After a six-year hiatus, the Survivor live reunion show is officially back!
Host and showrunner Jeff Probst announced the news in an ad that aired during the 2026 Golden Globes on Sunday. In the 30-second video, Probst revealed that not only will the post-finale live reunion show return for the upcoming season, Survivor 50: In the Hands of the Fans, but a ticket to the live finale will serve as the grand prize for the previously announced Survivor 50 Challenge.
The live finale was a staple of the veteran reality show through its first 20 seasons. Instead of revealing the tally of the jury votes on the island, final players would have to wait to learn their fates months later, when the show aired. Then, while gathered onstage with Probst emceeing, the cast would find out the ultimate winner of the season. Nothing says you’ve truly survived while attempting to remain gracious after your loss was aired live on national TV, right?
After the vote was the post-finale reunion show, during which Probst would interview players about the biggest moments of the season and their lives since coming to the island.
The live finale ended when Survivor returned following the Covid-19 pandemic, with winners being revealed while still on the island.
Its return will no doubt be celebrated by many, and is another way that the show’s milestone season is making good on putting things in the hands of fans.
As Probst explained, the live reunion goes hand-in-hand with the Survivor 50 Challenge, in which fans will go on a nationwide scavenger hunt for hidden immunity idols hiding in all 50 states. Starting Jan. 30, fans must visit Survivor50Challenge.com to sign up for alerts as to “when the clue will drop in your state” as well as “challenge details, updates, rewards and exclusive content.”
Those who find idols must then submit a photo of themselves wearing the idol, where they will be immediately entered into a grand prize sweepstakes.
Challenge winners selected from eligible entries in all 50 states will earn an exclusive invitation to attend the live final in Los Angeles on May 20, marking a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for fans to witness the epic conclusion and be part of this milestone season.
“Survivor has always been about testing yourself — solving problems, facing the unknown and finding out what you’re made of,” Probst said in a statement when the challenge was announced. “For 25 years, fans have watched players take that journey. Now, with the Survivor 50 Challenge, we’re letting fans try it for themselves!”
He continued, “This goes way beyond finding idols, it’s a chance to step into the game like never before. America has watched players outwit, outplay, and outlast for decades — now it’s your turn. The hunt is on. Time to dig deep!”
