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.
242: House of Villains Season 3: Paul Abrahamian on His Surprise Return to Reality TV
Feb 26, 2026
Show notes
Big Brother legend Paul Abrahamian joins The Exclusive to discuss his surprise return to reality TV on House of Villains Season 3, explaining why the show’s over-the-top, “unserious” chaos finally drew him back after years away and how he’s leaning into his villain reputation. Paul reflects on getting “war flashbacks” from classic competition strategies and bringing his signature gameplay into a house full of notorious reality troublemakers, while castmates Ashley Mitchell (The Challenge) and Johnny Middlebrooks (Love Island USA) open up about being labeled villains by fans, navigating alliances and egos in the mansion, and why petty moves can be even more dangerous than strategy.
241: The Traitors Season 4: Natalie Anderson on Tara’s 'Frustrating' Betrayal & Rob’s 'Calculated' Lies
Feb 23, 2026
Show notes
The latest player banished from The Traitors Season 4, Natalie Anderson, joins The Exclusive to break down the "frustrating" betrayal by Johnny Weir and Tara Lapinski that left her out to dry at the roundtable. The Survivor winner reflects on the "adrenaline dump" of her exit, the lingering trauma of her Winners at War finale that still haunts her gameplay, and why she failed to see just how "calculated" Rob Rausch really was behind his nonchalant energy. Natalie also addresses the online obsession with her wardrobe, her regret over not connecting with Mark Ballas, and why the "redemption" seeker inside her is already looking for a stylist to head back to the castle for another season.
240: Below Deck's Captain Jason Admits He Sniffed Out Issues with the Season 4 Crew Early
Feb 23, 2026
Show notes
Below Deck Down Under's Captain Jason Chambers joins host Sharon Tharp to break down the "A-Team" dynamics defining Season 4 of the Bravo series. The fan-favorite captain reflects on his initial "hesitation" regarding Daisy Kelliher’s leadership style, the "internal struggle" Chef Ben Robinson faced returning to the galley, and the chance meeting at an Outback Steakhouse that led to Ben's last-minute recruitment. Jason also addresses the challenge of managing a crew full of veterans like Joao Franco, explains why he had to check his own ego to "let people breathe," and reveals how his daughter really feels about his reality TV fame. Plus, Jason reveals if he’d ever trade the bridge for a spot in The Traitors castle.
239: The Traitors Season 4: Teeny Chirichillo & Stephanie Berger Unpack the Penultimate Episode
Feb 22, 2026
Show notes
Survivor alums Teeny Chirichillo and Stephanie Berger join The Exclusive to share their thoughts on the penultimate episode of The Traitors Season 4 and unpack Natalie Anderson’s banishment. The duo weighs in on Rob Rausch’s dominant Traitor game, Tara Lipinski’s emotional spiral as the endgame looms, and the shifting alliances that could decide the finale—while also sharing their predictions for who survives the final murder and wins it all.
238: The Traitors Season 4: Kristen Kish Explains Why She Had 'No Idea' Rob Was a Traitor
Feb 20, 2026
Show notes
The latest player murdered on The Traitors Season 4, Kristen Kish, breaks down the "wildly entertaining" experience of watching her own demise from the comfort of home. The Top Chef host and culinary icon reflects on the "mentally draining" reality of life inside the castle, the "crazy" difference between Rob Rausch’s quiet demeanor and his high-energy confessionals, and why she felt "far less pressure" playing a game of lies than she does in a professional kitchen. Kristen also responds to fans calling the Faithfuls "dumb," explaining why she can't be "mad or frustrated" with her fellow players, and reveals if she would ever return for a potential All-Stars.
236: Josh Martinez Gets Ready to Enter La Casa de los Famosos
Feb 18, 2026
Show notes
In this exclusive preseason interview, Big Brother winner Josh Martinez joins host Sharon Tharp just days before handing over his phone and entering Telemundo’s La Casa de los Famosos. Josh opens up about why he turned down major projects like The Challenge 42 to pursue his dream of breaking into the Latin market, his strategy for the high-stakes public vote, and the anxiety of returning to 24/7 live feeds for a grueling 17-week Spanish-language version of what he calls "The Hunger Games."
237: The Traitors Season 4: My Sister Kelly Breaks Down Latest Banishment, Makes Endgame Predictions
Feb 16, 2026
Show notes
In this episode, host Sharon Tharp is joined by a very special guest: her sister, Kelly. The duo dives deep into the fallout of Rob Rausch’s latest recruitment and the shifting dynamics within the castle. Sharon and Kelly discuss whether Eric Nam was the right choice for the turret, the tragic banishment of Stephen Colletti, and why Natalie Anderson’s gameplay continues to keep everyone on their toes. Plus, they break down that intense mission and give their endgame predictions.
235: The Traitors Season 4: Stephen Colletti Says Natalie Anderson 'Totally Stabbed' Him in the Back
Feb 13, 2026
Show notes
The latest player banished from The Traitors Season 4, Stephen Colletti, joins The Exclusive to break down the "chaos" at the Roundtable and the "over his skis" strategy that led to his exit. The actor and reality veteran reflects on being blindsided by Natalie's gut instinct, the "sketchy" private conversation with Candiace that clouded his judgment, and why he failed to spot Rob's Traitor game in the moment. Stephen also addresses the online debate over his One Tree Hill vs. Laguna Beach credits and explains why the "competition beast" inside him is already ready to run it back for another season in the castle.
233: Survivor 50: Savannah Louie on Playing Back-to-Back Seasons and Starting With a Target
Feb 12, 2026
Show notes
In this preseason interview filmed in Fiji, Survivor 49 winner Savannah Louie sits down with host Sharon Tharp to discuss returning immediately for Survivor 50 with almost no time to recover. Savannah opens up about the emotional and physical challenge of playing back-to-back seasons, starting the game with a target on her back, and how she plans to navigate the new-era pace against veteran players. She also shares her approach to trust and transparency, concerns about pre-existing alliances, and why she’s embracing the role of wildcard as the milestone season begins.
234: Survivor 50: Rizo Velovic Models His Game After Dan Gheesling
Feb 12, 2026
Show notes
In this preseason interview filmed in Fiji, Rizo Velovic arrives for Survivor 50 as a "super duper fan" ready to cement his legacy among the greats. Fresh off a 10-day turnaround from Season 49, Rizo reveals that he models his strategic approach after Big Brother legend Dan Gheesling. He also breaks down his "RizGod" persona, his "surreal" first impressions of seeing Coach at Ponderosa, and why he believes his status as an unknown commodity gives him a "mortgage-level" advantage over the legends.
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