The WORST episodes of Survivor
Every episode of Survivor ever, ranked from worst to best by thousands of votes from fans of the show. The worst episodes of Survivor!
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 - Big Win, Big Decision, Big Mistake?
Season 11 - Episode 13 - Aired 12/8/2005
Feeling deceived after a tribemate's ousting, one Survivor confronts the tribe. After a big win, one Survivor has a big decision: try and break the "car curse" or risk it all to drive away with a new car. One Survivor's car decision creates a rift at camp. Will this affect who goes home next? The Survivors battle it out in a close race for Immunity and a guaranteed spot in the Final Four.
#2 - The Brave May Not Live Long, but the Cautious Don't Live at All
Season 11 - Episode 3 - Aired 9/29/2005
Smoldering heat forces some Survivors to cool off in the water, risking an encounter with crocodiles. As a tribe attempts to rebuild their shelter, one member takes matters into their own hands and irritates the others. Causing sleepless nights, an inconsiderate howler monkey drives one castaway crazy. A termite-infested log becomes a delicacy for some castaways desperate for a change in their diet.
#3 - To Betray or Not to Betray
Season 11 - Episode 4 - Aired 10/6/2005
In an unexpected twist, members of the two tribes are shuffled. While one Survivor dangles his feet in the crocodile-infested waters, something nibbles on his toes. A very close Immunity Challenge leads into a tense Tribal Council that could end with a tie or a major betrayal.
#4 - Crocs, Cowboys and City Slickers
Season 11 - Episode 5 - Aired 10/13/2005
When pounding rain takes its toll on a tribe, one member voices frustrations by calling out some of the others. An incredible Reward is won after one castaway blazes through a Challenge. One self-absorbed Survivor annoys the tribe with endless stories of a glamorous life beyond Survivor.
#5 - Big Ball, Big Mouth, Big Trouble
Season 11 - Episode 6 - Aired 10/20/2005
After winning an arduous Reward Challenge, one tribe member ruins it for the rest by becoming intoxicated and obnoxious. A grueling physical challenge pushes two castaways to the breaking point, leading to a screaming match that comes close to exploding. In a Tribal Council first, one castaway bullies and insults a fellow tribe member despite attempts to keep the peace.
#6 - Surprise Enemy Visit
Season 11 - Episode 7 - Aired 10/27/2005
Fear threatens to ruin one castaway's ability to enjoy a reward. An unexpected visit from the opposing tribe makes some of the other castaways uncomfortable about being friendly with the enemy. A heart to heart ends with one Survivor telling another, "You can lie...But, I will track you down. I will find you!" After a difficult Tribal Council, the castaways are bombarded with another big surprise.
#7 - The Hidden Immunity Idol
Season 11 - Episode 8 - Aired 11/3/2005
Survivors learn that there is an Immunity Idol hidden in the Guatemalan jungle, and the hunt begins. Given the choice to feast or challenge, several castaways choose to enjoy a large feast in front of the others instead of competing for Immunity. Is this a smart move, or will their hunger be their demise?
#8 - Secrets and Lies and an Idol Surprise
Season 11 - Episode 9 - Aired 11/10/2005
One Survivor deceives the others by giving them the wrong clues to where the hidden Immunity Idol rests. Several Survivors become angry after one overindulges in a Reward. One Survivor secretly follows a tribemate on a hunt for the hidden Immunity Idol and soon finds out that the tribemate is not to be trusted.
#9 - Eating and Sleeping with the Enemy
Season 11 - Episode 10 - Aired 11/17/2005
In a down-and-dirty struggle for Reward in the mud, a team is let down by the failure of one member. One tribemate's incessant paranoia drives another to the breaking point. Some feel vulnerable, and some feel sure of who should go, leading to an unpredictable Tribal Council. Will the strong survive, or will the weak slide by?
#10 - Everything Is Personal
Season 11 - Episode 11 - Aired 11/24/2005
One Survivor's attempt to forge an alliance is overheard by a lurking tribemate. A castaway is livid after a tribemate targets her for elimination in a Reward Challenge, which leads to an eruption back at camp. Paranoia fills the air, leading one Survivor to declare, "Everyone is lying, even the people you'd least expect!" Tribal Council is full of surprises when one Survivor takes advantage of the group setting to call out a tribemate. How will this influence the vote?
#11 - Price for Immunity
Season 11 - Episode 12 - Aired 12/1/2005
In an attempt to break up the Final Four, one Survivor plants doubts in another's mind. Will this strategic risk turn the tide? One Survivor receives a sealed envelope containing a clue that could provide an advantage in the next Immunity Challenge. A bidding war breaks out at a Reward Challenge auction when family members and loved ones show up unannounced.
#12 - Man Down
Season 11 - Episode 2 - Aired 9/22/2005
One Survivor is appalled when a nest of ants are served up for dinner in a tribe desperate for protein. Lacking any sympathy for ailing tribemates, one Survivor starts complaining about the weak ones being lazy and getting pampered. The heat and rigors of the Guatemalan jungle have deteriorated many castaways, who must find the strength to get through a grueling physical competition. Leading into the second Tribal Council, one Survivor fights back when their work ethic is questioned by tribemates.
#13 - The First Exile
Season 12 - Episode 1 - Aired 2/2/2006
The 16 castaways are divided into four tribes of four: Older Men, Older Women, Younger Men and Younger Women. This season, at least one Survivor each episode is banished to a separate island miles away from camp. But that's not all bad: there's a hidden Immunity Idol somewhere on Exile Island.
#14 - Breakdown
Season 12 - Episode 2 - Aired 2/9/2006
When four tribes become two, the last Survivor fears the worst, but then is surprised when Jeff reveals a twist in the game. One castaway makes a major mistake and leaves the tribe disappointed, hungry and still desperately trying to get food. The Survivors waste no time forming alliances, leaving two feeling vulnerable and another two in a position of power. One struggles to adjust to life on the island. Will he overcome the pressure or choose to leave the island forever?
#15 - Crazy Fights, Snake Dinners
Season 12 - Episode 3 - Aired 2/16/2006
Every night is miserable for the next Survivor sent to Exile Island. Can they withstand another horrendous night, fighting the cold winds and torrential rain alone? One Survivor proves to be an All-Star at the Reward Challenge, securing a major win for a starving tribe. Bickering starts early for one tribe and leaves some members wondering about forming premature alliances. Call it superstition or plain coincidence, but one group's interesting dinner gives more than strength to a weak tribe.
#16 - Starvation and Lunacy
Season 12 - Episode 4 - Aired 2/23/2006
In a surprising turn of events, a banished Survivor thrives on Exile Island, leaving the tribe back at camp struggling for food and fire. The excitement over winning a Reward Challenge immediately causes a stir within one tribe, as a tribemate contaminates a prized possession. Constant bickering between tribemates leaves one Survivor regretting an alliance with a bunch of lunatics. After the previous Tribal Council, one Survivor begins to worry. Will valiant effort and a competitive nature be enough to keep this castaway in the game?
#17 - For Cod's Sake
Season 12 - Episode 5 - Aired 3/2/2006
Winning the Reward Challenge ends up being a raw deal for one tribe. A couple of Survivors secretly bond when they selfishly share one of the Reward prizes and anger their tribemates. Two Survivors fall ill, keeping them up all night and leaving them drained right before the Immunity Challenge. Can these two strong players pull through, or will they bring their tribe down? It's a long afternoon for one tribe as chaos and confusion hampers the decision of who to vote off. Will an alliance stick or fall apart?
#18 - Salvation and Desertion
Season 12 - Episode 6 - Aired 3/9/2006
Disunity among one tribe results in no sleep for the group, as one Survivor's continuous outbursts last throughout the night. A strong tribe is weakening from the lack of food and water, but finds strength in relationships they are forming on the island. Will this be enough to win the next Challenge? For one castaway, being sent to Exile Island is a blessing rather than a curse. Having an alliance doesn't always guarantee safety, as a twist in the game leaves one tribe with a big decision to make and places one Survivor's fate in the hands of another.
#19 - An Emerging Plan
Season 12 - Episode 8 - Aired 3/30/2006
It's bittersweet for one Survivor stranded alone on Exile Island. Even though the company is nice, one castaway struggles with the monotony of camp life. When the two tribes finally become one, the Survivors celebrate together, but hidden agendas quickly take over the camp. Building a bigger shelter becomes a dangerous project and leaves one Survivor with a chipped tooth and a cut lip.
#20 - The Power of the Idol
Season 12 - Episode 9 - Aired 4/6/2006
Terry decides it's time to reveal the Idol to some castaways. How will the power of the Idol affect the game? When two tribe members are sent to Exile Island, an unexpected bond forms. Will this newfound friendship affect their alliance and change the course of the game? Determined to expand their alliance, the La Mina group pressures several Casayas. Can they secretly break up the Casaya Six? At the Reward Challenge, one Survivor demonstrates clever leadership skills and forges a win with a weaker group.
#21 - Medical Emergency
Season 12 - Episode 11 - Aired 4/20/2006
When a medical emergency sends one Survivor off for treatment, the others are left wondering what will happen next. Will this Survivor be forced to leave the game for good? Honesty isn't always the best policy, but in the Reward Challenge it's the key to winning. Can the Survivors get along afterwards, or are some too bitter to forgive and forget? As the lone La Mina, Terry is without allies at camp. His only hope is that the bickering amongst the Casayas continues. Will the old Casaya tribe self-destruct, or will they set their emotions aside and stay focused on the game? Tensions run high when Shane questions the strength of his alliance and threatens to turn the game.
#22 - Perilous Scramble
Season 12 - Episode 12 - Aired 4/27/2006
Excitement over winning the Reward Challenge reaches a new level when the winners learn they can compete for a second Reward. Which lucky Survivor walks away with this season's biggest Reward so far? As winner of all three Individual Immunity Challenges, Terry knows he must win again to stay in the game. Will he be able to win his fourth straight Immunity, or can the former Casayas finally knock him off his throne? As the finale nears, the Survivors begin to focus on the pros and cons of alliances. Can Terry finally talk any of the Survivors into being his ally?
#23 - Love Is in the Air, Rats Are Everywhere
Season 10 - Episode 2 - Aired 2/24/2005
One tribe's beach is overrun with unwelcome little visitors. One Survivor is suspicious about a special alliance developing between two tribemates. While enjoying a feast, a tribe notices one member's reclusive behavior. A tribe attempts to recover a lost provision.
#24 - Anger, Threats, Tears… and Coffee
Season 9 - Episode 7 - Aired 10/28/2004
One member's lack of work ethic prompts negative reactions in the tribe. After winning a hard-fought Challenge, one tribe is rewarded with more than just sustenance. One Survivor, in danger of being voted off, wins a Challenge for the tribe, thus buying more time on the island. A potential target at Tribal Council, one Survivor tries to convince the rest that another tribemate should be next to go.
#25 - Now the Battle Really Begins
Season 9 - Episode 8 - Aired 11/4/2004
A Survivor gets fed up with the tribe and is ready for a change. One castaway uses charm, flirtation and cuddling in an attempt to get in good with a tribemate. Anxiety about a possible tribal merge leads one Survivor to make one-on-one pacts with numerous others. One castaway gets into a war of words with a tribemate after being told what to do.