kate Chastain was amazing, especially during her first season of The Traitors when she famously threw money off the bridge during a challenge. Bob the Drag Queen also played a great villain on The Traitors.

People often ask me what I miss about life before I was famous, but honestly, not much has changed. I’m still a single mom, doing everyday things like taking my daughter to school, packing her lunch, and arranging playdates. I’d be doing all of that even if no one knew who I was. I do get some nice perks and gifts sometimes, which is fun, but it’s not like I’m constantly surrounded by crowds or paparazzi.

You’re grounded.
Very grounded. I’m a Virgo.

My advice for anyone hoping to become a reality TV star is to build a strong support system. Surround yourself with trustworthy people who genuinely care about you. After my first time on Survivor, I felt lost, so it’s crucial to have solid relationships that will keep you grounded as you become famous. Also, remember to enjoy the experience, because fame is fleeting – you’ll have your moments in the spotlight, and times when you don’t.

When it comes to memorable rivalries on Survivor, I’d say mine with Sandra Diaz-Twine is definitely up there. We disagreed – and fans debated – for about ten years after Heroes vs. Villains about who should have won, but thankfully we’ve resolved our differences and are good now.

Everyone did their best working as a team on The Traitors. One person mentioned they never suspected me of being a Traitor, assuming it would be someone else instead, and I really appreciated that.

You’ve clearly had success forming strong teams on shows like Survivor, The Traitors, and Deal or No Deal Island. If you could create your ideal reality TV alliance, who would be in it? Well, alliances are everything, and I’d choose Simone and Monét X Change from RuPaul’s Drag Race. I’m a big fan of drag queens – I think they represent the peak of human creativity and are incredibly talented and beautiful. So, my dream team would be all drag queens, plus Cirie Fields, who I consider my number one pick.

So, who would I bring to the final three? Definitely Cirie – she’s like my best friend! And I’d choose Trinity the Tuck and Monét X Change. Actually, make that four – I’m including myself! I really want to see Trinity and Monét compete against each other again, and I’d love for one of them to win.

A final four.
Groundbreaking final four.

I’m definitely cheering for Cirie on Survivor 50! It’s no secret – I constantly talk about how great she is and how much she deserves to win. This is her sixth time playing, and it’s time she finally gets the victory. It’s funny because anyone who mentions her name seems to get eliminated, and I’m hoping that pattern continues until she wins!

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2026-05-08 16:05