The Exclusive With Sharon Tharp

Latest Episodes

Top Chef 23 Exit Interview: Anthony Jones Disagrees With Judges' Elimination Critique

May 29, 2026

Chef Anthony Jones joins The Exclusive following his elimination from Top Chef Season 23 to reflect on his journey, the rabbit challenge that sent him home, and the judges' critiques that he still questions. The chef opens up about why he found the "disjointed" criticism of his Michelin-inspired plating "odd," weighs in on fellow contestant Sieger's decision to push back at Judges' Table, and shares his thoughts on some of the season's most controversial challenges. Anthony also discusses the shrinking margin for error as the competition progressed, the advice he received from former Top Chef winner Tristen Epps before filming, and whether he'd return if Top Chef called him back for another shot at the title.

Survivor 50 Finale Recap: Morgan Pope on Aubry’s Win, the Bitter Jury Debate & Jeff’s Big Slip-Up

May 23, 2026

Big Brother 27 finalist Morgan Pope joins The Exclusive to recap the Survivor 50 finale after attending the live reunion in Los Angeles. Morgan reacts to Aubry Bracco’s emotional win, explains why she believes Aubry’s adaptability earned her the title, and weighs in on the online debate over whether the jury was truly “bitter” toward Jonathan and Joe.

Morgan also shares her firsthand reaction to Jeff Probst accidentally spoiling the fire-making challenge result live in the theater and what the atmosphere inside the room was actually like during the chaotic moment. Plus, Sharon and Morgan break down several “what if” scenarios from the finale, including whether Tiffany could have won the season, who wins a Rizo vs. Jonathan vs. Joe Final Tribal Council, and whether Aubry still dominates if Rizo makes the end instead.

Top Chef 23 Exit Interview: Brandon Deaden on Restaurant Wars & Fighting With His Brother

May 22, 2026

The latest chef eliminated from Top Chef Season 23, Brandon Deaden, joins The Exclusive to break down the Restaurant Wars service that sent him home. Brandon reflects on taking the line cook role to help his team succeed, why he believes focusing too much on service hurt his individual dish, and the inconsistent rice pudding mistake that ultimately sealed his fate. He also opens up about the behind-the-scenes chaos viewers didn’t fully see, including communication breakdowns during service and why he believes timing and luck can play a huge role in Restaurant Wars. Plus, Brandon also discusses competing against his twin brother Jonathan, the sibling bickering and trash talk that didn’t fully make the edit, and why the two intentionally tried to “put on a show” whenever the cameras were rolling.

Top Chef 23 Exit Interview: Oscar Diaz Breaks Down the Mistakes That Sent Him Home

May 22, 2026

The latest chef eliminated from Top Chef Season 23, Oscar Diaz, joins The Exclusive to break down the small mistakes and kitchen chaos that led to his exit. Oscar reflects on the pressure of the combined Quickfire and Elimination challenge, the turmeric spill that left his face “on fire,” and why he thinks the judges misunderstood the intention behind his rice dish. He also opens up about the mental toll of filming, constantly moving locations, and trying to stay calm while cameras followed every move in the kitchen. Plus, Oscar shares what viewers didn’t fully see about the cast dynamic, how being disconnected from phones and social media changed him during filming, and why he’d absolutely return for another shot — this time “coming for everyone’s jugular.”

Survivor 50 Exit Interview: Tiffany Nicole Ervin Says She Would Have Won

May 21, 2026

Tiffany Nicole Ervin joins The Exclusive after her heartbreaking fifth-place finish on Survivor 50 to reflect on losing the game by just one puzzle piece and why she truly believes she would have won had she reached the Final Tribal Council. The Survivor 46 alum opens up about overcoming early skepticism from fans and fellow players, navigating the game after losing her closest allies early, and how her social game helped her survive despite becoming an early target. Tiffany also breaks down her close bond with Cirie, explains why she ultimately respected and voted for Aubry’s winning game, and pushes back on the idea that the Survivor 50 jury was “swayed” by stronger personalities at Ponderosa. Plus, she discusses the “idol trauma” that shaped her anti-idol gameplay this season, reflects on becoming one of the breakout fan favorites of Survivor 50, and shares why proving herself as a legitimate contender meant almost as much as the $2 million prize itself.

Survivor 50 Exit Interview: Rizo Velovic on the Family Visit That Almost Happened

May 21, 2026

Rizo Velovic joins The Exclusive after his heartbreaking fourth-place finish on Survivor 50 to react to Jeff Probst accidentally spoiling his fire-making elimination live during the finale and why he’s choosing to embrace the moment as part of his Survivor legacy. The Season 49 alum reflects on going out in fire for the second season in a row, explains why Aubry ultimately didn’t want to sit next to him at the Final Tribal Council, and breaks down the faction-based gameplay that shaped the endgame. Rizo also responds to criticism from Ozzy and Chrissy, shares why he has “zero regrets” about not warning Ozzy to play his idol, and opens up emotionally about discovering his mom secretly flew all the way to Fiji hoping to see him make the Final 3. Plus, he discusses his bond with Joe, embracing vulnerability on television, and why he already feels ready to return for Survivor again.

Survivor 50 Exit Interview: Joe Hunter Says the Jury 'Hated' Him

May 21, 2026

Joe Hunter joins The Exclusive after finishing in third place on Survivor 50 to reflect on one of the emotional Final Tribal Council and why he felt many jury members were “locked in” before the questioning even began. The two-time finalist opens up about the difficulty of returning for an all-star season, the criticism he’s received from fans, and why he refused to “play a character” just to fit what viewers wanted from him. Joe also discusses his personal bond with Rizo, including the emotional fire-making moment where he stepped in to help him, and explains why that decision mattered more to him than gameplay optics. Plus, he breaks down his complicated relationship with Devens, reflects on making back-to-back Final 3s without ever having his torch snuffed, and shares why he’ll always say yes if Jeff Probst calls him back to Survivor again.

Survivor 50 Runner-Up Interview: Jonathan Young Claims the Jury Was 'Bitter'

May 21, 2026

Survivor 50 runner-up Jonathan Young joins The Exclusive to reflect on his emotional Final Tribal Council loss to Aubry and why he believes modern Survivor juries may value “middle” gameplay differently than aggressive strategic control. The Survivor 42 alum opens up about evolving beyond the “challenge beast” label this season, talking with Boston Rob before the game, and why he thought his more flexible and socially active approach would resonate with the jury. Jonathan also reacts to Aubry’s underdog story dominating the finale conversation, shares his thoughts on jury dynamics and Ponderosa influence, and breaks down the brutal immunity challenge where he threw up mid-competition before pulling out the win anyway. Plus, he discusses redeeming himself in fire-making against Rizo, the difficulty of reliving the finale, and why he’s still ready to play Survivor again “as soon as Mr. Jeff calls.”

Survivor 50 Winner Interview: Aubry Bracco Reflects on Her Emotional Victory

May 21, 2026

Aubry Bracco joins The Exclusive fresh off her long-awaited victory on Survivor 50 to reflect on finally rewriting her Survivor story nearly a decade after Kaoh Rong. The fan-favorite opens up about intentionally playing a more patient and perception-focused game this time around, why she learned to “keep her doors open” socially, and how years of studying her past losses ultimately helped her secure the win. Aubry also breaks down the emotional challenge of voting out allies like Ozzy and Cirie, explains why Tiffany became her “Survivor angel,” and reveals the strategic thinking behind wanting to sit next to Jonathan and Joe at the Final Tribal Council. Plus, she discusses overcoming Survivor fandom backlash over the years, the pressure of returning for a fourth time, and whether this victory truly closes the book on her reality TV journey forever.

Survivor 50 Finale Preview: Breaking Down the Final 5 With Todd Herzog

May 19, 2026

Survivor: China winner Todd Herzog joins The Exclusive to break down the Survivor 50 Final 5 and predict who will ultimately take home the $2 million prize. Todd shares his candid thoughts on Joe and Jonathan’s “old school” style of gameplay, why he believes Tiffany could win if she survives Final 5, and whether Rizo’s flashy betrayal of Cirie and Ozzy was actually a smart move. He also weighs in on Aubry’s edit, Amanda Kimmel almost returning for the season, the impact of pre-gaming in all-star Survivor, and why Final Tribal Council could be far messier than fans expect.