For nearly 20 years, Sharon Tharp has been breaking news, landing exclusive interviews, and covering reality television’s biggest stories. On The Exclusive, she takes fans behind the headlines with insider analysis, exclusive conversations, and behind-the-scenes access they won’t find anywhere else.
252: What It’s REALLY Like Visiting the Survivor 50 Set in Fiji
Mar 04, 2026
Show notes
Sharon Tharp is joined by fellow journalists Kelli Boyle (TV Insider) and Stephanie Petit (PEOPLE) to take you behind the scenes of their Survivor 50 set visit in Fiji—what a weeklong press trip actually looks like, what it’s like interviewing the cast, and the wildest moments they witnessed up close (including running challenges, watching the marooning and Tribal Council unfold, and the little production details fans never get to see).
251: The Traitors Season 4: Maura Higgins Reacts to Rob’s Betrayal and Finale Loss
Mar 02, 2026
Show notes
Maura Higgins joins The Exclusive after The Traitors Season 4 finale to reflect on losing the game to her friend Rob Rausch and why she ultimately gave him “fair play” for his winning move. She opens up about trusting him until the very end, why she believes loyalty was both her greatest strength and biggest vulnerability, and reveals she wishes she’d been chosen as a Traitor. Maura also shares what surprised her most watching the season back, how entering the castle without seeing the show shaped her strategy, and whether she’d ever return for a Traitors All-Stars season.
250: Inside the Survivor 50 NYC Premiere: Red Carpet Interviews With the Cast
Mar 01, 2026
Show notes
Host Sharon Tharp hits the red carpet at the Survivor 50 NYC premiere, talking to the cast ahead of the milestone season. In these exclusive red carpet interviews, the players react to their preseason interviews, respond to what their fellow castaways said about them, and share which classic themes they’d love to see return. Sharon also puts them on the spot about whether they see themselves as heroes or villains, and if they’d ever compete on Big Brother.
249: The Traitors Season 4: BB27's Jimmy Heagerty Recaps the Finale & Reunion
Feb 27, 2026
Show notes
Sharon Tharp is back to break down The Traitors Season 4 finale and reunion with special guest Jimmy Heagerty from Big Brother 27. The two recap how the season felt different compared to the previous two season, what the show needs next year (more gamers in the turret!), and whether Rob Rausch's win was earned or more luck. Plus, they break down Maura Higgins' reaction, the Eric Nam cut, and why the reunion felt too tame. They also dive into Candiace Dillard Bassett’s cheating accusation, Colton Underwood’s messy reunion moment, Michael Rappaport’s constant interruptions, the “Secret Traitor” twist flop, and the never-ending debate of strategy vs. entertainment.
248: Survivor 50: Sam Phalen Breaks Down the Premiere Episode
Feb 27, 2026
Show notes
The runner-up of Season 47, Sam Phalen, makes his debut on The Exclusive to break down the "perfect blend of nostalgia" in the high-stakes Survivor 50 premiere. The reality standout reflects on the "beautiful" opening that served as a reminder of the show's status as a cultural institution and why he was "choked up" by the emotional return of the game's icons. Sam analyzes the devastating first vote that sent Jenna Lewis-Dougherty packing, the "misreading of relationships" that led to her early exit, and why he was so moved by the "composed" way Kyle Fraser handled his heartbreaking medical evacuation. He also dives into the "older, wiser" version of Colby Donaldson, the difficulty of managing the "Cirie factor" on the Cila tribe, and why he’s officially "obsessed" with the "fire" he sees back in the eyes of the returning legends.
247: House of Villains Season 3: Christine Quinn, Plane Jane and Jackie Christie Call Out 'Try-Hard' Cast
Feb 26, 2026
Show notes
Selling Sunset star Christine Quinn, Basketball Wives legend Jackie Christie, and RuPaul's Drag Race breakout Plane Jane join The Exclusive to dish on the explosive start to House of Villains Season 3. The trio doesn't hold back, with Christine labeling a certain castmate a "try-hard" who belongs in a "padded room" and Plane Jane breaking down the "straight tiny" betrayal by Paul Abrahamian that left her feeling blindsided. Christine also reveals her surprisingly "special bond" with Tom Sandoval over bronzer and nail polish, while the group discusses the "torture" of living in a house with no doors and constant blindsides.
246: House of Villains Season 3: Kate Chastain and Drita D'Avanzo Take Issue With Their 'Villain' Titles
Feb 26, 2026
Show notes
Below Deck's Kate Chastain and Mob Wives legend Drita D'Avanzo join The Exclusive to discuss why they take issue with being labeled "villains" on House of Villains Season 3. Drita opens up about being a "retired violent person" while Kate reflects on her years as a Chief Stew "working with morons." The duo also dishes on the reality of living in the mansion, including the "torture" of rooming with a messy Christine Quinn, the peaceful mystery of rooming with Tiffany "New York" Pollard, and why they think Johnny Middlebrooks was surprisingly "not good" at his attempt to be the house super-villain.
245: Survivor 50 Exit Interview: Kyle Fraser Tried to Downplay His Injury to Production
Feb 26, 2026
Show notes
Survivor winner Kyle Fraser joins The Exclusive to discuss his heartbreaking medical evacuation from Survivor 50, revealing how he tried to hide the severity of his torn Achilles to stay in the game. Kyle breaks down the "unseen" challenge moments that led to the injury, his Boston Rob strategy for camp life, and the secret "No. 1" alliance with Genevieve Mushaluk that he left behind. He also opens up about his "crumbled" leg, the truth about the Aubry Bracco and Genevieve rivalry, and more.
244: Survivor 50 Exit Interview: Jenna Lewis Calls Out Pre-Gaming, Says Devens Did Christian's Dirty Work
Feb 26, 2026
Show notes
Survivor legend Jenna Lewis-Dougherty joins The Exclusive for an exit interview following the Survivor 50 premiere. Jenna doesn't hold back on why she felt like the "odd man out" from the second she landed, revealing the "FaceTime and Zoom" pre-game culture that left her playing from the bottom. She breaks down exactly why she believes Christian Hubicki is the true "chess master" of the Cila tribe, explaining how he used Rick Devens as a "lackey" to do his dirty work while keeping his own hands clean. From the truth about Cirie Fields’ challenge liability to what we didn't see at Tribal Council, Jenna gives a raw, unfiltered look at what it’s like to return to the game after 20 years.
243: House of Villains Season 3: Why Tyson Apostol and Tom Sandoval Couldn't Trust Paul Abrahamian
Feb 26, 2026
Show notes
Survivor legend Tyson Apostol and Vanderpump Rules star Tom Sandoval join The Exclusive to break down their unlikely bromance on House of Villains Season 3, revealing why they both felt "unfairly" labeled as villains before entering the mansion.The pair doesn't hold back on the clashing social styles in the house, specifically calling out the "Big Brotherly energy" of Paul Abrahamian and why his signature sunglasses were a major "sign of disrespect." From Tom’s secret Sudoku prank on Tyson to the "hall of mirrors" that made a strategic partnership with Paul impossible, the duo explains why you need a mix of petty moves and "logical" gameplay.
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