The essential episodes of Survivor
Watch these 15 in order and you've got Survivor — each pick states its reason.
- 01
Sixteen contestants row two rafts to the jungle island of Pulau Tiga in the South China Sea. Once there, they divide into two tribes (Pagong, Tagi) and go head-to-head in an Immunity Challenge called "Quest for Fire." The contest requires the tribes to light a series of torches in the water while holding onto a raft. The losing team attends Tribal Council and votes out one of its members.
- 02
Sixteen castaways are marooned on Nuku Hiva, a volcanic island in the South Pacific. The members of the two tribes, Maraamu and Rotu, paddle ashore in separate life rafts and set up camp. For immunity, each team lights a series of torches in the ocean from a canoe. The losing team goes to tribal council and votes out the first person.
- 03
From Pulau Tiga to the Pearl Islands, the most memorable players from the show's first seven editions compete for $1 million and bragging rights as the ultimate Survivor. The 18 castaways are divided into three tribes: Chapera; Saboga; and Mogo Mogo, named for islands off the coast of Panama where the latest game takes place. Among the contestants are four former winners (Richard Hatch, Tina Wesson, Ethan Zohn, Jenna Morasca) and one runner-up (Colby Donaldson).
- 04
If it Smells Like a Rat, Give it Cheese
The women on the tribe use their powers of seduction to test the only man remaining in the game. Will he fight temptation or will it cost him the game?
- 05
The 19th edition of the series begins with 20 castaways being stranded on the South Pacific island nation of Samoa. They are immediately divided into two tribes: Galu and Foa Foa. Next, without speaking to each other, the tribe members select a chief who will make all of their decisions. At tribal council, the first person is voted out of the game.
- 06
Sensing that he is in danger, a hero makes a bold move to save himself by fooling the entire tribe. Meanwhile, a vicious power struggle emerges in one alliance and two of the strongest villains find themselves pitted against one another.
- 07
After an emotional visit from home, one alliance is faced with a difficult decision to secure their own fate in the game.
- 08
You're Looking at the New Leader of Our Tribe
Former castaways Russell Hantz and "Boston" Rob Mariano, alongside 16 new castaways, learn that after elimination they will have an opportunity to return to the game with the introduction of "Redemption Island." Meanwhile, one castaway is not shy about revealing their "top secret" past to gain the trust of their tribe.
- 09
An unforgiveable betrayal forces one tribe to make a drastic move that has never been done before in Survivor history, and an electrifying Tribal Council leaves several castaways speechless.
- 10
The Favorites must contend with an out-of-control Brandon when he stuns his tribemates and reveals his hidden desire to sabotage their camp, leading up to a history-making meltdown.
- 11
The claws are out when two parents protect their children in a heated exchange. Also, the castaways reap the rewards of a Taco Bar after exiling one of their own.
- 12
Winners battle it out, but only one will be crowned Sole Survivor and take home the $2 million prize. Also, after living on the Edge of Extinction for a long time, castaways dig deep for a shot to get back in the game
- 13
After a grueling season with no food, a warm meal is up for grabs at the reward challenge, and the immunity challenge will be a test of focus and balance.
- 14
Following a Dead Horse to Water
The SURVIVOR Auction is back! Castaways will need to fuel up to keep going in the game. Then, castaways must be the last one standing in the immunity challenge to earn a spot in the final nine.
- 15
Castaways fly blind during the immunity challenge, leaving one tribe with tribal council in their sights. The rising tensions within the losing tribe culminate in a historic tribal council.
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