Survivor season 48 — Everything we know so far

Survivor, known for its strategic gameplay and intense drama, has been renewed for a new season. Season 48 is set to premiere on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, with a two-hour special on CBS.

Following the conclusion of Survivor season 47, fans are eagerly awaiting the next installment, which promises fresh twists and more of the challenges that have defined the franchise.

The upcoming season will maintain the new era's format of 90-minute episodes, a change that began in season 45. Host Jeff Probst has already teased moments of high stakes, including what he described as a “historic moment” at the Tribal Council.

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What to expect from Survivor season 48?

Contestants

Survivor season 48 will feature a cast described as more reminiscent of season 46 than the recently concluded season 47. According to Jeff Probst, the season is packed with contestants who bring unique quirks and compelling stories to the forefront. One contestant explains in the teaser:

“When people see me, they assume that I'm going to be reading their tarot cards, but I've led $100 million projects for my company.”

Another contestant humorously attributes their strength to an unconventional source, saying:

“You all know why I have muscles? I drink so much chocolate milk! It has the perfect protein-to-carb ratio. That's all chocolate milk!”

One contestant has shared his perspective, highlighting his motivation for competing on the show. As a single father, he expressed:

“Being a single dad, I’m out here to walk away knowing that when my kids watch this, I want them to look at me and say, ‘I’m proud of him.’”

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Teaser highlights

The teaser for season 48 hints at potential medical evacuations and high drama. In one moment, Jeff Probst is heard shouting, “Stop! Medical!” during a challenge, raising concerns about a potential evacuation.

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A shortened filming schedule in Fiji

Like recent seasons, Survivor 48 was filmed in the Mamanuca Islands in Fiji. The season follows the “new era” tradition of a 26-day schedule, a shift from the original 39-day format of earlier seasons.

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Commitment to diversity and inclusion

The series continues to uphold its commitment to diversity. Since CBS announced its diversity initiative in 2020, every cast features at least 50% Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). This change was inspired by a petition from Survivor alumni advocating for greater representation and inclusivity within the show.

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Longer episodes are here to stay

Season 48 will continue the trend of 90-minute episodes, which debuted in season 45. Initially introduced during the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, the extended format allows for deeper storytelling and more insight into players’ strategies. The positive reception of this change has solidified it as a permanent feature of the series.

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Who was the winner of Survivor season 47?

The winner of season 47 was Rachel LaMont, who secured the $1 million prize over finalists Sam Phalen and Sue Smey. The season concluded on December 18, 2024, with Rachel impressing the jury by highlighting her “underdog” journey and showcasing her knowledge of all the post-merge advantages.

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Survivor's legacy

Since its debut in May 2000, the show has remained a staple in reality TV. Season 48 marks a milestone as it begins the show’s 25th anniversary celebrations. Over the years, the show has produced nearly 650 episodes.

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Fans can catch every moment of the show on CBS and stream previous seasons on Paramount+ or select seasons on Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. Season 48 premieres on February 26, 2025, as the next group of castaways battles it out to become the Sole Survivor.