Editor’s note: Our original rankings were published in May 2020 near the conclusion of Survivor: Winners at War. As the 50th season nears, we’ve updated them to add moments from Seasons 41-49, as well as account for which older moments aged better than others.
Zoom in on a cluster of beach huts and palm trees. A row of tourists in ill-fitting khakis, T-shirts, and floppy sun hats walks down a rickety dock toward two motorboats. The group then clumsily boards a larger vessel in the middle of the South Pacific. Some locals look on from the shore in bemusement. All the while, a voice narrates the action: “From this tiny Malaysian fishing village, these 16 Americans are beginning the adventure of a lifetime. They have volunteered to be marooned for 39 days on mysterious Borneo. This is their story. This is Survivor.”
Spoiler: This Survivor moment—the very first, which aired at 8 p.m. on May 31, 2000, on CBS—did not make this top-100 list. Did I mention the khakis? Plus, these Americans didn’t exactly “volunteer” out of the goodness of their selfless hearts. A million bucks was on the line. Still, it’s worth mentioning right at the top because without it, we wouldn’t have witnessed so many subsequent stunners. Survivor fans know the seminal ones by shorthand. Poor, sweet, naive Erik. The Applebee’s meltdown. The rat and the snake. Rob and Amber. Dead grandma.
No doubt countless more are on the way. Because here’s the remarkable thing about Survivor: There are almost zero signs of middle-aged wear and tear. Ratings are strong, especially by fragmented 2026 standards. After the pandemic forced production to shut down for a year, the show returned with a leaner and speedier game dubbed “the new era,” complete with bare-bones numerical titles. And somehow, host Jeff Probst still runs around those shadeless beaches in button-down shirts and moderates the madness at every tribal council.
Probst likes to say that Survivor is TV’s great social experiment—and, frankly, the man has a point. Thriving on an uncompromising island is not easy, friends. Days and nights are long. The contestants are sweaty, sleep-deprived, dirty, and hangry as hell. So while an innocuous misunderstanding or stray snarky comment may be stressful for someone on the outs, it’s TV gold for the viewers loafing around at home. Both shrewd and lunkheaded strategies are even more precious.
That’s why distilling 100 iconic moments from 701 episodes was as difficult as Cirie Fields walking across a balance beam in the water. So, in honor of the milestone Survivor 50: In the Hands of the Fans (which features many of the players mentioned below), here are the standouts we’ll still be talking about when Rob and Amber’s four daughters instigate their first blind side.
100. Good Riddance, Dan Spilo (Island of the Idols, 2019)
We’re getting the low point out of the way. You’re welcome. Contestant Kellee Kim speaks out multiple times about Dan’s inappropriate physical behavior while she’s on the show. And yet he’s let off with a mere warning despite the clear-as-day video evidence. He’s finally pulled from the competition because of misconduct with a crew member off camera. None of the contestants speak of him again for the remainder of the game, and he doesn’t appear at the reunion. In 2025, Spilo was dismissed from his management company following an HR investigation for inappropriate behavior on a movie set.
99. Rob Backstabs Alex (Amazon, 2003)
Rob Cesternino, now a podcaster extraordinaire, was that rare player who could wheel and deal and cast a vote while doing his best Casey Kasem impersonation. Having already turned on Deena Bennett in the previous vote, he decides that blindsiding his close ally Alex Bell would work to his advantage. He later double-crosses Christy Smith, illustrating early on that flip-flopping can be a worthwhile strategy.
98. Rizo’s Fake Idol (Survivor 49, 2025)
Fast-talking third-place finisher Rizo “RizGod” Velovic made the cut for Survivor 50 over fan faves like Spencer Bledsoe, Jerri Manthey, and The Traitors standout Carolyn Wiger, so we really should include a highlight of his. Let’s go with his showmanship at a tribal council in which he stands up and announces that he’s playing a hidden immunity idol to save Savannah Louie. However, he knows it’s a fake idol. Probst knows it’s a fake idol (sort of?). He just wants to throw his power in the faces of opposing players Jawan Pitts and Sage Ahrens-Nichols. As a result, RizGod holds on to his legit idol for safekeeping. Pretty good, kid.
97. Immunity Idol, Meet Lava (Redemption Island, 2011)
Welcome to the first of many unapologetic shout-outs to the great “Boston” Rob Mariano, a master manipulator and charter member of the Survivor five-timers club who seemingly owns more Red Sox caps than Big Papi himself. Sure, he’s cocky—but he has the goods to back it up. (And the book! And the durable post-Survivor reality TV show career, including a fourth-place finish on Deal or No Deal Island!) In one of many examples, he confidently celebrates his cruise through Redemption Island by tossing a useless immunity idol clue into a volcano in Nicaragua.
96. An Olympic Track Star Is Not Up to Speed (Gabon, 2008)
Confirmed: Crystal Cox won a gold medal in the 4x400 meter relay at the 2004 Athens Summer Olympics. Four years later, she curiously wheezed her way through the first immunity challenge—which emphasized running—and went on to lose 12 out of 14 challenges overall. How is this possible?! Oh, coda: In 2010, she admitted to using anabolic steroids from 2001 to 2004 and forfeited her results from that time period.
95. Osten Quits (Pearl Islands, 2003)
94. NaOnka and Purple Kelly Quit (Nicaragua, 2010)
93. Janu Quits (Exile Island, 2005)
92. Kathy Quits (Micronesia, 2008)
91. Lindsey Quits (Cagayan, 2014)
90. Julie Quits (San Juan del Sur, 2014)
89. Hannah Quits (Survivor 45, 2023)
The C-list players who unraveled and exited the beach of their own volition shall receive one lump mention. On the one hand, we should be sympathetic: Outwitting, outplaying, and outlasting sans the luxury of hygiene and complex carbohydrates is no cakewalk. But … come on! They willingly signed up for the opportunity to play a hardcore game with financial incentives attached. A million girls would kill for this job. So buh-bye to Osten Taylor (physical strain), Janu Tornell (nothing left to give), Kathy Sleckman (isolation), tribemates NaOnka Mixon and Kelly Shinn (both emotionally spent), Lindsey Ogle (feud with tribemate Trish), Julie McGee (loneliness after her boyfriend, ex–MLB pitcher John Rocker, was voted off), and Hannah Rose (nicotine withdrawal).
88. Colton Quits; Probst Lashes Out (Blood vs. Water, 2013)
Colton Cumbie earns his own mention only because his exploits shouldn’t be buried in a thick paragraph. During his first appearance on One World, he exited the game early due to severe abdominal pains and a possible case of appendicitis. Was it curious that he had consistently bragged about his silver-spoon upbringing and didn’t cotton to his new living conditions? Sure, but we all gave it a pass. He was a “character.” Characters are fun! Stomachaches aren’t! Alas, when Cumbie returns for Blood vs. Water—this time with his fiancé, Caleb Bankston (who sadly died in a train accident a year later)—he quickly reverts to his familiar ways. As he whines about wanting to go home, a furious Probst lays into him (“We brought a quitter back, and we got a quit again”) and says that he feigned the appendicitis years earlier. Cumbie leaves in a huff.
87. Give It Away; Give It Away Now (Survivor 43, 2022)
Because he was a dangerous threat who had to lie low at tribal council and submerge himself so as not to attract attention, the bearded 52-year-old Mike Gabler bestowed upon himself the inspired nickname “the Alli-Gabler.” Then, after taking the $1 million with a resounding 7-1-0 vote, the 52-year-old heart valve specialist makes a magnanimous announcement: He’s going to donate all of his prize winnings to various charities for veterans to honor his Green Beret father. Talk about a gator aid. (Sorry, couldn’t resist.)
86. The Big Brother Crossover (Blood vs. Water, 2013)
Well, it was bound to happen eventually. After Survivor and Amazing Race traded players for years (Rob and Amber competed on the latter twice), CBS’s other reality show stalwart—arguably the redheaded stepchild of the trio—got in on the action. Enter Hayden Moss, winner of Big Brother 12, who competes with his then-girlfriend and One World contestant Kat Edorsson for Blood vs. Water. Caleb Reynolds and Cirie have also double-dipped.
85. The Weird Jack and Jill Promo (South Pacific, 2011)
A tribe wins immunity … and an early screening of the Adam Sandler stinker Jack and Jill in the South Pacific “cinema.” The logic, per Probst: “Jack and Jill is about a brother and sister. They don’t always get along. But in the end, Jack realizes that he needs his twin sister to survive in the world. It’s the same out here for you guys!” It is? Anyway, Benjamin “Coach” Wade is a big fan of the future Razzie Award winner, declaring with a straight face, “Jack and Jill. Loved it. It was good because it was funny, and there was a message.” Yes, that Sandler should never dress in drag again.
84. The Do-Rag Incident (Island of the Idols, 2019)
The drama starts when a white contestant, Jack Nichting, refers to the buff of a Black contestant, Jamal Shipman, as a “do-rag.” The fallout could have turned ugly in a hurry. Thankfully, the reference sparks a deeper—and still relevant—conversation between the two men about their cultural differences.
83. “Kass, Zero Chance of Winning the Game” (Cagayan, 2014)
As Spencer sits in the final three in Second Chance, jury member “Chaos” Kass McQuillen notes that he once declared that aforementioned prediction back in Cagayan because she betrayed him and his allies. So why should she now reward him for playing the same way? He argues that he’s matured since those days of yore; she votes for good-guy firefighter Jeremy Collins. #sickburn
82. Bruce Gets a Second Shot (Survivor 45, 2023)
Until this historic 50th season, there were no returning players in Survivor’s new era. Boo! But! An exception was made for Bruce Perreault, who sustained a scary injury during the very first challenge of Season 44—he accidentally slammed his head into a wooden beam, yikes—and had to be medevaced off the island. In his much-heralded comeback season, Perreault shows that he’s a physical force and wins back-to-back individual immunity challenges. But his bossy side does him in, and he receives an old-fashioned blindside boot in a split vote on day 19.
81. Go, Noelle! (Survivor 43, 2022)
We now take a time out from the feuding and backstabbing for a genuine heart-warmer. After competing as a sprinter at the 2020 Tokyo Summer Paralympics, Noelle Lambert turned up in Fiji and became the first above-the-knee amputee to compete on the show. Then she shows her mettle during a reward challenge: Though Lambert struggles to dart across the thin balance beam with her prosthetic leg, she stages an epic comeback and triumphs. A trail of well-earned happy tears follows.
80. Living on the Edge (Edge of Extinction, 2019)
Enough of that. Back to the dramz! In one of the most hotly disputed wins ever, Chris Underwood—who spent all of eight days in the big dance before his torch snuff—returns from the Edge of Extinction, takes the next immunity challenge, and nabs the title. Probst and the other producers insisted that his ability to court favor with the jury (the majority of whom spent a chunk of time with him on the island) was fair. Fine, but it wasn’t square.
79. Kathy Pees on Paschal (Marquesas, 2002)
Paschal English is stung by a jellyfish. Kathy Vavrick-O’Brien pees on him. Because, she later explains, she learned from watching the Discovery Channel that ammonia diffuses the venom and because Joey had performance anxiety. Wait, sorry, that previous sentence is what happened on a Friends episode.
78. Brian Heidik’s Piano (Thailand, 2002)
Lordy, this guy was sleazy. His occupation? Used car salesman/soft-core porn star. His MO? On the beach, he declares that women belong in the kitchen. Then, during a segment in which castaways watch videos from home, his wife flaunts his riches by showing off a grand piano and a garage full of expensive cars! He won the season—but, more than 20 years later, he’s still never been asked to play again.
77. Probst Stabs a Bag of Rice (Survivor 45, 2023)
This is what happens when you and your tribemates can’t make a decision. Live and learn, live and learn.
76. “Franchesqua” (Redemption Island, 2011)
Say the word “Fran.” Now say “cheska.” It rhymes with Fresca. The grapefruit flavor is delicious. And yet, Phillip Sheppard, the blustery U.S. Army veteran and former federal agent, repeatedly mangles Francesca Hogi’s first name at tribal council—even as he criticizes her, even as she corrects him. The ultimate insult is that she’s the first vote-off, while he makes it to the finals. Well, maybe the ultimate insult is that she’s the first vote-off again in Caramoan, but at least the other players used the correct name pronunciation.
75. Billy Xoxoxoxs Candice (Cook Islands, 2006)
Hey, they all can’t be Rob and Amber. Or even Joe Anglim and Sierra Dawn Thomas. At his second tribal council, Billy Garcia declares that it’s “love at first sight” for him and Candice Woodcock. Unfortunately, the feeling is not mutual. She plays again in Blood vs. Water. With her husband.
74. Wait, Is That the Podcast Guy? (Survivor 47, 2024)
Jon Lovett is a charismatic former Obama speechwriter and cohost of the popular Pod Save America. And what did that classy pedigree get him in Season 47? A plane ticket right outta there. After admitting to a lack of “outdoor skills,” he’s voted off first.
73. Wait, Is That Jimmy Johnson?! (Nicaragua, 2010)
Hey, Jimmy Johnson! You’ve coached two Super Bowl–winning teams, yukked it up with Terry Bradshaw on a gazillion pregame shows, and been elected into the NFL Hall of Fame. What do you do now? In 2010, the answer was to go to Central America to compete on one of his favorite shows. Alas, the novelty wore off in a hurry. Though he motivates the team early on, he fades fast and is gone on day eight.
72. Wait, Is That Lisa Whelchel?! (Caramoan, 2013)
The only thing more awesome than seeing superficial rich girl Blair Warner from The Facts of Life suffer on the beach would have been if Tootie, Natalie, Jo, or Mrs. G ran out of the bushes for the traditional loved ones visit. But nooooo, it’s just her son. You take the good, you take the bad. (And unlike Johnson, she makes it all the way to the final tribal council!)
71. Ozzy’s Trouble in Paradise (Micronesia, 2008)
With this new season, Oscar “Ozzy” Lusth has now competed a record-tying five times. Will he finally reach the promised land? The issue is that for all his physical stamina (he’s basically a merman), he has never mastered the strategy portion of the game. Witness his second go-round, when he’s blindsided by the all-girls alliance even though he boasts a hidden immunity idol in his pocket. He calls himself both an idiot and a fool in his parting words.
70. The Real MrBeast (Survivor 42, 2022)
He could pass for Jason Momoa’s brother and boasts the muscular strength of the Hulk. Meet Jonathan Young, owner of a beach services company and a fitness enthusiast who showed his physical prowess in one of the most dominant challenge performances ever. As his tribemates struggle to swim in the rough surf, he single-handedly—in every sense of the word—helps everyone who can’t keep up. Then, standing in water up to his neck, he holds a heavy ladder so that Lindsay Dolashewich can climb it and retrieve a bag. The two other tribes (with four people each!) flail so miserably at the same task that Probst halts the water portion of the challenge.
69. The Cast Evacuates (David vs. Goliath, 2018)
68. The Cast Evacuates (Millennials vs. Gen X, 2016)
Is it wrong that watching miserable contestants suffer through torrential weather can often be perverse fun? Worth repeating: Nobody forced them to do this! Surely producers agree, which is why they’ve evacuated the cast and provided secure shelter from storms only two times in 25 years. Something about cyclones touching down in the area and lives being in danger. Whatever.
67. The Adam Bomb (Winners at War, 2020)
Despite all the fanfare leading up to Survivor: Winners at War, it had the misfortune of airing at the height of the global COVID-19 shutdown and is still associated with N95s and social distancing. (Probst even had to stage a makeshift final tribal council from his home garage, oy.) At least Adam Klein supplied a hilarious moment when he tried to pull off a huge immunity idol play. As in, he literally tried to pull off an immunity idol. Probst’s tribal council podium has never looked the same again.
66. Jenn Lyon, RIP (Palau, 2005)
A tip of the torch to the lovely Jennifer “Jenn” Lyon, who fought hard in Palau and finished fourth. Then she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005 and really showed her strength, blogging candidly about her disease and treatment and becoming involved with several foundations that focused on early detection and prevention. She died in 2010 at age 37.
65. Rupert Makes Out Like a Bandit (Pearl Islands, 2003)
With his oversize tie-dye tank top, unruly beard, and glint-in-his-eye persona, four-timer Rupert Boneham played Survivor as if he were part pirate, part Deadhead. He cements his status in his maiden voyage when both tribes visit a fishing village to obtain supplies. Noticing that his opponents have left their shoes in the raft, he swipes all the footwear and barters them to the locals.
64. Shane’s “Blackberry” (Panama, 2006)
Never will it make sense how wild card Shane Powers has completed just one island tour of duty. Aside from being a human outburst machine (mainly due to nicotine withdrawal), he regularly types on a block of wood as if it were a Blackberry. “It’s got texting, email, phone, and web browser,” Shane proudly notes to the camera. “It’s actually helped my game!” Don’t judge until you’ve been there.
63. Money for Nothing (Survivor 45, 2023)
After an unacceptable eight-year break, the Survivor auction is back on the block! And the 2.0 version turns out to be good times. Players still use their money (that they found in the jungle) to overpay for the likes of pizza, fries, candy, and a chocolate milkshake—although, to be fair, Kendra Ruth’s winning bid of $360 for pretzels and a beer would be a fair price at SoFi Stadium. Yet unlike in previous iterations, there are no game advantages up for sale. Plus: The person with the most money in their hands at the end loses their vote at tribal council. Bruce and his $80 come up empty; Kellie Nalbandian is the one going, going, gone.
62. Lex and the Piercings (Africa, 2001)
Oopsies. During a trivia challenge, Lex van den Berghe fails to win immunity … even though it was later determined that he correctly answered the question about which of his female tribemates did not have any piercings. Before the live finale, CBS paid Lex—as well as Tom Buchanan, who was also voted out due to the error—a settlement of $100,000.
61. Live Second-Chance Vote (Worlds Apart, 2015)
Would it be Teresa “T-Bird” Cooper, Stephanie Valencia, or Peih-Gee Law? Michaela Bradshaw or Kelley Wentworth? Both viewers and contestants found out which loser (said with love) would snare a second chance to play the game during the closing moments of the live Worlds Apart finale. Significantly more entertaining than picking over the scraps of months-old arguments during the usual reunion special.
60. Denise Dethrones the Queen (Winners at War, 2020)
It was going to take a royally fierce move to topple two-time champ Sandra Diaz-Twine, the self-described queen of the game. Enter mild-mannered 49-year-old mom Denise Stapley. She accomplished this feat in the 40th season, when she promised a fire token to Sandra after the vote in exchange for safety. Denise broke said promise, blindsided her, and kept the currency.
59. Tina Wins Down Under (Australian Outback, 2001)
Strapping Texan Colby Donaldson dominated challenges and the social game. But his shocking decision to take the equally likable Tina Wesson with him in the final two (instead of the weaker Keith Famie) cost him big bucks. Note that he did redeem himself by appearing and performing high-level improv in one of the greatest Curb Your Enthusiasm episodes ever. He’s back for 50, too.
58. The Medallion of Power (Nicaragua, 2010)
There’s a reason why this necklace, which looked like something out of He-Man’s jewelry box, was a one-and-done. Indeed, the medallion—which, if used, gave the tribe an advantage in a challenge—was such a flop that it disappeared midway through the season.
57. The Hourglass (Survivor 41, 2021)
Right, like we’d really leave out the most eye-rolling and controversial twist of all. This one was unveiled at the dawn of the new era, when Erika Casupanan was sent to Exile Island with an hourglass and a hammer. If Erika chose to smash the hourglass, it would reverse the result of the preceding immunity challenge. Read: Everyone who had just exerted themselves and won was now in danger of being voted out, and those who lost (including Erika) would be completely safe. Needless to say, she breaks the sands of time, saves herself … and subsequently wins the whole thing. The hourglass returned in Season 42, but only because it was filmed before Season 41 aired. Once producers caught wind of the fan uproar, the concept was smashed for good.
56. Cirie’s 3-2-1 Contact Moment (Micronesia, 2008)
Cirie’s legit mastery of Survivor’s mental game was a boon to fellow couch potatoes everywhere. She plots out her first masterful strategic move early on in her series tenure: Sensing that she’s getting bounced out of the final six, she rounds up her remaining tribemates—and, unbeknownst to them, pits them against one another. The result is a 3-2-1 voting bloc at tribal council, and Courtney Marit goes home. Cirie is a 50 player, and more citations of her shrewdness are coming soon …
55. Bruce Kanegai Is Constipated (Panama, 2006)
54. Jonathan Penner Punctures His Knee (Micronesia, 2008)
53. James Clement Cuts His Finger (Micronesia, 2008)
52. Erik Reichenbach Collapses (Caramoan, 2013)
51. Pat Cusack Injures His Back (David vs. Goliath, 2018)
50. Joe Dowdle Has a Leg Infection (Tocantins, 2009)
49. Kourtney Moon Injures Her Wrist (One World, 2012)
48. Shamar Thomas Has a Grain of Sand in His Eye (Caramoan, 2013)
47. Neal Gottlieb Has a Staph Infection (Kaoh Rong, 2016)
46. Joe del Campo Has a Bladder Infection (Koah Rong, 2016)
45. Russell Swan Faints (Samoa, 2009)
44. Jake Latimer Gets Bitten by a Venomous Snake (Survivor 49, 2025)
Yell it with Probst-like fervor: “Medical!!!!” When this hurt crew looks back on their respective games, they’ll remember writhing in agony as a friendly but forceful doctor instructs them to evacuate ASAP, lest they risk possible death. A few returned to sit on the jury, while Jonathan Penner and Russell Swan—plus the aforementioned Bruce Kanegai—were invited for another edition. None of the above won.
43. Brenda Lowe Fishes Dawn Meehan’s False Teeth out of the Ocean (Caramoan, 2013)
It’s exactly what it sounds like.
42. Brandon Loses His S--- (Caramoan, 2013)
Russell Hantz: I am the game’s liveliest wire. His nephew Brandon: Hold my buff. After an argument with Philip, Brandon dumps his tribe’s beans and rice while unleashing a profanity-laced tirade at his tribe. Life around camp is so tense that his tribe refuses to compete in the immunity challenge and votes him out on the spot.
41. Todd Won’t Say Sorry (China, 2007)
After slithering his way through the game, Todd Herzog could have gone the traditional route of apologizing to slighted losers to massage their fragile egos and earn their votes. Instead, he closes the deal by owning up to all his Machiavellian actions and practically dares the jury to vote against him. Runners-up Amanda Kimmel and Courtney Yates are left dazed and confused.
40. Hey Now, Ian (Palau, 2005)
For an enduring challenge called “Bob-Bob Buoy” (shout-out to Howard Stern!), the last three castaways need to hang on to a floating buoy or risk being voted off that night. Ian Rosenberger and Tom Westman float for a record-breaking 11 hours and 55 minutes, peeing be damned. Finally, Ian offers to step down if Tom promises to take third-rung Katie Gallagher to the final two to ease his burden of guilt for betraying Tom. It didn’t make sense back then either.
39. Rudy and Hatch Form an Alliance (Borneo, 2000)
Admit it: Before the first Survivor, the only time you heard the word “alliance” was in your 10th-grade history class. Richard Hatch and Rudy Boesch changed all that in the very first episode, when the outspoken gay corporate trainer and the stubborn 72-year-old World War II vet, respectively, decided to join forces. They keep their bond right through to the final episode, soon bringing along truck driver Sue Hawk and rafting guide Kelly Wiglesworth. Now that’s history.
38. J.T. Gives His Idol to … Russell? (Heroes vs. Villains, 2010)
Heheheheheh. In a bid to warn a targeted Russell on the opposing tribe, J.T. Thomas—who had never before played with the conniving villain—sneaks an immunity idol and accompanying letter in Russell’s bag post-challenge. Despite the hand-scrawled pleas to “read in complete privacy” and “destroy when you finish reading,” Russell gives it to Parvati Shallow, who reads it aloud to the tribe and adds flourishes like “xoxo, J.T.” and “your BFF.”
37. Cirie Leaves With No Votes (Game Changers, 2017)
It’s so wrong. The iconic Cirie, who’s always made up in moxie what she lacks in brute strength (see: no. 56), becomes the first person to be ousted from the game without a single vote cast against her. That’s because the other five players had one form or another of immunity, meaning she was the only person who could be eliminated. She departs to a standing ovation.
36. Three Go Down in a Challenge (Kaoh Rong, 2016)
Those CBS liability waivers got a workout during this reward challenge, which involved digging three bags of balls out of a sandpit and tossing them in holes in brain-boiling heat. First, Caleb Reynolds collapses due to heatstroke, his temperature spiking to 107 degrees. (He’s later removed from the game.) Cydney Gillon and Debbie Wanner drop as well. Hope the winners enjoyed their spices, coffee, and kitchen set prize.
35. The Jet Ski (Amazon, 2003)
Hey, remember the time Probst Jet-Skied from the jungles of the Amazon to New York City while holding the urn of all the last tribal council votes? Don’t believe me? SEE THE VIDEO EVIDENCE. Probst has long since retired this hokey yet stupendous live-reunion staple, which is a travesty of the highest degree. The live reunion will return for 50, so at least there’s that.
34. Angelina and the Jacket (David vs. Goliath, 2018)
Angelina Keeley, another 50 returnee, tried in vain to keep warm during windy nights on the Fijian beach. Was a coat too much to ask for? Yes, as a matter of fact! Cut to this rich exchange at tribal council, as Natalie Cole gets her torch snuffed and walks off the set:
Angelina: Natalie, is there any way I could have your jacket?
Natalie: [Silence]
Angelina: Natalie?
Natalie: [Silence]
Angelina: Natalie?
Natalie: [Silence]
33. Tony’s Spy Shack (Cagayan, 2014)
Leave it to a paranoid New Jersey police officer to build and hide in makeshift “spy shacks” on a beach so he can eavesdrop on his opponents’ conversations and gather intel. Probably explains why Tony Vlachos won the title—and refused to leave the force even after the Jersey City mayor admonished him for being an on-camera “trickster, liar, backstabber and dealer.”
32. Mutiny on the Cooks (Cook Islands, 2006)
Sure, we could rehash how producers thought it would be an interesting diversity exercise to divide the 20 castaways based on the color of their skin. Better to instead focus on one of the most innovative mid-game twists, in which players are given a 10-second window to mutiny over to the other tribe. Candice jumps ship with three seconds to spare, followed by Penner. The tribe they desert? Your final four.
31. Stephenie Flies (and Cries) Solo (Palau, 2005)
Stephenie LaGrossa sits on a tree stump at tribal council as her teammates are eliminated one by one—Jolanda Jones, we hardly knew ye—until she becomes a tribe of one and spends a weepy night on her beach alone. The next morning, she’s mercifully absorbed into the other tribe. Stephenie returned just one season later in Guatemala … but didn’t come off nearly as endearing. Same goes for Heroes vs. Villains. Maybe she’ll take back her good name for 50.
30. Russell Finds the Idol (Samoa, 2009)
Russell didn’t exactly curry favor with anyone in the Survivor community when he threw his tribemates’ socks in the fire just because and pretended to be a policeman who worked the beat in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Still, give him props for realizing early on that he’d instantly enter franchise lore—and save his hide—by finding a hidden immunity idol without the benefit of a clue. He scurries and succeeds three times. Producers have since upped their game, and players must now, like, know advanced calculus to find the hidden idols.
29. Burn, Baby, Burn (Heroes vs. Villains, 2010)
Then again, it’s utterly gratifying when a fed-up Sandra tosses Russell’s signature fedora into the fire one season later and watches it burn to a crisp.
28. Sorry, Charlie (Survivor 46, 2024)
Someone wants a spot on The Traitors! This classic double cross comes courtesy of Maria Shrime Gonzalez, who makes a dominant “number one” alliance with Charlie Davis and yet ultimately doesn’t vote for him to win the $1 million. Instead, she writes Kenzie Petty’s name on the parchment and essentially hands her the victory. She explains in the non-live aftershow that she was wowed by Petty’s determination in the final four fire-making challenge. Though Davis loses the battle, he may still win the war via his 50 invitation.
27. Tribe Swap No. 1 (Africa, 2001)
A biggie at the time. On day 13 in Africa, the tribes are instructed via tree mail to send three representatives to meet Probst for unknown reasons. Each group is promptly sent over to live on the opposing beach in the first-ever tribe swap. Nobody ever took a comfort-in-numbers advantage for granted again.
26. Rob Breaks His Vow (All-Stars, 2004)
The Robfather makes Lex an offer he can’t refuse in the aftermath of a tribe swap: Spare his girl Amber from a certain torch snuff, and he’ll take care of him when the tribes merge. Lex did. Rob cuts him loose anyway.
25. Bad Dreamz (Fiji, 2007)
That said, there’s a difference between fibbing to put yourself in the driver’s seat and doing it only to motor right off the cliff. See: Yau-Man Chan giving his newly won truck to Andria “Dreamz” Herd in exchange for bequeathing immunity to him later in the game. Though Dreamz agrees, he goes back on his word in the final four and votes him off. Appalled teammates refuse to give him the title.
24. Tyson Votes Himself Out (Heroes vs. Villains, 2010)
“I’m the victim of my own stupidity,” Tyson Apostol bemoans in his final confession. Word. What happened? He and Russell Hantz each have three votes. But in a boneheaded decision, Tyson changes his mind and changes his vote, which would have caused a tie and changed the course of the rest of the game.
23. The Fire Exit (Australian Outback, 2001)
Even your friends who phased out of Survivor in the early aughts remember the guy who passed out in the fire. The actual fall isn’t captured on camera; viewers only hear Michael Skupin screaming his lungs out. With third-degree burns on his bands—as in, his skin is melting—he’s choppered out of the game immediately. Unrelated: He’s now a convicted fraudster and child sex offender.
22. Ben Gets an Extra Life (Heroes vs. Healers vs. Hustlers, 2017)
The conspiracists are still boiling over this one. Ben Driebergen was an amiable veteran who had endured PTSD after fighting overseas. He was certainly going to be sent home after losing an immunity challenge. Then, snap! Probst announces a bonus advantage: For the first time, the fourth- and third-place finishers will duke it out in a fire challenge. He wins that and cruises past the finish line to become sole survivor.
21. Bye, “Guys!” (Survivor 41, 2021)
Survivor returned from its pandemic-induced hiatus to a changed sociopolitical world. So after welcoming the 18 cast members, Probst asks for guidance on whether he should drop the last word from his signature “Come on in, guys!” catchphrase. As he tells them, “I love saying it … but I, too, want to be of the moment.” Evvie Jagoda, a queer woman, promises that she isn’t offended by the folksy term; Ricard Foye, married to a trans man, later speaks up and expresses his concern. Ever since, Probst has greeted players to every challenge with a more inclusive “Come on in!”
20. Food Challenge No. 1 (Borneo, 2000)
For the first few episodes, Survivor was akin to The Real World without the whole “living in a house” thing. But no bratty Gen Xer on MTV ever swallowed worm larvae to win a contest. Over the years, contestants have also digested fish eyes, cow’s blood, and chicken hearts.
19. Cochran Flexes His Muscles (!!!) (Caramoan, 2013)
John Cochran looked like the long-lost child of Woody Allen, with the self-deprecating wit and low BMI to match. He was also a Survivor superfan who requested that Probst refer to him only by his last name, à la the more masculine dudes “Culpepper” and “Penner.” He first appeared on South Pacific but doesn't truly earn the moniker until his second time around, on Caramoan, when he wins the first of three immunity challenges—more than anyone else that season.
18. Ciera Eastin Votes Off Her Mom (Blood vs. Water, 2013)
Sorry not sorry, Laura Morett. Surely this is exactly what producers were hoping for when they concocted the Blood vs. Water theme.
17. A Craving for Peanut Butter and Chocolate (Amazon, 2003)
Did you know that after Survivor, Heidi Strobel was wed for 17 years to veteran MLB pitcher Cole Hamels and became a mother of four? Anyhoo, back in 2003, she and Jenna Morasca volunteered to take their clothes off for peanut butter and chocolate cookies on the condition that they could step off an uncomfortable pole in the water and bow out of the endurance challenge. Extremely crafty pixelation ensues. Though Probst said he would have offered up the tempting sweets to lure them off either way, the two leveraged the move into a Playboy cover spread.
16. “Hold Up, Bro” (Caramoan, 2013)
Malcolm Freberg is best known for his wavy hair, cruddy flannel shirt, and being a slightly watered-down version of Ozzy in the challenge department. He also deftly strategized like a pro. In Malcolm’s most impressive play, he interjected a “hold up, bro” to his friend Reynold Toepfer before the latter played his idol—and convinced him that he needed the protection even more. What Malcolm failed to mention: He already had his own idol in his back pocket. A trusting Reynold handed it over, and a different ally paid the price. “Hold up, bro” lives on in Lego history.
15. Victory for “Operation: Italy” (Survivor 47, 2024)
Bravo to these Survivor players for pulling off a master class in manipulation. Stay with me: Genevieve Mushaluk is on the outs ever since she orchestrated Sol Yi’s departure. With no immunity to protect her, she needs help to stay in the game. She gets it when ally Sam Phalen wins the reward of Italian food, margaritas, and letters from home during an overnight stay at the Survivor Sanctuary. He picks Genevieve to join him. Great. He also chooses Andy Rueda, setting up the opportunity for the two to flip Andy to their side. In a plan dubbed “Operation: Italy,” they decide to craft a fake immunity idol to give to Genevieve in hopes of causing everyone back at camp to split their votes. This move would then return power back to the trio, enabling them to boot Caroline Vidmar. The elaborate scheme works to perfection. Pizza for everybody!
14. There’s a Tie! (Ghost Island, 2019)
Everybody knew a twist was afoot when Probst started reading the final votes right then and there at the last tribal council. Was the live reunion canceled? The Jet Skis burned in a fire along with Russell’s hat? Nope, it’s the first-ever deadlock. Third-place finisher Laurel Johnson is forced to choose between Domenick Abbate and Wendell Holland for the deciding vote. She chooses her pal Wendell.
13. They’re Baaaaaaaaack (Pearl Islands, 2003)
The tribe had already spoken and voted Burton Roberts, Lillian “Lil” Morris, et al. off the island. But 21 days in—in an episode titled “What the … ?”—the remaining players are gobsmacked when they see all the eliminated contestants walk back on the beach with new purple buffs. They’re called the Outcast tribe. Imagine if one of these rejectees had actually won it all! The scandal! Wait …
12. Zeke’s Game Changer (Game Changers, 2017)
This decision remains unconscionable on Jeff Varner’s part. Attempting to paint Zeke as untrustworthy, Varner outs him as being transgender without prior consent. (“Why haven’t you told anyone that you’re transgender?”) The fallout is swift, as the palpably outraged contestants immediately send Varner packing.
11. The Joe and Eva Bond (Survivor 48, 2025)
While this kinder, gentler iteration of Survivor may not suit everyone—especially those raised on the mustache-twirling style of gameplay—there’s no denying the new era has provided some genuinely touching moments. Exhibit A? The post-challenge hug between Joe Hunter and Eva Erickson. Once Joe notices that his friend-yet-tribe-rival is experiencing a distressing emotional episode in the aftermath of a loss, he asks Probst to approach and console her. (Eva had previously disclosed to him that she was autistic.) Probst is so moved by the compassionate support that he tears up on camera for the first time ever.
10. Rob Proposes to Amber (All-Stars, 2004)
As Boston Rob so eloquently put it early on, “Ambuh’s smokin’ hawt.” The two soon kissed and cuddled, despite the lack of toothpaste. This was no show-mance: Rob and Amber not only fell in love on that island in Panama, but they also made it to the finals. And in the finale, Amber—wearing an “I heart Rob” T-shirt—comes away with $1 million and (surprise!) a diamond engagement ring. Fifteen years, one wedding, and four daughters later, they competed together again on Winners at War. It didn’t go quite as well.
9. James’s Two Idols (China, 2007)
James Clement was a big guy with a hidden immunity idol in each pocket. He could have protected himself from elimination twice. He’s rolling. Brimming with confidence, James doesn’t feel the need to use either one of them. Then his tribemates blindside him. The idols make for lovely souvenirs.
8. Hatch Wins (Borneo, 2000)
If an episode of a broadcast TV series garners 10 million viewers in 2026—that’s you, Tracker!—it’s considered a legit hit. Now consider that 125 million people tuned in to see who’d be crowned the very first sole survivor. In a close 4-3 vote, the strategic villain Hatch bests physical threat Kelly and sets the template for many finals to come.
7. Parvati’s Double Play (Heroes vs. Villains, 2010)
To paraphrase Billy Joel, one Parvati Shallow can kill with a smile and wound with her eyes and can ruin your faith with her casual lies. The four-time player—and winner of the international Survivor: Australia vs. the World in 2025—can also devise one hell of a power play. Thanks to some cunning manipulation, she nabs two hidden immunity idols … including one from her frenemy Russell. That alone is worthy of respect. Her magnum opus is employing them both at the same tribal council so she can save fellow “villains” Jerri and eventual winner Sandra. Even they were shocked. The tribe is instantly strengthened, and J.T. goes home.
6. “It’s a Stick!” (Micronesia, 2008)
That’s what Eliza Orlins exclaims to Jason Siska as he presents her with what he believes is an immunity idol savior. Bless his heart, he doesn’t realize that his flesh-and-blood idol Ozzy crafted this faux idol—ahem, a primitive stick with a smiley face—during his downtime. Ha!
5. No Applebee’s for You! (Survivor 46, 2024)
Believe it: The biggest emotional outburst of the franchise’s numerical era revolved around eatin’ good in the neighborhood. You see, Liz Wilcox was totally starving because of her various food allergies. So when she learns that reward challenge winner Q Burdette can pick players to gorge on an array of Applebee’s offerings, she begs to be among the chosen. Liz even notes that she and her daughter love to dine out at the chain restaurant before watching the show as part of their “Wednesday night ritual.” Q snubs her anyway, prompting a legendary DEFCON 1 rant. (“Q, you almost blew up my whole game … I don’t even want to be around you!!!”) Liz recently revealed on a podcast that she auditioned to be the Applebee’s waitress for the same reward challenge on 50. Fingers crossed.
4. They Didn’t Start the Fire (Cook Islands, 2006)
Are you ready for some epic ineptitude? Then please sit on a tree stump at tribal council and behold Becky Lee and Sundra Oakley attempt to make fire. For 90 mind-boggling minutes, the two can’t light it up—even though they’re equipped with flint, kindling, coconut husk, and, as a pathetic last resort, a box of friggin’ matches!!! Becky finally wins, which earns her the right to sit next to Ozzy and Yul Kwon in the final three. She receives nary a winning vote.
3. No, Erik, Noooooooooo (Micronesia, 2008)
Ice cream scooper Erik Reichenbach was a fan among the favorites, the boy among the “Black Widow Brigade” of Parvati, Amanda Kimmel, Cirie, and Natalie Bolton. Exploiting these weaknesses, they encourage him to surrender the immunity necklace. But would he really comply? If you’ve read this far then you already know the answer. It’s the biggest blunder in the show’s history, but special kudos to the Black Widows for sitting at tribal council with poker faces as Natalie stoically puts the idol around her neck. Not one player unloads until it’s time to write Erik’s name on the parchment and place it in the urn in the voting booth. And viewers have the rare opportunity to see every single gleeful reaction. Says Parvati while casting her vote: “You officially go down as the dumbest Survivor ever. In the history of Survivor, ever.” He’s an incredible illustrator, though.
2. “She Died, Dude” (Pearl Islands, 2003)
“Jonny Fairplay,” né Jon Dalton, bestowed himself the perfect nickname—if only for the irony he displayed during his infamous family visit challenge. “How’s my grandma doing?” Fairplay asks his visiting friend Dan (nicknamed “Thunder D,” naturally). Upon being told of her death, he delivers an Oscar-worthy performance and is torn up by the news. Post-challenge, the two celebrate, and Fairplay reveals that the two had concocted the story beforehand to amp up the sympathy meter. The truth: She’s alive and well and “watching Jerry Springer right now.” And the premeditated lie worked! Brilliant! In fact, Ellen Jean Hauser didn’t pass until 2025 at age 90.
1. The Rat and the Snake (Borneo, 2000)
If you tuned in to the Survivor finale and predicted that Wisconsin trucker Susan Hawk would unleash a blistering monologue of Shakespearean proportions at the last tribal council, then you’re worthy of your own $1 million check. (Just be sure to declare it at tax time, unlike Hatch.) Until that point, the jury’s random assortment of questions and comments—Greg Buis asks Richard and Kelly to pick a number between 1 and 10; Rudy laments his mistake at the final challenge—was pure filler. Nobody would have buzzed about the scene 20 minutes after the show aired, let alone 20-plus years.
Last but not least is the mighty Sue, who stands up and delivers a three-minute-and-36-second speech from the gods. She brags about her own work ethic, and snipes to Kelly that she embarrassed herself on national TV. She compares Hatch to a snake who knowingly went after prey, and Kelly to a rat running from the snake. Here’s the triple exclamation point: “I feel like we owe it to the island’s spirits that we have learned to come to know to let it be in the end the way that Mother Nature intended it to be. For the snake to eat the rat.” Metaphorical mic drop.
Resentful grandstanding? Perhaps. But Sue showed that for all the game’s preconceived twists and turns, only the players themselves could generate titillating content and elicit impassioned fan debate. She fanned the flames so that others could subsequently light their torches. And in terms of pure OMG value, the moment will never be topped. Congrats, thank you, and happy anniversary, Sue. You still rule the jungle.
