The “Survivor” 49 premiere wasted no time in shaking up the game. In Fiji’s sweltering heat, the castaways battled through their first challenge, formed tentative alliances, and marched into their opening Tribal Council—where one player’s torch was snuffed, becoming the first to leave the game. With host Jeff Probst guiding the action, “Survivor” 49 proved from the very start that every second counts.
CBS“Act One of a Horror Film” Pictured (L-R): Jawann Pitts and Rizo Velovic. Photo: Robert Voets/CBS ©2025 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Results of the First Tribal Council
During the immunity challenge, all three tribes compete for safety from tonight’s tribal council. Only one will be sent to elimination. Hina and Ali win immunity while Kele is sent to tribal council tonight. One of the members of Kele will be going home tonight.
The men of Kele tribe are targeting Nicole. While others are pointing fingers toward Annie. The votes follow suite and the first player voted out at Tribal Council becomes Nicole.
If I was Nicole and I am first boot and my two highlights of the only episode I’m in is me spitting in someone’s face and projectile vomiting…. I would sue #survivor49
To to be updated with Tribal Council Results.
New Tribes, New Faces, & Unexpected Twists
The season opened with the introduction of three tribes: Kele, Hina, and Uli. The 18 new contestants arrived by boat, each carrying ambition, strategies, and a lifetime of stories. Among them: Kimberly “Annie” Davis, a musician-entrepreneur from Austin; Alex Moore, a political communications director from Evanston, Illinois; Nate Moore, a former Marvel Studios executive; and many others with unique backgrounds.
CBS“Act One of a Horror Film” – 18 strangers are abandoned on the islands of Fiji with the chance to win $1 million. Tribes must claim victory in the grueling marooning challenge to earn essential camp supplies. Then castaways are chosen to face off with a huge reward on the line, on the two-hour season premiere of SURVIVOR, Wednesday, Sept. 24 (8:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network, and streaming on Paramount+ (live and on-demand for Paramount+ Premium plan subscribers, or on-demand for Paramount+ Essential subscribers the day after the episode airs)*. Jeff Probst serves as host and executive producer. Pictured (L-R): HINA, ULI, and KELE Tribes with Jeff Probst. Photo: Robert Voets/CBS ©2025 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Long before the first torch was extinguished, the premiere revealed a behind-the-scenes shake-up: two original castaways violated pre-game rules and were removed, forcing the producers to bring in two alternates—Jason Treul and Michelle “MC” Chukwujekwu—just 12 hours before filming. This unprecedented move added extra intrigue to the early dynamics. The alternates entered with fresh eyes and fewer expectations, though not necessarily fewer risks.
12 hours ago, they weren’t on the #Survivor49 cast.
Then, they become two of the biggest MVPs of their tribe to win the first challenge of the season.
To call it whiplash would be an understatement
Once tribes were settled, producers dropped a punishing marooning challenge: castaways raced to secure essential supplies and establish camp dominance. From there they battled for reward advantages, sowed seeds of trust (and doubt), and jockeyed for position ahead of the first Tribal Council. Tensions simmered in the humidity, and alliances began whispering.
CBS“Act One of a Horror Film” – 18 strangers are abandoned on the islands of Fiji with the chance to win $1 million. Tribes must claim victory in the grueling marooning challenge to earn essential camp supplies. Then castaways are chosen to face off with a huge reward on the line, on the two-hour season premiere of SURVIVOR, Wednesday, Sept. 24 (8:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network, and streaming on Paramount+ (live and on-demand for Paramount+ Premium plan subscribers, or on-demand for Paramount+ Essential subscribers the day after the episode airs)*. Jeff Probst serves as host and executive producer. Pictured (L-R): Jason Treul, Sophie Segreti, and Kristina Mills. Photo: Robert Voets/CBS ©2025 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Two ‘Survivor 49’ Castaways Already Return for ‘Survivor 50’
“Survivor” 49 carries an added layer of anticipation because it serves as the final season before the franchise’s landmark 50th installment. Fans and producers alike recognize that the buildup to “Survivor” 50 will bring heightened expectations, major twists, and a celebration of the show’s legacy. With that in mind, every move in season 49 feels magnified, as players not only fight for the title of Sole Survivor but also set the stage for what promises to be one of the biggest chapters in the series’ history.
🚨| Rizgod Stuns next to Boston Rob at seemingly the new survivor cafe. Is this teasing his new legend status? #Survivor49
Adding to the buzz, two castaways—Rizo “Riz God” Velovic and Savannah Louie—are already confirmed to return for season 50, making their performances this year even more closely watched.
Related