Dear newsletter subscribers,

Somehow, this week will bring us the conclusion of the 40th season of Survivor. It feels like just yesterday I was in my apartment in Chicago watching that first episode; that was almost 20 years ago, and 39 finales, from Bryant Gumbel struggling to care to this year's virtual reunion.

Before Wednesday's three-hour finale and reunion (CBS, Wednesday at 8), explore:

• what happens behind the scenes on Survivor

• and 21 burning questions about Survivor, answered.