For the first time in Survivor history, fans didn't get to find out who won a season of Survivor during the finale episode. And, that's because the Survivor 47 finale is actually split into two parts.
Part one of the Survivor 47 finale, which was also episode 13, "Bob and Weave," aired on Wednesday, Dec. 11. Episode 14, which is the second half of the Survivor 47 finale, airs on Wednesday, Dec. 18.
On the latest episode of the On Fire with Jeff Probst podcast, host Jeff Probst revealed why the Survivor 47 finale was split into two, two-hour episodes instead of the standard three-hour episode.
"“Well, it really started with CBS asking us months before we shot, if it would be possible for season 47 to do 14 episodes instead of 13," Probst said. "They had some things they wanted to try in their schedule, and part of that working out would depend on whether or not we could do 14 episodes.”
So, it sounds like it was a CBS decision or request, and Probst and the gang were able to figure out the best way to try it out. I have to say that it worked out really well. Probst, along with co-hosts Jay Wolff and Charlie Davis, agreed.
“So it actually really worked out because we could highlight things we didn't typically highlight," Probst continued. "And, it was a great reminder to us that sometimes you need to step back and examine what you're doing because just because you've always done it that way doesn't mean it always has to stay that way.”
The episode started with six players left, including Andy Rueda, Genevieve Mushaluk, Sam Phalen, Teeny Chirichillo, Sue Smey, and Rachel LaMont. In the episode, we saw two immunity challenges and two Tribal Councils, which means we also saw two players voted out.
Those players were Andy and Genevieve after Rachel pulled off an amazing hidden immunity idol play that saved her from becoming the sixth member of the jury. Then, Rachel won individual immunity to stop herself from becoming the seventh member of the jury. There's no debate that Rachel seized control of the game. Now, we're down to the Final Four. It's just a matter if she can hold off the remaining three players in the second half of the finale.
Jeff Probst reveals what fans will see in part two of the Survivor 47 finale
Normally, and especially lately, the Survivor finale begins with the Final Five. Then, we see two immunity challenges, one vote, and one fire-making challenge before The Final Tribal Council, winner reveal, and live reunion. That's typically what has happened in the three-hour finale throughout the history of the show, although there have been some differences especially early in the series when a Final Two was more common than The Final Three.
Thankfully, Probst gave the viewers a few things to expect in the second half of the Survivor 47 finale.
"Then in part two, we could spend a lot more time with our final four as we lead into the final four challenge, and then the fire making, and then the final three, and then the final tribal council," Probst said. "Because typically our finales are so full of content that we end up not having enough time to show all the stories we'd like to show.”
I actually like the split finale more than I thought I would. I was a little bit on the fence. On the one hand, it's one more episode. On the other, what will the pacing be like? Are there really enough good scenes to justify another hour of TV? And, the answer is clearly YES!
The first half of the finale was one of the most exciting Survivor episodes of the new era. It had everything that fans wanted! There were so many good moments, in addition to a great idol play, good challenges, and great gameplay. The emotional moments between Rachel, Andy, and Sam on the beach. Rachel really pulled the "call the ambulance... but not for me" meme in real life on Survivor. It was glorious. Watching Rachel listen to Andy share why he's been secretly controlling everyone in the game was another moment that probably got cut if this episode is only three hours instead of four hours.
Now, we still get to watch the biggest immunity challenge of the season followed by the fire-making challenge, which could be a short or a very long scene depending on who is involved. I'm most interested in an extended Final Tribal, though. I love hearing the players describe their perception of the game while also watching those still in contention try to make their case for the $1 million. It always feels short, so hopefully, this extra time really makes that worth it.
Watch the Survivor 47 finale part two on Wednesday, Dec. 18, on CBS and Paramount+!