"This is not a drill": Fans react as Mike White gives a shoutout to Survivor and bags his second Emmy for The White Lotus

Mike White references Survivor while accepting his Emmy Award
Mike White references Survivor while accepting his Emmy Award (Image via Getty Images/CBS)

On Monday, September 12, 2022, Mike White won two Emmys for his contribution to The White Lotus. He won in the categories of Outstanding Directing for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie and Outstanding Writing for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie.

While accepting his second award, Mike White reminisced his time on the legendary reality competition, Survivor. The artist debuted on Season 37 of the franchise called Survivor: David vs. Goliath and was crowned the runner-up. Giving a shoutout to his experience on the show, he said:

“On Survivor, the way to stay in the game, is you lower your threat level, and now I feel like I've raised my threat level… Don't come for me, don't vote me off the island, please!"

Survivor fans assembled on social media to cheer for Mike White on his two Emmy Awards. One tweeted:


Fans react to Mike White reminiscing about Survivor at the 2022 Emmy Awards

Mike White bagged two Emmy Awards for the American comedy-drama anthology television series The White Lotus. As part of his acceptance speech, the artist spoke about his experience on Survivor and confessed to raising his "threat level," which is a reference to the competition series. He was the oldest contestant on his season of Survivor.

Not only did Mike debut on Survivor, but he also competed with his father, Mel, on two seasons of another CBS primetime reality television series, The Amazing Race. The duo placed 6th and 10th place, respectively.

Fans were thrilled to see the former Survivor contestant give the reality show series a shoutout.


A quick look back at Mike White's performance on Survivor

White was 47 when he debuted on Season 37 of the franchise, Survivor: David vs. Goliath. As per his CBS bio, he described himself as "curious/funny, dynamic, and imaginative," with hobbies including travel, wine tasting, and water sports. Describing his reason for being in the reality competition, he said:

"My primary motivation is playing the game. I've always, always wanted to play and see how I would do. Secondary is the absurd challenge of it all."

The former contestant also revealed that he has sufficient experience. He said:

"I have the desire. I know the game. I am a student of human psychology, like what people say and how they behave."

Although he didn't win the competition, he was crowned the runner-up in his season. While he initially appeared as a non-threatening member, he played a more aggressive game by the end of the competition, orchestrating a series of blindsides against numerous threats and evicting them one by one.


Many talented artists have bagged Emmys, making the 2022 Emmy Awards even more special. These include Zendaya, Lizzo (Watch Out for the Big Grrrls), Michael Keaton, Jason Sudeikis, Lee Jung Jae, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Brett Goldstein, and many others. The show has also seen several emotional moments.

Keep watching this space for more details on the 2022 Emmy Awards.

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Edited by Sayati Das
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