The BEST episodes of Survivor season 26

Every episode of Survivor season 26, ranked from best to worst by thousands of votes from fans of the show. The best episodes of Survivor season 26!

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".

Last Updated: 4/7/2024Network: CBSStatus: Continuing
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Zipping Over the Cuckoo’s Nest
star
8.57
314 votes

#1 - Zipping Over the Cuckoo’s Nest

Season 26 - Episode 10 - Aired 4/17/2013

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.

Watch Now:Amazon
Persona Non Grata
star
8.42
392 votes

#2 - Persona Non Grata

Season 26 - Episode 5 - Aired 3/13/2013

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.

Watch Now:Amazon
The Beginning of the End
star
8.04
247 votes

#3 - The Beginning of the End

Season 26 - Episode 12 - Aired 5/1/2013

Two Immunity Challenges and two Tribal Councils raise the stakes, forcing castaways to consider big moves on their biggest threats.

Watch Now:Amazon
She Annoys Me Greatly
star
8.03
298 votes

#4 - She Annoys Me Greatly

Season 26 - Episode 1 - Aired 2/13/2013

Returning players are pitted against newcomers on the exotic Caramoan Islands. The returning players include Cochran, Brandon Hantz, Phillip Sheppard and Dawn Meehan.

Watch Now:Amazon
Last Push
star
7.91
190 votes

#5 - Last Push

Season 26 - Episode 14 - Aired 5/12/2013

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.

Watch Now:Amazon
Come Over to the Dark Side
star
7.81
257 votes

#6 - Come Over to the Dark Side

Season 26 - Episode 11 - Aired 4/24/2013

The popular food auction returns and the Three Amigos concoct a lie in attempt to take control of the game.

Caramoan Reunion
star
7.80
128 votes

#7 - Caramoan Reunion

Season 26 - Episode 15 - Aired 5/12/2013

The castaways reunite in Los Angeles to discuss the Caramoan season. Hosted by Jeff Probst.

Don't Say Anything About My Mom
star
7.78
273 votes

#8 - Don't Say Anything About My Mom

Season 26 - Episode 13 - Aired 5/8/2013

Castaways get a much-needed morale boost with a visit from their loved ones, and one Survivor is faced with a game-changing decision.

Cut Off the Head of the Snake
star
7.76
311 votes

#9 - Cut Off the Head of the Snake

Season 26 - Episode 9 - Aired 4/10/2013

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.

Operation Thunder Dome
star
7.72
308 votes

#10 - Operation Thunder Dome

Season 26 - Episode 6 - Aired 3/20/2013

A shake-up with the tribes creates chaos and new alliances. Meanwhile, the game is thrown off-balance when one tribe's change results in a strength disparity between Gota and Bikal.

Kill or Be Killed
star
7.70
240 votes

#11 - Kill or Be Killed

Season 26 - Episode 4 - Aired 3/6/2013

After suffering a medical emergency, one castaway's ability to play the game is in danger.

Blindside Time
star
7.59
231 votes

#12 - Blindside Time

Season 26 - Episode 8 - Aired 4/3/2013

All bets are off when Bikal and Gota merge, as castaways reunite to plot a potential blindside in the new tribe. Also, with Individual Immunity now on the line, castaways must stomach exotic foods of beetle larvae and brains during a classic Survivor food eating challenge.

Tubby Lunchbox
star
7.50
361 votes

#13 - Tubby Lunchbox

Season 26 - Episode 7 - Aired 3/27/2013

As the newly formed Bikal tribe continues to struggle physically in challenges, they grow increasingly tired of Phillip's attitude. Meanwhile, over at the Gota tribe, Reynold shares confidential information about his hidden Immunity Idol that could change his game.

Honey Badger
star
7.39
295 votes

#14 - Honey Badger

Season 26 - Episode 2 - Aired 2/20/2013

Following the first elimination of the season, Brandon targets Dawn as the leader of what he sees as an unsuitable vote and matchless teamwork and disorganization from one tribe leaves little room for competition during a tiered Immunity Challenge.

There's Gonna Be Hell to Pay
star
7.35
295 votes

#15 - There's Gonna Be Hell to Pay

Season 26 - Episode 3 - Aired 2/27/2013

Corinne and Malcom's special bond leads to a discovery that could liven up the game, and alliances shift and unrest ensues just before an intense Tribal Council.