History Recap / Survivor

* On day 2 alone, two were removed after they were not picked by the tribes. Last season's double tribal council system was also imposed. One challenge penalized the first to quit with being marooned on a lonely beach. It is also the only season so far where there was no tribe merger; thanks to the EpicFail of Ulong, by the time a merge would have happened there was [[LastOfHisKind only one Ulong left]] so she was just moved into Koror, starting the series' individual elimination stage.

* Two former contestants (both from the previous season) return for this season, and features a double Tribal Council. This season also first saw the Hidden Immunity Idol, first played post-merger, which gives the person who finds it individual immunity.

* The season reuses the Exile Island system, and features a tribe shuffle which dissolved Manihiki and Puka Puka, after which castaways were occasionally offered a chance to switch tribes (accepted by two castaways for the first time in the series), as well as one double tribal council. First season with three castaways to face the final jury.

* The first challenge alone rewarded Moto with a camp filled with many luxury items, while all Ravu had was a pot and a machete -- a disparity Probst himself would later admit to have been detrimental to Ravu's later outings. The Hidden Immunity Idol rules would also change once more into their final version, requiring that they be played before votes are read (as the ability to play them only when necessary was deemed overpowered).

* The series was the first US show ever to be filmed within China. Like ''Pearl Islands'', the season had a specific theme, this time being the famous Chinese text ''Literature/{{The Art of War|SunTzu}}''. Besides reusing the "kidnapping" system, the "kidnapped" member of a losing tribe would also be forced to give a message in a bottle to someone from the winning tribe cluing him/her in to the Hidden Immunity Idol.

* The series featured individual Immunity Idols for each tribe which ensured one's immunity during his/her tribe's first tribal council. The Exile Island system is played again, except this time one from each tribe would compete for a Hidden Immunity Idol. The season is also notable for an even-numbered jury (eight) and the return of the two-person finalists. Jonathan Penner (returning from ''Cook Islands'') had to be evacuated due to a knee injury that turned into an infection. Probst would call it his second-favorite season, after ''[[FirstInstallmentWins Borneo]]''.

* First season of the US series; [[{{Retronym}} originally simply called "Survivor"]], and later ''Survivor: Pulau Tiga'', before adopting its current retronym as of ''All-Stars'' (and possibly to avoid confusion with season 10's subtitle, which was set in Palau). [[EarlyInstallmentWeirdness As opposed to later seasons]], the winner was announced on-site (this would not happen again until COVID-19 protocols led to another such announcement in ''41''). Among the season's memorable personalities, Richard Hatch had the most lasting impact, setting the tone of the game forever by getting the Tagi tribe to organize their votes against the Pagongs.

* Lasting 42 days (the only season to do so), this season is infamous for the first [[NonGameplayElimination forced evacuee]]: Michael Skupin, who burnt his hands on a bonfire. It's also well-known for Colby Donaldson's individual immunity challenge streak and the tension between him and Jerri Manthey. First season to use previous votes as the method of breaking ties. This was the most-watched season in the show's history, finishing at #1 in the 2000-01 season.

* Tribe colors are interestingly patterned after the Ethiopian variant of the [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pan-African_colours Pan-African colors]]. First season to feature a tribe swap.

* This season first saw a transferable Immunity Necklace, but also an infamous tiebreaker that eliminated ''anyone'' who picked a purple rock -- in this case, Paschal English. The original season of Rob Mariano, aka "Boston Rob".

* The season was the first to offer castaways a chance to switch tribes at will, and featured an auction and a merger fake-out through cohabitation. However, the host, Jeff Probst, also called it his least-liked season, having to deal with lots of {{jerkass}}es throughout its run.

* The first season to specifically arrange the starting tribes by specific categories, which lasted until a tribe swap on Day 13. In addition, this is the home season of Rob Cesternino, who eventually went on to host a [[Podcast/RobHasAPodcast long-running podcast]] about ''Survivor'' and other Reality TV.

** '''Merged tribe:''' Balboa, after a snake one castaway found

* In tune to this season's theme of piracy (being set on a historic pirate den, and whose tribes' namesakes were branded by the Spanish as pirates), challenge winners can pillage the losing team's camp and, on one challenge, "kidnap" someone until the next challenge. The first six expelled players formed a third pre-merger tribe - the Outcasts - which defeated Drake and Morgan, forcing them both to expel one of their own while the Outcasts voted two [[BackFromTheDead back into the game]]. The jury also played in one challenge and won, depriving Balboa individual immunity. This was also the original season of three of [[BreakoutCharacter the show's most memorable players]]: Sandra Diaz-Twine, Rupert Boneham, and Jon Dalton aka "Jonny Fairplay."

* The first ReunionShow. Being the first three-tribe season, the Immunity Idol was split into two. The season also reused last season's "kidnapping" system, and saw Saboga dissolve after losing one challenge, as well as another fake merge through tribe mix-up. The main storyline this season was the [[RomanceOnTheSet budding romance]] between [[RomanceOnTheSet Amber Brkich and "Boston" Rob Mariano]] (from ''Australia'' and ''Marquesas'', respectively), culminating in them [[spoiler:being the game's winner and runner-up]], and becoming engaged in the finale.

* First season since the ReTool to include a tribe swap, and the first since ''Worlds Apart'' to include an auction "challenge". The Beware Advantages returned after a season off, along with the Advantage Amulet from ''Survivor 42''.

* First season since the ReTool to include a tribe swap, and the first since ''Worlds Apart'' to include an auction "challenge".

* An "extra vote" advantage was introduced which allowed whoever was in possession of it the ability to vote twice for one Tribal Council. Last season to include an auction "challenge".

* While ''Panama'' and ''Nicaragua'' also had age-based tribes, this is the first time that TheGenerationGap became the theme of the season. This is the first season where production, including both tribes, were forced to evacuate for a night due to a cyclone/hurricane, which could have killed someone. The first season set in Fiji's Mamanuca Islands, which would become the show's permanent filming location for at least the next few years.

* Sadly, this season was marred when one player sexually harassed his female tribemates by continually touching them inappropriately; which then snowballed into a disaster when two women successfully manipulated the situation in order to vote out his main victim.

* Episode length is expanded from 60 to 90 minutes.

** '''Merged tribe:''' Alinta, a made-up word for "people of fire"

** For starters, the title format abandoned subtitles in favor of just the season number. The show also now incorporates occasional behind-the-scenes shots, footage and photos from the players' lives at home, and times where Jeff Probst addresses the audience directly. A rebus puzzle is also hidden in each episode, as part of a ''Game Within the Game'' for kids intended to help train future ''Survivor'' players along with [[http://www.survivorgwg.com further word scrambles and strategy discussions online]].

** '''Merged tribe:''' Va Va, the Fijian word for four twice.
* Idols are no longer bound to Beware Advantages like they were three seasons prior. Instead, the Tribal Idols are locked in bird cages out in the open and the castaways must find a key to open it.

* '''Starting tribes:''' Ika, Taku, and Vaki; Fijian for "fish", "turtle", and "crab" respectively

** '''Merged tribe:''' Gaia; after the Greek earth goddess

* After being on hiatus for a year thanks to COVID-19, ''Survivor'' returns with a SoftReboot.

* The game so far follows the previous years' format with a shortened schedule, reduced supplies, and various mechanics involving vote gambling. The hourglass twist has be removed though.

* The game so far follows the previous years' format with a shortened schedule, reduced supplies, and various mechanics involving vote gambling.

* Many of the changes made for ''41'' are still in place, including a 26-day schedule and Beware Advantages; only the "Game Within the Game" did not return. A new advantage called the "advantage amulet" was introduced. This is a three way shared advantage that grows in power when one of the holders is voted out (three amulets together create an Extra Vote, two creates a Vote Steal, and the last remaining amulet gives it the power of a hidden immunity idol).

* [[{{Retronym}} Originally simply called "Survivor"]]. The original retronym was ''Survivor: Palau Tiga'', until season 10 was set in Palau. First season of the US series. It is also the only season where the winner was announced on-site (until COVID-19 protocols led to another on-site announcement in ''41''). Among the season's memorable personalities, Richard Hatch had the most lasting impact, setting the tone of the game forever by getting the Tagi tribe to organize their votes against the Pagongs.

* This season first saw a transferable Immunity Necklace, but also an infamous tiebreaker that evicted ''anyone'' who picked a purple rock -- in this case, Paschal English. The original season of Rob Mariano, aka "Boston Rob".

* After being on hiatus for a year thanks to the UsefulNotes/COVID19Pandemic, ''Survivor'' returns with a SoftReboot.

* Like in ''Winners at War'', the season did not have a traditional reunion show due to COVID. The winner was instead announced on-site immediately after voting (for the first time since the original ''Borneo''), and the usual "reunion" discussions with castaways were held right afterward on the Tribal Council set during the beginning of production's wrap party.

* Many of the changes made for ''41'' are still in place, including a 26-day schedule and Beware Advantages. Only the "Game Within the Game" did not return. A new advantage called the "advantage amulet" was introduced. This is a three way shared advantage that grows in power when one of the holders is voted out (three amulets together create an Extra Vote, two creates a Vote Steal, and the last remaining amulet gives it the power of a hidden immunity idol).

** Regarding game mechanics, the game is shortened by two weeks, to 26 days instead of the usual 39 to accommodate a COVID quarantine period; and the accelerated pace is compensated for by reducing supplies and inflicting penalties for losing challenges. Other new mechanics are added that involve players gambling with their votes, including PrisonersDilemma situations, Hidden Idols replaced by "Beware Advantages" that can penalize the players until their advantage is activated, and the "Shot in the Dark" where a player in danger can exchange their vote for a slim chance at last-minute immunity. Also, the season introduces the '''Do Or Die''' twist, taking similarity to the Monty Hall problem-type game.
** The merge changed to having the final twelve fight for their spot by having a reward/immunity challenge for one team and the losing team competing in an individual immunity challenge to earn their spot. However, a lone castaway that was sent to Exile Island was given an hourglass to effectively rewrite history and change the outcome of the first challenge.

** '''Merged tribe:''' Kula Kula, Fijian for "collared lory"
* Many of the changes made for ''41'' are still in place, including a 26-day schedule and Beware Advantages. A new advantage called the "advantage amulet" was introduced. This is a three way shared advantage that grows more power when one of the holders is voted out (three amulets together create an Extra Vote, two creates a Vote Steal, and the last remaining amulet gives it the power of a hidden immunity idol).

* Many of the changes made for ''41'' are still in place, including a 26-day schedule and Beware Advantages. A new advantage called the "advantage amulet" was introduced. This is a three way shared advantage that grows more power when one of the holders is voted out (three amulets together create and Extra Vote while one amulet gives it the power of a hidden immunity idol).

* Many of the changes made for ''41'' are still in place, including a 26-day schedule and Beware Advantages.

* Lasting 42 days (the only season to do so), this season is infamous for the first [[NonGameplayElimination forced evacuee]]: Michael Skupin, who burnt his hands on a bonfire. It's also well-known for Colby Donaldson's individual immunity challenge streak and the FoeYay between him and Jerri Manthey. First season to use previous votes as the method of breaking ties. This was the most-watched season in the show's history, finishing at #1 in the 2000-01 season.

** Regarding game mechanics, the game is shortened by two weeks, to 26 days instead of the usual 39 to accommodate a COVID quarantine period; and the accelerated pace is compensated for by reducing supplies and inflicting penalties for losing challenges. Other new mechanics are added that involve players gambling with their votes, including PrisonersDilemma situations, Hidden Idols replaced by "Beware Advantages" that can penalize the players until their advantage is activated, and the "Shot in the Dark" where a player in danger can exchange their vote for a slim chance at last-minute immunity.

* Best known for James Clement not only being the first person to be voted out with an unused Hidden Immunity Idol, but claiming ''two'' Hidden Idols and not using either one in what is considered to be one of the series' biggest WhatAnIdiot moments.

* ''Ghost Island'' is themed after [[WhatAnIdiot/{{Survivor}} the series' infamous]] EpicFail moments, with many misused idols and other advantage items making a return and the new castaways are challenged to use them ''correctly'' this time. Ghost Island itself is the Exile Island system from previous seasons under a new name. It also had the first time that the final vote resulted in a tie (resolved by the third finalist casting the tiebreaker).

* [[{{Retronym}} Originally simply called "Survivor"]]. The original retronym was ''Survivor: Palau Tiga'', until season 10 was set in Palau. First season of the US series. It is also the only season where the winner was announced on-site. Among the season's memorable personalities, Richard Hatch had the most lasting impact, setting the tone of the game forever by getting the Tagi tribe to organize their votes against the Pagongs.

* Lasting 42 days (the only season to do so), this season is infamous for the first forced evacuee: Michael Skupin, who burnt his hands on a bonfire. It's also well-known for Colby Donaldson's individual immunity challenge streak and the FoeYay between him and Jerri Manthey. First season to use previous votes as the method of breaking ties. This was the most-watched season in the show's history, finishing at #1 in the 2000-01 season.

* After being on hiatus for a year thanks to the UsefulNotes/COVID19Pandemic, ''Survivor'' returns with a SoftReboot. ** For starters, the title format abandoned subtitles in favor of just the season number. The show also now incorporates occasional behind-the-scenes shots, footage and photos from the players' lives at home, and times where Jeff Probst addresses the audience directly. A rebus puzzle is also hidden in each episode, as part of a ''Game Within the Game'' for kids intended to help train future ''Survivor'' players along with [[http://www.survivorgwg.com further word scrambles and strategy discussions online]].

* After being on hiatus for a year thanks to the UsefulNotes/COVID19Pandemic, ''Survivor'' returns with a SoftReboot. For starters, the title format abandoned subtitles in favor of just the season number. The game is also shortened by two weeks, to 26 days instead of the usual 39 to accommodate a COVID quarantine period; and the accelerated pace is compensated for by reducing supplies and inflicting penalties for losing challenges. Other new mechanics are added that involve players gambling with their votes, including PrisonersDilemma situations in every episode, Hidden Idols replaced by "Beware Advantages" that can penalize the players until their advantage is activated, and the "Shot in the Dark" where a player in danger can exchange their vote for a slim chance at last-minute immunity.
* A ''Game Within the Game'' at-home game for kids is introduced, inviting young viewers and future ''Survivor'' players to solve rebus puzzles hidden somewhere within the episode as well as [[http://www.survivorgwg.com further word scrambles and strategy discussions online]].

* After being on hiatus for a year thanks to the UsefulNotes/COVID19Pandemic, ''Survivor'' returns with a SoftReboot. For starters, the title format abandoned subtitles in favor of just the season number. The game is also shortened by two weeks, to 26 days instead of the usual 39 to accommodate a COVID quarantine period; and the accelerated pace is compensated for by reducing supplies and inflicting penalties for losing challenges.
* Another new mechanic is the "Shot in the Dark", where a player in danger can exchange their vote for a slim chance at last-minute immunity.

* The season also introduce ''Game Within the Game'', inviting young viewers and future ''Survivor'' players to solve rebus puzzles hidden somewhere within the episode.

* After being on hiatus for a year thanks to the UsefulNotes/COVID19Pandemic, ''Survivor'' returns with a title change, abandoning subtitles in favor of just the season number. The game is also shortened by two weeks, to 26 days instead of the usual 39 (presumably, but not confirmed, to accommodate a COVID quarantine period).
* The season also incorporates new pro-diversity practices: Anti-sexual harassment rules now come into effect after the incident in ''Island of the Idols''; and in the wake of 2020's UsefulNotes/{{Black Lives Matter|Movement}} protests and pressure from Black former contestants, CBS had committed to updating casting so that ''Survivor'' and their other reality shows have 50% or more people of color.