With Survivor set to make a comeback in the UK after being off the air for 20 years (via Digital Spy), there will be plenty of US fans who will be prepared to inform them on why they shouldn’t give up on the show again for a second time. When it comes to Survivor, the show is full of drama, with the episodes having a lot of ups and downs (from iconic winners, tragic boot episodes to some stretches of seasons that were the best in the show’s history).
Given that the US version has had 42 seasons, many UK fans might want to take a look at some episodes that stand head and shoulders above the rest to see if they will like it. However, for those who are struggling to pinpoint exactly where to start, IMDB has recently provided a list of all of the best episodes of Survivor.
It All Boils Down to This (Winners at War)
The first era of Survivor came to a close with Winners at War – a competition the show had been building up to for 40 long seasons. The final episode of that season was sure to amaze, and it certainly did.
With Natalie Anderson returning to the game after weeks on the Edge, the last remaining outcasts competed for a spot in the Final Tribal Council. After a genuinely tragic exchange between Tony and Sophie during firemaking, the final three were set, and the outcasts enter Final Tribal, where Tony Vlachos became the official winner. It was an episode filled with heartbreak, suspense, and — above all else — a victory for the ages that earned an 8.9 rating on IMDB.
Banana Etiquette (Heroes vs. Villains)
Another 8.9 rating, in a season featuring some of the most notorious heroes and villains in Survivor, “Banana Etiquette” features fun social exchanges, as well as one of the best Tribal Councils of all time. After all, while the Heroes enjoyed a victory that let them have a hearty debate over the merits of proper etiquette with the tribe’s bananas, the Villains struggled against Russell’s alliance.
With Boston Rob’s plan to split the vote, all it took was a little trickery on Russell’s part to jumpstart one of the biggest twists in any season by convincing Tyson to vote himself out. It was an incredible display of social maneuvering that changed the course of the entire season.
I’m Not Here to Make Good Friends (Kaôh Rōng)
An episode featuring one of the most iconic blindsides in Survivor, “I’m Not Here to Make Good Friends” truly earned its 8.9 rating by masterfully displaying Tai’s betrayal of his alliance. Even after his alliance begged him, Tai elected not to use his super idol, sending Scot home.
It was one of the most genuinely surprising betrayals, especially given Tai’s kind-hearted nature. Scot certainly didn’t expect it, and the audience didn’t either, making it an extraordinarily memorable episode and an incredible Tribal Council.
Million Dollar Gamble (Millennials vs. Gen X)
Any episode that offers the players letters from home is immediately a touching one, and “Million Dollar Gamble” doesn’t just stop at being touching. With a Tribal Council that led to a tiebreaker ending in a rock draw at just Day 30, the episode earned its 8.9 rating for a reason.
The fact that the episode is two hours long only adds to the tension, but the real weight of the episode comes from the strong social games between the castaways, culminating in eventful Tribals that leave the audience on the edge of their seats. The most tragic moment of all comes from Jessica’s reaction at the end of the episode, which can move even the most stoic fans.
Zipping Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (Caramoan)
In a move that changed the way Survivor is played, the Cool Kids Alliance certainly managed to pull one over on Stealth R Us in one of the most exciting episodes. With two idols played on exactly the right people, and an immunity win at just the right moment, the Cool Kids managed to force Stealth R Us to vote out their leader at just the right time.
While it didn’t mean an eventual victory for any of the Cool Kids, it was an exciting episode and an utterly brilliant idol play that kept them in the game for another day. Sometimes, that’s all it takes, and it’s why the episode scored a 9.0 rating.
Head of the Snake (Cagayan)
For fans who enjoy social maneuvering, “Head of the Snake” offers one of the most impressive social strategies ever seen. It makes sense why it’s rated at a 9.0. With the Merge finally at hand, the tribes were excited about the feast and the chance to meet players from the other tribes.
But after Sarah’s poor performance in forming social bonds with Chaos Kass, Kass was debating flipping and eventually helped to blindside Sarah. It was an impressive feat of maneuvering that put Tony’s Alliance on top of the game for the rest of the Post-Merge, opening up what is undoubtedly one of the best end games in Survivor.
You Get What You Give (David vs. Goliath)
The episode that takes out the prototypical Goliath gave the Davids an opportunity to throw some stones. With the Goliaths expecting to send out the massive target of Christian in a blindside, they were instead met with a blindside that would shake the core of the season.
With two idols played — and wisely so — that Tribal Council was incredible, and fans were hungry for more. John’s downfall was a complete surprise to both viewers and players, and it’s one of the reasons this was another 9.0 episode.
Lie, Cheat, and Steal (Cambodia)
The finale of Survivor: Cambodia was always going to fascinate fans, but at three hours long, it still somehow managed to captivate and impress. The episode more than earned its 9.1 rating, given its social drama at camp, well-designed immunity challenges, and touching Final Tribal Council.
But more than anything, the episode impresses by crowning one of the best castaways of all time as the Sole Survivor. Jeremy’s brilliant play at Final Tribal touched the Jury and the fans and ended up winning him a million dollars. That move, and the fact that he kept the knowledge secret for 39 days, was brilliant. It’s part of why fans love Jeremy so much.
You Call, We’ll Haul (Cambodia)
One of the most stunning Tribal Councils saw Kelley Wentworth survive a nine-vote barrage by the majority simply through one key and brilliant idol play. While the majority sat in shock, leaving Jeremy to put his head in his hands, Wentworth managed to orchestrate Andrew’s boot to the shock of the cast and the Jury.
Few things can top an idol play that impressive, and it’s a move the entire episode hinges on. After all, with a play like that, what else could fans want? It’s a major reason the episode earned its 9.2 rating.
Like Selling Your Soul to the Devil/My Wheels Are Spinning (Cambodia)
Yet another Cambodia episode, the combined two-hour episode saw an incredible shakeup in the game. With the Tribe having earned a better shelter, the castaways were in good spirits after finally getting out of the Cambodia rains. But, when Stephen is nearly voted out, a brilliant idol play by Jeremy keeps him in the game and sends Ciera packing.
Still, it isn’t enough to save Stephen, as he’s sent home at the next tribal. It’s a rollercoaster of an episode that sees Jeremy make an ally for life that he immediately loses. Still, those combined moves earned the episode its highest ever IMDB rating at an unprecedented 9.3.
