The questions I’m asked the most are, “what is the worst season of Survivor” and “what is the best season of Survivor?” And while the top tier and bottom tier seasons are usually fairly similar across the board, I personally have a different viewpoint overall than the majority when it comes to what makes a Survivor season a “worthy” season.
But the fans have spoken and based on nearly 150k IMDB episode ratings, below is the “definitive” list of Survivor seasons ranked from best to worst, with fan rating scores.
Like I said, I don’t necessarily agree with this list—a few of my favorites are actually at the very bottom…—but this is based on the general majority of fans, not just my personal preferences.
The Sole Survivor Tier (Top 1-10)
This is the gold standard of Survivor. These seasons represent the best of the best of the series—gameplay, editing, players, everything!—that completely made the game what it is today. These are the masterclass seasons that are at the top of rewatch lists for fans.
1. Survivor: Cambodia (season 31) - 8.40
2. Survivor: Winners at War (season 40) - 8.36
3. Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains (season 20) - 8.32
4. Survivor: Pearl Islands (season 7) - 8.27
5. Survivor: Cagayan (season 28) - 8.10
6. Survivor: David vs. Goliath (season 37) - 8.06
7. Survivor 47 - 7.96
8. Survivor: Palau (season 10) - 7.93
9. Survivor: Micronesia (season 16) - 7.90
10. Survivor: Game Changers (season 34) - 7.88
The Hidden Immunity Idol Tier (Top 11-20)
An elite collection of seasons with players and moves that left us on the edge of our seats even if the season as a whole had a couple of minor flaws. They are all anchored by phenomenal casts and lead with compelling stories, showcasing the brutal reality of the game alongside evolutionary strategy.
11. Survivor: Millennials vs. Gen X (season 33) - 7.84
12. Survivor: Philippines (season 25) - 7.79
13. Survivor: Worlds Apart (season 30) - 7.76
14. Survivor: The Amazon (season 6) - 7.75
15. Survivor: Edge of Extinction (season 38) - 7.74
16. Survivor: All-Stars (season 8) - 7.73
17. Survivor: Cook Islands (season 13) - 7.70
18. Survivor: Guatemala (season 11) - 7.66
20. Survivor: Vanuatu (season 9) - 7.64
20. Survivor: Kaoh Rong (season 32) - 7.64
The Solid Alliance Tier (Top 21-30)
An exemplary baseline of the greatness of Survivor, these seasons are incredibly solid, highly rewatchable seasons that feature satisfying wins, incredible character arcs, and lots of chaos. While they don’t quite hold the same status as seasons in the top two tiers, they are perfect entertainment for every Survivor fan with a slew of blindsides and powershifts that keep the spirit of the show alive.
21. Survivor: China (season 15) - 7.61
22. Survivor: San Juan del Sur (season 29) - 7.57
23. Survivor: Caramoan (season 26) - 7.55
24. Survivor: Tocantins (season 18) - 7.52
25. Survivor: Gabon (season 17) - 7.51
26. Survivor 45 - 7.50
27. Survivor: Borneo - 7.49
28. Survivor: Panama - 7.48
30. Survivor: Blood vs. Water (season 27) - 7.46
30. Survivor 44 - 7.46
The Jury Management Tier (Top 31-40)
All fun seasons of reality television, but more middle-of-the-road as far as Survivor standards go. While these seasons all have great moments, they’re overall weighed down by a few unlikable cast members, a lack of gameplay, and un-enticing storytelling. Lots of great standout moments per season, but a general lackluster when watched as a whole.
31. Survivor: Samoa (season 19) - 7.45
32. Survivor 43 - 7.43
33. Survivor: The Australian Outback (season 2) - 7.41
34. Survivor: Africa (season 3) - 7.40
35. Survivor: South Pacific (season 23) - 7.38
37. Survivor 42 - 7.36
37. Survivor 46 - 7.36
38. Survivor: Marquesas (season 4) - 7.34
40. Survivor: Heroes vs. Healers vs. Hustlers (season 35) - 7.23
40. Survivor Island of the Idols (season 39) - 7.23
The Snuffed Torch Tier (41-50)
The seasons, unfortunately, fall to the bottom of the barrel for most fans. Whether bogged down by toxic camp dynamics, experimental production flops, or total steamrolling winners, they are considered some of the more boring installments with a few seasons fans actively revolt against when discussing the worst seasons in history.
41. Survivor 48 - 7.22
43. Survivor: Fiji (season 14) - 7.16
43. Survivor: Ghost Island (season 36) - 7.16
44. Survivor 50: In the Hands of the Fans - 7.14
45. Survivor: Thailand (season 5) - 7.07
46. Survivor: Redemption Island (season 22) - 7.06
47. Survivor: One World (season 24) - 7.05
48. Survivor: Nicaragua (season 21) - 7.04
49. Survivor 49 - 6.89
50. Survivor 41 - 5.92
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