The BEST Episodes of Survivor
Every episode ever - ranked by fan votes!
Last Updated: Aug 23, 2019
Sixteen or more castaways are split between two or more "Tribes", are taken to a remote isolated location and are forced to live off the land with meager supplies for roughly 39 days. Frequent physical challenges are used to pit the tribes against each other for Rewards, such as food or luxuries, or for "Immunity", forcing the other tribe to attend "Tribal Council", where they must vote off one of their players. Once about half the players are remaining, the tribes are merged into a single tribe, and competitions are on an individual basis; winning Immunity prevents that player from being voted out, while several that are voted out at this stage form the game's "Jury". Once down to two or three people, a Final Tribal Council is held where the remaining players plead their case to the jury members. The jury then votes for which player should be considered the "Sole Survivor" and win the $1 million prize. Survivor has introduced numerous modifications, or "twists", on the core rules in order to keep the players on their toes and to prevent players from relying on strategies that succeeded in prior seasons. These changes have included tribal switches, seasons starting with more than two tribes, the ability to exile a player from a tribe for a short time, Hidden Immunity Idols that players can use to save themselves at Tribal Council and a chance to return to regular gameplay after elimination through "Redemption Island".
#1 - Zipping Over the Cuckoo’s Nest
Season 26 - Episode 10
An accident threatens one castaway's future in the game, and in one of the most shocking Tribal Councils, a huge revelation forces an alliance to scramble and potentially turn on each other.
8.51 
#2 - Head of the Snake
Season 28 - Episode 6
It's every castaway for themselves, as two tribes become one in this season's merge. Meanwhile, one castaway's thirst for power could earn them a spot on the jury, and jaws drop as the blindside streak continues.
8.38 
#3 - You Call, We'll Haul
Season 31 - Episode 8
An intense water challenge leaves castaways thirsty for a much-needed reward. Also, immunity hangs in the balance as castaways attempt to steady themselves, and a shocking Tribal Council takes an unexpected turn.
8.28 
#4 - You Get What You Give
Season 37 - Episode 8
One castaway must do damage control after being called out by their tribe. Balance is tested in a stressful immunity challenge.
8.27 
#5 - This Is Where We Build Trust
Season 29 - Episode 10
Another castaway trades their reward for security in the game. Also, the first idol of the season comes into play during a chaotic Tribal Council.
8.24 
#6 - If It Smells Like a Rat, Give It Cheese!
Season 16 - Episode 13
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?
8.22 
#7 - Going Down in Flames
Season 20 - Episode 10
Reunited on the merged tribe, two old friends rekindle an alliance but trust doesn't come easily, and one castaway makes an unprecedented play, setting the stage for one of the most surprising Tribal Councils in Survivor history.
8.22 
#8 - This Is My Time
Season 29 - Episode 14
The Final Five compete for a spot in the last Tribal Council and the $1 million prize on the two hour Season Finale.
8.20 
#9 - Bum-Puzzled
Season 24 - Episode 4
An unforgivable 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.
8.16 
#10 - Breadth-First Search
Season 37 - Episode 9
A quarrel between two castaways could mean the end of a showmance. Castaways who win rewards earn a much-needed trip to the burger bar.
8.15 
#11 - Rustle Feathers
Season 27 - Episode 12
Castaways try to find balance at a frustrating Immunity Challenge and a ruthless game of tug of war leads to an incredibly rare Tribal Council.
8.15 
#12 - I'm Gonna Fix Her!
Season 16 - Episode 12
One castaway goes from being a power player to the most desperate of all before making a huge discovery that could change the course of the game. Meanwhile, Alexis and James both suffer injuries that could potentially threaten their fate.
8.15 
#13 - Don't Say Anything About My Mom
Season 26 - Episode 13
Castaways get a much-needed morale boost with a visit from their loved ones, and one Survivor is faced with a game-changing decision.
8.15 #14 - My Wheels Are Spinning
Season 31 - Episode 11
Relentless rain drowns the players' spirits, a fun reward reveals a glimpse of Cambodian culture, and the voting bloc strategy keeps castaways on their toes.
8.14 
#15 - Persona Non Grata
Season 26 - Episode 5
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.
8.14 
#16 - Last Push
Season 26 - Episode 14
With the title of Sole Survivor on the line and $1 million within arm's reach, one castaway falls victim to a heartbreaking medical emergency.
8.13 
#17 - America's Tribal Council
Season 8 - Episode 18
A second player is awarded $1 million, based on fan voting. Jeff Probst is the host.
8.12 
#18 - The Beginning of the End
Season 26 - Episode 12
Two Immunity Challenges and two Tribal Councils raise the stakes, forcing castaways to consider big moves on their biggest threats.
8.10 #19 - I’m Not Here to Make Good Friends
Season 32 - Episode 10
A surprising turn of events at Tribal Council sends shock waves through the entire tribe. Also, castaways must choose between food, love or an advantage in the game.
8.10 
#20 - Trojan Horse
Season 23 - Episode 7
One tribe calls upon the heavens in hopes of changing their luck, while the other tribe is left in shock when one of their own makes a risky move that will go down in Survivor history.
8.10 
#21 - Million Dollar Gamble (1)
Season 33 - Episode 10
A power struggle between castaways erupts and each player tries to arm themselves with allies. Also, tensions rise when Gen Xers turn on each other, and one castaway throws another under the bus to build trust in the game.
8.09 
#22 - It's Gonna Be Chaos
Season 24 - Episode 12
Walls come down when the Tikiano tribe shares an emotional moment with their loved ones, and one castaway's decision creates animosity amongst wounded tribe members.
8.09 
#23 - You're a Rat…
Season 13 - Episode 12
Jonathan is berated by Parvati, Candice and Adam for turning on their Rarotonga alliance. With nothing left to lose, the three of them try to convince the Aitu alliance that Jonathan cannot be trusted. At the Reward Challenge, the castaways are left stunned when one of them reveals some shocking news to the group. The Immunity Challenge tests the Survivor's recollection of the past 30 days of the game. Which castaway's memory will serve them well and keep them safe for another week? At Exile Island, one tribe member's spirit takes a beating. How will their seclusion from the tribe affect their morale?
8.08 
#24 - The Tables Have Turned
Season 34 - Episode 3
A dramatic twist in the game sends shockwaves through the tribes. Also, castaways are flying blind at a classic immunity challenge.
8.08 
#25 - Cut Off the Head of the Snake
Season 26 - Episode 9
One castaway learns a secret that will potentially change the game, and chaos ensues when confused castaways are undecided on whether to vote out an easy target or blindside a big threat.
8.08