The BEST episodes of Survivor season 49

Every episode of Survivor season 49, ranked from best to worst by thousands of votes from fans of the show. The best episodes of Survivor season 49!

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: 10/17/2025Network: CBSStatus: Continuing
Lovable Losers
star
7.02
96 votes

#1 - Lovable Losers

Season 49 - Episode 3 - Aired 10/8/2025

An unprecedented medical emergency leaves the castaways shaken. A second beware advantage is found in the game, and its finder must earn their vote back before it’s too late.

Cinema
star
6.94
101 votes

#2 - Cinema

Season 49 - Episode 2 - Aired 10/1/2025

Reality and hunger begin to take their toll as the castaways grapple with their limited resources to find food on the island. Generational differences come into sharp focus as some castaways find it challenging to keep up with the younger players’ current lingo. Then, a never-before-seen disadvantage appears in the game during this week’s immunity challenge.

Go Kick Rocks, Bro
star
6.83
53 votes

#3 - Go Kick Rocks, Bro

Season 49 - Episode 4 - Aired 10/15/2025

An unexpected shakeup shifts the castaways’ game trajectories in an all-new direction. Teammates must rely on one another to succeed in a grueling immunity and reward challenge. Then, a wild goose chase unfolds to reinstate one castaway’s vote after the discovery of a beware advantage.

Act One of a Horror Film
star
6.79
111 votes

#4 - Act One of a Horror Film

Season 49 - Episode 1 - Aired 9/24/2025

18 strangers are abandoned on the islands of Fiji with the chance to win $1 million. Tribes must claim victory in the grueling marooning challenge to earn essential camp supplies. Then castaways are chosen to face off with a huge reward on the line.