The well-known reality competition show Survivor is back for its 48th season with a fresh group of contestants ready to compete. As the series approaches its milestone 50th season anticipation is growing for what the new season will bring. Season 48 will feature 18 new individuals from diverse backgrounds all competing for the grand prize of $1 million. They will face challenges of limited food harsh weather conditions and complex social dynamics.
Season 47 concluded in December leaving fans with memorable moments like the Rome vote Rachel's win and Operation Italy. Now viewers are eager to see what Season 48 has in store. Here is a guide to everything you should know about the upcoming season including when to watch where to stream and who will be competing.
When to Watch Survivor Season 48 Premiere: The Get to Know You Game
Survivor Season 48 is set to premiere on Wednesday February 26 at 8 PM ET. The first episode of the season is titled "The Get to Know You Game" promising an immediate dive into contestant interactions and initial strategies.
How to Watch Survivor Season 48 on TV and Streaming
For viewers planning to watch the premiere live Survivor Season 48 will air on CBS on Wednesday February 26 at 8 PM ET. Streaming options are also available for cord-cutters and on-demand viewers. Paramount+ subscribers with the Showtime plan can stream the episode live. For those with any Paramount+ plan episodes will be available to stream the day after they air.
For fans wanting to catch up on past seasons all previous 47 seasons of Survivor are currently available for streaming on Paramount+.
Filming Location for Survivor Season 48: Fiji Islands
Survivor has become known for its exotic filming locations. While earlier seasons took place in various remote spots around the globe such as the Pearl Islands the Philippines and Guatemala the show has returned to a consistent location in recent years. For the past 15 seasons Survivor has been filmed in the Mamanuca Islands in Fiji. Season 48 continues this trend utilizing the beautiful landscapes of Fiji as the backdrop for the competition.
Host of Survivor Season 48: Jeff Probst Returns
Jeff Probst is returning as the host for Survivor Season 48. Probst has been the face of the show since its beginning in 2000 and has hosted all 48 seasons. Beyond hosting he also serves as an executive producer for the show further cementing his integral role in Survivor's production and direction.
Recap of Survivor Season 47 Winner: Rachel Lamont
Before diving into Season 48 it is worth remembering the winner of Season 47. Rachel Lamont a 34-year-old graphic designer from Southfield Michigan was named the Sole Survivor in a 7-1-0 vote. Originally from the Gata tribe Lamont achieved a notable feat by becoming the fifth woman to win four individual Immunity Challenges in a single season.
Meet the Cast of Survivor Season 48: 18 New Castaways
Season 48 will introduce 18 new cast members who will compete against each other in Fiji. Among these contestants are two individuals with ties to New England. Justin Pioppi from Winthrop Massachusetts is a manager at a family pizzeria. Eva Erickson originally from Minnesota but currently residing in Providence Rhode Island is pursuing a PhD at Brown University. Fans from New England may find extra reason to root for Pioppi and Erickson this season.
Fan Expectations for Survivor Season 48: Auction Drama and Big Personalities
As Survivor enters its 48th season fan expectations are high. Following the well-received Season 47 viewers have expressed hopes for certain elements to return and for new twists to keep the game exciting.
One popular request from fans is the return of the Survivor Auction. This twist which was absent for several seasons made a comeback in Season 45 and appeared again in Season 47. Fans enjoy the Auction as a lighter more humorous segment within the intense strategic gameplay. While host Jeff Probst mentioned resource constraints for Season 46's auction its reappearance in Season 47 has fueled hopes for it to be a recurring part of the show. Many viewers find it entertaining to watch contestants bid for food and items often with comical results.
Another element fans are eager to see is the emergence of strong personalities and strategic gameplay. Some viewers have felt that recent seasons have been too focused on earnest stories with players being overly cautious. The messy unpredictable games of players like Rome Cooney and Andy Rueda from Season 47 were greatly appreciated. Fans are hoping for more drama blindsides and bold moves from the Season 48 cast. A desire for strategic alliances especially successful women's alliances is also present among the fanbase. The Black Widow Brigade from Survivor: Micronesia remains a benchmark for powerful female alliances and viewers are interested in seeing if Season 48 can deliver similar dynamics.
Lastly some fans jokingly express a wish to see host Jeff Probst display his more intense side. In earlier seasons Probst was known for his strong reactions and confrontations with contestants. While he has become calmer over time some viewers miss his fiery engagement in the game's drama. Though perhaps less likely in recent seasons there is a nostalgic appreciation for moments when Probst gets visibly involved and vocal.
Our Take on Survivor Season 48: New Cast and Classic Challenges
Survivor Season 48 appears poised to be another engaging chapter in the long-running reality series. With 18 new castaways a return to Fiji and Jeff Probst at the helm the show has a solid foundation. The premiere episode title "The Get to Know You Game" suggests a focus on early social dynamics and first impressions which are crucial in Survivor. Fan hopes for the return of the Auction and for dramatic gameplay indicate a desire for both entertainment and strategic depth. Whether Season 48 will deliver on these expectations remains to be seen but the stage is set for another season of outwit outplay and outlast.