Every Survivor Season Ranked from Worst to Best

I would guess about 1% (or less) of the world’s population has seen every single second of every single episode of Survivor US. I am in that 1%. “But Jake, who cares? We’ve all binged TV shows before. What makes you so special?” There are 46 seasons, with the 47^th season airing currently. Each season contains 13-15 episodes at 43ish minutes per episode, and after doing some simple math, that is about 19 full days and 4 hours of binge-watching Jeff Probst run the best reality show to ever exist.

This is my first official “rankings” list that has gone public to the many readers I hope find the motivation to share in my obsession with Survivor. If you know me, I love to rank, and I plan to have many more series like this one moving forward. For those that have watched Survivor in the past, great, you know exactly what to expect and will know exactly what I’m talking about in each of these synopses. For those who haven’t seen an episode in their lifetime, at a glimpse, Survivor is a reality game show competition where 16-20 contestants are “marooned” on an island, live in the elements, participate in reward and immunity challenges to avoid going to tribal council where you have to vote out members of your own tribe. The overall goal is to try to make it to the end where one “Sole Survival” is voted on by the Jury of people who also participated in the season, and the reward is $1,000,000.

I’ve applied to be on the show 7 times and attended an in-person casting call in Minneapolis. I’ve failed to get on the show thus far, but that’s what dreams are for, right? Therefore, you know I am a credible source when it comes to these rankings as a Superfan. We are in the middle of the 47^th season of Survivor as it stands, so I will keep this list updated at the conclusion of this season and future seasons. So, without further ado, let’s get into each Survivor season ranked from worst to best (no spoilers in case any of you wish to partake in this journey).

46. Survivor: Nicaragua (Season 21 – 2010)

Man oh man, Survivor: Nicaragua is by far my least favorite season, but it was already dealt a poor hand because it had to follow arguably one of the best seasons Survivor has ever seen. Season 21 started off poorly by separating the two tribes by age, and while the “Medallion of Power” was supposed to balance the advantage of the younger tribe, that dumb twist flopped and wasn’t seen again.

The cast felt unmemorable, with many players lacking the depth and charisma that typically make the game exciting. Additionally, the final Tribal Council felt anti-climactic, as the winner’s gameplay didn’t resonate with me whatsoever, making it hard to root for this person whose victory felt more about the other players’ mistakes than their own standout moves.

45. Survivor: Island of the Idols (Season 39 – 2019)

Survivor: Island of the Idols was a tough one to rank because yes, it was such a poor season, but there were a few interesting things that kept it from being my least favorite season. Two former Survivors were “mentors” for contestants who got sent to the Island of the Idols, which felt more distracting than beneficial. We also saw our first contestant ejection which was both disturbing and entertaining.

The pacing was uneven, with several episodes dragging on and key moments overshadowed by the presence of the mentors. While there were some interesting characters, many felt underdeveloped, leading to a lack of investment in their journeys. Ultimately, the season finished in a victory for a winner whose win felt somewhat unearned compared to the more strategic gameplay from others in the final four.

44. Survivor: Thailand (Season 5 – 2002)

Survivor: Thailand sits as my third least favorite season largely due to the negative dynamics among the cast, with many players prioritizing personal grudges over strategic gameplay. This led to one REALLY funny moment, but overall, just distracting from the game.

The overall pacing felt uneven, and several episodes dragged on without delivering significant developments. However, the season did provide some entertaining challenges and moments of extreme tension. Ultimately, the winner really stood out to me as their strategic gameplay and ability to manipulate the game were incredibly impressive, making this person the highlight of an otherwise lackluster season and my favorite winner through the first 5 seasons.

43. Survivor: Vanuatu (Season 9 – 2004)

While Survivor: Vanuatu ranks low at 43 on my list, the intro clip introducing the players is fantastic and memorable. The season starts by dividing the tribes by gender, and while Survivor: Amazon was successful in doing this the first time, Vanuatu had an overwhelming focus on gender dynamics, which often overshadowed the gameplay and strategic moves.

The cast felt uneven this time as well, with some players lacking depth and others dominating the narrative without much challenge. While there were a few memorable moments, like the fierce competition between the tribes, they were often eclipsed by the drama. Ultimately, the winner was the only standout of the season; after a horrible start in the early days on the island, this player’s resurgence in the final episodes added a layer of intrigue that helped redeem the season in some capacity.

42. Survivor: Fiji (Season 14 – 2007)

Talk about a mediocre season, Survivor: Fiji had a lot of things going for it, but the gameplay was horrendous. The first half of the season was horrible, and the cast was boring minus a few interesting characters. A major alliance was dismantled, and nothing else really happened until the last few episodes, where one of the biggest and most infamous betrayals occurred. That moment still lives on today.

The winner was the standout of this boring season once again, as they were an alternate before the season and called the day before the contestants set sail for Fiji. They never watched one episode of Survivor before going on, and this player was the first ever unanimous winner in Survivor History. The winner’s journey from the first episode to the last makes the season a worthwhile watch.

41. Survivor: South Pacific (Season 23 – 2011)

Season 23, Survivor: South Pacific, ranks as my 41st favorite mainly due to its frustrating elements, like the presence of religious themes that overshadowed some of the gameplay. This is the second season where Survivor experimented in bringing back two memorable players from past seasons to lead the two tribes; a fun idea, but the two brought back this season were meh.

South Pacific often felt predictable and repetitive. However, the ultimate winner emerged as an underrated player who showcased strategic depth, adding a redeeming quality to an otherwise uneven season. Overall, it had its entertaining moments, but the negatives kept it from climbing higher on my list.

40. Survivor 42 (Season 42 – 2022)

Survivor 42 ranks as my 40th favorite primarily due to its overall disappointment, especially as the second season after COVID where there was still some excitement. While there were some decent personalities on the cast, many of the strategic moves felt underwhelming, leading to a predictable outcome. There really hadn’t been any dominant strategic players up to this point in the New Era of Survivor, and there definitely was not one in this season.

Ultimately, the winner seemed to secure their victory by default, as no one (in my opinion) played a good enough game to secure the title of Sole Survivor. Despite some exciting moments, the season fell flat, leaving me wanting more from both the gameplay and the final results.

39. Survivor: Guatemala (Season 11 – 2005)

Overall, Survivor: Guatemala, I thought, was a pretty good season with two returnees from the season before being the spotlights. There was solid gameplay, a good cast, and this was the first ever season with the Immunity Idol (which is played at tribal council to protect yourself against votes). However, to me, there was just something missing. The execution and development of the season really never reached its full potential.

While the winner was the right choice in my opinion, the path to victory lacked the drama and intensity you enjoy in a great season. Ultimately, it feels like the season had the chance to be great but didn’t fully deliver.

38. Survivor: Heroes vs Healers vs Hustlers (Season 35 – 2017)

Survivor: Heroes vs. Healers vs. Hustlers sits at 38th on my list mainly because, while the cast was decent and had some intriguing dynamics, how the season played out felt average overall. The introduction of the “super idol” added some excitement but didn’t significantly elevate the gameplay for any particular player.

I think the jury made a mistake in their final vote, as the winner’s gameplay didn’t seem deserving compared to the runner-up. Despite having its moments, the season lacked the memorable highlights that would have pushed it higher on my list.

37. Survivor 43 (Season 43 – 2022)

Another disappointing season in the New Era of Survivor is Survivor 43. Two New Era seasons fall in my bottom 10 seasons – and for good reason. It was a disappointing cast and bad gameplay with the exception of two players, neither of whom made the final 3. After the merge, there were some really good episodes, but pre-merge, as well as the final few episodes, drug on big time.

The winner didn’t deserve it, but neither did the other finalists honestly, so an anti-climactic finish to an anti-climactic season felt right for Survivor 43.

36. Survivor: Gabon (Season 17 – 2008)

Survivor: Gabon holds a spot as my 36th favorite season mostly because of an entertaining cast and unpredictable dynamics. Holy smokes, Gabon was chaotic, which was incredibly entertaining, but while the season featured memorable characters, the overall lack of strategic gameplay kept it from climbing higher on my list.

The season started off strong and fun with the oldest male and female getting to draft their tribes, and there were a bunch of really fun conversations/alliances/interactions throughout the season. There was also an insanely cold lash-out from one of the jurors toward one of the finalists that left everyone reeling, including Jeff Probst. Ultimately, the winner’s path to victory felt more about luck and timing than strong gameplay, which somewhat diminished the season’s overall impact on me.

35. Survivor: One World (Season 24 – 2012)

Another season featuring the “Battle of the Sexes”, Survivor: One World started off with two tribes, male and female, but as the title says, the intriguing premise of having both tribes live on the same beach set the stage for some interesting social dynamics. However, the overall gameplay felt lackluster, with many players failing to make bold moves, which was a big letdown for me.

This season features one of the most dominant performances Survivor has ever seen, as the winner masterfully controlled the game socially and physically, and ultimately secured the victory, but the strategic prowess executed showed just how uninspiring the rest of the cast was. The lack of compelling rivalries and strategic gameplay led to a pretty boring season. The overall experience felt more like a missed opportunity than a true competition, but the winner alone makes One World a valuable watch.

34. Survivor: Africa (Season 3 – 2001)

Man was Survivor: Africa a tough season to watch. Survivor in general was on the rise at this time after Borneo and Australia, but Africa marked a dip in momentum after the initial excitement of the first two seasons. While the cast was entertaining and had some fun moments, the harsh living conditions made it difficult for players to strategize effectively. They were drinking water out of a well that had elephant poop in it, and there were lions prowling outside of their camp every single night. This led to a very slow-paced game. Many contestants struggled just to meet basic needs, leading to low energy and a focus on survival rather than gameplay.

In my opinion, there was one standout player who eventually returned for another season, showing strong social and strategic skills, and forming solid alliances. But the winner, also later a returning player, earned the title by being incredibly likable. Ultimately, the season’s lack of strategic depth and the overwhelming focus on the survival aspect left it in the bottom half of my favorites.

33. Survivor: Marquesas (Season 4 – 2002)

Following Africa, Survivor: Marquesas ranks 33^rd on my list. This season was definitely an improvement after the struggles of Africa, but still fell short of greatness in my opinion. The cast was decent, featuring memorable players like Boston Rob (his first season ever), one of the best Survivors of all time, who made a significant impact with his strategic gameplay. His true potential wouldn’t be realized until later seasons, however.

A strong alliance emerged but was upended, leading to a predictable conclusion; the final few episodes felt decently uneventful. While the winner played a solid game, I felt the true star of the season was the third-place finisher, who showcased superior strategic skills and a stronger overall gameplay. I’m bummed they couldn’t make the final two. Despite a fun setting and some engaging moments, the season lacked the intensity and excitement that would propel it higher on my list.

32. Survivor 46 (Season 46 – 2024)

Survivor 46 ranks as my 32^nd favorite season, offering an enjoyable experience but ultimately feeling a bit underwhelming. The “New Era” of Survivor to me has been disappointing in general, and they all will struggle to make it in my top ten seasons. Survivor keeps things entertaining and fun with all of the new twists and turns, but the casting since COVID has just been atrocious.

The final three contestants were a fun mix, showcasing diverse strategies and strong personalities. I personally think the jury made the wrong choice in crowning the winner, but the top two finishers had their merits and deserved the title of Sole Survivor. While there were plenty of entertaining dynamics and alliances throughout, something just felt missing in terms of strategic depth and intensity. Overall, it was a solid season with its highs and lows, but it didn’t quite resonate as strongly as I had hoped.

31. Survivor: Redemption Island (Season 22 – 2011)

Another season with the two returning players leading their tribes, Survivor: Redemption Island had its potential. The two returners are two of my favorites, but this is the first season where I truly questioned production’s involvement in determining the outcome of the game.

The introduction of Redemption Island, where players could compete for a chance to return to the game after being voted off, was a bold twist that added entertainment. On the downside, it sometimes felt like a way to manipulate the game narrative rather than allow for organic developments. The season culminated in the winner’s strategic mastery, as they outwitted their competitors to secure the victory. There was no one else deserving of winning as it was a truly dominant performance. Despite these issues, the engaging gameplay and memorable moments made it a season I still appreciate.

30. Survivor: Ghost Island (Season 36 – 2018)

Survivor: Ghost Island sits at 30 on my list. It had the potential to be higher, but something was missing for me. The cast was incredible, and the personalities were super fun, but the Ghost Island twist and last few episodes keep it at 30 for me. There was a dominant strategic duo that was awesome to watch who showcased impressive moves throughout the game. Despite the high level of competition, something about the season didn’t resonate fully with me.

The Ghost Island twist, where players had the chance to relive past mistakes from previous seasons, felt gimmicky at times and detracted from the authenticity of the gameplay. While the concept was intriguing, I found it didn’t consistently enhance the season’s dynamics. There was a split vote between the jury, and when that happened, the 3^rd finalist who didn’t receive votes got to choose the winner of the entire season. I felt this finalist picked the wrong winner, and the runner-up to me played the better game.

29. Survivor: Game Changers (Season 34 – 2017)

Survivor: Game Changers is an all-returner season, where the players selected from previous seasons showcased gameplay worth another opportunity at Survivor. The cast was vibrant and full of memorable personalities, leading to some exciting gameplay, especially early on. However, the early exits of some big players left a void, diminishing the season’s overall competitive edge.

While I appreciated the strategic gameplay and dominance of the eventual winner, their personality didn’t resonate with me, which affected my overall enjoyment of the season. Their adept manipulation and social game earned them the title, but the win felt somewhat hollow with my mixed feelings about this character. Despite these reservations, the blend of high-stakes moves and entertaining cast members kept me engaged throughout the season, even if it didn’t reach the top of your list. Ultimately, Game Changers delivered some great moments, but a certain something kept it from being a favorite.

28. Survivor: Caramoan (Season 26 – 2013)

Survivor’s second attempt at Fans vs. Favorites was a good one, as Survivor: Caramoan ranks 28th on my list. The first FvF was a much better season, but this one was still fun. Caramoan features a compelling group of returners, which added layers of complexity to the gameplay. The Caramoan Islands were beautiful, leading to a visually stunning season. There was one situation that will live on in infamy between two returners. It was super uncomfortable but also super comedic at the same time.

This season is mid-tier for me because there were moments where the cast/gameplay felt a bit uneven, with some players not contributing the way I’d hoped. But the winner was incredible. I was kind of shocked they were brought back, but this person had such a dominant performance and was the true mastermind of the game. Ultimately, this season was satisfying with a mix of highs and lows, and with familiar faces and the winner’s path to victory making this season worth watching.

27. Survivor: San Juan del Sur (Season 29 – 2014)

Survivor: San Juan del Sur ranks as my 27^th favorite season, built around the engaging “Blood vs. Water” theme, where players teamed up with their loved ones. Unlike the first Blood vs. Water season, San Juan del Sur is made up of all first-time players. This led to a mix of strategic and emotional gameplay between players we haven’t seen before. One of my favorite Survivor players came out of this season, even though they didn’t win this one.

The Redemption Island mechanic was in play during this season, which allowed eliminated players a chance to return. The eventual winner demonstrated excellent gameplay and social strategy, effectively maneuvering through the challenges and alliances to secure the victory. Overall, while San Juan del Sur offered entertaining moments and a strong winner, its predictability and lack of standout drama kept it comfortably in my mid-tier rankings.

26. Survivor: All Stars (Season 8 – 2004)

We are getting close to halfway through my rankings, and this is getting more and more difficult to rank. Nonetheless Survivor: All Stars lands at my 26th favorite season mainly because, while it started with a bang, the second half was a bit of a letdown. The concept of the first-ever returnee season was exciting, and the cast was filled with big personalities and past fan favorites, making the early episodes thrilling. It was so cool to see the best and most memorable players in seasons 1-7 on this season. However, many of my favorite players were eliminated far too early, which left me less invested as the season went on.

The final stretch of the game felt predictable and somewhat lackluster, especially when the true standout player, who played the best strategic game, was sabotaged by a bitter jury. This led to a winner who, while deserving in some ways, didn’t leave as much of an impact on me. There was however a moment in the Survivor Reunion that still lives on today. All in all, All Stars had a lot of potential but ultimately felt like it could have delivered more in the end – there are many more returner seasons higher on my list.

25. Survivor 41 (2021)

Survivor 41 was arguably the most anticipated and hyped-up season that Survivor has ever seen, minus maybe Heroes vs. Villains or Winners at War. Following COVID-19, it still somewhat lived up to the hype. The cast was decent, but there were no true standout players who really captivated me throughout the game, aside from maybe one or two players. The biggest issue was how Survivor changed post-COVID, with production introducing several twists that felt more like distractions than game-enhancers. The introduction of the “hourglass” twist in theory was cool, but overall felt especially forced and just didn’t sit well with me.

The season also leaned too heavily into these new advantages like the “Protection Island” and “Knowledge is Power” advantage, which I felt detracted from the classic strategic gameplay. As for the winner, they were a solid choice, but the gameplay didn’t leave me with a lasting impression compared to other more dynamic winners, making the season feel a bit middle-of-the-road overall.

24. Survivor: The Australian Outback (Season 2 – 2001)

Survivor: The Australian Outback sits at almost exactly in the middle of my rankings. For an old-school season, this was super fun and in an incredible setting. While it had these memorable aspects, it lacked the strategic depth that makes later seasons stand out. The early days of Survivor were more focused on physical challenges and alliances that were often more about social connections than deep strategy.

That said, the season was still highly entertaining, with some standout moments like the emergence of the first-ever TRUE challenge beast and the shocking first-ever evacuation of a player that added an unexpected twist. The challenges were also a highlight, with the Outback providing a beautiful backdrop for some of the most grueling and fun competitions in the show’s history. As for the winner, while often overshadowed by the challenge beast’s dominance of screen time, played a quiet yet strategic game and is highly underrated for their ability to form strong social bonds and outlast the competition.

23. Survivor: Edge of Extinction (Season 38 – 2019)

Survivor: Edge of Extinction ranks 23rd on my list because, while there were some really great moments and a standout player that I loved, the twist ultimately took away from the season’s overall impact. The twist of the season (The Edge) allowed players who were voted out to stay in the game on a separate island, where they could potentially return later, which became a major focal point all the way through. While this added some intrigue, it also diluted the stakes of the game. The return of players, like the eventual winner, ultimately overshadowed the hard-earned efforts of those who had been playing the game all season.

My favorite player was a true star and the player I was rooting for, who was a strategic mastermind, social butterfly, and Survivor legend, but the twist allowed a player to come back and ultimately win, defeating my favorite player in the process. I do respect the winner for playing the hand they were dealt and making the most of the second chance, but the twist and late-game dominance made the win feel less earned for me.

22. Survivor: Panama (Season 12 – 2006)

Survivor: Panama sits at 22^nd on my list. Survivor was really finding itself when Panama rolled around, and it ranks in my top half because of a fun cast, great gameplay, a challenge beast, and the first season for a player that falls on my Survivor “Mount Rushmore”. While it had a great cast and some compelling storylines, the winner didn’t feel like the natural conclusion to the season’s drama. The challenge beast’s dominance was one of the season’s highlights, and this person’s rise as a sort of villain made for some great moments of tension. The “Mount Rushmore” player’s underdog story was equally engaging, as they navigated from being an outsider to a key player, ultimately becoming one of the most iconic players in Survivor history.

The winner was relatively invisible for much of the season, overshadowed by the more dominant personalities and storylines. By the time the winner made it to the end, it felt a bit forced and less earned, and the victory didn’t feel as satisfying as the journeys of the other players. Overall, the season was very solid, but the winner didn’t leave a lasting impact, which keeps it in the mid-tier part of my rankings.

21. Survivor: One World (Season 30 – 2015)

Survivor: One World is ranked 21st on my list. To me, this is a highly underrated season as the general Survivor world doesn’t love this one. Despite an average cast, it offers some fun and intense gameplay moments. The winner is an incredibly underrated player who comes from behind to win after being nearly out of the game multiple times. The winner dominates the final stretch of the season with a few immunity wins and a well-timed idol play, which is one of the most satisfying underdog stories in Survivor history.

The season starts off with a three-tribe division and starts off divided into the “No Collar,” “Blue Collar,” and “White Collar” tribes, which creates interesting social dynamics based on class and background. The intro theme is iconic. Those who know me know that I LOVE the intro for each episode, and this one stands out. While the cast isn’t the strongest, the season offers a compelling narrative that builds around the winner’s journey to victory.

20. Survivor 45 (2023)

Another “New Era” season, Survivor 45 is my 20^th favorite season. This is my favorite “New Era” season so far, and for good reason. The cast was fun and filled with strategic players. Casting did a great job selecting these players compared to the other “New Era” seasons. The gameplay was solid, and the season was engaging all the way through.

I still don’t love the “New Era” twists, like the beware advantage, and cages that players must solve to find immunity idols. But the dynamics of the season were still very strong. The final tribal council is intense, with the winner’s gameplay earning them a well-deserved win over the more dominant competition. Each finalist was deserving of the win in my opinion. The season showcases how Survivor can thrive in the new era while keeping the core elements of social, strategic, and physical gameplay intact.

19. Survivor: Borneo (Season 1 – 2000)

Well, well, well, Borneo finally makes an appearance on my list. The first season in the show’s history, Survivor: Borneo sits at 19th on my overall rankings. While it has its question marks and some rough edges, it remains one of the most iconic seasons in Survivor history. The cast is filled with unique characters, and the season’s drama and strategy is fascinating to watch, especially given that it was the first time audiences were introduced to the game. I say “strategy,” but there really isn’t any strategy in the early seasons of Survivor, just alliances.

The winner revolutionized Survivor by playing the game in a way that had rarely been seen in reality television—using strategic alliances and the power of manipulation to control the game from the shadows. At the time, many fans wanted the runner-up to win. In hindsight, the winner set the blueprint for future winners. The season is full of iconic and infamous moments. It’s clear that the winner’s gameplay set the foundation for how the game would be played for generations to come.

18. Survivor: Palau (Season 10 – 2005)

Survivor: Palau is my 18th favorite season because, while it had some great moments, it ultimately felt like a one-man show. The challenges were exciting, and the season had some memorable events, but the standout feature was the pure domination of the winner. They played an incredibly strong game both physically and strategically, controlling the dynamics of their tribe from the start all the way through the end. Their dominance was so clear that there wasn’t much opportunity for others to make moves or develop significant strategies.

The final episode featured a thrilling last challenge, which went down as one of the longest in Survivor history, and the tension in the finale was wild. While the winner’s victory was well-deserved and is often considered one of the best ever, the lack of a more competitive cast and strategic gameplay from others prevented Palau from moving up higher.

17. Survivor: Millennials vs. Gen X (Season 33 – 2016)

Survivor: Millennials vs. Gen X ranks 17th on my list because it was a super entertaining season with a great mix of strategy, character development, and an amazing cast. The twist of the season—having the Millennials and Gen Xers face off against each other—created interesting generational tensions and alliances.

While the winner was deserving and played a solid, heartfelt game, my favorite player was a strategic mastermind who controlled much of the gameplay. But unfortunately, they didn’t make it to the end, which was a bit disappointing given their brilliant maneuvering. A great season all around means it is a must watch for any Survivor fans out there.

Come Back Next Week to See Cinephile Corner’s Next 10 Choices in its Ranking of Survivor Seasons from Worst to Best